Pittsburgh Tuition Offers
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Tuition Programs Compared
Work To Learn Flex &Presque Isle Plan Apprenticeship
Application Information & Instructions
Campus specific instructions are below. Applicants may begin to apply to the program on a rolling basis at any time. Final decisions on candidates selected for the apprenticeship program will be notified by June 30th for the Fall semester start and by October 31st for the Spring semester start.
Pittsburgh Campus Instructions
1. Apply to the Surgical Technology program through Carlow University here. Check the box in the application that you are applying for Work To Learn Flex.2. Complete your FASFA Application and have it sent to Carlow using school code 003303.3. Applicants will receive an email with instructions on how to complete a video interview that can be completed using any device with a webcam such as a laptop, tablet, or mobile phone. If you do not have such a device, follow the instructions to request alternate arrangements in the email.4. Final candidates will be contacted for either an in-person or video interview with our admissions team.5. Selected applicants will be invited to apply to an official job posting and must pass a criminal background check, drug screening, and if a prior UPMC employee, have left with a rehireable status.*Students who are not accepted by Carlow University will not be able to proceed.
Erie Campus Instructions
1. Apply to the program through Erie County Community College here. *Use general studies as major is Surgical Tech is not displaying.3. Applicants will receive an email with instructions on how to complete a video interview that can be completed using any device with a webcam such as a laptop, tablet, or mobile phone. If you do not have such a device, follow the instructions to request alternate arrangements in the email.4. Final candidates will be contacted for either an in-person or video interview with our admissions team.5. Selected applicants will be invited to apply to an official job posting and must pass a criminal background check, drug screening, and if a prior UPMC employee, have left with a rehireable status.
*Students who are not eligible to enroll at EC3 due to any prior unpaid balance will be unable to proceed.
Additional Requirements For Current UPMC Employees
You must be in an eligible transfer status on the date classes start to participate in Work To Learn Flex which means:● Must have worked 12 months in your first role with UPMC or have supervisor approval to transfer early● Cannot have a corrective action within the past 6-months● Provide a reference from your current manager including a summary of your attendance OR give permission to obtain a reference from your manager. ● PTO: Vacations (extended time off) can only be taken during scheduled breaks on the academic calendar. PTO can be used for sick days or an appointment but not for extended periods of time off during the 20 months of enrollment. Please ensure you review the academic calendar before you apply to make sure there are no conflicts as no exceptions can be made. Classes start every August and January for planning purposes.● UPMC employees who are not enrolled in Work To Learn Flex and are enrolling as traditional students (paying your tution in full) do not need to meet these requirements.
Work To Learn Flex &Presque Isle Plan Apprenticeship
Application Information & Instructions
This is a separate application from your application to the college, and you must complete both applications.
All Work To Learn Flex applicants must apply to the job posting through the UPMC Careers website in addition to applying to their college and interview for the program with a limited number of seats available.
Fall 2024 Apprenticeship Application Deadline is May 31st● Applicants for the Work To Learn Flex Apprenticeship must have submitted their completed Carlow application including transcripts, completed their video interview by end of day Friday May 31st to be considered for the apprenticeship program for the Fall Semester. ● Face-to-face Program interviews must be scheduled and completed by June 14th.● Applicants who do not meet this deadline will still be considered for the Spring semester
Applicants who are not applying for an apprenticeship opportunity have until August 9th to submit a completed application including transcripts.
Pittsburgh Campus Instructions
1. Apply to the Surgical Technology program through Carlow University here. Check the box in the application that you are applying for Work To Learn Flex.2. Complete your FASFA Application and have it sent to Carlow using school code 003303.3. Complete the job application through UPMC's Careers website for the Surgical Technologist Student Position here. (Current UPMC's employees should apply in HR Direct by clicking here.)4. Applicants will receive an email with instructions on how to complete a video interview that can be completed using any device with a webcam such as a laptop, tablet, or mobile phone. If you do not have such a device, follow the instructions to request alternate arrangements in the email.5. Final candidates will be contacted for either an in-person or video interview with our admissions team.6. Accepted applicants will be required to attend an orientation session.
*Students who are not accepted by Carlow University will not be able to proceed.
