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Hillcrest Healthcare is assisting employees who want to advance their nursing education and careers within the organization by reimbursing tuition and fees at South College. Together, they are supporting the aspirations of employees and the workforce in East Tennessee.
More than 10 current Hillcrest Healthcare employees are enrolled in the Certificate in Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) program at South College. The healthcare company is seeking to attract new hires with the education incentive.
“Hillcrest Healthcare wants to support training and career growth, and part of that outreach is helping employees expand their education,” said Doug Bryant, senior vice president of learning, talent and diversity. “The healthcare industry is one of the fastest-growing markets for jobs with an ever-growing need for caregivers, and we want to provide additional incentives for people to join our team at Hillcrest Healthcare.”
Currently, Hillcrest Healthcare offers employees two career tracks: one for those who want to become certified nursing assistants (CNAs) and another for current CNAs aiming to earn their LPN certificate at South College.
Employees who want to become CNAs can receive training at The Mason Center for Healthcare Education, Hillcrest Healthcare’s nonprofit education facility. The Mason Center for Healthcare Education provides certification programs in the senior care industry, including skilled nursing, assisted living and long-term care. After six months working as a CNA, the employee is eligible to apply for the LPN track through South College.
“Our partnership with Hillcrest Healthcare aligns with South College’s mission to provide accessible, high-quality education tailored to the needs of our community,” South College Chancellor Steve South said. “By supporting Hillcrest employees in their educational journeys, we are empowering individuals to reach their full potential through education.”
The partnership between Hillcrest Healthcare and South College started in 2021, and in 2022, the first CNA earned an LPN certificate. Hillcrest Healthcare covers the cost of tuition and fees after the application of any possible financial aid and a South College grant. Upon graduation, the student has an 18-month work commitment at Hillcrest Healthcare.
The opportunity also is available to employees and their dependents. Employees must complete six months of work to be eligible to enroll and do not need medical training but must have a high school diploma or high school equivalency diploma.
Hillcrest Healthcare also offers additional employee development programs, including free in-house cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certifications and re-certifications, IV certifications for LPNs, specialized training in programs of distinction, learning partnerships with local health systems, CNA program, free certifications and continuing education.
The healthcare company provides benefits, including paid vacation and sick time, immersive onboarding, industry-leading employer match for 403(b) retirement plan, employee assistance program (EAP), employee discount program and a commitment to provide benefits desired by associates.
Hillcrest Healthcare Communities, Inc., operates three skilled nursing, rehabilitation and long-term care facilities in Knoxville at Beverly Park Place, Island Home and West Hills.
About Hillcrest Healthcare Communities, Inc.
Hillcrest Healthcare Communities, Inc. operates three skilled nursing, rehabilitation and long-term care facilities in Knoxville, Tennessee. With 560 beds and more than 500 employees, Hillcrest Healthcare is the largest provider of skilled nursing care in Knoxville, with locations in the north, south and west communities. Chartered in 1960 as a 501(c)(3) organization, Hillcrest Healthcare continues its original charitable mission to provide long-term care and skilled nursing home beds to the citizens of Knox and surrounding counties. For more information, https://www.hillcresthc.com/.
About South College
South College serves more than 12,000 students and is proud of its more than 17,000 graduates. The institution offers academic programs at multiple levels, including professional certificates and associate, bachelor’s, master’s, educational specialist and doctoral degree programs via campuses in Knoxville and Nashville, Tennessee; Asheville, North Carolina; Atlanta, Georgia; Indianapolis, Indiana; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Orlando, Florida, as well as Online and CBE. South College focuses on ensuring high standards and quality educational offerings, maintaining multiple authorizations and accreditations.
South College’s programs span diverse fields such as business, criminal justice, dental hygiene/assisting, diagnostic medical sonography, nursing, occupational therapy, paralegal studies, physical therapy, radiography, respiratory therapy, physician assistant studies, pharmacy and surgical technology. The institution is dedicated to preparing students with the skills and knowledge needed for the professional opportunities ahead of them. For more information, visit south.edu.