Grow with Us
We are always learning and growing at Vanda Health. We value education, professional development, and lifelong learning and are committed to supporting our team members as they pursue their career goals. The Grow With Us program is the embodiment of our organization’s guiding principles of care, collaboration, agility, leadership, and excellence and represents the profound commitment we have made to helping our employees succeed now and into the future. We, at Vanda Health, are honored to provide that little extra boost to jumpstart the educational journeys of hard working, ambition, and committed Grow With Us recipients as they actively create new opportunities for themselves.
Eligible Employees
Vanda Health is committed to rewarding those employees who seek out opportunities to grow and advance. An employee, in any position or role, is considered eligible if they:
- Work a minimum of 30 hours weekly;
- Have been employed for 6 months;
- Are in good standing.
Since the inception of Grow with Us, our company has made a significant direct investment into employee education. The investment is a concrete representation of our belief that when our team members grow, our entire organization also grows stronger. It also reflects are commitment to fostering a workplace culture where every individual is valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.
Good
Standing
Being in good standing as an employee signifies that an individual consistently meets or exceeds the performance expectations of their role. This includes completing tasks on time, achieving goals, and making positive contributions to both the team and the organization. Employees in good standing exhibit professional behavior by showing respect toward colleagues and supervisors and adhering to workplace policies and procedures related to compliance, safety, ethics, and confidentiality. Employees in good standing maintain a positive attitude and do not have any active performance issues, and maintain excellent attendance.
Attendance
Expectations
Employees are expected to be present during their scheduled work hours, with minimal unexcused absences. Timeliness is also a key component of good attendance, meaning arriving on time for shifts and meetings. While occasional sick days or emergencies are understandable, maintaining good attendance involves minimizing absences as much as possible.
Employees should proactively communicate with their supervisors about any planned or unplanned absences. Adhering to the company’s attendance policies—such as notifying supervisors in advance of absences and providing any required documentation when necessary—is essential for upholding attendance standards. Employees must provide at least 30 days’ notice for paid time off requests, and not be on any form of protective leave.
Commitment to the Organization
Committed employees consistently strive to meet or exceed performance expectations, taking ownership of their responsibilities, and consistently deliver high-quality work. A committed employee demonstrates reliability by showing up on time, meeting deadlines, and being viewed as dependable by coworkers, supervisors, and residents and family members. Commitment also entails being open to change, adapting to new roles, and being agile.
Moreover, committed employees understand the importance in collaborating with teammates through respectful and supportive conversations. Committed employees understand the importance of teamwork and the power of contributing positively to the workplace culture. Even during challenging times, committed employees maintain a positive attitude and remain empathetic and caring to their peers to promote a thriving work environment.
*Performance Issues: If an employee has been counseled for not meeting job expectations and the issue remains unresolved or resolved, the employee must demonstrate consistent improvement for a minimum of six months from the date of the last corrective action before becoming eligible to apply.
Program Types
The Grow With Us Program has five specific options for continuing education support. Whether taking college classes with our educational partner, beginning a new certification course, looking for assistance with existing college debt, participating in pre-approved college courses that are not offered by our educational partner, or seeking a scholarship to pursue a nursing degree, the Grow With Us Program has been designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees. A Grow With Us application must be completed for all program types. Participation in more than one of the education program types requires advanced approval from both an employee’s supervisor and the CEO.
1. College Credits
Financial Resources: Employer covers the upfront cost of college courses. Only eligible through our third-party-approved, online, self-paced accredited school.
Eligible employees who wish to pursue further education may apply to enroll in a college-level course with our accredited university partner. Vanda Health will assist you with enrolling in an approved prerequisite track [nursing, business, healthcare, science, finance, psychology, nutritional, etc]. There are several prerequisite pathways to select from. Once the prerequisite track has been approved, you may enroll in up to 2 courses at any given time. To maintain enrollment, you must complete the enrolled course(s) within 6 months from the course enrollment date. Should the course(s) not be completed within 6 months, you will be responsible to repay $250 per course.
The number of prerequisites that you are eligible to complete is dependent upon approval. The goal of this education incentive is to assist you in completing your Associate’s Degree or higher level of education.
