Healthcare Scholarship Program

Geographic Scope: Minnesota (must be working in MN facility)

Focus Areas: Healthcare education including:

• BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing)
• RN (Registered Nurse)
• LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse)
• TMA (Therapeutic Medical Assistant)
• CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant)
• Therapeutic Recreational Director
• Dietitian
• Licensed Social Worker
• Health Unit Coordinator
• Physical Therapy
• Occupational Therapy
• Speech Therapy
• Health Care Administration
• Other opportunities for advancement within the organization (e.g., Marketing, Culinary, HVAC) with facility and State of Minnesota approval

Purpose: To allow employees the opportunity for advanced education that furthers their career within the facility or the long-term care field in general, evidenced in a recognized certification, title, licensure or degree program or an enhanced wage rate.

Eligibility Requirements

• Must be an employee of Oak Hills Living Center
• Minimum of 3 months of employment at Oak Hills Living Center
• Must work an average of 10 or more hours per week
• Must maintain a block/set schedule (casual employees are not eligible)
• Must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.50
• Cannot have failed a class in the program
• Cannot be on a Performance Improvement Plan, have received a final warning, or other disciplinary actions
• The Administrator is NOT eligible

Allowable Expenditures

• Tuition
• Books
• Fees
• Other required expenses
• Reasonable transportation costs (documented, capped at annual IRS mileage rate)
• Reasonable childcare costs (documented, related directly to education)
• Other costs incurred as a direct result of participation

Non-Allowable Expenditures

• Mandatory LPN continuing education credits (CEUs)
• Mandatory annual CNA in-service training
• Expenses related to maintaining current licensure or certification
• Educational expenses reimbursed by a third party or covered by financial aid
• Automobile maintenance
• Childcare costs during periods employee is receiving wages
• Items normally provided regardless of childcare (diapers, food, etc.)

Maximum Award: $5,000 per bill for tuition and fees

Notes:

• Out of state college tuition is allowed
• OHLC pays tuition after any scholarships/grants or other financial aid
• The facility reserves the right to limit scholarships if multiple applicants exceed allocated funds
• Transportation costs must be documented with mileage logs or receipts
• Childcare costs cannot exceed the lower of actual documented costs or the prevailing hourly wage for a commercial childcare provider in the local area

Application Process

1. Obtain Application: Pick up and complete an application from the Human Resource Director
2. Submit Application: Application will be reviewed by the employee's supervisor and the Administrator
3. Interview: An interview may be required prior to acceptance
4. Provide Documentation: Applicants must submit:
   • Itemized tuition bill
   • Class schedule
   • Copy of grades each quarter/semester
5. Bill Payment: Upon receiving a bill for educational expenses, the facility will reimburse the educational institution directly
6. Reimbursement for Other Expenses: For mileage or other related expenses, OHLC will reimburse the individual
7. Approval: The Administrator approves the bill and forwards it to the business office for payment

Required Documentation

• Itemized tuition bill (each quarter/semester)
• Class schedule
• Copy of grades (each quarter/semester)
• Transportation documentation (mileage logs or receipts for bus fare, parking fees)
• Childcare documentation (detail statement of costs incurred signed by childcare provider)

Tracking Requirements

The business office will track:

• Employee's name, age, gender and hire date
• Employee's current position or title
• Scholarship amount awarded
• Breakdown of allowable expenditures (books, tuition, fees)
• Name of institution, person or entity providing training
• Nature of educational program
• All forms of career advancement attained
• Expected and actual dates of program

Note: Sample transportation and childcare logs are available on the Oak Hills website for documentation purposes.