New Graduate Opportunities New Graduate Tuition Loan Repayment Program Jobs Available During College Frequently Asked Questions

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Saint Mary’s Health Care (SMMMC)
New Graduate Tuition Loan Repayment Program

This program recognizes applicants who are not eligible for tuition assistance, various other loan programs, sign on awards or experience awards and establishes a value proposition that asks for a commitment of service in return for cash payments. This program is also designed to demonstrate a commitment to support current employees with adequate staffing levels.

This program is optional for the employee. Graduating students are not required to participate in this program and make a three-year commitment.

Eligible categories include:

• Acute Registered Nurse
• Registered Medical Technologist
• Registered Radiological Technologist including CT, MRI and Ultrasound
• Registered Respiratory Therapist
• Pharmacist

This list may be altered, modified, have positions added or deleted or be terminated at any time in the sole discretion of SMMMC.

Current employees pursuing degrees in these shortage areas may be eligible for this program upon meeting the following criteria:

• Upon completion of their degree in a designated shortage area as determined by SMMMC;
• Acceptance of an eligible position at SMMMC;
• Make a three year commitment to employment at SMMMC;
• Sign the New Graduate Tuition Repayment Agreement and a Promissory Note; and
• Verify they were not eligible for other SMMMC funds through tuition assistance or other loan programs, sign on award or experience award available for current employees.

Program Guidelines:

• Effective date - October 1, 2001
• Applicants must have graduated/obtained license/registration with the required degree for the shortage position, within six months of their date of employment with SMMMC.
• Accept employment in a shortage position, make a three-year commitment and work more than forty (40) hours per pay period.
• The amounts are based on status as follows:

• Employees must apply for the tuition loan program by completing an application and will be required to sign the New Graduate Tuition Repayment Agreement and a Promissory Note prior to receiving payment.
• Participants must provide a statement from the finance office at the college or university, from which graduation occurred, detailing the cost of tuition less payment received for any scholarships or grants. SMMMC will deduct scholarships and grants prior to making payment. Books and other fees are not eligible for reimbursement. SMMMC will only reimburse the cost of per credit hour tuition up to the maximum amounts indicated above.
• Payment will occur as follows:
  - 20% after completion of six (6) months of employment
  - 30% after completion of twenty four (24) months of employment
  - 50% after completion of thirty six (36) months of employment
• Employees must be actively employed at the time payment occurs to be eligible.
• Employee must successfully complete their probationary period and be considered a employee in good standing by receiving acceptable performance evaluation.
• Employees will be required to maintain their employment status and may increase hours but not decrease scheduled hours. Transfers to another department, as long as they remain in the shortage job category, will not disqualify the employee for payment. Employees who fail to comply with these guidelines will be required to repay to SMMMC any previous amounts paid from the inception of their participation in this program.
• Employees who change status to less than the scheduled hours agreed upon at the time of hire are disqualified and will be required to pay back any amount paid previously and will not be eligible for further payments.
• Payments will be provided through payroll and will be taxable. Amounts quoted are before tax withholding occurs.
• Staff who fail state boards and later qualify, may be considered on an individual basis.
• This procedure will be administered at the sole discretion of SMMMC and is subject to change or elimination without prior notice. Any interpretation related to eligibility, interpretation or administration under this policy is at the sole discretion of the director of human resources for SMMMC.