As the healthcare industry faces ongoing workforce challenges, Northern California’s Sutter Health is pioneering new ways to support its employees’ career growth beyond clinical roles. By partnering with Rivet School and Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), Sutter is offering non-clinical staff an affordable, flexible path to earn accredited associate or bachelor’s degrees online.
This initiative reflects Sutter’s commitment to investing in all parts of its workforce, enabling employees to advance their careers without putting their jobs on hold. Degree options include Business Management, Healthcare Management, and Communications — all designed to align with evolving industry needs.
“We want every Sutter team member to feel supported, seen and inspired — not just in the work they do today, but in where they’re headed tomorrow,” said Deborah Yount, Chief Human Resources Officer at Sutter Health. Through personalized growth opportunities and a culture rooted in purpose, Sutter is helping employees shape careers that matter for themselves, the organization, and the communities served.
Addressing Workforce Shortages with Internal Talent Development
By equipping non-clinical employees with the credentials and skills to take on new roles, Sutter and Rivet are fostering a smarter, more sustainable workforce strategy. This approach helps fill critical talent gaps while promoting employee retention and engagement.
Rivet School’s partnership with SNHU offers a self-paced, project-based online learning model, allowing employees to study on their own schedules. Personalized coaching helps students stay on track to complete degrees faster and more affordably than traditional programs.
Program Highlights
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Flexible, project-based online learning fits around employees’ work and life schedules.
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One-to-one coaching support helps students set goals and maintain progress.
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Degrees are awarded through Rivet School’s university partner, Southern New Hampshire University.
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Over 400 employees have already expressed interest, showing strong demand for accessible education.
Sutter Health also offers up to $2,500 in annual tuition reimbursement, which can be applied toward Rivet School’s degree programs, priced at $7,000 per year — making higher education even more attainable.
“Talent is everywhere, but opportunity isn’t,” said Carole Bennett, Vice President of Talent Management and Development at Sutter Health. “Strategic partnerships like this are critical to fulfilling our mission to be the best place to work while strengthening the quality of care we provide.”
Unlocking Potential, Creating Mobility
Nora Maxwell, Chief Growth Officer at Rivet School, added, “This partnership is about unlocking potential, creating upward mobility, and transforming lives. When healthcare organizations invest in their people, everyone benefits.”
