End-of-Year reimbursement deadline is Dec 31!

by Kayla Harris | Oct 29, 2024 | News | 0 comments

Reimbursement Deadline: December 31, 2024

Submit your 2024 tuition assistance, education, training, or professional development reimbursement funding requests by Dec. 31. We encourage you to submit funding requests and supporting documentation early to make the deadline.

Note: The Training Fund office will be closed from Dec 24, 2024 – Jan 01, 2025.

Although you can continue submitting reimbursement funding requests through Dec 31, our staff will not be available to respond or provide support while our office is closed.

Submit your reimbursement funding request early!

Tuition Assistance

Submit Tuition Assistance funding requests with this request form.

Professional Development

Eligible Professional Development activities can be reimbursed using these forms. Be sure to use the form under your Bargaining Unit (Service, Professional/Technical, or RN).

Not sure which bargaining unit you belong to? Look up your union contract and search for your employer and job title. Or contact us.

Your $300/year Professional Development benefit now covers State and Federal licenses required for employment as of September 1, 2024.

Professional Development now covers License Fees

by Kayla Harris | Oct 15, 2024 | News | 0 comments

The Training Fund Professional Development benefit has now been expanded to cover reimbursement for State and Federal licenses required for employment, and eligible professional development activities for all bargaining units!

Members can use this benefit to seek reimbursement for any activity/payment from September 1, 2024 onward.

You can now use your $300/year Professional Development reimbursement benefit to cover State and Federal licenses required for employment.

This also includes annual WA Department of Health License Renewals

You will need to provide:

valid proof of payment
- (Receipt that includes: Name, Date of payment & Paid activity)
a copy of your license info that was paid when making this request
- (screenshot directly from the DOH website – after renewal – is acceptable proof)

Make sure you submit all 2024 funding requests before the Dec 31 deadline (see below).

Learn More & Access Request Forms

Professional Development Benefits

Tuition Assistance Snapshot: In 2021, 1,061 members used Tuition Assistance to support their education goals. Maximum TA amounts are: $3,500 for Service Bargaining Unit members, and $5,250 for Pro/Tech and RN Bargaining Unit members.

End-of-Year Reimbursement Deadline: December 31, 2024

Submit your reimbursement funding requests for 2024 tuition assistance, education, training, or professional development by Dec. 31, 2024. The sooner, the better!

NOTE: The Training Fund Office is closed Dec. 24 – 31, 2024

Although you can continue submitting reimbursement funding requests through Dec 31, our staff will not be available to respond or provide support while our office is closed.

Submit your reimbursement funding request early!

Photo of a diverse group of healthcare workers siting and writing.

Medical Assistants Week 2024: Training Fund benefits for Service members

by Kayla Harris | Oct 9, 2024 | News | 0 comments

Happy Medical Assistants Week!

Medical Assistants Recognition Week, October 21-25, celebrates Medical Assistants (MAs) and the important work that they do in healthcare settings.

We have several programs, opportunities, and support services to help MAs (as Service Bargaining Unit members) achieve their education and career goals.

Benefits for Training Fund Service Members

Tuition Assistance

Tuition Assistance (TA) can cover school-related costs like tuition, books, and other fees for approved programs. After 1 year with your employer, Service bargaining unit members can apply for Tuition Assistance.

Increase in Tuition Assistance for Service members!

Eligible Service members can now apply for up to $5,250 in Tuition Assistance. The previous annual maximum cap for Service members was $3,500.

This is a limited-time opportunity that is only available on a first-come-first-served basis, or while available grant funds remains.

Learn More

Blue background with quote and photo of Theresa Rosenfeld "The additional Service member Tuition Assistance funding made it possible for me to accept my spot in the LPN program. It was what I needed to cover required books and nursing specific supplies. If I did not have this additional funding, I might have had to take a year off of school, instead of taking this step in my education"- Theresa Rosenfeld, Medical Assistant, Kaiser Permanente, Member Since 2021.

Professional Development

Service members can access to up to $300/year in Professional Development reimbursement for:

Continuing Education Unit (CEU) conference registration, courses, and required materials
Professional Memberships
National Certifications exams or courses/review materials that prepare members for those exams

You can also use your Professional Development funds to cover the cost of BLS/CPR/ACLS/PALS Certification through LifeTek. Training Fund members receive a discount! Learn More

You also have free access to unlimited CEU courses through HealthStream.

English Tutoring

Improve your listening, speaking, reading, and writing with the Training Fund’s SMRT English program that has English Language courses specifically designed for healthcare professionals.

This easy-to-use, fun, online English learning includes a personal English Tutor, healthcare-specific English lessons, support for every level of English, and training on using computers and the internet safely. SMRT English tutoring is free for Training Fund members.

Connect with your Training Fund Navigator to discuss your tutoring needs before requesting a tutor.

Questions? Email or call us at (425) 255-0315.

