Bergen New Bridge Medical Center and Ramapo College of New Jersey are strengthening healthcare workforce development through an expanded partnership that will give more students access to real-world clinical settings while making advanced nursing education more affordable for eligible medical center employees.
“Pipeline to Practice: A Collaboration in Healthcare Education & Workforce Development,” was designed to strengthen the state’s healthcare workforce. Bergen New Bridge has designated Ramapo College as a preferred higher education partner, committed to growing clinical learning opportunities for Ramapo students, and established a 25% tuition discount for eligible Medical Center employees pursuing advanced nursing degrees.
Classroom Learning, Hands-On Training
The collaboration creates a direct connection between healthcare education, hands-on experience, and career advancement, helping prepare students to enter the workforce while giving current healthcare professionals greater opportunities to continue their education, advance their careers, and take on future leadership roles.
“We have a responsibility to help build the healthcare workforce our communities need today and for the future,” said Deborah Visconi, President and CEO of Bergen New Bridge Medical Center. “That means welcoming students into real care environments and making it easier for our own team members to continue their education. Ramapo understands both the rigor of healthcare education and the realities of caring for patients. This partnership is an investment in people and in the future of care across New Jersey.”
Professional Development, Career Pathways
Under the expanded agreement, the organizations will collaborate on clinical education, experiential learning, professional development, and career pathways. By bringing students into active healthcare environments, the partnership will help them develop practical skills, learn alongside experienced professionals, and enter the workforce better prepared for the demands of modern patient care.
“At Ramapo College, our commitment to preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals is rooted in dynamic, experiential learning and strong clinical partnerships. By collaborating with New Bridge, a highly trusted New Jersey healthcare provider, we are ensuring Ramapo students gain the hands-on experience and critical skills necessary to thrive on day one, directly strengthening our state’s vital health workforce and advancing the well-being of the communities we serve,” said Cindy R. Jebb, Ramapo College president.
Eligible Bergen New Bridge employees will receive a 25% tuition discount when pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing or Doctor of Nursing Practice degree at Ramapo College. The benefit gives nurses a more accessible path to advanced education and career growth while helping the Medical Center develop and retain highly skilled professionals.
“Bergen County’s strength depends on the people who care for our residents, and we must invest in preparing the professionals who will carry that work forward,” said Bergen County Executive James J. Tedesco III. “This partnership creates meaningful opportunities for students and working professionals while building a stronger healthcare workforce right here in our community. I’m proud to see Bergen New Bridge and Ramapo College working together to turn education into opportunity, and opportunity into better care for Bergen County.”
Ramapo College offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in healthcare, including nursing, social work, healthcare administration, and pre-health. To learn more, visit http://ramapo.edu.
For more information about Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, visit http://newbridgehealth.org.