WPU, Atlantic Health Team to Explore Care and Health Professions Education

On Feb 22, 2024

William Paterson University and Atlantic Health System have signed an agreement to establish a framework for collaboration to improve access to high-quality health profession education and health services in the region. Through the agreement, the two organizations will identify and implement joint projects and initiatives geared toward enhancing the nursing and healthcare workforce.

Potential collaborations will focus on enhanced educational and employment opportunities for William Paterson students, including:

• Developing pathways for nursing and healthcare students to gain meaningful related opportunities at Atlantic Health.
• Developing programs that enable students to gain employment opportunities in careers that are needed in the Northern New Jersey region and consistent with a future career in nursing and healthcare.
• Providing opportunities for academically prepared Atlantic Health nurses to practice as adjunct faculty members.
• Further enhancing a joint research center focused on the advancement of science and grant opportunities.
• Exploring opportunities to build community-facing and campus-facing health and wellness services.

Trish O’Keefe, president of Morristown Medical Center and chief nurse executive for Atlantic Health system, states, “Development and execution of this collaboration will provide a strong academic clinical partnership between the two organizations, resulting in additional opportunities for academic matriculation while providing strong clinical affiliations and nursing employment opportunities.”

“This exciting new collaboration will mean great things for William Paterson students and Atlantic Health System patients,” said William Paterson University President Richard J. Helldobler. “As one of the leading producers of nursing graduates in New Jersey, William Paterson will work with Atlantic Health, one of the state’s largest healthcare networks, to expand educational and career opportunities for our students to help meet New Jersey’s growing need for nurses and allied health professionals.”

“Atlantic Health System is delighted to enter into collaboration with William Paterson University to address healthcare needs and workforce shortages,” said Suja Mathew, MD, FACP, executive vice president, chief clinical officer, Atlantic Health System. “Atlantic Health is committed to providing our communities the very highest quality of care. Investing in the training and development of William Paterson nursing students and partnering in research help ensure that Atlantic Health is able to continue its long tradition of patient-centered, best-in-class healthcare.”

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