Stockton University and AtlantiCare announced May 7 a strategic alliance to establish the Stockton-AtlantiCare College of Community Health in Atlantic City, advancing a shared vision to expand health education, strengthen career pathways and improve community health in southeastern New Jersey.
Through the Stockton-AtlantiCare College of Community Health, AtlantiCare and Stockton are aligning education, clinical care and workforce development to prepare more health care professionals, open new doors for students and working adults, and improve lives across the region.
“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,” said Michael Charlton, president and CEO of AtlantiCare. “When education and care are connected, we strengthen the workforce, improve access for patients and support the long-term health of this region.”
AtlantiCare has committed an initial amount of $15 million to Stockton in support of academic programming, workforce initiatives and other efforts that advance the shared goals of the alliance.
“This strategic alliance represents the very best of Stockton’s mission in action — expanding opportunity, strengthening our communities and preparing the next generation of leaders in critical fields,” said Stockton University President Joe Bertolino. “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.”
The Stockton-AtlantiCare College of Community Health will support the expansion of Stockton’s existing programs in nursing, health sciences, social work and public health, while creating opportunities to develop new undergraduate and graduate programs aligned with regional needs.
Respiratory therapy, a field where trained professionals are in high demand, is expected to be among the first programs launched through the alliance. Potential areas for growth include physician assistant studies, nursing, radiology technology, medical laboratory science, rehabilitation therapies, behavioral health, speech language therapy, health leadership and other allied health fields.
The alliance is designed to create a clearer bridge from classroom learning to clinical experience and employment, while supporting career advancement for working health care professionals, including AtlantiCare employees. Joint initiatives may include curriculum development, clinical education, professional training, data analytics and shared academic resources.
This alliance builds on decades of partnership and collaboration between AtlantiCare and Stockton, including internships, rotations, academic affiliation agreements, community service initiatives and classroom learning opportunities.