In a major move to fortify the health care workforce along the Jersey Shore, Cooper University Hospital Cape Regional and Stockton University have announced a new academic-clinical partnership. The collaboration is designed to create a “sustainable pipeline” of highly skilled nurses to meet the surging demand for medical professionals in Southern New Jersey.
The two institutions signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Tuesday, establishing a formal framework to expand educational access for healthcare workers and streamline recruitment for the region’s hospitals.
A cornerstone of the agreement is the creation of direct educational pathways for all Cooper University Health Care team members. Whether stationed in Camden or Cape May Court House, eligible employees can now pursue undergraduate and graduate degrees at Stockton University with a 20% tuition discount per credit.
When combined with Cooper’s existing tuition reimbursement programs, the partnership significantly lowers the financial barrier for frontline workers looking to advance their careers.
“As the leading academic health system in the region, educating the next generation of medical professionals is an integral part of our mission,” said George E. Norcross III, chairman of Cooper University Health Care. “We are investing in the future of nursing and the health care workforce in the Jersey shore communities we serve.”
The partnership arrives at a critical time as Southern New Jersey faces evolving workforce needs. The collaboration will focus on several key areas:
- Workforce Development: Customized certificates and graduate programs tailored to modern clinical demands.
- Recruitment & Retention: Stockton University will integrate with Cape Regional’s career services to place graduates directly into local roles.
- Advanced Clinical Training: Nursing students will benefit from hands-on experience in Cooper’s clinical settings and Stockton’s state-of-the-art simulation labs.
“At Stockton, our mission is rooted in service to our region,” said Stockton University President Joe Bertolino, EdD. “This partnership strengthens that commitment by opening doors for aspiring professionals while directly supporting the health and well-being of our local communities.”
For residents of Cape May County, the alliance between the county’s primary hospital and the region’s premier public university promises a more stable and well-trained nursing staff. Kevin O’Dowd, co-CEO of Cooper University Health Care, emphasized that the “driving force” behind the deal is a shared desire to increase the number of nurses providing care for local residents.
Stockton University currently offers a comprehensive suite of healthcare degrees, including:
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
- Accelerated BSN
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
