Education Partners with Healthcare to Boost New Jersey Nursing Workforce

A cohort of 15 aspiring nurses was recognized at the Monmouth County Vocational School District (MCVSD) Tinton Falls campus as the inaugural class of the Nursing Bridge to Excellence Program. The program is a groundbreaking partnership between MCVSD, Brookdale Community College, Kean University and Monmouth Medical Center with the goal of addressing New Jersey’s nursing shortage by making a nursing degree more accessible and affordable for students.

New Jersey is facing a projected shortage of more than 24,000 nurses by the year 2036 – the fourth largest shortage in the nation, according to a report by the National Center for Health Workforce Analysis. The Nursing Bridge to Excellence Program aims to create a pipeline of career-ready nurses to help tackle that shortage.

"This program reflects the important role our county vocational-technical schools play in developing local partnerships that help engage and educate students to meet regional workforce demands,” said MCVSD Superintendent Charles R. Ford Jr., Ed.D., during the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the program. “We are proud to help high school students interested in careers in healthcare get a jumpstart on their futures with a clear, affordable pathway.”

“This is what strategic planning and long-term vision look like,” said Monmouth County Commissioners Director Thomas A. Arnone. “By bringing together our top-ranked schools, colleges, and partners like Monmouth Medical Center, we’re not just meeting today’s needs, we’re building the healthcare workforce of tomorrow.”

Through the program, students in the Health Occupations and Nursing Shared-Time program at MCVSD earn up to 12 Brookdale Community College credits before graduating. They take an additional course in anatomy and physiology the summer after graduation, and upon successful completion, transition into Brookdale in Lincroft, N.J., with 15 college credits toward an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN).

From there, students earn their ADN and seamlessly progress to Kean University in Union, N.J., to complete their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). The partnership includes guaranteed admission, eliminating the stress of applying to each institution, and ensuring a smooth academic progression. With admission guaranteed, students can focus on their education and clinical experiences.

The initiative offers a seamless, cost-effective and flexible route for students to achieve a BSN, addressing the critical and growing demand for skilled nursing professionals.

“This program represents an extraordinary opportunity for students to achieve their dreams of becoming highly qualified nursing professionals,” said David M. Stout, Ph.D., president of Brookdale Community College. “By removing barriers to education and creating a clear pathway from community college to a four-year university, we are building a stronger, more prepared healthcare workforce to meet the critical needs of our community and beyond. None of this could happen without the support of our Trustees and County Commissioners.”

By starting their studies at Brookdale, students benefit from reduced tuition costs, paying less for their entire BSN than the cost of a single year at many private institutions. Small class sizes and personalized instruction at Brookdale further enhance the program’s accessibility.

The program also prioritizes comprehensive student support, offering academic advising, mentorship and a clear roadmap for success. This level of guidance fosters confidence and stability, leading to improved retention and graduation rates.

“Pathways that establish vital programs like this are crucial for cultivating a much-needed workforce in the healthcare sector,” said Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D., president of Kean University. “As an urban research university in New Jersey, Kean is actively responding to the pressing demand for skilled nurses. This initiative not only enhances accessibility and affordability in higher education but also equips students with the structured support essential for their success. Our partnership underscores our dedication to fostering social mobility, preparing students for rewarding careers, and enriching our communities through education.”

"This partnership represents the very best of what higher education can do for our communities, creating seamless pathways that begin in high school and lead directly to high-demand, high-impact careers," said Michael Salvatore, Ph.D., executive vice president for academic and administrative operations at Kean University.

In a related agreement that builds upon the partnership, up to 20 high school juniors will begin nursing studies, graduate with Clinical Technicial and Certified Nursing Assistant credentials, and complete prerequisites required for admission to Brookdale’s nursing program. Students may then pursue a Registered Nurse degree through Brookdale and, if desired, a Bachelor of Science in nursing through Kean University or another accredited institution.

As part of this agreement, Monmouth Medical Center will contribute up to $120,000 annually to the Brookdale Community College Foundation to fund scholarships for those students starting in Fall 2025. To qualify, students must be enrolled full time in Brookdale’s Nursing Pathways Program and commit to working per diem at Monmouth Medical Center while enrolled and full time at least two years after graduation.

“We are grateful to Dr. Stout and Brookdale for giving us the opportunity to participate in this program,” said Eric Carney, president and CEO of Monmouth Medical Center and Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus. “We immediately recognized the value of creating a pathway that supports students who may not have the traditional academic journey but have every bit of the drive to serve their communities. As someone who began my career at community college, I know how powerful that opportunity can be.”