New for 2024: The TPMG Choice program for TPMG nurses is no longer accepting new participants. This tuition assistance is available only for those who were previously accepted for the TPMG Choice program and are continuing the same degree program. TPMG Choice participants who previously completed or discontinued a degree program will not be eligible to apply for a new degree program. This tuition assistance is available only for TPMG non-represented benefited (20+ hours) registered nurse employees, with the approval of the employee’s manager.
Program overview
The TPMG Choice program is designed to provide tuition assistance for The Permanente Medical Group (TPMG) non-represented benefited registered nurses in Northern California to increase their professional practice and leadership development. The program provides eligible RN employees the option to obtain a degree at an accredited university or college.
- Assistant Nurse Managers
- Clinical Nurses
- CNEs
- Nurse Directors
- Nurse Managers
Program details
The qualified degree programs must be at an accredited school. Acceptable degrees include RN to BSN degrees, master’s degrees and doctoral degrees. The degree will be reviewed and approved by a selection committee. The applicant must be approved by the employee’s direct supervisor.
- Annual application to Nurse Scholars Academy (NSA) is required.
- Availability of tuition assistance is based on annual TPMG Choice program funding.
- Participating employees must maintain good standing as defined by the academic institution for continued funding.
- Qualified education assistance funds (e.g. National Tuition Reimbursement, TPMG Choice program) received from Kaiser Permanente amounting to more than $5,250 per year are taxable income.
This tuition assistance is available only for TPMG NCAL non-represented benefited (20+ hours) registered nurse employees, with the approval of the employee’s manager. These employees should have at least 90 days of service as a KP employee and be currently accepted into an accredited BSN or graduate program.
Eligibility
New for 2024: The TPMG Choice program for TPMG nurses is no longer accepting new participants.
- This tuition assistance is available only for those who were previously accepted by the TPMG Choice program and are continuing the same degree program.
- TPMG Choice participants who previously completed or discontinued a degree program will not be eligible to apply for a new degree program.
- This tuition assistance is available only for TPMG non-represented benefited (20+ hours) registered nurse employees, with the approval of the employee’s manager.
- Applicant must already be accepted into an accredited BSN or graduate degree program, was previously accepted by TPMG Choice, and continuing the same degree program.
- The qualified degree programs must be at an accredited school. Acceptable degrees include RN to BSN degrees, master’s degrees and doctoral degrees. The degree will be reviewed and approved by a selection committee. Nurse Practitioner (NP), Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM), and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) programs are not covered at this time.
- The applicant must be approved by the employee’s direct supervisor.
- Annual application to NSA is required.
- Availability of tuition assistance is based on annual TPMG Choice program funding.
- Participating employees must maintain good standing as defined by the academic institution for continued funding.
- Qualified education assistance funds (e.g. National Tuition Reimbursement, TPMG Choice program) received from Kaiser Permanente amounting to more than $5,250 per year are taxable income.
All financial items are subject to review and the discretion of the NSA.
- Tuition assistance includes course/class tuition fees, required reading materials, laboratory fees, and loans and financial aid that need to be repaid
- Tuition assistance DOES NOT include any scholarships, grants or stipends that do not need to be repaid or hotels and travel costs
- Eligible employees may apply for tuition assistance up to a maximum of $5,000 per year for bachelor’s degree programs, up to a maximum of $6,000 per year for master’s degree programs, and up to a maximum of $9,000 per year for doctoral degree programs.
- Actual tuition assistance awarded is based on the applicant’s tuition need for the current calendar year:
| Example Tuition Assistance Calculation | |
|---|---|
| Maria is pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing | |
| $7,000 Tuition Cost | |
| - | $3,000 National Tuition Reimbursement |
| = | $4,000 Remaining Tuition Need |
| TPMG Choice Master’s Degree Maximum: $6,000/year | |
| Maria’s TPMG Choice Tuition Assistance: $4,000 | |
Note: The maximum Kaiser Permanente tuition reimbursement amount (currently $3,000 for Northern California non-represented employees) will always be taken into consideration when evaluating the applicant’s annual tuition need (see example above).
Important dates
| Application Period | Payout |
|---|---|
| October 1, 2024 - October 31, 2024 | December 2024 |
How to apply
The application period for the 2024 TPMG Choice Program closed October 31, 2024.
You may submit your application at any time during an open period. Please note that funds are limited – we encourage you to apply as early as you are able.
- If approved, applicants will receive a letter from the NSA with details on when they will receive the disbursement.
- TPMG Choice program awards will be distributed through Payroll directly into the employee’s paycheck.
Note: tuition assistance disbursement will be a one-time payout per year in December.
Applications should include:
- Résumé or CV.
- A brief statement of purpose describing how the academic program will influence the applicant’s professional practice and leadership development at KP.
- Proof of acceptance into the academic degree program (e.g. a letter of acceptance, registration, proof of enrollment, unofficial transcript).
- Applicant’s direct supervisor’s name, NUID, and KP email.
The applicant should notify their direct supervisor that the NSA will send a reference form for the supervisor to complete and show his or her support for the applicant. The supervisor should know that the applicant is planning to apply for the TPMG Choice program.
For continuing approved TPMG Choice participants, complete and submit a Confirmation Form/Letter of Agreement with the NSA. The applicant will be instructed to complete the form as part of the acceptance process.
- Continue to maintain the original KP employee TPMG Choice program eligibility requirements.
- Maintain good standing as defined by the academic institution if you reapply to the TPMG Choice program.
- Maintain “successful” or higher annual performance rating (direct supervisor will be asked to provide documentation).
- Participate in NSA benchmarking surveys if requested.
- Submit documentation of degree program completion.
- Continued employment commitment to TPMG.
Note: Compliance with these expectations will be taken into consideration for those who reapply to the TPMG Choice program.
Financial assistance
- Tuition assistance is available to nurses who participate in this program.
- Kaiser Permanente employees also may be eligible for tuition reimbursement and employee discounts through HRConnect.
- The applicant’s college or university may have additional information about other financial aid and scholarships.
Tax implications for this tuition assistance
- Annual funds from Qualified Educational Assistance Programs (e.g. National Tuition Reimbursement, TPMG Choice program) received from Kaiser Permanente amounting to more than $5,250 are taxable income.
- Annual funds received from the National Tuition Reimbursement benefit continue to remain non-taxable income.
- Annual funds received from the TPMG Choice program up to $2,250 will be non-taxable income. Funds received from the TPMG Choice program above $2,250 will be taxed.
Note: The employee’s paycheck will indicate which funds received are taxable income. As appropriate, taxes will be deducted on taxable income by National Payroll Services.
- Tuition costs must be incurred during the same calendar year the applicant is applying for tuition assistance. Note: Applicants can apply for tuition assistance through the TPMG Choice program for tuition they paid earlier in the current calendar year.
- For costs in a future calendar year, please wait until that year to apply for tuition assistance.
- Tuition costs incurred in previous calendar years are not covered under the TPMG Choice program.
Contacts
For additional questions about TPMG Choice, email Richard Kimbrel.