Additional Application Requirements:
- Grow with Us application
- Updated resume
- Supervisory letter verifying “good standing”
Commitment Requirement:
Employees must sign a promissory note committing to one year of employment from the date of course enrollment. Should the course not be completed, repayment terms will be outlined in the promissory note.
2. Certification Courses
Eligible employees who wish to pursue an approved licensure or certification [CNA, CMA, Behavioral Support Specialist, CADC, Administrator, ServSafe, Gerontological Nursing, American Assisted Living Nurse Association, Gerontological Nursing by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC): GERO BC Exam Nurse Online Program through University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Nursing (UNMC), other] may apply.
Certification and/or degree must be relevant to their role and/or future advancement plan, as well as benefit our organization. Life Engagement (Activity Director Certification,) Dietary (ServSafe Certification), Employee Relations (HR Certification), Marketing (GROW Certification), Horticulture (Therapeutic Horticulture Activities Specialist), Maintenance (TELS Master Certification), and Accounting continued education credits may be eligible. Vanda Health will assist you with enrolling in an approved prerequisite track [nursing, business, healthcare, science, finance, psychology, nutrition, etc.].
Should the course(s) or Licensing not be completed within the individually appointed time frame, you will be responsible to repay a prorated amount per your promissory agreement.
The number of certifications or licensing programs that you are eligible to complete is dependent upon preapproval.
Additional Application Requirements:
- Grow with Us application
- Updated resume
- Supervisory letter verifying “good standing”
Commitment Requirement:
Employees must sign a promissory note committing to one year of employment from the date of course enrollment. Should the course not be completed, repayment terms will be outlined in the promissory note.
3. Education/Tuition Repayment:
*1 year of employment in good standing
The employee has already completed courses from an accredited institute prior to employment with Vanda Health that has incurred financial debt. Loan Repayment terms are only for debt incurred prior to your date of hire. Debt incurred may be eligible for repayment in areas outside of health care or an area of specialty to our field. Eligible employees may apply for loan repayment of up to $5k per year and up to $20k in total per employee.
Additional Application Requirements:
- Grow with Us application
- Updated resume
- Two letters of recommendation
- An interview with the Advisory Committee
- Supervisory letter verifying “good standing”
- An school manuscript with completed courses, a graduation and/or anticipated date for graduation, and proof of payment
Commitment Requirement:
Employees must sign a promissory note committing to two years of employment from the date of the loan repayment. Should the employee apply for a second consecutive loan repayment, an additional one year of service is required.
4. Education Reimbursement:
*1 year of employment in good standing
Eligible employees may apply for Education Reimbursement for preapproved college courses while employed with our organization. These courses must consist of courses that can not be transferred from our education partner to an enrolled preapproved program in an area of study that will directly impact our field. Education reimbursement up to $5k per year and up to $20k in total per employee.
Additional Application Requirements:
- Grow with Us application
- Updated Resume
- Two letters of recommendation
- Supervisory letter verifying “good standing”
- An essay detailing the school, courses, anticipated graduation date, post-education plans, and funding source for paying for this program
- An interview with the Advisory Committee
Education Reimbursement Funding Request:
Reimbursement does not mean that the employer will pay for the program upfront. Instead, employees are responsible to pay for their tuition and associated costs at the time of enrollment and then submit proof of payment and successful course completion to their employer for reimbursement up to the agreed upon amount. Once the employee has completed the course and met any specified conditions (such as maintaining a certain grade or remaining employed for a certain period), they can request reimbursement from the employer for the approved amount, up to the limit set by the tuition reimbursement policy. Courses that are not successfully completed according to the established requirements will not be eligible for reimbursement. In order to qualify for tuition reimbursement, employees must achieve the minimum passing grade or meet any other criteria specified by the program. If a course is failed or not completed as required, the employee will not be able to submit a reimbursement request for that course’s expenses.
Commitment Requirement:
Employees must sign a promissory note committing to two years of employment from the date of the Education Reimbursements. Should the employee apply for a second consecutive Education Reimbursements, an additional one year of service is required. For every 5k reimbursed, one year of service is required. Proof of tuition payment is required to be eligible for reimbursement.
5. Scholarship:
Vanda Health will sponsor eligible and a limited number of individuals pursuing advancement in the Nursing field (LPN, RN, NP) through our education partner.
*Eligibility for sponsorship is a minimum of 1 year of employment.
