Health care reform is well on its way to diversifying the health care workforce. Last week, Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced an allocation of $96 million in grants to increase diversity in the health professions workforce and encourage nurses to become nurse educators.

The grants will go toward academic scholarships for disadvantaged students, who are largely underrepresented minorities, according to HHS. The money will also provide low-interest loans to students who want to teach nursing in a move to get nurses to become nurse educators.

"The health professions workforce in the United States does not reflect the population it serves," said Sebelius in a statement. "These funds will help support the education of disadvantaged students who are more likely to go on to serve in underserved areas."
Of the $96 million, $66 million will go to 28,000 students through the Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students program.

And $30 million will be awarded as grants to support nursing student loans for masters and doctoral degree nurses who will become faculty at nursing schools throughout the United States.