Rasmussen University Announces New Corporate Alliance with Aspire Health Group

Rhea-AI Summary

Rasmussen University has announced a new corporate alliance with Aspire Health Group, a leading long-term healthcare provider in Florida. The alliance aims to support Aspire Health Group's 6,000+ employees in advancing their education while addressing the nursing shortage in Florida's long-term care facilities. The partnership includes a tuition grant for qualified employees on various programs, including Practical Nursing (LPN), Professional Nursing (ADN), and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

This collaboration comes at a important time as Florida's aging population is projected to increase significantly, with the 85+ age group expected to more than triple by 2030. Rasmussen University, a national leader in nursing education with five campuses in Florida, offers comprehensive support services and experienced faculty to ensure student success.

Positive

• Potential increase in student enrollment and revenue for Rasmussen University
• Expansion of Rasmussen's corporate partnerships in the healthcare sector
• Addressing the growing demand for skilled nursing professionals in Florida's long-term care facilities

Negative

• None.

Insights

Education Policy Analyst

This alliance between Rasmussen University and Aspire Health Group represents a strategic move to address the critical nursing shortage in Florida's long-term care facilities. The collaboration's timing is particularly significant given the demographic shifts projected by the U.S. Census Bureau and Florida Department of Elder Affairs.

The tuition grant offered to Aspire Health Group employees for nursing programs could potentially increase the pipeline of qualified nurses entering the long-term care sector. This is important as the American Health Care Association reports a need for hundreds of thousands of new positions in nursing homes and assisted living communities in the coming years.

However, it's important to note that while this initiative may help alleviate some staffing pressures, it's not a panacea for the broader systemic issues facing long-term care. The success of this program will largely depend on retention rates of newly trained staff and the ability to scale up quickly enough to meet the rapidly growing demand.

From a policy perspective, this private sector solution highlights the need for more comprehensive, state-level strategies to address the looming healthcare workforce crisis. Policymakers should consider complementary measures such as expedited licensing processes, increased funding for nursing education and incentives for healthcare workers to specialize in geriatric care.

Healthcare Workforce Analyst

This alliance between Rasmussen University and Aspire Health Group is a targeted approach to the workforce development challenges in Florida's long-term care sector. By offering tuition grants for nursing programs, Aspire is investing in its current workforce, which could lead to improved employee retention and job satisfaction.

The focus on both Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and Registered Nurses (RNs) is particularly astute. LPNs can be trained more quickly, providing a faster influx of skilled workers, while the pathway to RN status offers longer-term career progression. This dual approach could help address immediate staffing needs while building a sustainable talent pipeline.

However, the effectiveness of this program will depend on several factors:

• The uptake rate among Aspire's 6,000 employees
• The completion rate of enrolled students
• The retention rate of newly qualified nurses within Aspire's facilities

Moreover, while this initiative is commendable, it's important to recognize that it's a localized solution to a national problem. The healthcare industry should consider how such models can be scaled and replicated across different regions and healthcare providers to create a more robust and resilient workforce nationwide.

Alliance aims to support Aspire Health Group employees with advancing their education and help address the nursing shortage in Florida's long-term care facilities

TAMPA, Fla., Aug. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Rasmussen University is pleased to announce a new corporate alliance with Aspire Health Group, a leading long-term healthcare provider in Florida. The alliance is designed to help Aspire Health Group's employees further their education at a more affordable cost—all while they continue working as well as help meet the nursing shortage in Florida's long-term care facilities.

The relationship includes a tuition grant for qualified Aspire Health Group employees on Rasmussen's programs such as Practical Nursing (LPN), Professional Nursing (ADN), and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).¹ Additionally, the grant can be applied to various other programs both on campus or online across eight areas of study for those looking to advance their education in other fields.²

"We are thrilled to collaborate with Aspire Health Group, one of the fastest-growing long-term healthcare groups in Florida, to help meet the increasing demand to care for the state's aging population," said Paula Singer, president and chief academic officer at Rasmussen University. "This alliance comes at a pivotal time as we work to address the need to fill more LPN and RN positions in Florida's long-term healthcare facilities. We are proud to support Aspire Health Group in developing their talent from within, offering their more than 6,000 employees career advancement opportunities and a chance to make a meaningful impact in their communities."

Addressing Current and Future Demands in Long-Term Care

The demand for long-term care across the nation is rapidly increasing due to the aging population. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, by 2030, all Baby Boomers will be over the age of 65, accounting for approximately 21% of the population. In Florida, persons aged 65 and older already make up about 20 percent of the state's population, according to the Florida Department of Elder Affairs. By 2030, the age 85+ population is projected to more than triple.

This demographic shift is expected to significantly increase the demand for long-term care services, placing facilities like those operated by Aspire Health Group on the front lines of addressing this growing need. The American Health Care Association (AHCA) reports that nursing homes and assisted living communities across the country will need to fill hundreds of thousands of positions in the coming years to meet this demand. This includes a substantial number of Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and Registered Nurses (RNs), who play a crucial role in delivering quality care to residents.

