Bismarck Educational Assistance

Bismarck Educational Assistance
We understand the importance of supporting the professional development and growth of our employees. We offer educational assistance, scholarships, sponsorships, public service loan forgiveness and state programs to assist with funding to continue your education.
Sanford Programs
Sanford Health located in Bismarck, ND, makes available a financial resource to assist students with the expenses associated with completion of their athletic training degree. In return for the financial resource, the student has the opportunity to become employed as an Athletic Trainer in a full-time status at Sanford Health Bismarck for a period of time as defined in this description.
Traditional: Open to students in any Medical Assistant program. Priority is given to students in schools within the Sanford footprint. The student agrees to work for Sanford for 2 years, full-time following the completion of the schooling. Maximum of $10,000 available.
MedCerts: Open to students interested in participating in an online training program to become a certified Medical Assistant. The student agrees to work for Sanford for 2 years, full time following the completion of the program and obtaining national certification.
Bismarck State College: Open to employees located in Bismarck interested in participating in a Medical Assistant program through Bismarck State College. The employee agrees to work for Sanford for 2 years, following the completion of the program.
Open to employees located in either Bismarck or Fargo interested in participating in a Dialysis Technician program through Bismarck State College. The employee agrees to work for Sanford for 2 years, following completion of the program.
Rural North Dakota/Rural Minnesota EMT Sponsorship:
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has awarded a grant program to Sanford Health EMS Education, to recruit and train emergency medical services (EMS) personnel across rural areas of Minnesota and North Dakota. SAMHSA recognizes the great need for emergency services in rural areas and the critical role EMS personnel serve across the country. As one of only 27 grant recipients across the USA, Sanford Health EMS Education is using the funds to provide a variety of educational programs to strengthen rural EMS agencies and providers. This program grant provides scholarships that cover the tuition and fees to earn an EMT certification for people in the rural areas of Sanford’s footprint.
Traditional Open to students in any LPN program. Priority is given to students in schools within the Sanford and GSS footprint. The student agrees to work for Sanford or GSS for 2 or 3 years in a full-time role following the completion of schooling. Maximum of $10,000 available.
Bismarck State College: Sanford is excited to partner with Bismarck State College on their LPN apprenticeship program. If you have been accepted into the BSC Nursing Program, you can complete this form to be considered for the Sanford apprenticeship.Open to employees located in either Bismarck or Fargo interested in participating in a Dialysis Technician program through Bismarck State College. The employee agrees to work for Sanford for 2 years, following completion of the program.
Open to students in any Medical Laboratory Technician or Medical Laboratory Scientist program. Priority is given to students in schools within the Sanford footprint. The student agrees to work for Sanford for a predefined period of time, full-time following the completion of the schooling.
This program is for students in a North Dakota technical school program or for students who have recently completed their studies at any North Dakota college or university. The funds are provided by the state of North Dakota and a community partner. Sanford is happy to discuss becoming a community partner for students in the following programs:
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
- Health Technologist/Technician
- LPN
- RN
- Medical & Clinical Lab Technologist/Technician
- OT Assistant
- Surgical Technologist
The student agrees to work for Sanford in North Dakota for 3 years, full-time following the completion of the schooling. The funds are shared directly with the program.
Open to students in any accredited Nuclear Medicine Technologist program. The student agrees to work for Sanford for a predefined period of time, full-time following the completion of the schooling. Maximum of $60,000 available [dependent on funding program and location]. Discover available locations by clicking 'Apply Here'.
The Sanford Health Pharmacy Technician University (PTU) is a program available in Sioux Falls, SD, Bismarck, ND, Fargo, ND, and Bemidji, MN. A registered pharmacy technician in training in South Dakota, North Dakota, and Minnesota, will have 2 years to complete the education and obtain national certification. Tuition for Sanford Health PTU is provided at no cost to employees or candidates offered a Pharmacy Technician position with Sanford.
Open to students interested in obtaining their phlebotomist certificate through an online training program. The student agrees to work for Sanford for one-year, full-time, following the completion of schooling and obtaining national certification.
