Adventist Health’s philosophy is that education can be attained at any age. Toward that end, the Roseville, Calif.-based organization has numerous ways in which it enhances the knowledge and skill of its employees, including two collaborative educational efforts with Pacific Union College and La Sierra University.

LVN to RN Program

As a second grader, Tina Souders, RN, had narrowed her career choices down to nurse or scientist. By 20, she had become a licensed vocational nurse (LVN) and to this day can’t imagine doing anything else. But it hasn’t been easy. Widowed at just 27 with three young children to care for, Souders began exploring her options.

Enter Pacific Union College’s LVN to RN program, a partnership with Hanford Community Medical Center (HCMC) and Ukiah Valley Medical Center. The 18-month program, which to date has graduated 153 students, offers on-site classes at both hospitals designed specifically for working adults.

“The LVN to RN program is a huge benefit to our employees,” stated Carol Hasselbrack, vice president of Patient Care Services at HCMC. “It allows our nurses to pursue professional growth while meeting other job and life obligations. For many, it’s the only opportunity to increase their nursing education.”

When her youngest was nine, Souders, an ER nurse at HCMC in Central California, entered the LVN to RN program. This convenient option allowed her to pursue her degree a few days a month while maintaining a full-time job — a critical ingredient for a single mom. “If I could do it, anyone can,” she said.

MBA Program

In 2003, La Sierra University teamed up with Glendale Adventist Medical Center and White Memorial Medical Center to offer hospital employees an on-site Master’s in Business Administration program. This unique opportunity is designed for busy professionals with full-time jobs and/or families who need greater flexibility than most graduate programs offer.

Tony Yang knows just how convenient the program is. As director of marketing and communication at GAMC, he is currently pursuing an MBA while working full-time. But work and school aren’t the only things that occupy Yang’s busy schedule. He and wife, Julie, share the parenting responsibilities of their energetic one-year-old daughter, Claire.

In addition, Yang is an active member of Upper Room Fellowship, an Adventist church in Temple City, Calif. Currently, he serves as the praise team coordinator and plays the acoustic guitar in a four-member contemporary Christian band.

“With everything that is going on in my life right now, it would really have been challenging to go back to school,” said Yang. “However, this program offered me the convenience and flexibility I needed to pursue my MBA.”

LSU School of Business and Management faculty teach the classes, which are held at both GAMC and WMMC. The program is open to hospital staff and physicians, as well as their friends and family members. In addition, both hospitals offer tuition reimbursement programs for eligible employees.