Growing Your Career | November 13, 2019

Tuition Reimbursement for Brookdale Associates

The amount of hard work, time and money it takes to build a career in senior living is an investment that pays off. Just ask Cristina Stehlik, an area health and wellness director who works across several Brookdale communities in Colorado.

“I love working in senior living at Brookdale,” says Stehlik. “It’s where I want to retire from.”

But Stehlik’s career path wasn’t a simple one. After spending several years trying her hand at different roles, from healthcare coordinator to executive director, Stehlik finally landed in her current position. And she’s not stopping there.

Thanks to Brookdale’s tuition reimbursement program, Stehlik is currently working toward becoming a registered nurse.

“My current LPN license only allows me to do so much. In order to move up at Brookdale, I need to be an RN. So that motivated me to go back to school with the tuition reimbursement program.”

Stehlik recently took a biology class, and next, she’ll be focusing on her prerequisites — all paid for by Brookdale.

If you’re a driven person who wants to boost your career through education, Brookdale may be able to help. We invest in our associates by helping them pay for their continuing education. Below you’ll find more information about tuition reimbursement at Brookdale and what you need to do to apply.

“I love working in senior living at Brookdale,” says Stehlik. “It’s where I want to retire from.”

Thanks to Brookdale’s tuition reimbursement program, Stehlik is currently working toward becoming a registered nurse.

“My current LPN license only allows me to do so much. In order to move up at Brookdale, I need to be an RN. So that motivated me to go back to school with the tuition reimbursement program.”

Stehlik recently took a biology class, and next, she’ll be focusing on her prerequisites — all paid for by Brookdale.

How It Works

Brookdale offers tuition reimbursement to eligible associates who are seeking to enrich their current role by furthering their education. To be eligible, associates must be full-time and have been employed for at least 12 months. Part-time, temporary, PRN, on-call and Pool associates are not eligible.

We only offer tuition reimbursement to eligible associates who pursue education endeavors outside of normal working hours. Keep in mind, your coursework must directly relate to your job assignment or prepare you for additional responsibilities at our company and meet other requirements.

What You Need

Applying for tuition reimbursement is easy. Just follow these simple steps:

Submit an online request with Edcor, the plan administrator, before the start of the course — but not too soon! Requests should be submitted within 180 days prior to the course start date.
Get your supervisor to sign off with approval before your course begins.
Pass your course, and you’ll be reimbursed for 100 percent of your tuition with a calendar year maximum of $2,500.
Submit proof of payment to Edcor within 60 days after completing the course. Classes have to be paid by the associate or with the use of student loans. Classes paid with scholarships, grants or other financial aid are not eligible.
You must also agree to remain a Brookdale associate for at least one year after receiving a reimbursement payment, or you may be required to repay the reimbursement funds.
Prep that is required to maintain professional licensure or certifications as part of your minimum job requirements, including Certified Nursing Assistants, Medication Technicians (and equivalent programs that vary state to state), will also be reimbursed up to $500 per calendar year. The cost of obtaining a new license or renewing a license is not reimbursable.

Interested in Tuition Reimbursement?

Considering a job at Brookdale? Ask about tuition reimbursement during your interview to learn more.

If you’re a current associate, talk to your supervisor about what coursework may be relevant for you. Then, head over to Edcor to get started with the application process when you’re ready.