What’s nursing tuition reimbursement and how to get it
Tuition reimbursement for nurses is one way to help pay for nursing school. Instead of finishing school and then finding a job, nursing students who rely on tuition reimbursement typically already have a job in healthcare, and their employer reimburses them for all or part of their tuition costs (based on the understanding that additional training and education benefits the employee, the company they work for, and the patients they serve).
If you’re currently in the healthcare industry and interested in nursing, tuition reimbursement for your education is something to look into.
How does nursing tuition reimbursement work?
Unlike scholarships and grants, which typically cover tuition costs upfront, tuition reimbursement usually only pays out after you’ve passed your classes.
If you’re interested in tuition reimbursement, here are some steps you can take:
- Ask your employer if they offer tuition reimbursement
- Find out how much your employer is willing or able to pay
- Talk to your employer’s H.R. department. Make sure you’re eligible for tuition reimbursement and that you understand what’s required of you
- Make sure you meet all requirements. Your employer may require you to earn specific grades, work a certain number of hours, or finish your degree by a specific deadline
- Submit any paperwork required by your employer
Why is tuition reimbursement helpful for nursing students?
Tuition reimbursement can make a degree in nursing more affordable. These programs are designed to help current or future nurses continue their education without putting too much financial stress on them.
Why do companies offer nursing tuition reimbursement?
A medical center may want to encourage its employees to become Registered Nurses (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN), which might require them to complete additional coursework. A company may offer tuition reimbursement to encourage its nurses to complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), or another advanced degree. In other words, there isn’t just one reason employers offer this.
How common is tuition reimbursement for nursing students?
There’s a range of employers that offer tuition reimbursement for nursing students. This benefit is offered at a wide range of hospitals across the country. As you search for jobs in the medical field, keep this benefit in the back of your mind as something to be on the lookout for.
Healthcare employers that offer tuition reimbursement
The following employers are among those that offer tuition reimbursement. This is by no means a complete list but rather just examples of employers that offer this as a benefit.
We’ve compiled options in all the regions of the U.S. — the Northeast, Southwest, West, Southeast, and Midwest — to provide a sampling of employers that offer this benefit.
Northeast
Cleveland Clinic: After one year of employment, the Cleveland Clinic provides tuition reimbursement to eligible full-time and part-time employees. Covered expenses may include degree programs at regionally accredited colleges and universities, among other expenses. There are different benefit maximums depending on the degree.
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: This hospital offers tuition reimbursement to eligible full-time and part-time employees working at least 18.75 hours per week.
Southwest
Baylor Scott & White Health: There are various requirements employees at this healthcare system must meet to be eligible for tuition reimbursement, including, for most employees, to have worked at Baylor Scott & White Health for at least 90 days before enrolling in courses. This healthcare system offers tuition reimbursement for clinical and non-clinical degrees, with full-time employees receiving up to $5,250 annually.
Texas Health Resources: Full-time employees at this health system may be eligible for reimbursement of up to $5,250 per year for clinical and non-clinical degrees. Part-time employees may be eligible for up to $2,625 per year.
West
Stanford Medicine: Full-time employees may be eligible for $2,000 per year for tuition assistance at this health system. This is available for part-time employees, too, but the reimbursement amount is pro-rated.
Southeast
HCA Healthcare Centers: Employees here might receive up to $5,250 in reimbursement each year for eligible education expenses.
Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare: This health system offers tuition reimbursement for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing of up to $10,000 and a professional nurse advancement program incentive of up to $3,000 annually.
Midwest
Mayo Clinic: This employer offers opportunities to advance professional nursing skills, including tuition reimbursement for nurses who want to continue their education.
Final thoughts
If you’re already working in the medical field and interested in becoming a nurse, it’s worth investigating if your employer offers tuition reimbursement, which could help offset some of the costs of nursing school.