Cooley Dickinson hosts career fair

NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) - Cooley Dickinson Hospital hosted a career fair in Northampton on Wednesday.

But it was more than your usual "career fair."  It even highlighted the benefits of a career in health care.

Hospital officials say the event helps employees understand their benefits, as full and part time employees receive tuition reimbursement credits that can help them pay for school.  But college students were also invited to the fair.  Nursing student John Day told 22News passing his board exam is just the start.

“The first step is getting your RN and whatever role education continues, masters programs, bachelors programs,” said Day.

Benefits Specialist at Cooley Dickinson Sam says programs at area colleges have made it easier for employees to advance their careers. 

“We have a number of employees who take evening or night courses. So they'll be working here during the day or at a program here at the hospital. And then in the evening they'll be going to one of our community colleges in the area,” said Blasiak. 

Blasiak says an estimated 1200 hospital employees are eligible for tuition credits, but less than a third of them make use of these benefits.