Cooper University Hospital Cape Regional and Stockton University announced on April 14 the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to establish an academic-clinical collaboration aimed at expanding educational opportunities for nurses in southern New Jersey.
The agreement is intended to address the growing demand for highly skilled nursing professionals in the region by creating new pathways for Cooper team members to pursue undergraduate and graduate degrees at Stockton. Eligible employees will receive a 20% tuition discount per credit, with the goal of supporting workforce development, career advancement, and long-term recruitment and retention.
George E. Norcross III, chairman of Cooper University Health Care, said, “As the leading academic health system in the region, educating the next generation of medical professionals is an integral part of our mission. Partnering with Stockton University, we are investing in the future of nursing and the health care workforce in the Jersey shore communities we serve.”
Stockton University President Joe Bertolino said, “At Stockton, our mission is rooted in service to our region. 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.”
Kathy Devine, senior vice president and chief nursing executive for Cooper University Health Care, said that making advanced education more accessible will strengthen both staff members and patient care: “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 MOU allows both institutions to explore new or customized certificates as well as graduate programs aligned with evolving workforce needs. It also provides opportunities for career services collaboration between Stockton’s campuses—including its main campus in South Jersey’s Pinelands National Reserve—and Cooper’s network throughout southern New Jersey.
Michael Palladino, provost at Stockton University said that aligning academic programs with regional needs will expand access to high-quality nursing education: “This agreement aligns our academic mission with South Jersey’s critical workforce needs while expanding access to high-quality nursing education.” Anthony Mazzarelli, co-CEO at Cooper added: “Creating clear pathways for professional growth helps ensure we continue to deliver exceptional care while developing the next generation of nursing leaders.”
Participants must meet standard admission requirements at Stockton; they remain responsible for fees beyond tuition but may also be eligible for tuition reimbursement from Cooper. The partnership aims not only to provide hands-on learning experiences but also help develop confident nurses prepared to serve their communities now and into the future.
