UR Nursing, URMC Extend Employee Tuition Grant for Additional 2 Years

The University of Rochester School of Nursing, in partnership with the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC), has extended a free tuition program for nurses and healthcare professionals for another two years, opening doors to career pathways in education, healthcare leadership, and more.

The UR School of Nursing Tuition Grant supplements University employee tuition benefits to provide 100 percent tuition coverage in select bachelor’s, master’s, and advanced certificate programs. The grant is available for new students who enroll in the following programs no later than the Summer 2027 semester:

• RN to BS Online program – for associates or diploma-prepared nurses who want to earn a bachelor's degree in nursing.
• Clinical Nurse Leader master’s program – for nurses who want to take on or expand a leadership role, specifically to improve patient care at the point of care delivery or put evidence-based practice into action. Advanced certificate program also available.
• Nursing Education master’s program – for nurses who want to transition to a teaching role, either as a nurse educator or in patient safety and education. Advanced certificate program also available.
• Leadership in Healthcare Systems master’s program — for all healthcare professionals who want to advance their careers and learn best practices for safe, high-quality patient care delivery systems.

“This initiative not only supports the professional growth and development of our staff, but also strengthens our commitment to providing exceptional healthcare education,” said Dean Lisa Kitko, PhD, RN, FAHA, FAAN. “This investment in our healthcare workforce ensures that members of our URMC community can reach their full potential and achieve their educational goals, and will directly enhance the quality of care our community receives for years to come.”

The Tuition Grant is one of the unique benefits available through URMC Nursing Practice.

“Removing barriers to help nurses achieve their educational goals is one of the many benefits of working here,” said URMC Chief Nursing Executive Kate Valcin, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, CCRN, CNL, FCCM. “The SON Tuition Grant helps us empower our workforce to advance their careers within a supportive environment, and ensures that both our nurses and patients thrive. We hope that our staff will take advantage of the exciting opportunities UR Nursing has to offer.”

Student & Alumni Successes

More than 850 University employees have benefited from the Tuition Grant since its 2019 launch.
Jessica Tambe ’22N (MS), is a past Tuition Grant recipient and Neuromedicine ICU nurse at Strong Memorial Hospital who earned a Master’s in Nursing Education. The advanced degree prepared her to co-develop and take on a new role as a dedicated stroke educator in the Neuroscience Musculoskeletal Nursing Service.

“The MNE program helped me realize how many opportunities are out there in nursing education,” she shared. “It’s so much more than a degree.”

Matt Ramos ’21N, ’25N (MS), a registered nurse in acute medicine at Strong Memorial Hospital, utilized the SON Tuition Grant to pursue his master’s degree in the Clinical Nurse Leader program. The opportunity for career advancement at no cost has helped equip aspiring nurse leaders with the knowledge and skills to make a lasting impact, Ramos said.

“The CNL program has reinforced the critical role of evidence-based practices in driving quality improvement and inspired me to expand my advocacy efforts beyond the bedside, empowering me to advocate for the nursing workforce at local, state, and federal levels,” Ramos said. “The expert faculty at the University of Rochester are committed to your success because they believe in the power of your voice and your potential to make a meaningful impact.”

Victoria Thomas '24N (MS), research coordinator at the Eastman Institute for Oral Health, pursued a master's in Leadership in Healthcare Systems, not long after changing careers from direct patient care as a former dental hygienist and orthodontic assistant. A new role at EIOH, paired with advancing her education, prepared Thomas for a wider array of possibilities in her healthcare career.

"I have grown personally and professionally through this program, and I would not have had this opportunity without the SON Tuition Grant. I am so grateful to have been accepted into this program and I encourage others to pursue furthering their education too," Thomas said. 

Learn more about how URMC emplyoees and SON Tuition Grant recipients are advancing their careers and making a difference in healthcare in various areas: 

• Rachael Howe '22N, '25N (MS), RN-to-BS and Leadership in Healthcare programs
• Nicole Rossiter '25N (MS), Clinical Nurse Leader
• Joseph Escobar '23N (MS), Leadership in Healthcare
• Erin Sabo '25N (MS), Master's in Nursing Education