"This partnership between two leading institutions will be for the betterment of South Jersey, its health and its economy," said Senate President Steve Sweeney. "Both leadership teams should be lauded for their bold vision of becoming stronger and better—together."

Benefits for South Jersey
Rowan and Virtua will collaborate to bring together leading clinicians and scientists to elevate care delivery, medical innovation, and education for New Jersey. The first three research institutes will focus on cardiovascular disease, solid organ transplant and regenerative medicine, and primary care.
To further its goal to become a national leader in health care and biomedical research, the new college will recruit 50 new faculty investigators, including basic and clinician scientists, over the next 10 years.

"This expansion is expected to generate more than $225 million in new research grants by 2032," said Tony Lowman, provost, Rowan University. "This research will focus on translation of technologies to practice and have an important impact on patient care as well as put Rowan among the leading R1 research institutions in the country, representing the highest level of research activity at academic institutions."

Plans also include the construction of a new facility to support basic, translational, and clinical research.

The partnership also integrates the Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes School of Nursing with Rowan University School of Nursing & Health Professions. The collaboration will facilitate Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) students to apply through a single application process. Coursework will be delivered through a 3+1 program offered in conjunction with Rowan College of South Jersey, Rowan College at Burlington County and Camden County College, allowing students to earn a bachelor's degree at a comparatively low cost.

An early outcome of the collaboration between Rowan and Virtua is the Nurturing Nurses program, which was announced at the graduation ceremony of Our Lady of Lourdes School of Nursing in mid-December. Nurturing Nurses invites Virtua-employed registered nurses to pursue a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) at Rowan University and have Virtua pay the tuition.

"Nurturing Nurses is an inspiring example of the immediate impact of this partnership. We are creating a pipeline of talented health care professionals while further establishing our region as a sought-after destination for a rewarding education," said Reginald Blaber, M.D., executive vice president and chief clinical officer for Virtua. "The community will also benefit; this collaboration promises to elevate patient care and outcomes."

Business Affairs Homepage