Hackensack Meridian Health Invests in Financial Wellness of Workforce with Student Loan Repayment Program

New Program Helps Attract and Retain Talent in Critical Roles by Easing Burden of Student Loan Debt

July 11, 2024 - In response to today's competitive job market and the ongoing need to attract and retain top talent for in-demand roles, Hackensack Meridian Health has announced a new student loan repayment program. Designed to help lessen the burden of student debt on individuals entering the workforce, the program seeks to support team members in critical roles within the system by providing assistance to repay existing tuition debt. Hackensack Meridian Health has partnered with EdAssist by Bright Horizons, a leading provider of strategic workforce education programs, to administer the program.

"At Hackensack Meridian Health, we constantly strive to support and empower our team members and are continually investing in valuable benefits to ensure our offerings both remain best-in-class and provide real-world value," said Linda McHugh, EVP, Chief Experience & People Officer at Hackensack Meridian Health. "This new program will serve as a powerful tool for both attracting new and retaining existing talent, as well as providing an added incentive for team members to remain at HMH long term and contribute to our ongoing success."

Both full-time and part-time team members in select positions - such as Certified Radiology Tech, Registered Respiratory Therapist, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Registered Nurse, and more - will be eligible for monthly contributions from HMH directly to their associate or bachelor's degree loan provider to help reduce their student loan balance. Team members can also use additional resources to help manage student loan debt, including free expert coaching sessions and informational webinars.

"Knowing that student loan debt is top of mind for many current and prospective employees, we applaud Hackensack Meridian Health's commitment to the well-being and financial stability of its team members," said Diane Bartoli, SVP of EdAssist by Bright Horizons. "We are thrilled to have partnered with this people-first organization to offer a best-in-class program to hardworking team members."

In addition to this new offering, HMH also implemented the Earn While You Learn Program last year, which enables new and existing talent to leverage their tuition benefit for critical roles while they work in a full time, part time or per diem capacity. This innovative program enables team members to gain in-demand skills for critical positions at HMH while still earning a wage, allowing them to advance their careers and help better support their families.

New team members in critical roles are eligible for tuition reimbursement immediately upon hire. Hackensack Meridian Health currently has openings in both clinical and non-clinical areas. For more information, or to find your next career opportunity, please visit Jobs.hackensackmeridianhealth.org.

About Hackensack Meridian Health
Hackensack Meridian Health is a leading not-for-profit health care organization that is the largest, most comprehensive and truly integrated health care network in New Jersey, offering a complete range of medical services, innovative research and life-enhancing care. The network has 18 hospitals and more than 500 patient care locations, which include ambulatory care centers, surgery centers, home health services, ambulance services, lifesaving air medical transportation, rehabilitation centers, urgent care centers, physician practice locations, and a fitness and wellness center. With more than 35,000 team members and 7,000 physicians, Hackensack Meridian Health is a distinguished leader in health care philanthropy and committed to the health and well-being of communities throughout New Jersey.

The network's notable distinctions include having the only #1 ranked adult and children's hospitals in New Jersey, as ranked by U.S. News & World Report, 2023-24. Hackensack University Medical Center is nationally-ranked by U.S. News & World Report in six specialties. To learn more, visit www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org.