University of Phoenix and NCH Healthcare Partner to Deliver Education and Tuition Benefits for Workforce Development
In a strategic move to enhance workforce development and support the professional growth of healthcare professionals, the University of Phoenix has announced a new collaboration with NCH Healthcare System. This agreement enables employees at NCH to access affordable educational opportunities through the University of Phoenix, reinforcing both organizations’ commitment to empowering individuals through learning and skill development.
As businesses and healthcare providers across the United States grapple with workforce shortages and talent retention challenges, partnerships between academic institutions and employers are emerging as vital tools to bridge the skills gap. Through this collaboration, NCH Healthcare employees will have access to a range of educational offerings—including certificates, degree programs, and skill-building courses—at a reduced cost, making it easier for them to pursue personal and professional advancement.
Responding to a Shifting Labor Landscape
The modern workforce is rapidly evolving, shaped by technological advancements, demographic shifts, and an increasingly competitive labor market. According to the University of Phoenix 2025 Career Optimism Index®, a comprehensive study examining the career outlook of American workers, 71% of respondents believe that continuous learning and skill development are essential for staying competitive in their careers.
This statistic underscores the urgency for organizations to invest in education as a core component of their talent development strategy. The collaboration between the University of Phoenix and NCH Healthcare directly addresses this need by offering structured, flexible learning pathways tailored to adult learners—many of whom are already balancing demanding work schedules in the healthcare field.
“We are excited to collaborate with NCH Healthcare to provide flexible learning opportunities for their employees pursuing skills, courses, and degrees,” said Jay Titus, Vice President and General Manager of the Workforce Solutions Group at University of Phoenix. “This type of alliance between employers and educators offers workers tangible paths forward to develop and support their career plans.”
The Workforce Solutions Group at University of Phoenix plays a central role in forging partnerships that align with employer needs and industry demands. Through its customized academic programs, the university works to deliver educational value that is both accessible and relevant to working professionals.
Advancing NCH Healthcare’s Mission Through Employee Investment
NCH Healthcare, a non-profit, multi-facility healthcare system based in Southwest Florida, is widely recognized for its dedication to high-quality patient care. Central to this mission is the organization’s commitment to the well-being and development of its workforce. By investing in continuing education for its employees, NCH aims to cultivate a culture of growth, fulfillment, and long-term career sustainability.
“At NCH, our mission is to ensure excellence is the hallmark of every patient’s experience, and one of the ways we achieve this is by investing in our employees,” said Dr. Risa Wildeman, Manager of Educational Services for NCH Healthcare. “Our collaboration with the University of Phoenix highlights our unwavering commitment to lifelong learning. This partnership not only supports our employees’ professional growth, but also contributes to their overall well-being, helping them lead happier, healthier lives—benefits that extend beyond our patients to every member of our team.”
By enabling employees to pursue higher education and industry-relevant training, NCH is not only enhancing the skill sets of its existing workforce but also creating compelling incentives for recruitment and retention. In today’s competitive healthcare environment, providing educational benefits is increasingly seen as a key differentiator for employers seeking to attract top-tier talent.
Educational Offerings and Program Flexibility
Through this new agreement, eligible NCH employees will gain access to a wide array of educational options at the University of Phoenix. These include:
- Individual courses for upskilling or reskilling in specific areas
- Certificate programs in fields such as healthcare administration, information technology, and leadership
- Associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs across numerous disciplines
- College credit for prior life and work experience, making it easier for adult learners to accelerate their academic journey
- Flexible online learning formats designed to accommodate busy professionals, shift workers, and caregivers
This comprehensive suite of offerings enables employees to pursue education at their own pace, fitting study time around their work schedules and family obligations. The University of Phoenix has long been recognized for its leadership in adult education and online learning, offering student support services, academic advisors, and career tools tailored to the unique needs of working adults.
Moreover, the collaboration will help employees build in-demand skills in areas critical to healthcare delivery and operations, such as leadership, technology integration, and patient care management. These competencies not only serve individual career development goals but also strengthen the overall capabilities of the NCH organization.
Addressing the Broader Challenge of Talent Retention in Healthcare
The healthcare sector, in particular, has been deeply affected by labor shortages, employee burnout, and high turnover rates—trends exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. As the demand for skilled healthcare professionals continues to rise, innovative talent strategies like tuition reimbursement, career development programs, and partnerships with educational institutions are becoming increasingly vital.
The University of Phoenix–NCH Healthcare agreement exemplifies a proactive approach to these challenges. By equipping employees with the tools and opportunities to grow professionally, NCH is demonstrating a forward-thinking strategy to boost employee morale, enhance organizational performance, and ultimately, improve patient outcomes.
Education also plays a role in nurturing future leaders within the healthcare system. By offering advanced degrees and leadership training, the University of Phoenix helps organizations like NCH create a pipeline of internal talent ready to take on greater responsibilities and drive innovation in care delivery.
A Model for Employer–Educator Collaboration
The partnership between University of Phoenix and NCH Healthcare is part of a broader trend in which employers seek to partner with institutions that can offer workforce-relevant learning solutions. With its experience in delivering career-aligned education and its focus on student flexibility, the University of Phoenix continues to be a preferred partner for businesses looking to invest in their people.
These employer–educator collaborations have the potential to transform the traditional education-to-employment pathway, creating a more seamless and responsive model for workforce readiness. By aligning curriculum with real-world job requirements, programs like these empower employees with applicable skills that generate immediate value in the workplace.
As the future of work continues to evolve, the importance of accessible, affordable, and relevant education will only grow. The collaboration between University of Phoenix and NCH Healthcare offers a blueprint for how organizations can meet the changing needs of both employees and the broader labor market.
This initiative is more than a tuition benefit—it’s an investment in people, in careers, and in the future of healthcare. Through this partnership, NCH employees will be better equipped to navigate a dynamic healthcare environment, pursue their professional aspirations, and contribute meaningfully to the communities they serve.
