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UTMB Work School Programs

Creating Educational Opportunities for Employees

Welcome to the UTMB Work School Home Page. You can learn about the support we offer, how to apply and where to find us. We have also collected a selection of resources, links and relevant reading material to help you as an employee and student make decisions about your career and the skills you need to advance. Please note this is not meant to replace a face-to-face consultation with the Work School counselor.

If you have questions regarding the program, please contact Ann Cochran in the Work School Office at (409) 747-0836.

History: The UTMB Work School Programs began in 1988 with funding through a grant from the Sealy & Smith Foundation. Initially designed to support University of Texas Medical Branch employees interested in pursuing associate degrees in nursing (ADN) at Galveston College, the program expanded to support employees in vocational and associate degree nursing programs, bachelor, master and doctoral programs in nursing and allied health in colleges across the state. At this time, the Work School Program is supporting employees completing certificate or degree programs which qualify them for hard to fill positions at UTMB. The program is a privilege, not a benefit, and not all departments at UTMB are able to support participants or limit the number they support.

How the Program works: The program provides payment of in-state tuition, fees and books as well as release time and stipends during clinical rotations for employees enrolled in nursing or allied health education programs. Stipends and release time from work allow employees to maintain full salary while attending classes and clinicals. In return, participants agree to work at UTMB for a specified period following graduation. (The length of the work contract depends on the program.)

Currently, LVN , ADN and BSN participants who are full time employees receive 1 hour of administrative leave for each hour of class they are enrolled in - up to 8 hours/week. During clinicals, they receive 8 hours of administrative leave and 8 hours of pay in the form of a stipend. This allows them to work 24 hours per week and be paid for 40. Correctional Managed Care employees receive 16 hours/week of administrative leave during clinical rotations.Part-time employees do not get administrative leave time, but are eligible for stipends.

The RN-BSN and MSN participant receives 24 hours of administrative leave/course/semester. (Participants enrolled in the Texas Tech RN-BSN Program receive 10 days administrative leave per semester.) MSN's are eligible for 17 days of stipend for clinicals/course/semester. (Participants are only eligible for stipends when clinical days fall on a regular work days. Time sheets should reflect no more than 40 hours per week, including stipend. ) Other programs supported are reviewed each semester for administrative leave and stipend.

Interested employees should follow several steps before applying for Work School support:

Evaluate your interests and determine what job at UTMB you would like to do.
Identify the qualifications and skills needed for the job.
Determine if you have the skills needed, or you need a degree or certificate to qualify for the job.
Contact the educational institution that offers the degree or certificate that you need to qualify for the job.
Meet with a counselor at the institution to get an individualized degree plan.
Contact the Work School Office to discuss whether the degree you are considering is supported by Work School.
Meet with your work manager to find out if they will be able to support you and assist you with your work schedule while you are attending classes. Understand that your work manager is not obligated to support you and must consider the needs of the department when making these decisions.
Complete an application and gather other documentation required for the application packet.
Submit the application by the designated deadline for the semester you would like to receive support. Correctional Managed Care employees should click on "Correctional Managed Care" on the left and follow the instructions for submitting applications.

Remember: Work School is an opportunity and privilege, but not a right. Some departments are unable to support participants and others may limit the number they support. In addition, participants have specific responsibilities while receiving Work School support.

	Participant Responsibilities
	Contact Information
	Applicant Criteria
	Current Participants
	UTMB Correctional Managed Care
	Career Decisions
	Career Boutique

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