Our region's healthcare workforce is getting a significant boost thanks to a new collaboration between two major institutions serving southern New Jersey. Cooper University Hospital Cape Regional and Stockton University have formalized a partnership designed to strengthen nursing education and help meet the growing demand for skilled healthcare professionals in our communities.
The newly signed Memorandum of Understanding establishes an academic-clinical collaboration that opens doors for current and aspiring nurses throughout the region. At its core, the agreement offers all eligible Cooper University Health Care team members at all locations a 20% tuition discount per credit toward undergraduate and graduate degrees at Stockton University.
"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. "Partnering with Stockton University, we are investing in the future of nursing and the health care workforce in the Jersey shore communities we serve."
For healthcare workers in Cape May County and surrounding areas, this partnership represents a tangible pathway to career advancement. The collaboration addresses a critical need: ensuring our local hospitals and healthcare facilities have access to well-trained nursing professionals who understand and are committed to serving our communities.
Stockton University President Joe Bertolino, EdD, emphasized the regional impact of the agreement. "At Stockton, our mission is rooted in service to our region," he said. "This partnership with Cooper University Hospital Cape Regional strengthens that commitment by opening doors for aspiring and current health care professionals while directly supporting the health and well-being of our local communities."
The partnership goes beyond simple tuition discounts. Cooper University Hospital Cape Regional and Stockton University plan to explore developing new or customized certificates and graduate programs aligned with evolving workforce needs. Stockton will also engage with Cape Regional through career services and recruitment initiatives, creating a pipeline of nursing talent for the region.
Kathy Devine, DrNP, RN, NEA-BC, senior vice president and chief nursing executive for Cooper University Health Care, highlighted the dual benefits of the collaboration. "This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to investing in our workforce and ensuring high-quality patient care for the communities we serve," she said. "By making advanced education more accessible and affordable, we are strengthening both our team members and the future of health care in Cape May County and southern New Jersey."
The timing of this partnership is particularly significant. Healthcare systems nationwide are facing nursing shortages, and southern New Jersey is no exception. By creating clear pathways for professional growth and making advanced education more financially accessible, the collaboration aims to both retain current nursing professionals and attract new talent to the region.
Anthony Mazzarelli, MD, JD, MBE, co-CEO of Cooper University Health Care, noted that "creating clear pathways for professional growth helps ensure we continue to deliver exceptional care while developing the next generation of nursing leaders."
Kevin O'Dowd, JD, co-CEO of Cooper University Health Care, reinforced the local focus of the initiative. "We are very proud to partner with Stockton University to strengthen health care in the shore region," he said. "The driving force behind this new partnership is our common desire to increase the number of well-trained nurses who will provide care for local residents."
Stockton University brings substantial educational resources to the partnership. The university offers multiple healthcare degrees, including a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing, a Master of Science in Nursing, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice. Students gain hands-on experience in state-of-the-art clinical simulation and assessment labs and at clinical institutions throughout the region and state.
Jacqueline Arnone, PhD, PMHNP-BC, chief nurse administrator and associate professor of Nursing at Stockton University, emphasized the quality of education students will receive. "At Stockton, we are committed to providing our nursing students with hands-on, high-quality learning experiences," she said. "Collaborating with Cooper University Hospital Cape Regional strengthens those opportunities and supports our shared goal of developing confident, practice-ready nurses."
Michael Palladino, PhD, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs at Stockton University, connected the partnership to broader workforce development goals. "This agreement aligns our academic mission with South Jersey's critical workforce needs while expanding access to high-quality nursing education," he said.
For Cooper team members interested in taking advantage of the program, participants must meet Stockton University's standard admission requirements and are responsible for applicable fees in addition to tuition. Cooper University Health Care also provides tuition reimbursement for eligible employees, further supporting professional development and workforce advancement.
Cooper University Health Care, headquartered in Camden, operates three hospitals including its 229-bed Cooper University Hospital Cape Regional in Cape May Court House. With nearly 14,000 team members, including nearly 2,200 nurses and more than 1,200 employed physicians, Cooper serves more than 2.54 million patients annually across its network of facilities extending from the Delaware River to the New Jersey shore.
Together, these institutions are building what they hope will be a strong and sustainable pipeline of nursing professionals prepared to serve southern New Jersey now and into the future—ensuring that our communities have access to the skilled, compassionate healthcare workers we need and deserve.
