Thinking about enrolling in a training class or educational course to enhance your professional skills? Thanks to a recent expansion in benefits, doing so is more affordable for eligible employees.

At the start of the new fiscal year in October, the Brigham increased its tuition-reimbursement benefit — now providing up to $3,000 for full-time, benefits-eligible, weekly paid employees and research fellows in good standing.

Paula Squires, MBA, SHRM-SCP, SPHR, senior vice president of Human Resources, said the Brigham encourages staff to take advantage of educational opportunities that help them build their skills and competencies and advance their careers.

“We care deeply about our staff, and we’re always working hard to ensure that we are able to support those who seek out educational opportunities,” Squires said. “We are pleased that we’ve been able to increase our tuition reimbursement amount and hope many colleagues take advantage of the program.”

About the Program

Employees and research fellows who have at least six months of continual employment at the Brigham upon submitting the tuition reimbursement application are eligible to apply.

To qualify for reimbursement, staff must receive at least a C grade in a for-credit course, a pass in a pass/fail course or earn a program certification. The course or program must take place outside of the employee’s regular working hours.

J.F. Goldstyn, MBA, director of Organization Development and Learning in Human Resources, said the beauty of the program is its flexibility around what types of courses are eligible for reimbursement. To qualify for reimbursement, the course must provide knowledge or skills that the employee can directly apply to a current position or would assist in transitioning to a new role within the Brigham.

Employees can receive reimbursement for tuition and fees, the latter of which includes laboratory, registration, exams, books, technology and application fees. The Brigham will reimburse employees who are successful in completing non-degree, degree courses and/or programs, continuing education and certification programs. All courses or programs must be completed either in person or online through an accredited school, college or university.

Courses and programs that are ineligible for reimbursement include doctoral degrees, audited courses, conferences and seminars. Nurses who are part of the Massachusetts Nurses Association bargaining agreement are not eligible for reimbursement through this program. These nurses are eligible for a separately administered tuition reimbursement and professional development program within the Department of Nursing.

Goldstyn said a key component of the program is the opportunity it provides for employees to discuss their career goals with their supervisor. All managers are involved in the approval process for tuition reimbursement.

“We view learning as a lifelong activity,” Goldstyn said. “Not only do we encourage you to take the time to learn, but we also want to help pay for your course expenses and make investments in your education.”

To learn more about the tuition reimbursement program, including how to apply via PeopleSoft, visit hospitalpolicies.ellucid.com and search for policy HR-507.

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