KELLY PRUETT EARNS PRESTIGIOUS NHSC SCHOLARSHIP TO PAY FOR PA TRAINING

By Tammie Toler Presley

ATHENS, W.Va. - When Kelly Pruett set out to become a physician assistant, her dream was to deliver quality, compassionate healthcare to patients in communities that needed it most.

That mission just got a powerful boost with news that Kelly has received the prestigious National Health Service Corps Scholarship, which will fund her entire PA training at Concord University. In exchange, Kelly has committed to practice for at least three years after graduation and certification as a PA, in an outpatient clinic in an area deemed a Health Professional Shortage Area.

After that, Kelly said she may continue to serve there or make a move. She's keeping an open mind, but she vowed that she plans to continue working in a rural area, because that's where her heart has always led her to provide care.

"I'm beyond excited and grateful. Serving rural communities through healthcare has always been a passion of mine, and I cannot wait to give back to the underserved," Kelly said, ecstatic at the news that she'd been awarded the esteemed scholarship. "I'm deeply thankful to Concord for the opportunities I've had throughout my undergraduate and graduate education. I'm honored to be a part of the PA program, and it has truly changed my life. I will represent Concord University's Physician Assistant Program proudly as an NHSC scholar, both as a student and in my career."

The National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Scholarship Program awards scholarships to students pursuing an eligible training or degree program for a primary care health profession. In return, scholars commit to providing primary care health services in Health Shortage Professional Areas.

Originally from Lewisburg, Kelly said attending Concord for her undergraduate education made going to graduate school and this achievement possible. It will also allow her to serve the community she chooses in the future as a healthcare provider.

"Now, with my scholarship, I have an opportunity to go out into the world post-graduation and serve people without the burden of massive student debt," she explained.

The scholarship award will fund payment of tuition and eligible fees, plus:

• An annual payment for other reasonable educational costs;

• Monthly stipends to assist with living expenses while students are in school.

"I am so proud to represent Concord as an NHSC scholar in the first cohort of the PA program. I am so thankful for CU!"

While Kelly was clearly elated with the news of the NHSC award, she also had a crew of supporters cheering her on, including a teacher who also completed her PA training as an NHSC scholar.

"I'm ecstatic to hear this! This scholarship literally changed my life, and subsequently my young family's life. I'm so excited to see this happen for you! You deserve it," Julia Semonco, Concord's assistant professor of PA Studies and director of clinical education told Kelly.

To learn more about NHSC scholarships, visit NHSC Scholarship Program Overview | NHSC.

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