Erie Campus Instructions
1. Apply to the program through Erie County Community College here. *Use general studies as major is Surgical Tech is not displaying.2. Complete the job application through UPMC's Careers website for the Surgical Technologist Student Position here. (Current UPMC's employees should complete in HR Direct by clicking here.)3. Applicants will receive an email with instructions on how to complete a video interview that can be completed using any device with a webcam such as a laptop, tablet, or mobile phone. If you do not have such a device, follow the instructions to request alternate arrangements in the email.4. Final candidates will be contacted for either an in-person or video interview with our admissions team.5. Accepted applicants will be required to attend an orientation session.
*Students who are not eligible to enroll at EC3 due to any prior unpaid balance will be unable to proceed.
Additional Requirements For Current UPMC Employees
You must be in an eligible transfer status on the date classes start to participate in Work To Learn Flex which means:● Must have worked 12 months in your first role with UPMC or have supervisor approval to transfer early● Cannot have a corrective action within the past 6-months● Provide a reference from your current manager including a summary of your attendance OR give permission to obtain a reference from your manager. ● PTO: Vacations (extended time off) can only be taken during scheduled breaks on the academic calendar. PTO can be used for sick days or an appointment but not for extended periods of time off during the 20 months of enrollment. Please ensure you review the academic calendar before you apply to make sure there are no conflicts as no exceptions can be made. Classes start every August and January for planning purposes.● UPMC employees who are not enrolled in Work To Learn Flex and are enrolling as traditional students (paying your tution in full) do not need to meet these requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Work To Learn Flex
Why is UPMC offering this program?
The cost of education is one of the greatest barriers for people who want to go back to school followed by time. Juggling paying the bills, family and other personal obligations, and the expense of college hold back millions of people from advancing their professional and financial growth. Education is core to our non-profit mission, and investing in your future is also an investment in our communities and patients. If you are willing to invest in yourself, we are ready to invest in you.
What is a "Registered Apprenticeship?"
Registered apprenticeships are sponsored by State and Federal Government agencies and provide funding to help make obtaining new career pathways for job seekers accessible, affordable, and provide income while doing so.
How does the $0 in tuition costs work?
You agree to work for UPMC for 3-years after graduation. Beginning the first month after you start working for UPMC in the Surgical Technologist role, you will receive a monthly prorated payment for 36 months until your total tuition costs are paid in full less the tuition advancement already paid by UPMC and any grants or scholarships you have received.
Example: Total Tuition Costs: $28,000Tuition Advancement. -$12,000 (money UPMC provided previously)Grants/Scholarships: -$ 2,000Total Student Expense: $14,000
$14K divided by 36 (number of months in your work agreement) = 388.88 monthly payroll deposit.
*You should use this payment to pay your student loan servicer. If funds are not used for this purpose, UPMC's responsibility is paid in full and you are responsible for your student loan debt.
Other education costs such as books and lab scrubs are not included. All lab supplies are included in the cost of your tuition.**I'm a current UPMC employee. Can I keep my current position and have this benefit?
Work To Learn Flex is designed to create work-life-balance with your course load, but you can enroll and stay in your current position if you prefer. ● Ensure your work schedule can accommodate your course schedule course load and schedule.● Understand that during the ST core in your final two semesters plus a summer semester, you will need near 40-hours of daylight availability from 6:30 AM to 3 PM Monday through Friday.● We highly recommend talking with your current manager about flexible scheduling options.
Tuition Benefit:After completion of your 3-year work agreement, 100% of your tuition and fees will be paid in full by UPMC.● You will receive $6K per academic year in tuition advancement as part of your UPMC employee benefits to partially fund your tuition expenses. ● $15,010 from the Future Life Changer's Fund● Forgiveness of all program fees
Part Time UPMC EmployeesYour employee tuition benefit will only cover $3K per academic year if you remain in a part-time role. Search Tuition on InfoNet for more information.If I am a current UPMC employee and make a higher wage, can I keep it?
No. The registered apprenticeship pay rates are fixed rates and increase as apprentices meet milestones in the apprenticeship. As a current UPMC employee, you are eligible for the tuition incentives if you stay in your current role.
What happens if I start working for UPMC after graduation and need to leave UPMC?
Any payments on your student loans will cease to be made, and you will be responsible for paying your remaining student loan debt to your loan servicer. If you leave prior to completing 1 year of service from the time you received any tuition advancement funds, you will be required to repay any tuition advancement you received as a UPMC employee.