Laptop & Hotspot Lending

Laptop Lending

We partner with Eduscape to provide laptops – free of charge – to Training Fund members who are currently enrolled in Training Fund programs. This short-term laptop loan can help you achieve your education goals. Loans generally cannot exceed 90 days, and our staff can work with you to overcome barriers and get your own permanent device.

Mobile Hotspot Lending

The Training Fund provides mobile hotspots – free of charge – for eligible members who have limited Internet connectivity and are participating in approved Training Fund programs. These hotspots are provided by our partner, Eduscape.

Get connected to these lending programs and explore other supportive services.

Interested in becoming a Medical Assistant? Learn more about our MA Apprenticeship Program

Tuition Assistance deadline is October 15

by trainingfund | Aug 20, 2024 | News | 0 comments

Training Fund members can apply for Tuition Assistance (TA) to cover school-related costs like tuition, books, and other fees for approved programs at accredited and approved schools.

The deadline to apply for Tuition Assistance for courses beginning January 2025 or later is October 15, 2024.

Note: If you’re currently an active TA user, you do not need to re-apply for this benefit.

Apply early to receive expert guidance and support from our education Navigators! You do not have to be admitted into a program or know the details before applying for Tuition Assistance – our Navigators are available to work with you and create a plan to succeed.

Note: If you’re currently an active TA user, you do not need to re-apply for this benefit.

The TA benefit is based on your Bargaining Unit and FTE:

Service members maximum Tuition Assistance has increased for limited time from $3,500 to $5,250/year. Learn More
Pro/Tech members maximum Tuition Assistance is $5,250/year
RN members maximum Tuition Assistance is $5,250/year. Additional $3,000/year RN Scholarship is available while funding lasts. Learn More

How to apply for Tuition Assistance:

Complete a Training Fund member application to connect with an Intake Coordinator and Resource Specialist, and get assigned an Education Navigator
Work with your Navigator on an education plan and resources while Tuition Assistance spots are allocated
Register for classes & submit your request for funding, if you qualify for Tuition Assistance
Explore other benefits with your Navigator, e.g., career counseling and tutoring.

My Training Fund Navigator was really great. He walked me through the whole process: applying to the Training Fund, qualifying for Tuition Assistance, and then sending me resources for scholarships to keep my costs as low as possible.

When I was unsure about things, he would reach out on my behalf to help me navigate. He definitely went above and beyond!

Paisha Andersen

Nursing Assistant , MultiCare Deaconess

EVS Week 2024: Training Fund benefits for Service members

by Kayla Harris | Aug 20, 2024 | News | 0 comments

Happy Environmental Services Week!

National Environmental Services week, September 8th-14th, honors the important work that EVS staff perform in healthcare facilities to promote better patient care. We have several programs, opportunities, and support services to help our EVS and Service members achieve education and career goals.

Benefits for Training Fund Service Members

Tuition Assistance

Members can apply for Tuition Assistance (TA), which can cover school-related costs like tuition, books, and other fees for approved programs. After 1 year of service with your employer, Service members can apply for Tuition Assistance.

Increase in Tuition Assistance for Service members!

Eligible Service members can now apply for up to $5,250 in Tuition Assistance. The previous annual maximum cap for Service members was $3,500.

This is a limited-time opportunity that is only available on a first-come-first-served basis, or until available grant funds are exhausted.

Learn More

I am working full time and wanted to continue my education goals. I thought they would be out of reach since I was struggling with funds but because of the Tuition Assistance and the Service member Tuition Assistance funding increase I am able to take the pre-req classes I need to be able to eventually apply for nursing school.

Amanda Chu

Medical Assistant, UW Medical Center- Northwest Campus

Professional Development

Service members have access to up to $300/year in Professional Development reimbursement for:

Continuing Education Unit (CEU) conference registration, courses, and required materials
Professional Memberships
National Certifications exams or courses/review materials that prepare members for those exams

You can use your Professional Development funds to cover the cost of BLS/CPR/ACLS/PALS Certification through LifeTek! Training Fund members receive a discount. Learn More

You also have free access to unlimited CEU courses through HealthStream.

Advanced Certification for EVS Technicians (ACET)

The Advanced Certification for EVS Technicians (ACET) program allows EVS members to learn more skills and possibly receive certification pay. This healthcare industry-informed 24-hour EVS professional training program combines interactive online learning and examination with onsite training and assessment.

English Tutoring

Improve your English listening, speaking, reading, and writing with the Training Fund’s SMRT English program that has English Language courses specifically designed for healthcare professionals.

This easy to use, fun, online English learning includes a personal English Tutor, healthcare specific English lessons, support for every level of English, and training on using computers and internet safely. SMRT English tutoring is free for Training Fund members.

Connect with your Training Fund Navigator to discuss your tutoring needs before requesting a tutor.

Questions? Email or call us at (425) 255-0315.

