Hospitals offering tuition for CRNA School

NMB IVP · Jul 8, 2008

I am currently on scholarship with a hospital that I used to work for. I am still happy with the decision that I made because of the circumstances. It would take me forever to explain. Basically, alot has changed at this hospital in the short time that I have been gone. It doesn't look like they are going to have an opening for a CRNA when I graduate. The good thing is this: If they don't have a job for me, I don't owe them anything. I'm free and clear.

That's my story in a nut shell. My best advice for you is Don't take the money. As long as you can make it without the dough, don't take it. Health Insurance is not a problem. Any school that you go to will offer you health insurance at a super cheap rate. I've got it through my wife's job, but most of my classmates have it through the school.

Stick it out without the money if possible. You are going to get so many offers in school. You can go about anywhere and get a sign-on bonus of $40,000. Just take out the loans that you need and keep your options open.

FLTraumaRN · Jul 9, 2008

I would say for you to read the fine print of any contract very closely. It usually is not very attractive. My hospital offers a scholarship also, but I did not accept it after I read the fine print. My hospital offers a much better package as a sign on bonus after school. Plus, some hospitals will send the scholarship money to the school. The problem with that is that is decreases the money you can get from stafford and grad plus. So, you still need private loans.

I would just say to explore your options. Use it as a fall back plan if you can't get loans or if you run out of money during the program.

Good luck!

rn2bn07, BSN, RN · Nov 24, 2008

I know of 2 hospitals in my area (MI) that offer $20,000 toward your CRNA school tuition in exchange for 2 years working after you graduate. At least one of them also offers health insurance while you are in school (for you only not family). Is this common for hospitals to do this? Is it advisable to take an offer like this? Has anyone done this and how did it work out?
Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks

I think that's great! I would take the money, what's a sacrifice of two years at a job vs. more of two years in paying back loans and not enjoying your upgraded CRNA raise!

saturno14 · Mar 23, 2009

Hi guys:

Has anybody heard about hospitals offering tution for CRNA school or health insurance in the Philadelphia area? schools offer insurance but it not cheap at all. Thanks.

Home Health Columnist / Guide · Mar 23, 2009

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nurselizk · Mar 23, 2009

I think that's great! I would take the money, what's a sacrifice of two years at a job vs. more of two years in paying back loans and not enjoying your upgraded CRNA raise!

The point is, that you are then tied in to that hospital. I have not heard of a single hospital system that does NOT give sign-on bonuses or loan repayment to new CRNA grads. But signing before you know what you are looking for in a job, or the culture of the place, can lock you in to a contract prematurely. Take it if it's the only way to get through school, after you've exhausted all other sources of financial aid, including private loans. But read the fine print carefully. There was a case described in the AANA Journal where a nurse anesthesia student signed a contract and the only job at the hospital system when he/she graduated was a staff RN position. A lawsuit ensued when the grad didn't take the job, because the contract didn't specify it had to be a CRNA position.

saturno14 · Mar 23, 2009

Thnaks for the information. I will look into it.

Lefty Lou · Apr 9, 2009

Hershey Medical Center in Hershey, PA has a tuition reimbursement plan. They pay for two students up to $40,000 a year for CRNA school if they sign a contract to work at HMC for three years. Their website also stated that they have a contract with Villanova Univeristy's CRNA program as they reserve two seats for the HMC students; however, you can get reimbursement for any school not just Villanovas.

Suen · May 8, 2009

Hershey Medical Center in Hershey, PA has a tuition reimbursement plan. They pay for two students up to $40,000 a year for CRNA school if they sign a contract to work at HMC for three years. Their website also stated that they have a contract with Villanova Univeristy's CRNA program as they reserve two seats for the HMC students; however, you can get reimbursement for any school not just Villanovas.

Does this mean $40,000 per student per year? better deal than one discribed above.

crnawan2B · May 9, 2009

Gosh that would definitely help with finances while in school!!

Jillybean1988 · Jun 11, 2009

Hi, I don't mean to thread snatch, but I am hoping to be a CRNA someday (probably 2 years) down the road. I am starting to look into how to pay for it. My school (the only one in MO) is about 40k before fees. I am probably looking at 45k after everything is said and done, judging by their fee list. I am wondering how you would suggest paying for such an endeavor, and what I should expect to make when I graduate. If I make what they say I'll make (100k+) I would think I would be able to pay off my school in the first year, no problem. I only make about 20k now, and I dont even live as frugally as I once had. Is thinking I can pay it off in a year naive? Or has someone else done what I hope to. I can't hope to save up enough money to pay for it outright, like some people do, so loans will be my only choice. I am only an RN now, I have another year for my BSN and then one year in acute/critical care to fulfill my req for CRNA school. Am I worrying prematurely? I have heard that taking these offers from hospitals is often a bad idea, one person going so far as to call it "indentured slavery". I know people who did similar things for their BSN and say that it worked out fine. I would appreciate any help.