Ivy Tech & Deaconess Announce Partnership to Benefit Employees

Ivy Tech Community College and Deaconess Health System announced an innovative new partnership today, Achieve Your Degree. The Deaconess Achieve Your Degree program will provide guidance and financial assistance to any Deaconess Health System employee interested in pursuing an education at Ivy Tech Community College.

“We are excited to expand our partnership with Ivy Tech Community College and provide our staff the opportunity to further their education and skills training,” said Linda E. White, President and CEO of Deaconess Health System. “Participation in Achieve Your Degree will produce well-educated health care professionals in a variety of important fields while simultaneously addressing the need for post-secondary education.  It’s a win-win situation for our entire community.”

The Achieve your Degree program is open to all Deaconess employees who are eligible for tuition reimbursement, and they can begin participating immediately. Employees will also be able to start classes during Ivy Tech’s spring semester, which begins on January 11, 2016. Participants will be encouraged to pursue coursework that is applicable to their current or desired position at Deaconess, and it is anticipated that Nursing, Surgical Technology, CNA, Phlebotomy, Medical Assisting, and Paramedic Science will be among the most frequently selected programs.

There will be no out-of-pocket tuition costs for Deaconess employees to participate in the program. Tuition will be covered by a combination of financial aid and tuition reimbursement. Another benefit that all employees will receive is deferred tuition (which will cover any initial fees) and in-state tuition rates regardless of their location.

“Employers across the state are struggling to find qualified and skilled workers. With the Achieve Your Degree program, Ivy Tech Community College is helping employers to develop that talent from within,” said Ivy Tech Chancellor, Jonathan Weinzapfel. “In addition, by participating in the Achieve your Degree program, Deaconess is investing in their employees and helping them to grow both personally and professionally.”