How OhioHealth is Tackling the Education Affordability Crisis for Its Workforce

The cost of continuing education remains one of the most significant barriers preventing working adults from advancing their careers. According to recent industry research, nearly 59% of employees cite anticipated student loan debt as the primary reason they postpone pursuing additional qualifications or certifications. Despite two-thirds of the workforce expressing a strong desire to develop new skills, financial constraints consistently stand in their way.

Recognizing this widespread challenge, OhioHealth—a major healthcare provider based in Columbus, Ohio—has taken decisive action by unveiling a comprehensive education benefits transformation designed to address affordability head-on. The initiative aims to support more than 30,000 full- and part-time employees in acquiring the credentials needed for high-demand healthcare roles, including medical assistants, respiratory therapists, nurses, and technical specialists.

Breaking Down Financial Barriers Through Strategic Investment

What sets OhioHealth’s approach apart is its commitment to eliminating upfront costs entirely. Beyond the standard OhioHealth tuition reimbursement of up to $5,250 annually for all eligible workers, the organization now covers ancillary education expenses such as textbooks, course fees, and registration costs. This means associates can pursue their educational goals with minimal or zero out-of-pocket expenditure—a critical distinction that converts aspiration into action.

Employees gain immediate access to this enhanced benefit package from day one of employment, removing the typical waiting periods that often discourage new hires from exploring professional development opportunities. This streamlined approach reflects OhioHealth’s philosophy of making career advancement accessible to everyone in the organization.

A Network-Driven Model Strengthening Local Communities

The organization has deliberately partnered with over 50 postsecondary institutions, community colleges, and specialized training providers to deliver diverse pathways toward degrees and certifications. Notably, OhioHealth has prioritized collaboration with local educational institutions, making it feasible for employees to balance work and study through in-person class attendance while simultaneously bolstering the regional economy.

A significant portion of the available programs are fully funded, enabling associates to pursue associates’ and bachelor’s degrees at select partner institutions without incurring debt. This localized network strategy ensures that educational access aligns with both individual employee needs and broader community economic development.

The Strategic Partnership Driving This Transformation

OhioHealth’s education initiative builds on a decade-long partnership with EdAssist by Bright Horizons, a workforce education solutions provider serving over 200 major global employers. Through this collaboration, OhioHealth gains access to EdAssist’s extensive network spanning 220+ postsecondary institutions across the United States and its oversight of more than $1 billion in tuition benefits for various clients.

Dr. Jill Buban, Vice President and General Manager of EdAssist, emphasizes the significance of this expansion: “OhioHealth’s commitment to debt-free education demonstrates how forward-thinking employers invest in their workforce’s future. By thoughtfully integrating both local and online educational providers, OhioHealth has made it remarkably simple for associates to access quality learning opportunities that enable career progression without the burden of student debt.”

Reinforcing Organizational Values and Talent Strategy

Qiana Williams, OhioHealth’s Vice President of Total Rewards and Human Resources Operations, frames the initiative within the organization’s broader mission: “As a leading employer in Ohio, we aspire to be the workplace where talented individuals choose to build their careers. Our enhanced education benefits program sends a clear message—OhioHealth is where professional growth and lifelong learning are genuinely supported and encouraged.”

The expanded benefits have already contributed to OhioHealth’s recognition as one of FORTUNE’s “100 Best Companies to Work For” for 15 consecutive years since 2007. Additionally, the organization’s commitment to education-driven diversity and inclusion efforts has earned national recognition from DiversityInc for developing inclusive talent strategies.

Looking Beyond Traditional Employment Models

This comprehensive approach to OhioHealth tuition reimbursement and education support reflects a broader industry shift: leading employers are recognizing that competitive talent acquisition now depends on demonstrating genuine investment in workforce development. By removing financial obstacles to education, OhioHealth positions itself not merely as a workplace but as a catalyst for long-term employee career trajectories and community economic vitality.

For a healthcare organization operating 12 hospitals and 200+ ambulatory care sites across a 47-county region, this strategic focus on employee education directly supports its mission to attract and retain qualified professionals in critical shortage areas—ultimately strengthening its capacity to serve the communities it serves.