UAGC and Banner Health: A Partnership Transforming Healthcare Education

[Chandler, AZ, October 10, 2023] – In the ever-evolving world of healthcare, where compassionate professionals play a vital role in improving lives, it's crucial to have strong partnerships that empower those who heal. The collaboration between the University of Arizona Global Campus (UAGC) and Banner Health is one such alliance that stands as a beacon of hope and transformation. Since 2014, this partnership has blossomed into a dynamic force. Let's delve into how this partnership has enriched both Banner Health and its dedicated employees.

Transforming Lives, One Graduate at a Time

The numbers speak volumes about the impact of this partnership. Over the lifetime of the collaboration, 188 Banner Health employees and family members have graduated from UAGC with degrees across various disciplines. Forty-six students earned their Bachelor of Science in Nursing, with 38 benefiting from the Full Tuition Grant and eight from the Tuition Benefit. Currently, 122 Banner Health employees and family members are actively pursuing their degrees at UAGC, illustrating the enduring commitment of Banner Health and its employees to lifelong learning and career advancement.

Empowering Nurses for a Brighter Tomorrow

In a groundbreaking move, Banner Health and UAGC joined hands to address the critical nurse shortage and boost nurse retention. In July 2023, Banner Health selected five nurses to receive full scholarships from UAGC for the RN-BSN program. This historic scholarship program marks a turning point in the journey of these nurses, as they began their cohort on August 29, 2023. This initiative not only supports the dreams of aspiring nurses but also enhances the overall quality of healthcare at Banner Health.

Banner Health's commitment to education extends beyond scholarships. Eliza Jones-Hedrick, a Banner nursing leader, was appointed to the RN-BSN advisory board at UAGC. This collaboration ensures that the nursing programs at UAGC remain aligned with the evolving needs of health care, providing top-notch education for all nurses.

Unlocking Education with Unprecedented Benefits

Banner Health employees and their families are the true beneficiaries of this partnership. UAGC offers an incredible 40% tuition benefit to Banner Health employees and their family members. Let's break down the benefits:

• Full Tuition Grant (FTG): Full-time eligible Banner Health employees can apply for the FTG, which covers tuition.
• Tuition Benefit: For those not eligible for the FTG, the Tuition Benefit offers 40% tuition savings, and the added perk of extending benefits to immediate family members.

Celebrating Excellence: Banner Health Scholarship Recipients Shine Bright

To date, there are five individuals who have been awarded scholarships through the Banner Health and UAGC partnership. These outstanding scholarship recipients are:

• Chandra Mundo: Chandra is a dedicated healthcare professional whose passion for nursing has earned her this prestigious scholarship.
• Danielle Manygoat: Danielle's commitment to healthcare and education has propelled her to excel in her nursing journey.
• Jennifer Jarvis: Jennifer's determination to make a difference in the healthcare field has been recognized with this well-deserved scholarship.
• Stacie Marquez: Stacie's dedication to patient care and continuous learning has earned her a place among the scholarship recipients.
• Zara Mattox: Zara's inspiring journey in healthcare, combined with her commitment to further education, has made her a valuable recipient of this scholarship.

These scholarship winners represent the future of nursing, and their achievements are a testament to the impact of the UAGC and Banner Health partnership.

Voices of Success: UAGC and Banner Health Partnership Inspires Nursing Students and Graduates

Zara Mae Mattox, a UAGC BSN Scholarship Recipient and Women and Infant Services – Registered Nurse Operations Support Specialist at Banner Estrella Medical Center, shared her perspective on the impact of the partnership between UAGC and Banner Health. She said, "This scholarship has been heaven-sent. The short classes through UAGC and Banner’s assistance with tuition allows me to balance my goals (obtaining my BSN) with my work and home responsibilities. Thank you, Banner Health!"

Jamie Jester, BS BSN RN CBN, a Care Coordination Associate Director at Banner Gateway Medical Center and a UAGC BSN Graduate, expressed the transformation she experienced through the partnership. She stated, "The BSN degree has already helped me grow professionally and obtain career goals as I transitioned into a desired leadership position shortly after acquiring the degree. Being able to further meet my career goal of holding a leadership position in a magnet status facility is what motivated my return to school to complete my BSN degree."

Chandra Mundo, a single mother to twin girls and a dedicated Registered Nurse at Banner University Medical Center-Tucson for 12 years, shared her heartfelt testimonial about her nursing journey and the impact of her educational goals. She expressed, "Nursing is my career choice because of the high professional standards and the complexity of working with a wide variety of patients is very rewarding to me. Achieving a higher degree with the most up-to-date practices in patient care is my priority. I would love to further my nursing career as an educator, and this degree will help me achieve that goal.”

Banner Health: A Beacon of Healthcare Excellence

Banner Health's mission is clear: "making healthcare easier, so life can be better." Headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, Banner Health is one of the largest nonprofit healthcare systems in the country, providing outstanding services and compassionate care to communities nationwide. Their commitment to academic medicine through the merger with the University of Arizona Health Network further demonstrates their dedication to excellence in healthcare.

UAGC: Your Path to Success

The University of Arizona Global Campus is an educational institution with a rich legacy of over 50 associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs. The university’s accelerated online classes are designed to help you gain the skills you need to excel in your career. When you join UAGC, you become part of the proud Wildcat community, where students and alumni support each other every step of the way.

The academic partnership between UAGC and Banner Health is a shining example of how collaboration can create positive change in the healthcare industry. It empowers nurses, enhances the skills of healthcare professionals, and ultimately improves patient care. As you consider your educational journey, remember that UAGC and Banner Health are here to support you, whether you're an employee or a family member seeking to unlock the doors of opportunity. Join us on this transformative journey today!

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For more information visit https://www.uagc.edu/partnerships/corporate/banner-health.