Other things to consider: You are vested in your retirement benefits at 3-years - which includes UPMC's match to your 401K and money UPMC has put into your Savings Plan (pension). You will also lose these funds as well if you exit prior to your 3-year anniversary if you were eligible for these benefits.Is this a taxable benefit?
Yes. Per IRS regulations, tuition advancement and any funds paid to you to cover your education costs are taxable income.
However, you may qualify for the American Opportunity Tax Credit of up to $2500 per year or the Lifetime Learning Credit. We do not provide tax advice and suggest you consult with your tax professional. The credits typically will cover your taxes and leave you with additional money left over.UPMC will give me $12K for tuition during school?
As part of our Total Rewards benefit package, all flex-full-time and full-time UPMC employees are eligible for $6K per year in tuition assistance when you get a C or better in your courses.
Students at the Pittsburgh campus are eligible for $6K in tuition advancement per year for a total of $12K over the program. Tuition assistance dollars are a taxable benefit. You must work for UPMC for 12 months from the date the tuition assistance dollars are paid to you or your college or will be required to pay the awarded dollars back. *This benefit is not currently eligible for the Erie program as Erie County Community College's tuition is covered by a grant.Does the work I will be doing really benefit my education?
It sure does! Students in the Work To Learn Flex program have a huge advantage as you will begin your surgical technology core already knowing instruments, instrument trays for specific surgeries, and sterilization methods that are on your certification exam. Additionally, you will have an understanding of how the operating room environment works and advanced exposure to surgical services. This will reduce your study load greatly and is a huge benefit to your education.
What happens if I don't average 28 hours per week?
Our team monitors your hours and will work with you to ensure you don't drop below the required threshold. You also have access to your timecards to monitor on your own, and proactively get warnings.
If you fall below 28 hours, you would be in jeopardy of losing benefits eligibility which coud mean a higher cost for your medical, dental, and vision coverage and a loss of your tuition benefits. Picking up extra hours can correct this. You also only need to average 28 hours thus if you worked 25 hours one week and 30 the next, you would still be averaging 28 or more hours per week.Are my direct dependents also eligible for the benefits in UPMC's Total Rewards?
Yes. Your children, spouse or domestic partner are also eligible to enroll in your medical, dental, vision, and life insurance as well as other benefits.
Does UPMC cover student loan interest?
No. It is recommended that if you have subsidized loans, you pay the interest each month with your UPMC provided reimbursement. This amount is only a few dollars.
For unsubsidized student loans, interest begins to accrue when you receive your financial aid award, and you can begin making interest only payments at that time if you choose to. This is only a few dollars per month.Can I work more than 28 hours a week?
This is contingent upon your academic performance.Grades must be a C or higher (2.0). If grades in a course fall below this threshold, they must increase above a 2.0 before additional hours can be worked.
UPMC Employees Enrolling In The ProgramEmployees must also meet this requirement to moonlight or take shifts in their old department. Hours worked outside of the apprenticeship program require approval before they are worked.
Employees Staying In Their Current PositionThis is not applicable to you.Tuition Advancement
UPMC will advance $6K per academic year to Carlow University. You must have a C or higher in the course or will be required to repay the amount though payroll deductions.
Certification Requirement
Graduates must be certified within 6 months from their date of higher as a Surgical Technologist as required by Pennsylvania Law. Certification Prep and sitting for the exam are part of your program.
Tuition payments are contingent upon passing your certification exam within the 6 months from your official date of hire. You are not eligible to receive tuition payments until you have passed your certification exam.
Once you pass your certification, you will receive back payments for any months not paid and this does not extend your work agreement. Failure to become certified within the 6-month period results in forfeiture of any tuition payments.
Future Life Changers Fund
Does UPMC cover student loan interest?
No. It is recommended that if you have subsidized loans, you pay the interest each month with your UPMC provided reimbursement. This amount is only a few dollars.
For unsubsidized student loans, interest begins to accrue when you receive your financial aid award, and you can begin making interest only payments at that time if you choose to. This is only a few dollars per month.Can I enroll in the Work To Learn Flex Apprenticeship Program later if I change my mind?
