Phoenix Children’s Hospital is now offering full-tuition scholarships to five employees pursuing degrees through a joint effort with the University of Phoenix.

“The growth of Phoenix Children’s Hospital to one of the largest children’s hospitals in the country is in large part due to the dedication of its doctors, nurses and health administration staff,” Connie Ford, VP of professional practice, Phoenix Children’s Hospital, said. “Recognizing increasing demands on today’s health care system, we are proud to offer our staff the opportunity to expand their education through this scholarship opportunity provided by University of Phoenix.”

This year’s scholarship recipients include: Kristine Reynolds, Cardiovascular Technologist; Tiiffany Sylvester, Radiology Registered Nurse; Zachary Villanueva, Registered Nurse/Interim Clinical Supervisor; Janice Voegtlin, Clinical Nurse II; and Amy Whitford, Administrative Assistant.

All recipients expressed that learning new skills would help them better serve others.

“Well-trained doctors, nurses and administrative staff are critical to a thriving health care system and better patient outcomes,” Doris Savron, executive dean of the University of Phoenix College of Health Professions, said. “We join Phoenix Children’s Hospital in congratulating this year’s scholarship recipients and are pleased to support them as they take this important educational step.”

This is the fourth year University of Phoenix has partnered with Phoenix Children’s Hospital to provide scholarships. Since the launch of the scholarship program, 16 full-tuition scholarships have been granted to hospital employees. Scholarship recipients are selected by a committee consisting of representatives from University of Phoenix and Phoenix Children's Hospital and are chosen based on essay they wrote about educational goals and making a difference in health care.