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Atlantic Cape & Thomas Jefferson University Sign Collaborative Agreement Creating Pathways to Health Professions Programs

Atlantic Cape Community College President Dr. Barbara Gaba and Thomas Jefferson University’s College of Health Professions Dean Dr. Michael Dryer officially signed an enrollment partnership agreement on November 30 that establishes a convenient and accessible pathway for Atlantic Cape students to enroll in Jefferson’s health programs.

“The need for Respiratory Therapists has grown tremendously since the COVID-19 pandemic and the need is expected to grow by more than 23 percent between now and 2028,” said Dr. Gaba. “Locally, our hospital partners (AtlantiCare, Cape Regional and Shore Medical) are reporting a dire need for these practitioners as many of their current respiratory care employees are at or nearing retirement age.”

Through this agreement, signed in the STEM Building on the Mays Landing campus, students who successfully submit an application and possess the required academic criteria will be eligible to matriculate into one of several available Jefferson health profession programs:

  • Respiratory Therapy
  • Medical Laboratory Sciences
  • Biotechnology
  • Cytotechnology
  • Medical Imaging & Radiation Sciences
  • Behavioral & Health Sciences
  • Health Service Management
  • Health Studies
  • Accelerated Health Sciences

“Atlantic Cape is proud to respond to the needs of the communities we serve, and together with our University Partners, we are able to meet their needs and provide more opportunities for our students at the same time,” said Dr. Gaba. “This articulation agreement, together with our current 1+1 articulation with Brookdale Community College AAS in Respiratory Care, provides students with an opportunity to achieve the credential, and for us, the opportunity to meet a community need.”

Dr. Dryer expressed his excitement and optimism that this agreement will help both institutions of higher learning positively impact their respective communities.

“This collaboration with Atlantic Cape creates new opportunities for students to explore and pursue their health career goals with Jefferson’s College of Health Professions,” said Dr. Dryer. “We are delighted to work with Atlantic Cape – an anchor institution in South Jersey – in their efforts to strengthen and empower the communities they serve. We look forward to being a part of the students’ journey in furthering their education and preparing them for high-demand careers in health.”

Dr. Gaba touted the benefits that Atlantic Cape students will be eligible to receive through this agreement with Jefferson’s health programs.

“We believe that this program will be mutually beneficial for our two institutions and will provide a unique opportunity for our students to advance their educational goals. With this new program, we continue to create new pathways for our students to attain graduate degrees from a well-respected four-year University, while also meeting the needs of the communities we serve,” Gaba continued.

Atlantic Cape students who have completed their required prerequisite course work, have earned the necessary minimum GPA and have earned an associate’s degree will enter Jefferson with junior status. Students who may be entering any of the four aforementioned programs may be eligible for financial aid provided that all required FAFSA documents are submitted prior to each program’s respective deadlines.

“I am proud we are able to further our mission through our university partnerships, articulation agreements, and degree pathways, which serve to expand the opportunities for an affordable and high-quality college education,” Gaba concluded.