Western Governors University (WGU) and RML Specialty Hospital today announced they have entered into a partnership agreement that will provide more than 900 RML employees with an affordable option to advance their education. Under the terms of the agreement, employees who enroll in any of the online, nonprofit university’s 60-plus undergraduate or graduate degree programs will be eligible for scholarships offered through WGU’s Healthcare Partners Fund.
RML Specialty Hospital is a nonprofit hospital, serving patients with catastrophic or acute illnesses complicated by multiple medical issues. RML has two locations in Chicago and Hinsdale and is the largest ventilator weaning hospital in the United States. WGU offers RML employees who are interested in furthering their education and advancing their careers with more than 60 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the high workforce-need areas of health professions – including nursing –business, IT and education.
“I am excited about offering the partnership with WGU here at RML,” said Latoya Johnson, MBA, MSTD, Director, Organizational Development and Education at RML Specialty Hospital. “I am looking forward to the organization playing an integral part in our building a stronger workforce for the future.”
Through the partnership, RML employees will be able to take advantage of WGU-funded scholarships, valued at up to $2,500 each, that are designed for members of WGU’s partner hospitals and healthcare organizations who wish to advance their education to become educators, managers and leaders in vital healthcare fields. If awarded, the scholarships are applied to WGU’s flat-rate tuition of about $3,500 per six-month term, and recipients will receive a $625 tuition credit each term, renewable for up to four terms based on academic performance.
“We’re delighted to be partnering with RML, helping to make quality, competency-based higher education more accessible to its employees,” said Dr. Angie Besendorfer, Regional Vice President of Western Governors University. “Our academic programs ensure graduates have the core knowledge and skills required to compete and succeed in the workplace, while also helping partners like RML address their critical professional development needs.”
WGU’s competency-based approach to learning allows students to take advantage of their knowledge and previous experience to quickly move through material they already know so they can focus on what they still need to learn. Students complete their programs by studying on schedules that fit their lives, advancing as soon as they demonstrate they have mastered the subject matter. WGU faculty members work one-on-one with students as mentors, offering guidance, support and individualized instruction. While WGU’s degree programs are rigorous and challenging, competency-based learning makes it possible for students to accelerate their progress and graduate faster, saving both time and money.
For more information about WGU and its partnership with RML, visit wgu.edu/RML.
About WGU
Established in 1997 by 19 U.S. governors with a mission to expand access to high-quality, affordable higher education, online, nonprofit WGU now serves more than 129,000 students nationwide and has more than 214,000 graduates in all 50 states. Driving innovation as the nation’s leading competency-based university, WGU has been recognized by the White House, state leaders, employers, and students as a model that works in postsecondary education. In just 22 years, the university has become a leading influence in changing the lives of individuals and families and preparing the workforce needed in today’s rapidly evolving economy. WGU is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, has been named one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies, and has been featured on NPR, NBC Nightly News, CNN, and in The New York Times. Learn more at www.wgu.edu.
About RML Specialty Hospital
RML is a nonprofit specialty hospital with locations in Chicago and Hinsdale serving patients with catastrophic or acute illnesses complicated by multiple medical issues.
Founded in 1987, RML is the largest ventilator weaning hospital in the United States. RML is a recognized leader in best practices for wound care and medically complex patient rehabilitation and is the LTACH of choice in Chicago and among leading hospitals across the nation. For more information, visit www.rmlspecialtyhospital.org/.
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For more information, contact:
Abigail Rolland
314-436-9090