Frequently Asked Questions
Education
- Nursing & Patient Care Education
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- Leadership Education
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- Who can take classes at IU Health?
- Do I have to pay for classes and how much are they?
- Does IU Health offer classes at other sites than the hospital locations?
- Is the IU Health Learning Alliance the same as a college or university? Can I get a college degree from IU Health?
- If I can't get a college degree from IU Health, how does the College at Work program work?
- How is IU Health Learning Alliance different from a typical employee training department?
- If I'm not interested in college, what can I do to get additional skills to qualify for a higher-paying job at IU Health?
- Do I have to take classes on my own time?
- How many languages are taught at IU Health?
- How do I find out which classes are offered and sign up?
- What information does my supervisor get about my attendance and progress?
- Can my family members take some of these classes?
- If I go for my GED, how long will it take?
Who can take classes at IU Health?
Many educational opportunities are open to the community. The Community, Wellness and Patient Education Learning Center offers dozens of topics. The Fairbanks Ethics Series is also open to the community, as well as others. Some opportunities are a benefit to IU Health employees. You will see a notation about logging in and password authentication for their registration. However, we believe that the learning opportunities for IU Health employees could be of interest to everyone. IU Health is committed to outstanding, preeminent patient care. This requires on-going learning in the workplace. When you get a sense of the depth and breadth of learning that goes on every day, at every level, we hope that you will feel secure in choosing IU Health for your health care needs. And, if you are interested in a career at IU Health, you can also see how committed we are to developing and growing employee skills.
Do I have to pay for classes and how much are they?
Most of the classes through CLA are free for IU Health employees. Employees may receive a discount for courses and educational programs sponsored by IU Health that require tuition and textbook fees.
Classes which are open to the community may be free of charge or may require a registration fee. Health Sciences educational programs require tuition and textbook fees.
Descriptions of the classes indicate the cost, if any. For some courses and training programs, financial aid and scholarships may be available.
Does IU Health offer classes at other sites than the hospital locations?
IU Health offers many classes to the community in locations convenient for the neighborhood, as well as at many locations within the IU Health hospitals.
Is the IU Health Learning Alliance the same as a college or university? Can I get a college degree from IU Health?
No, IU Health Learning Alliance does not assume the role of a college or university and does not award college credit or college degrees. IU Health relies upon Indiana University, Ivy Tech Community College, Ball State University, Martin University, the University of Indianapolis and our other higher education partners to fulfill that mission. However, students who are enrolled in certain educational programs which are offered on-site at IU Health via agreements with area colleges and universities may earn college credit and degrees through those colleges and universities.
If I can't get a college degree from IU Health, how does the College at Work program work?
College at Work is a program offered in partnership with Ivy Tech Community College. Ivy Tech instructors teach freshman-level required core courses onsite at IU Health (English 111, Psychology 101, Math 111, Communications 101.) As students decide which major to pursue, they continue their coursework on an Ivy Tech campus or transfer to another college or university to complete their studies.
How is IU Health Learning Alliance different from a typical employee training department?
Education at IU Health is decentralized, with learning activities occurring in many different departments throughout our health system. IU Health Learning Alliance connects and coordinates those activities to improve the quality of education and to leverage the expertise and resources housed in different locations.
Traditional approaches to training are reactive, tactical, course-based, and compartmentalized, with training efforts typically focused on individual development. The IU Health Learning Alliance approach is strategic, interactive and proactive, connecting individual learning with the business goals of the organization. Educational offerings are designed to meet the personal and professional needs of employees while advancing the quality of care and service excellence that our patients and community expect from a preeminent health system.
If I'm not interested in college, what can I do to get additional skills to qualify for a higher-paying job at IU Health?
Stop by one of the Career Resource Centers located on both campuses and speak with an IU Health Learning Alliance educator. They can do some assessments with you to identify career interests, discuss advancement opportunities, and suggest ways you can improve your skills.
Initiate conversations with your supervisor about wanting to learn more to prepare for advancement. Ask about computer training and skill building classes you might take. Keep up on current trends in your field. The librarian can become "your new best friend." Librarians are experts at seeking out information and answering all kinds of questions, and they love doing so.
Be prepared to do some work on your own time before or after your shift. Make sure your computer skills are up-to-date. Show interest in whatever task you undertake and perform it to the best of your ability. Ask for feedback on ways you can improve. Let your supervisor know how you are honing your skills. And remember, IU Health Learning Alliance educators and coaches are there for you, to help you reach your goals.
Do I have to take classes on my own time?
When your supervisor requires you to take a class, it's normally done during your shift. Other learning activities are typically done before or after your shift, on your own time.
How many languages are taught at IU Health?
IU Health Learning Alliance offers classes in English, Spanish and American Sign Language. Improving your English or learning a new language can help you communicate better and prepare for advancement within IU Health.
How do I find out which classes are offered and sign up?
The best way to find out which classes are offered and to sign-up is to visit this web site on a regular basis. This site provides news and the latest information about upcoming classes. Some offerings are popular and have waiting lists, so sign up early!
Educational programs such as College at Work, Surgical Technology, and Pharmacy Technician require an application process. You must be accepted into the program to enroll in classes.
What information does my supervisor get about my attendance and progress?
In most cases, unless you voluntarily share information about classes you take on your own time, your supervisor only knows about your attendance and progress in classes that you have been required to take as part of your job.
Employees are encouraged, however, to inform supervisors of their educational activities and progress in achieving their career goals. Your supervisor can encourage and coach you and watch for opportunities to help you learn more. When attending classes that end just before your shift starts, or classes that start right after your shift ends, it may be necessary to have your supervisor's support in arranging your work hours.
Can my family members take some of these classes?
It depends on the class. Typically when classes are open to the community, family members may sign-up together. But for most offerings, classes are only open to employees and other enrolled students.
If I go for my GED, how long will it take?
It varies per person depending on your current knowledge and skills, your ability to learn more, and how much class time you can invest. For some learners, preparing for the GED can be accomplished in a short period of time. For others it could take much longer. IU Health Learning Alliance can offer you encouragement, coaching, and support as you work towards this goal.