Financial Aid Education for SRNAs at ADU

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2017

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There is no formal educational program currently offered by Adventist University of Health Sciences (ADU) regarding the financial aid process, loan distribution, and loan repayment options post graduation. The researchers were concerned about the lack of information regarding financial aid provided to students currently registered in the Nurse Anesthesia Program at ADU. Informal discussions with other SRNAs led the researchers to infer that many SRNAs could benefit from more education about the financial aid process at ADU. The majority of students agreed that more education on the financial aid process was necessary to improve their financial literacy. After a literature review, along with education and clarification from the financial aid leaders employed at ADU, an educational module was presented to the two cohorts of enrolled SRNAs. Informed consent was obtained from each student participating in the educational module prior to the presentation, and pre and post tests were administered. A paired t-test was conducted which showed a significant increase in the students’ understanding of the financial aid process at ADU after the presentation. The implications for SRNAs indicate a thorough education on the financial aid process at ADU which will help students understand the financial aid application process, ADU’s financial aid website, and required deadlines, which will help to foster prompt disbursement each trimester. Recommendations include a dedicated full time Graduate Student financial aid advisor at ADU, portal notification with text messaging option, full time dedicated veteran aid liaison, and an online help chat. It is also highly recommended that the students review the government financial aid websites in order to make informed decisions on their financial progress and to obtain financial literacy.

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