"Collaborations like the one we have with Rasmussen University are crucial for our mission to provide high-quality care across our Florida communities," said Nathan Freund, chief executive officer of Aspire Health Group. "We are committed to upskilling our employee base and ensuring they have the best opportunities to grow their careers. This alliance allows our staff to gain the education they need to meet the demands of our growing population and continue delivering exceptional care to our residents."

National Leader in Nursing Education with Comprehensive Support for Aspiring Nurses

Rasmussen University is a national leader in nursing education with five campuses across Florida. With a robust network of over 8,500 nursing students, 19,500 nursing alumni, and 600 nursing faculty, students will learn from compassionate experts committed to their growth and success.³ This wealth of experience ensures that Rasmussen University understands the unique strengths and needs of nursing students throughout their education and careers.

Rasmussen University provides comprehensive support services, ensuring students have access to the resources they need. From tech help and tutors to library and learning assistance, support is always available. Additionally, experienced faculty members with industry expertise ensure that students gain relevant career skills.

For more information about Rasmussen University and its tuition grant now available to qualifying Aspire Heath Group employees, visit www.rasmussen.edu/aspire.

¹ Students with tuition rates at or lower than $258 per credit for full-time rates and $334 per credit for part-time rates are not eligible for any grants or scholarships offered by the University. Students enrolling in the Master of Science in Nursing degree program on or after January 2, 2023, may be eligible for institutional grants regardless of program or course tuition rate provided they meet all other applicable terms and conditions for the grants. Students enrolled in the Nursing Post-Graduate Certificates in Nursing Education, Healthcare Technology, Simulation and Informatics or Nursing Leadership and Administration are not eligible for any grants or scholarships offered by the University. In order to qualify for the grant, all admission requirements must be completed, and enrolling students must provide proof of eligibility by submitting proof of employment. Students cannot receive both corporate and military grants. For additional details visit: rasmussen.edu/tuition/.

² Program availability varies by campus and state; please see the Rasmussen University Catalog for details.

³ As of July 14, 2021, Rasmussen University had 8,524 students enrolled in School of Nursing programs. As of June 30, 2021, Rasmussen University had 19,539 nursing alumni. This number represents the total number of those who graduated from a School of Nursing program between March 20, 2006, and June 30, 2021. For the spring quarter of 2021 (April - June), Rasmussen University had 603 full-time and adjunct nursing faculty.

ABOUT RASMUSSEN UNIVERSITY:
Rasmussen University, a university accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (www.hlcommission.org), is dedicated to changing lives and the communities it serves through innovative educational programs. As a pioneer in career-focused education since 1900, the University is defining a new generation of higher education that focuses on competency-based education, technology and transferable skills. Rasmussen offers undergraduate and graduate programs online and in person at 20 campuses around the country. The University is designed to lift and support its students every step of the way, from each student's first credential to their last. Rasmussen is dedicated to global enrichment, serving the underserved and meeting the evolving needs of diverse students, communities and economies. Rasmussen encourages its students, faculty and staff to strive for academic excellence, community enrichment and service to the public good. Rasmussen is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Public Education, Inc. (Nasdaq: APEI). For more information about Rasmussen University, please visit www.rasmussen.edu.

ABOUT AMERICAN PUBLIC EDUCATION, INC.:
American Public Education, Inc. (Nasdaq: APEI), through its institutions American Public University System (APUS), Rasmussen University, Hondros College of Nursing and Graduate School USA (GSUSA) provides education that transforms lives, advances careers, and improves communities.

Contact: Molly Andersen
Mobile: 903.920.4366
Email: molly.andersen@rasmussen.edu

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SOURCE Rasmussen University

FAQ

What is the new corporate alliance between Rasmussen University and Aspire Health Group?

Rasmussen University has formed a corporate alliance with Aspire Health Group to offer tuition grants for qualified employees on nursing programs and other areas of study, aiming to support employee education and address the nursing shortage in Florida's long-term care facilities.

How many Aspire Health Group employees can benefit from this alliance?

Over 6,000 Aspire Health Group employees have the opportunity to benefit from this alliance with Rasmussen University, potentially advancing their education at a more affordable cost.

What nursing programs are included in the tuition grant for Aspire Health Group employees?

The tuition grant for qualified Aspire Health Group employees covers Rasmussen's Practical Nursing (LPN), Professional Nursing (ADN), and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs, as well as various other programs across eight areas of study.

How is this alliance addressing the future demands in long-term care in Florida?

The alliance aims to meet the increasing demand for long-term care in Florida by upskilling Aspire Health Group's employees and filling more LPN and RN positions, as the state's aging population is projected to grow significantly by 2030.