Questions about tuition reimbursement from work?

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · Sep 13, 2012

The short answer is "some do, some don't". It's something to find out about when interviewing, or you can go to HR if you're already employed to find out details: they won't be a secret.

TiffyRN, BSN, PhD · Sep 13, 2012

No, not everyone has it. How does it work? Really depends on the place. Can you get it if you are already enrolled, well, that depends on the employer. Probably not, there is usually a waiting period. But some places offer (or rather I should say, used to offer) loan repayment, I'm pretty sure that is rare nowadays. Many restrict the reimbursement even as they send new grads out the front door.

Your facilities that either are magnet or propose to be are more likely to offer tuition reimbursement than other facilities. Find an old employee benefits handbook or look at the one they gave you, some employers have their benefits online. Many employers redo their benefits during re-enrollment and this could be a great time to get that clarified.

I plan to use the whole benefit available this year!

westieluv · Sep 13, 2012

My experience has been that it is a benefit for part-time and full-time employees, and that they will allot you a certain amount, either per semester or per calendar year. You usually have to sign an agreement to stay with that company for at least a year in the same status that you currently work, part-time or full-time, or you will be responsible for paying it back. Also, there is generally a set amount that your employer will pay. If your tuition is $10,000/year of school, your employer may only pay half of that amount and the rest is up to you. I doubt if many employers just write a check for the full amount, that would be outrageously expensive. And, you don't get it until you finish the semester and get your grades, so you may still have to get a student loan and then use the tuition reimbursement to pay it back later, since tuition is normally due at the beginning of the semester.

The hospital system that I worked at until recently offered $1,500/calendar year for part-time employees and $3,000/calendar year for full-time employees, payable after classes are completed. That amount would not normally cover a full year of school in most places, but, as one co-worker pointed out, it's a lot better than nothing and in most professions you don't get tuition reimbursement at all if you choose to further your education.

HTH.

classicdame, MSN, EdD · Sep 13, 2012

talk to the people in HR. They will know what is available in your facility

allnurses Guide · Sep 13, 2012

Also, when you ask HR about reimbursement, don't forget to ask if there are any scholarships.

No harm in asking and every bit helps!

J-Swish · Sep 14, 2012

Great answers!

anniv91106 · Sep 14, 2012

If there is money available, it would be interesting to know where it comes from.