PHCA and Harrisburg University Partner to Support Caregiver Career Development Through Discounted Educational Opportunities

Harrisburg, PA (September 14, 2023) — The Pennsylvania Health Care Association (PHCA) and Harrisburg University of Science and Technology (HU) are announcing a new partnership intended to reward and further the careers of long-term care workers. The partnership welcomes frontline caregivers to expand their educational backgrounds and certifications through the discounted tuition of Harrisburg University programs.

“This is an exciting partnership for our members, who are ceaselessly working to recruit and retain workers to care for our most vulnerable populations,” said Zach Shamberg, president and CEO of the Pennsylvania Health Care Association. “This partnership delivers a new incentive for our members to offer their employees. With employers in other sectors having the luxury of promising employment bonuses and other added benefits, long-term care providers face limitations and often struggle to compete for employment interests. Recognizing the value of our long-term care workforce, Harrisburg University has stepped in as a partner that wants to give back to caregivers and support our members.”

“Harrisburg University is committed to growing our health sciences workforce and creating pathway opportunities for our healthcare professionals to continue their education and advance in their careers,” said Dr. Eric Darr, president and CEO of Harrisburg University of Science and Technology. “Our partnership with PHCA advances that opportunity with their member community.”

Through the partnership, employees of the nearly 450 PHCA member communities will be eligible for tuition discounts as high as 25 percent for graduate, undergraduate and training programs. Immediate family members of those employees are also eligible for discounted tuition. 

“Providers, such as Quality Life Services, offer reimbursement to employees interested in advancing their education. However, this new partnership with Harrisburg University not only assists employees who are covering their own expenses but also aids employers by reducing their costs when investing in an employee’s education,” stated Susie Tack Beardsley, chief administrative officer of Quality Life Services and chair of PHCA’s workforce committee. “It’s truly encouraging to witness a member of the education community stepping up to support the development of our workforce within the long-term care community.”

With campuses in Harrisburg and Philadelphia and an online education platform, Harrisburg University offers more than 40 different degrees, including Nursing Registered Nurse (RN) to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Healthcare Informatics, and Exercise Science. The partnership with Harrisburg University also creates an opportunity for PHCA to work with the university to coordinate and develop courses and programs that benefit the association’s members.

Harrisburg University has previously partnered with PHCA to support caregivers. In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the university’s advanced manufacturing program used 3D printers to produce medical face shields to support the health of caregivers and residents.

PHCA members interested in learning more about this new partnership can reach out to the following Harrisburg University contacts:

• Ryan Rukhaberlen (online programs) – RRukhaberlen@HarrisburgU.edu 

• Aaron Spina – ASpina@harrisburgu.edu

A breakdown of the discounted tuition opportunities can be found below.

PHCA member employees:

• Automatic 25% discount off the advertised full tuition rate or training fee for select on-campus graduate degree programs, certificates, or specified training courses provided by Harrisburg University.
• Automatic 10% discount off the advertised full tuition rate or training fee for select undergraduate online degree programs provided by Harrisburg University.
• Automatic 10% discount off the advertised full tuition rate or training fee for select training programs provided by NuPaths.

PHCA member employee relatives: (spouse, domestic partner, child, adoptive child, or foster child –– children are eligible for discounts until the age of 26)

• Automatic 10% discount off the advertised full tuition rate or training fee for select, on-campus graduate degree programs, certificates, or specified training courses provided by Harrisburg University.
• Automatic 10% discount off the advertised full tuition rate or training fee for select undergraduate online degree programs provided by Harrisburg University.
• Automatic 10% discount off the advertised full tuition rate or training fee for select training programs provided by NuPaths.

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