Listen to this article

The basics:

• AtlantiCare, Stockton University launch new health college in Atlantic City
• $15M investment supports programs, training, workforce development
• Expands nursing, public health, allied health education offerings
• Builds workforce pipeline to address regional healthcare shortages

AtlantiCare and Stockton University are launching a new strategic alliance to expand healthcare education, workforce development and clinical training opportunities across southeastern New Jersey.

The plan includes the creation of the Stockton-AtlantiCare College of Community Health in Atlantic City. Announced May 7, the work aims to create clearer pathways from classroom instruction to clinical experience and employment.

The partnership will work to more closely align academic programming with regional healthcare workforce needs. As part of the alliance, AtlantiCare committed an initial $15 million investment to support academic programs, workforce initiatives and other joint efforts connected to the new college.

“This is a proud moment for AtlantiCare because it reflects the work we are doing to build a stronger healthcare future,” said Michael Charlton, president and CEO of AtlantiCare. “Through this alliance with Stockton University, we can help more students and professionals learn here, train here and build careers here, strengthening the communities they call home.”

The College of Community Health will expand Stockton’s existing offerings in nursing, public health, health sciences and social work. It will also create new undergraduate and graduate programs tied to high-demand healthcare fields.

Respiratory therapy is expected among the first new programs to launch under the alliance. Additional areas for growth include:

• Physician assistant studies
• Radiology technology
• Medical laboratory science
• Rehabilitation therapies
• Behavioral health
• Speech language therapy
• Health leadership
• Other allied health fields

Serving South Jersey needs

Stockton University President Joe Bertolino called the alliance “Stockton’s mission in action.” He framed the move around expanding opportunity and strengthening communities.

Bertolino said the partnership is designed to better connect education and workforce needs across the region. It also aims to advance health outcomes and economic vitality in southeastern New Jersey.

“By partnering with AtlantiCare to establish the Stockton-AtlantiCare College of Community Health, we are creating a powerful model that connects education directly to workforce needs,” said Bertolino. “Together, we are opening new pathways for our students and for working professionals to learn, train and serve right here in our region.”

[W]e are creating a powerful model that connects education directly to workforce needs … we are opening new pathways for our students and for working professionals to learn, train and serve right here in our region.
—Joe Bertolino, president, Stockton University

The alliance will support career advancement opportunities for current healthcare workers, including AtlantiCare employees. Plans feature a joint curriculum, professional training, clinical education and shared academic resources.

A pipeline to stay in South Jersey

State Sen. Vince Polistina, R-2nd District, said the initiative could help reshape the region and Atlantic City’s long-term economic futures.

“Between Temple and now Stockton, we’re starting to build something in Atlantic City …” said Polistina. “We’re talking about medical education, health care training, good jobs and more reasons for young people to stay in South Jersey.”

AtlantiCare revealed a partnership with Temple University’s Lewis Katz School of Medicine April 30 that will bring a new regional medical school campus to AC.

This latest announcement between Stockton and AtlantiCare builds on a longstanding relationship. Past collaborations have also included internships, clinical rotations and academic affiliation agreements.

Officials said the new college intends to reinforce Atlantic City’s growing role as a hub for healthcare, education and workforce development. More broadly, it will help address ongoing shortages in key healthcare professions across the region.

“This is one of the most consequential initiatives Stockton University has undertaken to shape the future of health care education and workforce development in our region,” said Michael Palladino, provost and vice president for academic affairs at Stockton University.