And we can pay for yours, too
Earning a college degree can be expensive.
According to U.S. News & World Report, the average in-state tuition cost at a public college is $10,662. But what if there was a way to get most – if not all – of your tuition reimbursed? Luckily, Texas Health has an employee benefit for that.
Texas Health’s tuition reimbursement program has helped dozens of people propel their careers at Texas Health while keeping their wallets in one piece. One of those people is Peter Castro.
“I was born in El Salvador,” said Castro, M.H.A., a site manager at multiple Texas Health Breeze Urgent Care locations. “There were limited opportunities for growth education there. So, when the Human Resources team provided me with all the necessary information to apply, I jumped right in.”
Castro recently earned his master’s in healthcare administration from Cappella University. The tuition reimbursement program helped him save a hefty amount on tuition costs: 75% in total.
“My biggest reason for pursuing a master’s degree is that I want to leave a legacy of serving while also providing access to healthcare for underserved communities,” Castro said.
Seizing the opportunity
So, what is the experience like? Castro had used tuition reimbursement programs offered by previous employers, so he knew not to expect an easy ride.
“It was a great amount of work, working full time and being a father and husband,” Castro said. “Raising a family while going to school is not easy.”
Castro didn’t focus on the negatives, though. With support from the people around him, he was able to achieve his goal, while being an example to his children.
“I had a large amount of support at work and home,” Castro said. “My leadership team at Breeze Urgent Care has been exceptionally supportive and my amazing family kept me focused on the task at hand. Because of them, I am the first in my family to graduate with a master’s degree. I just want to teach my kids that hard work, perseverance and taking advantage of opportunities can get them far in life.”
Next stop on the journey
Castro earned his master’s degree in healthcare administration in December. However, his pursuit of knowledge is far from over.
“I consider myself a lifelong learner and I believe in continuous improvement,” Castro said. “I am in the process of becoming a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives in 2024. After that, I plan to take a few years off and then pursue a doctorate in healthcare administration.”
Advancing your career is seldom an easy task, but Castro has a word of advice for anyone who is hesitant about Texas Health’s tuition reimbursement program.
“This is an employee benefit,” Castro said. “It’s just like health insurance or a 401(k). I highly recommend everyone who is committed to growing personally and professionally to apply for this wonderful program. I have been able to earn two degrees through this program and the total out-of-pocket expenses for both degrees were just a little under $1,000 total. This is unbeatable!”
Your chance to grow
Texas Health offers tuition reimbursement to full-time and part-time employees for both clinical and non-clinical degrees – and that’s not all. If you’re eligible for advance funds, Texas Health will even pay for your coursework and books in advance.
“We know the cost of going to school can be high,” said Kiara Muirhead, the benefits manager for Texas Health. “This program exists to help alleviate this burden and enable Texas Health employees to do their life’s best work.”
For more information or to access the Tuition Reimbursement application, visit the Be Healthy site.
More education resources
Tuition reimbursement isn’t the only educational benefit Texas Health offers. Qualifying employees also have access to the Student Loan Repayment Program and federal loan forgiveness program called Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
Through the Student Loan Repayment Program, Texas Health Resources will provide a $50-a-month contribution to help eligible employees pay off their student loans faster.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness is a program offered by the federal government. Under this program, eligible borrowers can have their student loan forgiven.
Learn more about these opportunities at BeHealthy.org.