Open to students in any accredited Radiology Technologist program. Priority is given to students in schools within the Sanford footprint. The student agrees to work for Sanford for a predefined period of time, full-time following the completion of the schooling. Maximum of $60,000 available [dependent on funding program and location]. Discover available locations by clicking "Apply Here".
Sanford Health and the Good Samaritan currently offer an RN loan forgiveness program for RN students in specific locations. Click the links below for specific information, requirements and deadlines.
Traditional Registered Nurse Loan Forgiveness
NDSU Accelerated Registered Nurse Loan Forgiveness
Sanford Health currently offers an RT Sponsorship program in specific locations. Open to students in any RT program. Priority is given to students in schools within the Sanford footprint. Click the links below for specific information and requirements.
Traditional: Open to students in any Surgical Technologist program. Priority is given to students in schools within the Sanford footprint. The student agrees to work for Sanford for 3 years, full time following the completion of the schooling. Maximum of $25,000 available [dependent on funding program and location]. Please refer to applicable sponsorship application dropdown for available locations.
MedCerts: The MedCerts Surgical Technologist program is an online surgical technologist training program. The program is designed to take approximately 18 weeks. Sanford Health is partnered with MedCerts by providing financial assistance to selected candidates.
Sanford Health located in Bismarck, ND, makes available a financial resource to assist students with the expenses associated with completion of their athletic training degree. In return for the financial resource, the student has the opportunity to become employed as an Athletic Trainer in a full-time status at Sanford Health Bismarck for a period of time as defined in this description.
Traditional: Open to students in any Medical Assistant program. Priority is given to students in schools within the Sanford footprint. The student agrees to work for Sanford for 2 years, full-time following the completion of the schooling. Maximum of $10,000 available.
MedCerts: Open to students interested in participating in an online training program to become a certified Medical Assistant. The student agrees to work for Sanford for 2 years, full time following the completion of the program and obtaining national certification.
Bismarck State College: Open to employees located in Bismarck interested in participating in a Medical Assistant program through Bismarck State College. The employee agrees to work for Sanford for 2 years, following the completion of the program.
Open to employees located in either Bismarck or Fargo interested in participating in a Dialysis Technician program through Bismarck State College. The employee agrees to work for Sanford for 2 years, following completion of the program.
Rural North Dakota/Rural Minnesota EMT Sponsorship:
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has awarded a grant program to Sanford Health EMS Education, to recruit and train emergency medical services (EMS) personnel across rural areas of Minnesota and North Dakota. SAMHSA recognizes the great need for emergency services in rural areas and the critical role EMS personnel serve across the country. As one of only 27 grant recipients across the USA, Sanford Health EMS Education is using the funds to provide a variety of educational programs to strengthen rural EMS agencies and providers. This program grant provides scholarships that cover the tuition and fees to earn an EMT certification for people in the rural areas of Sanford’s footprint.
Traditional Open to students in any LPN program. Priority is given to students in schools within the Sanford and GSS footprint. The student agrees to work for Sanford or GSS for 2 or 3 years in a full-time role following the completion of schooling. Maximum of $10,000 available.
Bismarck State College: Sanford is excited to partner with Bismarck State College on their LPN apprenticeship program. If you have been accepted into the BSC Nursing Program, you can complete this form to be considered for the Sanford apprenticeship.Open to employees located in either Bismarck or Fargo interested in participating in a Dialysis Technician program through Bismarck State College. The employee agrees to work for Sanford for 2 years, following completion of the program.
Open to students in any Medical Laboratory Technician or Medical Laboratory Scientist program. Priority is given to students in schools within the Sanford footprint. The student agrees to work for Sanford for a predefined period of time, full-time following the completion of the schooling.
This program is for students in a North Dakota technical school program or for students who have recently completed their studies at any North Dakota college or university. The funds are provided by the state of North Dakota and a community partner. Sanford is happy to discuss becoming a community partner for students in the following programs:
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
- Health Technologist/Technician
- LPN
- RN
- Medical & Clinical Lab Technologist/Technician
- OT Assistant
- Surgical Technologist
The student agrees to work for Sanford in North Dakota for 3 years, full-time following the completion of the schooling. The funds are shared directly with the program.
