Presbyterian Homes & Services (PHS) and Rasmussen University have launched a new tuition reimbursement pilot initiative to help fill the nursing pipeline. Beginning in July, qualified PHS employees in Minnesota will have the opportunity to pursue a Practical Nursing Diploma at Rasmussen’s Eagan, Minn. campus with little-to-no tuition cost.
The new initiative’s education-to-practice model is intended to create a natural support system where PHS staff learn alongside and support one other through the program.
“Presbyterian Homes & Services benefits from a long-standing relationship with Rasmussen University as the University’s clinical degree programs align with our care model. Their graduates fully qualify for licensure and are ready to work,” says Kristi Moline, PHS director of healthcare initiatives.
“Not only will these students help fill a great need for practical nurses in our care settings, but also with support and education assistance available from PHS, they can achieve their career goals,” adds Moline.
Bringing care to a growing population
As Minnesota’s aging population grows, education-to-practice pipelines provide a key solution for elder care needs. For the first time in Minnesota history, the number of older adults (65+) is expected to surpass the population of school aged children (5-17), according to the Minnesota State Demographic Center. The State also estimates that the number of Minnesotans turning 65 this decade will be greater than the past four decades combined.
“Alliances like ours with Presbyterian Homes & Services are critical to addressing the demand for qualified nurses who provide elder care,” says Sharon Oglesby, dean of nursing, Rasmussen University–Eagan. “These relationships give employees an opportunity to pursue their education through Rasmussen, and then return to their facilities where they fill skilled nursing roles. It’s a win-win, and I’m excited to be part of the team to help make this happen.”
The Presbyterian Homes & Services-Rasmussen alliance began in 2009. The relationship was formalized in 2019 when Rasmussen began offering a tuition grant of up to 20 percent2 to PHS employees across all academic programs. Through the grant, PHS employees have graduated from the diploma, associate’s and bachelor’s programs in nursing, as well as the physical therapy assistant and healthcare management programs.
Learn more about the PHS education assistance programs and Rasmussen’s ACEN accredited Practical Nursing Program.
To learn more about the Rasmussen University and PHS alliance, visit www.rasmussen.edu/presbyterian.
