Mercy Earn + Learn
Mercy’s Earn + Learn program (including MercyReady) offers financial and professional support to nursing students, as well as allied health students who are pursuing a specific degree.
Earn + Learn is open to students enrolled in any accredited nursing or allied health program* within the United States.
Program Tracks
Academic & Skill Development Track
Get paid to develop your skills. The Academic & Skill Development track provides students hands-on experience through a part-time position at Mercy while students work to complete their degree and receive a higher level of financial support.
- Financial support to help offset education costs
- Part-time position at Mercy while working toward degree working part-time (0.2 FTE or greater) at a minimum of $15.25/hour.
- Full-time position at Mercy in field of study following graduation.
18-month post-graduation commitment.
Financial Support
- ADN/ASN: Up to $20,000
- BSN: Up to $27,000
- Associate Allied Health*: Up to $20,000
Academic-Focused Track
The Academic-Focused track gives students the opportunity to take advantage of financial support without the part-time work commitment.
- Financial support to help offset education costs.
- Full-time position at Mercy in field of study following graduation.
18-month post-graduation commitment.
Financial Support
- ADN/ASN: Up to $10,000
- BSN: Up to $13,500
- Associate Allied Health*: Up to $10,000
Student Stories
Megan's Story
"My experience at Mercy so far has been nothing but positive, and I can see myself staying here for much longer than my 18-month commitment."
– Megan, Earn + Learn Graduate
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Michaela's Story
"The hands-on experience I obtain while working at Mercy has definitely made me feel more prepared for being an RN in the future."
– Michaela, Current Earn + Learn student
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Earn + Learn program?
The Earn + Learn (E+L) program is an education assistance program offered by Mercy Cedar Rapids and helps nursing and select allied health professionals as they pursue their degree. E+L includes financial, professional and academic resources. MercyReady is an E+L program specific to Mount Mercy University.
Financial support amounts vary. Students do not need to work at the hospital while they work toward the completion of their degree to receive financial support for education assistance.
Students will be required to fulfill a post-graduation work commitment in exchange for receiving financial support.
Why should I consider participating in Earn & Learn?
Mercy’s E+L programs offers several unique benefits. Students may receive financial support to help offset debt. Additionally, if students meet all criteria, they will have an opportunity for placement in a full-time position in their field of study at an independent, growing healthcare system following graduation. Students may also be eligible for additional bonuses.
What type of degrees are eligible for Earn + Learn?
Mercy offers E+L to students enrolled in an accredited nursing program (BSN, ADN), as well as select allied health positions, including medical assistant (CMA), surgical tech and medical technicians.
What does "financial support" mean?
Financial support is money outside of a regular wage that is to be used for education-related expenses, including tuition, books, housing and transportation. Students may be eligible for financial support after they are accepted to an accredited nursing or allied health program.
The amount of financial support for which a student is eligible varies based upon the program in which they are enrolled and the track they select through Mercy.
How will I receive financial support?
Payments are made directly to students. Students should be aware that any payment of more than $5,250 within the calendar year has a tax implication. Payments that are subject to taxes will have taxes taken out at the time the award is issued – similar to a normal paycheck. Students can plan on about a 20% tax rate for amounts more than $5250.00. Students are highly encouraged to discuss tax implications with a trusted tax professional.
When will I receive my financial support?
Mercy understands that school expenses accrue while you are in school, so financial support payments are made once per semester. Once the Intent to Participate agreement is signed each year, payments can be authorized. The exact timing may vary depending on the program students are enrolled in. Mercy’s academic liaison is available to help students understand timing.
Can I use other aid with Earn + Learn?
The goal of education assistance programs is to help students complete their degree with little to no debt and to feel prepared to transition to the role of a professional nurse. Scholarships, government aid, and tuition support dollars can all be used in tandem to pay for your cost of attendance. Financial support will be paid directly to the student; it is the student’s responsibility to use the money to make tuition payments and to apply the money toward school-related expenses.
Do I need to work at Mercy while I am working toward my degree to be eligible for Earn + Learn?
Mercy offers multiple tracks for students to choose from. The Academic & Skill Development track offers students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience and earn a regular paycheck while they work toward completing their degree by working at Mercy. Many students who choose this track work as a patient care tech or phlebotomist, but Mercy is flexible with the type of position a student desires.
For students who are unable or do not wish to work part-time while they complete their degree, Mercy offers an Academic-Focused track.
Both tracks include financial, professional, and academic support and have a post-graduation work commitment. Both tracks also offer an additional sign-on bonus, which may require a longer commitment up to 24 months.
What does professional and academic support include?
Professional and academic support varies by degree type.
Nursing students who complete an education assistance program and who are placed in a full-time RN position will be enrolled in Mercy’s New Nurse Residency program, which facilitates the transition from nursing student to a professional nurse. While in the New Nurse Residency, new graduates earn 70% of their RN salary while they prepare for the NCLEX exam and, after passing, are ready to transition to an independent, professional nurse.
Additionally, students who elect to take the Academic & Skill Development track find hands-on, professional experience allows them to quickly apply skills learned in the classroom setting and are better prepared for school and certification exams throughout their education.
Furthermore, students choosing the Academic & Skill Development track have access to Mercy’s academic liaison to help guide them through the program and post-graduation placement. Students also have the opportunity to make connections with leaders and managers who are always willing to share pathing and career advice.
What if I do not pass my certification exam the first time?
Mercy Cedar Rapids will reimburse students one time for an approved exam fee. If a second sitting is needed, students will remain in their current role until certification is achieved and they are able to practice their licensed designation.
Are there deadlines to apply?
There is no set deadline to apply. Considerations can be given at any time. Mercy’s academic liaison is available to help students understand the timing of payments.
Following graduation, do I get to pick which department I am employed in?
As students near graduation, they will apply to positions within Mercy through Mercy’s job site. Mercy’s talent acquisition team is available and happy to support students, who are encouraged to reach out to discuss placement possibilities.
Do I have to repay financial assistance if Mercy Cedar Rapids does not hire me once I have completed my nursing degree?
In the rare instance that Mercy is not able to provide a full-time position following graduation, if a student has met all the requirements (including maintaining your employment in good standing) and Mercy chooses not to hire you for reasons other than cause, your financial support will be forgiven.
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