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Drexel University and Cooper University Health Care are expanding access to careers in nursing.
The organizations announced a new strategic workforce collaboration March 3. The initiative offers incentives to Cooper Health employees as well as nursing students at the Philadelphia university.
For professionals:
Through the arrangement, Cooper Health employees can access Drexel’s nursing certificate and degree programs at a 40% tuition discount. Beginning September 2026, the partnership is also available to workers’ immediate family members.
For students:
Drexel nursing students can participate in co-op and clinical practice opportunities with Cooper Health that can lead to jobs in the field after graduation.
According to the announcement, the Bridge to Practice initiative is an “immersive clinical workforce model” that gives students in Drexel’s accelerated bachelor’s in nursing program early exposure to specialty practice environments at Cooper.
Camden-based Cooper Health will offer expanded clinical placement opportunities across women’s health, pediatrics and other high-demand specialties.
Filling a need
The agreement aims to address the nursing shortage across New Jersey and the country.
More than 189,000 openings for registered nurses are projected each year, on average, through 2034, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
New Jersey alone is projected to have a shortage of 11,400 nurses by 2030, according to RegisteredNursing.org. This puts the Garden State at No. 3 in the nation when it comes to a need for these professionals.
“At a time when health systems across the country are navigating significant workforce challenges, partnerships like this are essential,” said Emily Roper, dean, Drexel College of Nursing and Health Professions. “By creating pathways from education to employment and expanding access for working professionals, we are strengthening the nursing pipeline in a way that is intentional, innovative and responsive to community needs.”
Kymberlee Montgomery is a clinical professor and chief nurse academic officer at the nursing school. “Workforce challenges will not be solved by enrollment alone,” she said.
“The Drexel-Cooper Health collaboration allows us to redesign pathways that connect education, practice and mentorship, transforming how nurses are prepared through Drexel’s experiential education model and supported across their careers,” Montgomery added.