ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Rochester Regional Health is offering help with paying off student loans for workers in some high-demand healthcare fields. It comes amid changes to federal student loan policies that took effect on July 1, including an end to the SAVE Plan repayment option, fewer payment options for Parent PLUS Loans, and changes to graduate student loan caps.
Rochester Regional Health is offering up to $180,000 in loan payment through CLASP, a nonprofit organization. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists may get up to $180,000 to pay off student loans. In addition, surgical tech workers can get up to $25,000, and radiologic tech workers can get up to $30,000.
CLASP is accepting applications for students graduating in 2026, 2027 or 2028. Chance Nadritch, a Rochester Regional Health employee and recent nurse anesthetist graduate, spoke about how he applied for the program.
“It was the easiest process in the world,” Nadritch said. “I called, and it was a 10-minute conversation. They took down my FAFSA information. They said, in April, I want you to call us so we can get you started. I called them back, and they said, you’re all set to go. We’ve linked your account.”
Nadritch worked as an ICU nurse before returning to school. He recently graduated from nurse anesthesia school in Buffalo with $165,000 in student loan debt that will be paid off through Rochester Regional Health and CLASP over the next six years. Nadritch and his wife are now looking for a home because he is not worried about paying back his student loans.
Hospital leadership says the program will improve patient care by supporting employee retention. Rochester Regional Health is hopeful that the program will attract new graduates and cut down on open positions, amid a nationwide shortage in healthcare workers.
How to apply for loan support
Students apply for free and provide their student loan details to CLASP, but they must secure a job from a participating employer like Rochester Regional Health to receive the loan payback. You can learn more about applying here.
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