Laptop & Hotspot Lending

Laptop Lending

We partner with Eduscape to provide laptops – free of charge – to Training Fund members who are currently enrolled in Training Fund programs. This program offers a short-term laptop loan to help you achieve your education goals. Loans are not intended to exceed 90 days or during the decided duration for an approved Training Fund program. Our staff can also work with you to overcome barriers for your own permanent resource.

Mobile Hotspot Lending

The Training Fund has mobile hotspots – free of charge – available to support eligible members who have limited Internet connectivity and are participating in approved Training Fund programs. These hotspots are provided by our partner, Eduscape.

Get connected to these lending programs and explore other supportive services.

Graduation Celebrations

by Kayla Harris | Aug 19, 2024 | News, Success Story | 0 comments

Congratulations, Graduates!

Kudos and congratulations to all our graduating members and apprentices!

We celebrated several program graduations over the summer, including: Bellevue College’s RN to BSN pinning ceremony, Introduction to Healthcare employment & Apprenticeship Program (with Seattle Jobs Initiative), Behavioral Health Apprenticeship graduation, and our first Pharmacy Technician Apprenticeship with Sno-Isle TECH Skills Center.

We are so proud of all these new graduates: Nursing Assistant-Certified participants who completed their training; and the Medical Assistant apprentices, Behavioral Health, and Pharmacy Technician apprentices who have completed their apprenticeships.

Behavioral Health Apprenticeship Graduation

The Training Fund hosted our first Behavioral Health Apprenticeship graduation on July 18th, 2024. We celebrated graduates from our Behavioral Health Technician Apprenticeship, Peer Counselor Apprenticeship, and Substance Use Disorder Professional Apprenticeship programs. It has been our honor to support these apprentices on their journey and celebrate this huge accomplishment.

“I currently work with residents with dementia, Alzheimer’s, or schizophrenia. It was different to me and I wanted to learn more about these health issues that constantly develop with our elderly population. The more the class progressed, the more I learned on how these health issues can be caused or how we can assist these residents as well.

The Training Fund constantly checks up on me and sees how I am doing with work as well as any needs I may have. I always had a fear of speaking publicly but with Jessica as our instructor for BHT she brought me out of my shell, and I completely lost that fear.”

Karla Martinez-Zuniga, Behavioral Health Technician Apprentice, Cascade Senior Living Services

Learn More about Behavioral Health Apprenticeships

RN to BSN Pinning Ceremony

Congratulations to the members who graduated from the RN-to-BSN program at Bellevue College this year. The program is part-time or full-time, low-residency, and has a flexible hybrid model. Training Fund members have priority acceptance into this program.

Photo of Meeral standing in front of a Graduation banner holding her pin.

“Going to school while working full time and balancing a family can be really challenging. The Training Fund helped by covering tuition, fees, and books for my last 2 quarters of the BSN program. I have always wanted to work in healthcare and although my role has changed over time, the passion and reward I feel in taking care of others endures. I’m so fortunate to have had the opportunity to do a residency in the NICU and I love my patients and being able to help families through what can be a really challenging time. “

Meeral Khatri, RN, Valley Medical Center

Learn More about RN to BSN at Bellevue College

Introduction to Healthcare employment and Apprenticeship Programs (IHAP)

Fifteen participants graduated from the Spring 2024 IHAP cohort with Seattle Jobs Initiative. Our first IHAP cohort in Pierce County in partnership with Arivva also completed their training.

“I want to start off with saying that my passion is caregiving. Unfortunately, I struggled with addiction issues. My addiction ended up taking me away from my family, my friends, my passion. I had to change the people and places around me. I’m actually gaining two years of sobriety this month. I decided to work in the IHAP program, after I saw others complete the IHAP program and the NA-C program. This is an opportunity to get back into my passion.”

Kianna Hill

Kianna also went on to complete the Nursing Assistant- Certified Training Program. She adds, “I really learned a ton from doing my clinicals. The training I went through has helped me be able to jump right in to my new NAC job at Kline Galland Home. I am consistently using the skills I obtained throughout IHAP as well as my NAC courses. I absolutely love being able to make my residents smile and make their days better.”

Learn More about IHAP

Pharmacy Technician Apprenticeship in High School

The pilot Sno-Isle TECH Skills Center (Snohomish County) apprenticeship program for Pharmacy Technicians is a first-of-its-kind apprenticeship opportunity for high school students in WA state. Apprentices also earn college credit in partnership with North Seattle College. We are thrilled to celebrate the first graduates of this program!

“This program is geared toward the industry. We are developing students so that they are industry ready when they complete the program. They got their high school credits, college credits, and got paid while they were doing it. It’s a win win win!”

Shelly Griner, Instructor

Sno-Isle Tech Skills Center Pharmacy Technician Apprenticeship graduatation

“This apprenticeship program has impacted my life by creating the opportunity for me to apply my love for healthcare, and also help others in the real world,”

Arizona, first apprentice of the Sno-Isle TECH Skills Center Pharmacy Technician Apprenticeship class