In response to the ongoing need to attract and retain top talent amid a competitive job market, Hackensack Meridian Health is launching a student loan repayment program.
Through a partnership with EdAssist by Bright Horizons , a leading provider of strategic workforce education programs, the Edison-based integrated health network will support team members in critical roles by providing assistance to repay existing tuition debt, according to a July 11 press release.
As part of the program, full- and part-time team members in select positions such as certified radiology tech, registered respiratory therapist, registered nurse and licensed clinical social worker will be eligible for monthly contributions from HMH directly to their associate or bachelor’s degree loan provider to help reduce their student loan balance, the network said.
New team members in critical roles are eligible for tuition reimbursement immediately upon hire. Employees will also have access to resources to help manage student loan debt, including free expert coaching sessions and informational webinars.
HMH, the largest health system in New Jersey, did not disclose how much it will contribute per employee each month nor how many team members it expects to support through the program. A spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for more details.
Investing in talent
Linda McHugh, executive vice president and chief experience & people officer at HMH, said in a statement, “At Hackensack Meridian Health, we constantly strive to support and empower our team members and are continually investing in valuable benefits to ensure our offerings both remain best-in-class and provide real-world value.”
[box type="shadow" align="alignright" width="35%" ]
More HMH news:
[/box]
“This new program will serve as a powerful tool for both attracting new and retaining existing talent, as well as providing an added incentive for team members to remain at HMH long term and contribute to our ongoing success,” she said.
At HMH, the network rolled out
Earn While You Learn last year, which enables new and existing employees to leverage their tuition benefit for critical roles while they work in a full time, part time or per diem capacity.
The program aims to give workers a chance to gain in-demand skills for critical positions at HMH while still earning a wage, allowing them to advance their careers and help better support their families.
Diane Bartoli, senior vice president of EdAssist by Bright Horizons, commented, “Knowing that student loan debt is top of mind for many current and prospective employees, we applaud Hackensack Meridian Health’s commitment to the well-being and financial stability of its team members.”
“We are thrilled to have partnered with this people-first organization to offer a best-in-class program to hardworking team members,” Bartoli added.
Copyright © 2024 BridgeTower Media. All Rights Reserved.
Local New Jersey State
Most Popular
Comments / 0