National Education Alliance In the News > INDIANA HEALTH CARE ASSOCIATION PARTNERS WITH NATIONAL EDUCATION ALLIANCE TO IMPROVE QUALITY OF CARE

INDIANA HEALTH CARE ASSOCIATION PARTNERS WITH NATIONAL EDUCATION ALLIANCE TO IMPROVE QUALITY OF CARE

March 07, 2011

Indianapolis, IN – February 28, 2011 – Between restrictive schedules and prohibitive costs, working nurses face many roadblocks to continuing their education. A partnership between the Indiana Health Care Association (IHCA) and the National Education Alliance (NEA) will give Indiana nurses the help they need to overcome those hurdles and advance within their profession.

IHCA

Under the new partnership, the IHCA has secured the commitment of the NEA to provide a free NEA membership for all IHCA Members and a discount membership for non-IHCA members. Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) working in IHCA member or non-member facilities will now be able to explore educational pathways to career advancement at an affordable cost through NEA degree programs, certificate programs, skill enhancement courses, and other exclusive member benefits.

“Access to high quality and affordable online classes through a nationally-recognized partner in the NEA will give nurses and other professionals the flexibility they need to complete their certification while maintaining the ability to work full-time,” said Scott Tittle, President of the IHCA.

As part of its member services and community outreach, the IHCA sponsors a variety of educational and training opportunities for IHCA Members and non-members alike to allow long term care professionals to advance their careers. This new initiative is also part of a broader effort to improve the quality of patient care by giving healthcare professionals the tools necessary to elevate their voice/contribution in the healthcare industry. Recognizing the direct correlation between education and the delivery of quality care, the IHCA continues to serve IHCA Members and Indiana communities through its advocacy efforts on behalf of long term care providers, consumers, and the workforce.

“We are honored to collaborate with Indiana Health Care Association to support the educational aspirations of healthcare employees working in member and non-member facilities,” said Josh Williams, SVP of Community Relations for the National Education Alliance.

About Indiana Health Care Association

The Indiana Health Care Association (IHCA) is Indiana's largest trade association and advocate representing proprietary, not-for-profit, hospital-based nursing home and assisted living communities, adult foster care and adult day services. IHCA provides education, information and advocacy for health care providers, consumers, and the workforce on behalf of our members.

About The National Education Alliance

The National Education Alliance is an advocacy group for adult learners. The National Education Alliance works with employers to advance their employees in the workforce and supports through providers and institutions that offer discounts, grants and unique educational offerings for the adult learner.

Contact:

National Education Alliance

Josh Williams, SVP - Community Relations, 800-230-7565 x1010

Cell: 317-507-2924, Fax: 866-295-1448

jwilliams@NEATeam.com

www.NationalEducationAlliance.com

Indiana Health Care Association

Kate Vaulter, Director of Public Affairs, 800-466-4422 x202

Cell: 317-503-7115, Fax: 877-298-3749

kvaulter@ihca.org

www.ihca.org

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About the Alliance

The National Education Alliance is an advocacy group for adult learners and is committed to facilitating community-based projects that provide individuals with the opportunity to pursue their education in the most affordable fashion. The National Education Alliance collaborates with institutions of higher learning, employers, providers, partners, affiliates, sponsors and corporations. By working together with these groups, The National Education Alliance seeks to establish programs that meet the diverse needs of adult learners. With the emergence of hybrid learning models, working adults can take advantage of various course-delivery options ranging from independent study to tutor-led online learning. Providing robust learning experiences through multiple venues allows the student to benefit from a multi-faceted learning experience, thereby expanding knowledge acquisition, student retention, and overall accomplishment.