Gwynedd Mercy University announced Wednesday a partnership with Geisinger health system that will offer nursing students up to $40,000 in loan repayment in exchange for a three-year work commitment.

The Geisinger Nursing Scholars Gateway Program targets students pursuing either a Bachelor of Science in Nursing or second-degree BSN at the suburban Philadelphia university. Selected students must graduate, pass their nursing licensure exam and commit to working full-time at one of three Geisinger locations in Pennsylvania.

"We are excited to work with Geisinger to help address the critical need for more compassionate and highly skilled nurses here in the Commonwealth," said Jane H. Tang, dean of GMercyU's Frances M. Maguire College of Nursing & Health Professions.

Participating graduates can work at Geisinger facilities in Danville, Wilkes-Barre or Scranton. The health system will make monthly loan payments as long as nurses remain employed full-time. Those who leave before completing the three-year commitment must pay any remaining loan balance but won't have to repay amounts already covered by Geisinger.

The program includes support through Geisinger's Nurse Residency Program and career development opportunities. Geisinger operates 10 hospital campuses across Pennsylvania and employs about 26,000 people, including 1,700 physicians.

Gwynedd Mercy University, founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1948, plans to open a new 63,000-square-foot healthcare innovation center in 2025 to help meet the growing demand for nursing and healthcare professionals.