New college program means no out-of-pocket costs for team members 

Orlando Health team members who want to pursue an associate degree, bachelor’s degree, or certificate at Valencia College, can do so without incurring any out-of-pocket costs. Effective December 1, 2020, the healthcare system will launch its Preferred Education Program which allows team members to attend Valencia College and pay nothing upfront. Orlando Health will pay 100 percent of the cost of tuition and books directly to the college, up to the annual cap limit for full-time and part-time team members. 

“Team members are the foundation of everything we do, so investing in their future is exceptionally important to us,” said Joy Sylvester, corporate director of human resources for Orlando Health. “Our new program removes what may be a financial barrier to individuals who want to pursue additional education; making it easier for them to reach career and life goals.”  

Under the new Preferred Education Program, which is administered by Bright Horizons EdAssist Solutions,  team members can pursue degrees or certificates in more than 120 Valencia College programs including nursing, diagnostic medical sonography, respiratory care, emergency medical technology, health services administration and food services management. Team members will also be able to receive one-on-one support from Bright Horizons EdAssist Solutions academic coaches, who will help guide them through every step of their academic journey. 

Valencia’s flexible online courses make it easy for team members to balance their careers, personal lives, and learning whether they work at an Orlando Health facility in Orlando, St. Petersburg, Ocala Okeechobee or any of the organization’s more than 400 offices, hospitals and care centers.