*Eligible employees who are working towards obtaining this sponsorship can begin taking prerequisites once eligible.
*Employees who are interested in applying for this sponsorship should connect with their direct supervisor and CEO once eligible to begin taking prerequisites.
Additional Application Requirements:
- Grow with Us application
- Updated Resume
- Two letters of recommendation
- Supervisory letter verifying “good standing”
- An essay detailing future goals and application of this degree while employed at Vanda Health
- An interview with the Advisory Committee
Commitment Requirement:
Employee must sign a promissory note committing to three years of service from the date of licensing. Employee hours may need to be reduced to complete schoolwork. Approval must be obtained from your director supervisor if an alternative schedule is necessary. Should your average number of hours drop below 24 hours weekly, additional authorization must be obtained from the CEO. For all program types, a promissory note must be completed that will outline the specifics requirements and terms pertaining to the program selected. The promissory note will be executed between the employee and the CEO.
Grow With Us Program: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
(Last Update 5.13.2025)
What information will I need to submit with my application?
To complete your application, you’ll need to provide:
➔ A completed application form
➔ Two letters of recommendation
➔ An updated resume
➔ Financial documentation (if applying for tuition/loan repayment or education reimbursement)
What type of programs are offered?
The Grow With Us Program includes five unique pathways:
➔ Pathway 1: College Credits – Prerequisites via StraighterLine. Promissory Service Agreement- 1 year
➔ Pathway 2: Certification/Licensure Courses – Includes CNA, CMA, Behavioral Support Specialist, Administrator, ServSafe, Gerontology, Horticulture, Maintenance, Marketing, etc. Promissory Service Agreement- 1 year
➔ Pathway 3: Tuition/Loan Repayment – For debt incurred before joining Vanda Health to pursue an associate or higher degree, trade school certificate, or debt incurred for college-level education. Promissory Service Agreement- 2 years
➔ Pathway 4: Education Reimbursement – For new courses or programs you want to enroll in while employed with our organization. Promissory Service Agreement- 2 years
➔ Pathway 5: Scholarship – Sponsorship for LPN, RN, or NP programs (requires 1 year of employment). Promissory Service Agreement- 3 years
What is the difference between Tuition/Loan Repayment and Education Reimbursement?
➔ Tuition/Loan Repayment (Pathway 3): Reimbursement for educational debt accrued prior to employment.
➔ Education Reimbursement (Pathway 4): For approved programs started after hire. Reimbursement is contingent on successful course completion and documentation.
What happens if I move out of state and can’t fulfil my promissory note?
Each participant signs a personalized promissory note outlining expectations and repayment obligations. If obligations cannot be met, the CEO will review and evaluate your unique circumstances.
How long do I need to work with the organization to be eligible?
➔ For Pathways 1–4, you must work a minimum of 30 hours per week and have 6 months of employment in good standing.
➔ For Pathway 5, you must work a minimum of 30 hours per week and have been employed for greater than a year, remaining in good standing.
What is the maximum amount of loan repayment or loan reimbursement I can receive?
Eligible employees can receive up to $5,000/year and up to $20,000 total. Final award amounts and dates for payouts depend on organizational funding and employee tenure.
What if I don’t want to sign a promissory note unless I’m guaranteed a specific job and salary?
We can guarantee placement within our organization in your geographic area but cannot promise a specific title or salary. Placement will be based on your education, credentials, and local job availability.
Prerequisite FAQs
What prerequisites are required?
No prerequisites are required for application. Course selection is guided based on your goals and may include basic healthcare or general education classes through StraighterLine.
What does the prerequisite coursework look like?
➔ Online and self-paced
➔ No set class times
➔ Up to 2 courses may be taken at a time
➔ Must complete each course within 6 months
➔ Courses are ACE-accredited and transferable
Can I review available prerequisite courses before enrolling?
Yes. Once your application is submitted, you will receive a course list and guidance to help align course selection with your career goals. You will never sign a promissory note until a mutually agreed-upon plan for enrollment is in place.
Will these prerequisite courses transfer to a university?
Yes. Most StraighterLine courses transfer to a large number of partner institutions. We will help verify transfer options if you have a specific school or program you are interested in applying for.
Grow with Us Campaign Application
Submit your completed application and supporting documents to your supervisor or HR department.