Open to students in any accredited Nuclear Medicine Technologist program. The student agrees to work for Sanford for a predefined period of time, full-time following the completion of the schooling. Maximum of $60,000 available [dependent on funding program and location]. Discover available locations by clicking 'Apply Here'.
The Sanford Health Pharmacy Technician University (PTU) is a program available in Sioux Falls, SD, Bismarck, ND, Fargo, ND, and Bemidji, MN. A registered pharmacy technician in training in South Dakota, North Dakota, and Minnesota, will have 2 years to complete the education and obtain national certification. Tuition for Sanford Health PTU is provided at no cost to employees or candidates offered a Pharmacy Technician position with Sanford.
Open to students interested in obtaining their phlebotomist certificate through an online training program. The student agrees to work for Sanford for one-year, full-time, following the completion of schooling and obtaining national certification.
Open to students in any accredited Radiology Technologist program. Priority is given to students in schools within the Sanford footprint. The student agrees to work for Sanford for a predefined period of time, full-time following the completion of the schooling. Maximum of $60,000 available [dependent on funding program and location]. Discover available locations by clicking "Apply Here".
Sanford Health and the Good Samaritan currently offer an RN loan forgiveness program for RN students in specific locations. Click the links below for specific information, requirements and deadlines.
Traditional Registered Nurse Loan Forgiveness
NDSU Accelerated Registered Nurse Loan Forgiveness
Sanford Health currently offers an RT Sponsorship program in specific locations. Open to students in any RT program. Priority is given to students in schools within the Sanford footprint. Click the links below for specific information and requirements.
Traditional: Open to students in any Surgical Technologist program. Priority is given to students in schools within the Sanford footprint. The student agrees to work for Sanford for 3 years, full time following the completion of the schooling. Maximum of $25,000 available [dependent on funding program and location]. Please refer to applicable sponsorship application dropdown for available locations.
MedCerts: The MedCerts Surgical Technologist program is an online surgical technologist training program. The program is designed to take approximately 18 weeks. Sanford Health is partnered with MedCerts by providing financial assistance to selected candidates.
The Sanford Health Equity in Education Scholarship is a targeted financial scholarship program aiding underrepresented and traditionally underserved populations seeking higher education. The scholarship application is open to Sanford Health employees and the broader community. Award recipients must demonstrate exceptional character and leadership in furthering their own progress and in enriching the lives of others, especially in service, academics, and community involvement and impact.
Application Period: September 20 - November 15
Donor: Sanford Health & Good Samaritan Foundation
The Sanford Health Military and Veteran Scholarship is awarded to any veteran, Guard/Reserve, or active-duty military service member who has demonstrated exceptional character and leadership in furthering their own progress and in enriching the lives of others, especially in service, academics, and community involvement.
Application Period: June 27 - September 30
Donor: Sanford Health & Good Samaritan Foundation
Sanford Health supports lifelong learning and is pleased to offer financial support for students who are continuing education in a field that can enhance their contributions across Sanford's footprint. By offering this scholarship, Sanford is making an investment in our region's future workforce and all the communities we serve.
Purpose: Support students pursuing a post-secondary degree in a health care related field
Application Period: February 17 - April 23
Donor: Sanford Health Foundation
Established in 2021, this scholarship supports Native American students pursuing post-secondary education opportunities.
Purpose: The Sanford Health Lakota Nation Scholarship supports Native Americans who demonstrate leadership and commitment in their community.
Application Period: October 1 – February 1
Donor: Randy and Sonia Bury
Elizabeth (Betty) Koster graduated from the Bismarck Hospital School of Nursing in 1955. Elizabeth and her husband, Merrill, established this scholarship, which had been a long-time dream of their family.
Purpose: Help Native American nursing students achieve academic success with fewer financial concerns and go on to sustain high standards for nursing.
The student agrees to work for Sanford in North Dakota for 3 years, full-time following the completion of the schooling. The funds are shared directly with the program.
Application Period: March 31 - May 16
Donor: Merrill and Elizabeth Koster
The Sanford Health Equity in Education Scholarship is a targeted financial scholarship program aiding underrepresented and traditionally underserved populations seeking higher education. The scholarship application is open to Sanford Health employees and the broader community. Award recipients must demonstrate exceptional character and leadership in furthering their own progress and in enriching the lives of others, especially in service, academics, and community involvement and impact.