It depends on if there are any available slots in the program and because of required on-the-job training requirements, if you have experience that can be credited towards meeting those requirements.
You are able to seek other employment opportunities with UPMC while enrolled in school and may be able to take advantage of UPMC's tution benefits if you are working at least part time.
Note: If any UPMC tuition reimbursement benefits are used towards the 38 credits, that amount will be deducted from the amount UPMC pays you monthly after graduation.What if I changed my mind and do not work for UPMC after graduation?
You simply will not receive any loan forgiveness and will cover 100% of your education costs. You are not contractually obligated until you accept employment during job placement with UPMC.
Certification Requirement
Graduates must be certified within 6 months from their date of higher as a Surgical Technologist as required by Pennsylvania Law. Certification Prep and sitting for the exam are part of your program.
Tuition payments are contingent upon passing your certification exam within the 6 months from your official date of hire. You are not eligible to receive tuition payments until you have passed your certification exam.
Once you pass your certification, you will receive back payments for any months not paid and this does not extend your work agreement. Failure to become certified within the 6-month period results in forfeiture of any tuition payments.
Presque Isle Plan
What is the difference between this plan and Work To Learn Flex?
EC3 is not currently eligible to offer Federal Financial Aid because they are a new school & this process takes several years. Due to this, employee tuition benefits are not available. Work To Learn Flex students cover their tuition costs with a mix of student's loans and their tuition advancement benefit that is not possible for Erie students currently.
The only difference is that for Erie employees enrolling, you receive tuition deferment and UPMC pays the school on your behalf. This mirrors the employee tuition benefit and its requirements.What happens if I don't average 28 hours per week? (Apprenticeship Students)
Our team monitors your hours and will work with you to ensure you don't drop below the required threshold. You also have access to your timecards to monitor on your own, and proactively get warnings.
If you fall below 28 hours, you would be in jeopardy of losing benefits eligibility which coud mean a higher cost for your medical, dental, and vision coverage and a loss of your tuition benefits. Picking up extra hours can correct this. You also only need to average 28 hours thus if you worked 25 hours one week and 30 the next, you would still be averaging 28 or more hours per week.Can I work more than 28 hours a week?
This is contingent upon your academic performance and hours being available.
Grades must be a C or higher (2.0). If grades in a course fall below this threshold, they must increase above a 2.0 before additional hours can be worked.
UPMC Employees Enrolling In The Program
Employees must also meet this requirement to moonlight or take shifts in their old department. Hours worked outside of the apprenticeship program require approval before they are worked.Does the work I will be doing really benefit my education?
It sure does! Students in the Apprenticeship Program have a huge advantage as you will begin your surgical technology core already knowing instruments, instrument trays for specific surgeries, and sterilization methods that are on your certification exam. Additionally, you will have an understanding of how the operating room environment works and advanced exposure to surgical services. This will reduce your study load greatly and is a huge benefit to your education.
Do I pay taxes on the tuition costs UPMC pays?
Yes. This is considered income under IRS guidelines. UPMC withholds taxes on tuition payments quarterly.
For Apprenticeship or current UPMC employees staying in the current role, these are withheld quarterly.
For Pay As You Go students, taxes are withheld each month when you receive your monthly payments over the 36-month work agreement period.What if I changed my mind and do not work for UPMC after graduation?
Apprenticeship & UPMC Employees staying in an existing role:You would be required to repay any funds provided by UPMC. Speak to a UPMC enrollment advisor for details.
Pay As You Go StudentsYou are not contractually obligated until you accept employment during job placement with UPMC. If you leave UPMC before your work agreement is over, your payments will end, and you are subject to repay any funds given to you.Certification Requirement
Graduates must be certified within 6 months from their date of higher as a Surgical Technologist as required by Pennsylvania Law. Certification Prep and sitting for the exam are part of your program.
Apprenticeship & Current UPMC Employees Staying In Their Current Role:If you do not pass your certification exam within 6-months, you may be required to repay tuition funds paid on your behalf.
Pay As You Go Students:Tuition payments are contingent upon passing your certification exam within the 6 months from your official date of hire. You are not eligible to receive tuition payments until you have passed your certification exam.
Once you pass your certification, you will receive back payments for any months not paid and this does not extend your work agreement. Failure to become certified within the 6-month period may result in forfeiture of any tuition payments.