The Nurse Anesthesia Tuition Support and Service Agreement Program provides tuition support to eligible and qualified students enrolled in Rush University’s Nurse Anesthesia Doctor of Nursing Practice program in exchange for a two-year service commitment with Rush following successful completion of the post-graduate program.
Acceptance into this program will include coverage of $115K in tuition costs or expenses (or the current tuition cost for completion of the program) for SRNA candidates upfront, or, in the case of current students, refund of the tuition to the SRNA for tuition incurred or loans outstanding, limited to the cost of tuition for Rush. By accepting this tuition funding as part of this Tuition Support and Service Agreement Program, you will agree to fulfill two years of full-time service commitments with Rush in an approved role. Eligibility criteria will also include academic performance during the post-graduate program and signing an agreement reflecting these terms.
How the program works
After acceptance into this program, your tuition for the Nurse Anesthesia DNP Program will be paid to the College of Nursing by Rush University Medical Center or Rush Oak Park Hospital in exchange for a two-year employment-time commitment in the Rush Anesthesia Department, subject to fulfillment of your contractual obligations.
How the tuition is forgiven will depend on a number of factors, for example, whether or not you’ve taken loans out and what your class-year in school is currently. Either way, your tuition responsibility for your Rush University SRNA education (~$115k) will be forgiven by Rush.
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Who qualifies for this program?
Only Rush SRNAs are eligible to participate in this program at this time.
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Is there an application process?
Yes, there is an application as well as an interview as part of this process, and all interested Rush SRNAs may apply. View the application or start applying
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When should I apply to the program?
Once you are formally accepted into the Rush Nurse Anesthesia DNP program, you are eligible for this program and may apply using the program application.
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Are there a limited number of spots available for this benefit?
Yes, there are a limited number of positions available for the Tuition Support and Service Agreement Program. Admission to this program occurs on a rolling basis.
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What are the service commitment obligations?
As part of this program, your service commitment will be to work for Rush University Medical Center (RUMC) or Rush Oak Park Hospital (ROPH) for a two-year period following successful completion of the Nurse Anesthesia Doctor of Nursing Practice program. While there is no guarantee of a job with RUMC or ROPH for the two-year period as part of this program, we will work with you to assist you with the hiring and employment process where possible.
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Does this service commitment have to be continuous and full-time?
Yes, you must remain employed in a full-time position for a continuous two-year period at Rush as part of your service commitment obligations.
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Is this program only for RUMC? What if I want to work at ROPH, RSC or ROBOC?
This program is specifically for employment at Rush University Medical Center and/or at Rush Oak Park Hospital. It does not apply to Rush Surgi Center (RSC) or Rush Oak Brook Outpatient Center (ROBOC).
Opportunity to identify practice location preference determined by need on a rolling basis.
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Does this program impact my benefits here at Rush?
Yes. If accepted into this program, you will not qualify for the sign-on bonus or SRNA Grant and Service Agreement. You are encouraged to speak to your Human Resources representative to further understand any impacts on benefits.
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What if I change my mind?
We understand that life circumstances sometimes change. If you are unable to comply with the service commitment obligations required as part of this Tuition Support and Service Agreement Program following receipt of the tuition support, you will be asked to repay a pro-rated amount of tuition paid for by Rush, with interest. The amount of repayment owed will be tied to the length of service you were able to provide to Rush as further detailed within the agreement. For example, larger repayment amounts will be required for shorter periods of services. Students who experience significant hardship will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
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What if I fail my coursework or board exam?
While this is rare, it has happened in the past. The above would apply here as well— you will be responsible for repayment of a pro-rated amount of tuition paid for by Rush, with interest as further detailed within the agreement.
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What if I go on maternity or disability leave during my two-year work period?
Of course, the approved leave would be honored. The service commitment is for a total of two active years of service. For example, if you go on an approved leave during the period of your service commitment, the two-year time period would be paused until you restart work.
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What will my salary be once I start as a staff CRNA? Will it be locked in at the initial rate?
Your salary will be determined at the time you start working as a staff CRNA. Your salary will be the starting CRNA salary for Rush CRNAs at that time. The CRNA salary structure is reviewed periodically in accordance with internal processes and adjusted accordingly.
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If I depend on loans for living expenses, will this program prevent me from accessing those loans?
These funds are for tuition only. No impact is foreseen on allocations for living allowances.
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What if I have no loans and paid all out of pocket? Will I be taxed?
Everyone’s tax situation is unique. You are strongly encouraged to discuss in detail with your tax preparer as to whether your tuition reimbursement funds will be impacted with taxes.
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If I have loans for school, can I elect to take the tuition payment for school directly?
No, if you have full or partial loans for anesthesia school, you cannot elect take the tuition payment for school directly instead of going to the loan company or having your tuition forgiven. Applicable laws require that all funds going to students must be applied through the Rush University Office of Student Financial Aid.
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If I have outstanding loans from other education, can tuition reimbursement go towards those loans?
All funds being provided to students in this Program must be applied through the Rush Office of Student Financial Aid. If a student’s balance is paid in full then they should receive a refund of the cash payments they have previously made to Rush. They could then use those funds for their own purposes, such as paying off past loans.
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Which students will be taxed on these monies?
Tax implications are determined when the student files taxes. Everyone’s tax situation is unique. You are strongly encouraged to discuss in detail with your tax preparer as to whether you will be impacted with taxes.
Program disclaimer: Rush reserves the right to modify, suspend, or terminate this Nurse Anesthesia Tuition Support and Service Commitment Program and related obligations at any time. You are encouraged to discuss directly with applicable Rush representatives to ensure you have all current information relating to this Program. These FAQs do not constitute a contract and do not create any rights beyond those explicitly stated in the formal agreement.