Twelve students who are pursuing studies in the health sector have been awarded $190,000 in scholarships.

The Bermuda Hospitals Board gave out the scholarships, six of which were awarded to students who are pursuing studies in medicine.

To be eligible, the BHB said, applicants must have been enrolled in an accredited educational institution approved by a relevant licensing council and must have maintained a minimum grade point average of 3.0 or equivalent.

Ryan Topple, a medical student, received the top award of $20,000 for two years under the GlaxoSmithKline Scholarship.

The other recipients each received a BHB general scholarship in their speciality area, valued up to $15,000 for one year.

They include Nia Dailey, Storm Gibbons, Keesha Roberts and Veronica-Swan-DeGraff, each of whom was awarded $15,000.

Jahmir Celestine and J’hordon Emery received $10,000 each under the general scholarship award.

Tre Outerbridge, a physiotherapy student, received the 2024 BHB Allied Health Scholarship of $15,000 while Kyra Butterfield was awarded a $15,000 BHB Psychology Scholarship.

BHB Nursing Scholarships of $15,000 were awarded to Alaiyah Hayward and Izeya Wainwright, while Sarae Botelho, a nursing student, received $10,000.

Scott Pearman, president and chief executive officer of the BHB, said the hospital “is proud to assist these 12 deserving students”.

He said the health sector “represents tremendous opportunity for immediate and future job growth, and we are pleased to support the current cohort of scholarship recipients in realising their dream of becoming healthcare professionals”.

Mr Pearman said the BHB is able to offer “immediate employment and guarantee employment over the next five years to newly qualified registered nurses with demonstrated competencies”.

He said few employers and professions could provide such guarantees.

The hospital CEO added: “Fuelled by an ageing population and high rates of chronic disease, the demand for a broad cross-section of healthcare professionals ensures that compassionate and highly capable students can secure a career in health.”

He said employment in the sector was open “to traditional students matriculating from high school to college and mature students seeking a second career”.

Mr Pearman added: “Anchored by programmes offered locally at the Bermuda College, there are great educational options for those that cannot relocate overseas.

“For students who pursue their education overseas, we look forward to them eventually returning home to fulfil their commitment to our community.

“I thank the scholarship recipients for investing in themselves to serve the future needs of our community by taking care of Bermuda.”

Angela Fraser-Pitcher, the BHB’s vice-president of people, said the hospital received “outstanding submissions” from the applicants.

She added: “As the head of human resources, I urge our students to learn all they can and return to BHB to share their expertise. We wish them well.”