Application Period: September 20 - November 15
Donor: Sanford Health & Good Samaritan Foundation
The Sanford Health Military and Veteran Scholarship is awarded to any veteran, Guard/Reserve, or active-duty military service member who has demonstrated exceptional character and leadership in furthering their own progress and in enriching the lives of others, especially in service, academics, and community involvement.
Application Period: June 27 - September 30
Donor: Sanford Health & Good Samaritan Foundation
Jane was a Sanford employee and was passionate about mission trips. This scholarship was created in her memory by her colleagues and family to provide scholarships for Sanford employees to assist in funding mission trips that they would participate in.
Application Period: September 20 - November 15
Donor: Family and friends of Jane Lindgren
Ross Kunz started the Radiography Program in 1992. He was older than the average student at the time, looking for a new career in life. He had a strong desire to enter the field of Radiology and was willing to do whatever it took to succeed. Ross truly had a desire for the field of Radiology and health care, and a passion for teaching students. Ross left us too soon, as he passed away following a short illness, in 2006. A scholarship was created in his memory.
Application Period: September 20 - November 15
Donor: Family and friends of Ross Kunz
Jeff Johnson started the Radiography Program in 1990. At the time, he was looking to change his career. Therefore, he very enthusiastically entered the field of Radiology, bringing his strong work ethic into his education, and into his work. Jeff passed away suddenly in 2021. A scholarship was created in his memory.
Application Period: September 20 - November 15
Donor: Family and friends of Ross Kunz
Sanford Health supports lifelong learning and is pleased to offer financial support for students who are continuing education in a field that can enhance their contributions across Sanford's footprint. By offering this scholarship, Sanford is making an investment in our region's future workforce and all the communities we serve.
Purpose: Support students pursuing a post-secondary degree in a health care related field.
Application Period: February 17 - April 23
Donor: Sanford Health Foundation
Elizabeth (Betty) Koster graduated from the Bismarck Hospital School of Nursing in 1955. Elizabeth and her husband, Merrill, established this scholarship, which had been a long-time dream of their family.
Purpose: Help Native American nursing students achieve academic success with fewer financial concerns and go on to sustain high standards for nursing.
Application Period: March 31 - May 16
Donor: Merrill and Elizabeth Koster
Established in 2021, this scholarship supports Native American students pursuing post-secondary education opportunities.
Purpose: The Sanford Health Lakota Nation Scholarship supports Native Americans who demonstrate leadership and commitment in their community.
Application Period: October 1 – February 1
Donor: Randy and Sonia Bury
Sanford Health & Good Samaritan Educational Assistance
Educational assistance is an employee benefit in which the employer reimburses employees for the costs associated with continuing education. The employee must be seeking a degree at an educational institution that maintains a regular faculty and curriculum and normally has a regularly enrolled body of students in attendance at the place where it carries on its educational activities.
Application Period: Applications accepted throughout the year
Certification Reimbursement
Certifications are designated credentials earned by an individual to gain the extra knowledge needed to stay competitive and up to date in their field. Employees are eligible to apply for specialty certification and re-certification reimbursement upon employment. Check with your supervisor for more information.
Application Period: Applications accepted throughout the year
Sanford Health Scholarship Recipients
Mimi Diffley Memorial Employee Scholarship
Thank you for selecting me to be a recipient of the Mimi Diffley Memorial Scholarship. I am thankful for the opportunity to have financial support for the upcoming school year. I am excited to focus on my last year of nursing school towards my bachelor’s degree!
Chelsey Gilbertson
Patient Care Technician (PCT)
Mimi Diffley Memorial Employee Scholarship
As I continue to work my way through graduate school and now a PhD program, I am grateful for Sanford Health's scholarship opportunities. While the financial support is greatly appreciated, I also feel supported by the leadership team within Sanford Behavioral Health, Bemidji Region, and am proud to represent adult learners in the mental health field.
