If you’re thinking of starting nursing in NSW as a career - good news - the state government is now offering those enrolled in a healthcare degree $12,000 in study subsidies.

In the middle of last year, it was announced that 6500 nurses and midwives were leaving the NSW public health service each year and moving across to private sector jobs or interstate.

The subsidy is a move to encourage more people to embark on a career in nursing and other medical professions. It is estimated that up to 850 nursing students, 400 medical students and 150 midwifery students will enter the subsidy program annually.

“In recent years, we’ve seen hard-working NSW healthcare workers leave for other states, and the competition for graduates is just as tough,” said Premier Chris Minns.

“We are fulfilling our election commitment to recruit the next generation of health workers for the people of NSW, who rely on our public hospitals”.

Students can apply for the $12,000 subsidy and if successful, they will receive $4,000 each year for three years. Existing students who accept an offer of employment within NSW Health and can commit to working for NSW public health system for five years, will receive one-off payments of $8.000.

According to Minns, the NSW public health system has been neglected by the government for more than a decade.

“There’s a long way to go rebuilding our healthcare system, but we’re committed, and we are making progress,” he said.

The number of subsidies available is limited and will remain open for receiving applications until all subsidies have been awarded.