University Compensation

Academic Reimbursement Program

The Georgia Regents Medical Center Academic Reimbursement Program allows benefits-eligible employees to be reimbursed up to $3,000 per fiscal year for tuition costs when attending an accredited college in a program that is relevant to a planned career path in the health system. There is a six-month waiting period for eligibility. Additionally, employees cannot have an active disciplinary notice on file within the last twelve months. One certification exam fee per fiscal year is reimbursable, if applicable to the employee's current position, and is approved by the employee's manager.

The NCLEX exam fee and initial license cost is also reimbursable, and does not preclude the one certification exam fee per fiscal year. Certification reimbursements do not reduce an employee's eligibility for the Academic Reimbursement Program. There is a one-year work commitment required of the employee after receiving an academic reimbursement or certification reimbursement.

Academic Reimbursement Process

The Medical Center Academic Reimbursement Program is administered within the following guidelines:

To begin participating in the program, the employee should complete the Academic Reimbursement Degree Program Application. The applicant must complete the form, which must include signatures from their supervisor and director, and submit the form to Christy Guyse, Performance Management Specialist, in Human Resources, FG 2231, at least 30 days prior to starting the first course. For additional information, please call 706-721-3634.

The Academic Reimbursement Committee is responsible for approving all degree applications submitted. Accordingly, approval is not automatic. The degree program selected must be taken at an accredited institution that is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

To be considered for Academic Reimbursement Program, an employee must have completed six months of continuous, permanent employment with Georgia Regents Medical Center, be in a benefits-eligible position and must not have an active disciplinary action in the last 12 months.

Approved applicants must earn a final grade of "C" or better in their course(s) to receive reimbursement. The employee is responsible for providing detailed proof of payment and final grades along with a completed and signed Academic Reimbursement Request, to Christy Guyse, Performance Management Specialist in Human Resources, FG 2231, no later than 30 days after the completion of each course(s).

The employee will be reimbursed for the first $3,000 of tuition costs paid out of pocket as long as a detailed receipt is provided that includes specific course fees, the source of the payments made, and a zero balance. All financial aid that has been received will be taken into consideration when approving reimbursement. Reimbursement for approved applicants will be reduced by the amount of any grants and/or scholarships received from other sources for the current grading period. Course work should be scheduled at times other than normal working hours, or employees must make appropriate arrangements with their supervisor to take PTO, or re-define their work schedule to accommodate time lost.

Each Academic Reimbursement recipient must agree to a one-year work commitment at Georgia Regents Medical Center. If the recipient terminates, for any reason, before fulfilling the work commitment agreement, the actual amount of assistance received during the year prior to the termination date must be repaid to the fund.

Certification exam fees will be reimbursed to Georgia Regents Medical Center employees a one time per fiscal year basis. The certification must be relevant to the employee's current position and must be approved by the employee's manager. NCLEX exam fees and the initial license fee are also reimbursable, and do not preclude an additional certification in the same fiscal year. Certification reimbursements do not reduce the employee's Academic Reimbursement Program eligibility.

To receive reimbursement for a certification exam fee, employees must complete the Academic Reimbursement Request form, and attach proof of payment, and a copy of the certification or proof of passing the exam, and send to Christy Guyse, Performance Management Specialist in Human Resources, FG 2231, no later than 30 days after passing the exam.

The one-year work committee also applies to reimbursement of certification exam fees.