Shannon Seibel
Behavioral Health Counselor
Mimi Diffley Memorial Employee Scholarship
I am eternally grateful that I was chosen to be one of the recipients of this scholarship! This scholarship will provide me with additional funds to further my education in Physical Therapy and Nursing and continue my career with Sanford Health.
Kiera Hoefer
Patient Care Technician (PCT)
Sanford Health Network Scholarship
Thank you so much for selecting me as a recipient of the Sanford Health Network Scholarship. I will use this money at Augustana University. Winning this scholarship gives me lots of pride and gratitude knowing that everyone who selected me for this scholarship believes in me. Thank you so much!
Luke Anderson
Community Member
Sanford Health Network Scholarship
Thank you for awarding me with this scholarship. Being awarded this scholarship means a lot to me because it shows that my hard work and dedication to my education is paying off. This scholarship helps me to pursue my dreams and goals by helping me with some of my financial needs in college. This scholarship gives me the opportunity to continue my education and work towards having a successful career. I am so extremely grateful to have received this scholarship. Thank you again!
Madison Koch
Community Member
Sanford Health Network Scholarship
Thank you for the Sanford Health Network Scholarship. I am paying for college on my own and this will be very helpful so that I can get through college with my BSN. This will help take away some of my loans so that I can pay them off faster and focus on my career. Thank you again, I am incredibly appreciative to receive this scholarship.
Emily Tisher
Community Member
Sanford Health Network Scholarship
Thank you so much for selecting me as a recipient for this scholarship, it is both an honor and a privilege. This scholarship gives me an opportunity to advance myself in my schooling and I am immensely grateful for that. Sanford is close to my family and I hope to one day keep that bond alive. Thank you again so much for giving me this opportunity and recognizing me as a worthy recipient.
Samuel Kelsen
Community Member
Sanford Health Network Scholarship
Thank you so much for making this scholarship possible. I cannot thank you enough for helping me reach my dreams and goals by providing this scholarship. It is truly an honor for me to win this scholarship in memory of Jeff. I have heard many stories from my coworkers and teachers about how great of a guy Jeff was. I have heard a lot about how passionate he was for his profession and teaching students. After hearing all these funny and awesome stories about him, I have always wanted to meet him, so for me to win this in memory of him is truly an honor.
Isaac Doll
Radiology Intern
Jeff Johnson Memorial Scholarship for Radiography
Thank you very much for the Mimi Diffley Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship will greatly help with my schooling to become a co-occurring behavioral health provider - addressing mental health and substance use. These skills and knowledge will be essential in making me a better provider in serving the communities in Northern Minnesota. All your contributions are very much appreciated.
Mandy Goh
Behavioral Health Counselor
Mimi Diffley Memorial Employee Scholarship
Thank you very much for the Mimi Diffley Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship will greatly help with my schooling to become a co-occurring behavioral health provider - addressing mental health and substance use. These skills and knowledge will be essential in making me a better provider in serving the communities in Northern Minnesota. All your contributions are very much appreciated.
Mandy Goh
Behavioral Health Counselor
Junge/Moller Nursing Endowment Fund Scholarship
It is an honor to be chosen for the Junge/Moller Nursing Endowment Fund Scholarship. As a full-time Sanford employee of almost 17 years and a full-time wife and mom of four boys, your financial support to continue chasing my dreams is appreciated beyond measure. The investment in my future goals of providing quality, safe, and efficient care for my patients and this organization will not be forgotten. Thank you again for the generous and thoughtful gift.
McCall Lutmer
RN Program Specialist
Merrill and Elizabeth Koster Scholarship for Native American Nursing Education
It is an honor to receive the Merrill and Elizabeth Koster Scholarship, which will help fund my education at North Dakota State University in Bismarck. I am very grateful for having you alongside me for this journey. Your support means the world to me.
I am currently a second-semester junior in the NDSU Nursing program. It has always been a dream of mine to become a nurse, just like my mother. Currently, I am working at two nursing homes located here in Bismarck, ND. After graduation, I plan on working at Sanford but am still undecided on which area interests me the most. I am truly grateful for your support. This will allow me to solely focus on my education and become the best nurse I can be.Taylor Lujan
Community Member