AtlantiCare and Stockton University announced a new strategic alliance to establish the Stockton-AtlantiCare College of Community Health in Atlantic City, advancing a shared vision to expand health care education, strengthen career pathways and improve community health across southeastern New Jersey.
The alliance brings together two of the region’s leading anchor institutions with a shared belief that stronger communities begin with healthier people and greater access to opportunity.
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.
“This is a proud moment for AtlantiCare because it reflects the work we are doing to build a stronger healthcare future,” said Michael Charlton, President and CEO of AtlantiCare. “That future depends on people, and we have a responsibility to help prepare the workforce this region will need. 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. When education and care are connected, we strengthen the workforce, improve access for patients and support the long-term health of this region.”
To help bring that vision to life, 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. Together, we are opening new pathways for our students and for working professionals to learn, train and serve right here in our region, while advancing health outcomes and economic vitality across southeastern New Jersey.”
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.
“Between Temple and now Stockton, we’re starting to build something in Atlantic City that will change the economic future for our region,” said New Jersey State Senator Vince Polistina, who represents New Jersey’s 2nd Legislative District. “We’re talking about medical education, health care training, good jobs and more reasons for young people to stay in South Jersey. This is how we give people opportunity close to home and make sure our communities have the doctors, nurses and health care workers they need.”
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.
The College also builds on Stockton’s established presence in Atlantic City and reinforces the city’s growing role as a center for education, health care and economic opportunity, while supporting the broader needs of employers, patients and families throughout the region.
“This is one of the most consequential initiatives Stockton University has undertaken to shape the future of health care education and workforce development in our region,” said Michael Palladino, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Stockton University. “The Stockton-AtlantiCare College of Community Health represents a transformative investment in people, creating new opportunities for students, expanding access to high-demand health professions and helping ensure southeastern New Jersey has the skilled workforce needed to meet evolving community health needs for generations to come.”
Together, AtlantiCare and Stockton are helping build a healthier future for Atlantic City, South Jersey and the communities they serve.
