A groundbreaking initiative is transforming nursing education with the launch of the Thomas Edison State University (TESU) Accelerated BSN BAYADA Scholars Track at Cooper University Health Care (Cooper). This innovative 15-month program is designed to address the critical nursing shortage in New Jersey and cultivate exceptional nurses ready to serve their communities. The BAYADA Scholars Track offers a unique “my learning” experience, providing students with intensive clinical immersion at Cooper University Hospital, a premier academic medical center renowned for its Level I trauma center.
Announced earlier this year, this specialized track within TESU’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is specifically tailored for individuals holding bachelor’s degrees in other fields who are passionate about transitioning to a nursing career. The inaugural cohort of BAYADA Scholars brings diverse academic backgrounds, including psychology, human services, and chemical biology, enriching the learning environment and fostering a multidisciplinary approach to healthcare.
Group of nursing students in a simulation lab at Cooper University Health Care
The establishment of this partnership is powered by BAYADA Education, a newly formed non-profit organization supported by a significant $5 million philanthropic investment from Ann and Mark Baiada. Mark Baiada, the founder and chairman of BAYADA Home Health Care, envisions this program as a catalyst for producing highly skilled nurses.
“Witnessing this pioneering collaboration in nursing education come to fruition is truly inspiring. The commencement of studies for the first class of BAYADA Scholars marks a pivotal moment in our commitment to expand the nursing workforce. We are confident that these outstanding nursing students will graduate fully equipped to excel in today’s dynamic healthcare landscape,” stated Mark Baiada.
The BAYADA Scholars have embarked on their hybrid learning journey, integrating online coursework with hands-on clinical training. This month marks the commencement of their clinical rotations at Cooper University Hospital, providing invaluable real-world experience.
Addressing the Nursing Shortage Through Innovative Education
The BAYADA Scholars Track directly confronts the pressing need for qualified nurses in New Jersey and beyond. By offering an accelerated pathway into nursing, the program attracts talented individuals from diverse backgrounds, effectively expanding the pool of healthcare professionals. This proactive approach aims to mitigate the impact of the nursing shortage on patient care and community health. The emphasis on practical, experiential learning ensures graduates are not only academically prepared but also clinically confident and ready to contribute immediately to the workforce.
Experiential Learning at a Leading Health System: Cooper University Health Care
Cooper University Hospital serves as the primary clinical training site for the BAYADA Scholars, offering an unparalleled “my learning” experience within a high-acuity environment. As a leading academic health system and home to the region’s busiest Level I trauma center, Cooper provides students with exposure to a wide spectrum of medical specialties and patient populations. This immersive clinical setting is crucial for developing critical thinking, clinical judgment, and practical skills essential for successful nursing practice. Students benefit from learning within a system known for its commitment to excellence in patient care and medical innovation.
A Fast Track to Nursing: The Accelerated BSN Program
TESU’s Accelerated BSN program, within which the BAYADA Scholars Track is embedded, is meticulously designed for individuals who have already earned a bachelor’s degree and are seeking a career change into nursing. This intensive 15-month curriculum leverages students’ prior academic experience, allowing them to efficiently acquire the necessary nursing knowledge and skills. The accelerated format enables a quicker transition into the nursing profession, addressing the urgent demand for nurses while providing a structured and comprehensive educational experience. The program’s rigor and focused approach ensure graduates are well-prepared to meet the challenges of modern healthcare.
The BAYADA Education and TESU Partnership: A Unique Collaboration
This groundbreaking partnership between BAYADA Education, TESU, and Cooper University Health Care represents a novel approach to nursing education. BAYADA Education’s philanthropic support and commitment to nursing workforce development, combined with TESU’s expertise in adult learning and flexible education models, and Cooper’s clinical resources, create a synergistic ecosystem for student success. This collaboration ensures students receive not only high-quality academic instruction but also robust clinical training and dedicated support, fostering a holistic and enriching “my learning” experience.
Personalized Attention and Best-in-Class Facilities: Student Perspectives
Ibrahim Jabbie, a member of the inaugural BAYADA Scholars Track cohort, highlighted the significance of Cooper’s clinical training environment during his initial week in the program. “I was determined to train in a top-tier medical facility, and Cooper has provided exactly that opportunity. The small class sizes have allowed for considerable personalized instruction. I believe my training at Cooper will significantly ease my transition into a nursing career,” Ibrahim shared. His perspective underscores the program’s commitment to providing individualized attention and access to state-of-the-art facilities, enhancing the overall “my learning” journey for each student.
Inspired by his wife, a recent nursing school graduate, Ibrahim, who holds a previous degree in agricultural economics, joins a diverse group of students engaging in hands-on training in a cutting-edge medical simulation laboratory. This immersive simulation experience complements their clinical rotations, allowing students to practice and refine their skills in a safe and controlled environment before applying them in real patient care scenarios.
Kathy Devine, DrNP, RN, NEA-BC, SVP and chief nursing executive at Cooper, emphasized the institution’s dedication to providing exceptional clinical education. “As a leading academic health system, we are committed to offering nursing students outstanding clinical training from a diverse team of expert physicians, advanced practice providers, and experienced nurses. Our objective is to cultivate an extraordinary clinical experience for these aspiring nurses, ensuring they are prepared to make a meaningful impact from their very first day as registered nurses.”
Career Opportunities and Future Pathways
The TESU Accelerated BSN BAYADA Scholars Track at Cooper not only provides exceptional education but also opens doors to promising career opportunities. Cooper University Health Care has pledged that graduates who successfully meet the program’s rigorous academic standards, pass the nursing licensure exam, and fulfill standardized employment criteria will receive job offers at Cooper upon graduation. This commitment provides a clear pathway to employment and a significant incentive for students. Furthermore, scholarship opportunities associated with the program enhance its affordability, making a nursing career accessible to a wider range of qualified candidates.
The BAYADA Scholars Track at Cooper is currently accepting applications for its next cohort, with classes commencing as early as January 2025. Individuals interested in pursuing a rewarding nursing career are encouraged to explore this unique opportunity and apply through bayadaeducation.org.
About the Partners: TESU, Cooper, and BAYADA Education
Thomas Edison State University (TESU), established in 1972, has a long-standing mission to innovate higher education for adult learners. TESU is committed to providing accessible and flexible educational pathways that meet the needs of working adults and contribute to workforce development. To explore TESU’s nursing programs, visit TESU.edu/BSNA.
Cooper University Health Care, a leading academic health system in Southern New Jersey, includes the MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper and affiliations with Cooper Medical School of Rowan University. Recognized for its clinical excellence and commitment to patient care, Cooper is a top-performing regional hospital. Learn more at CooperHealth.org.
BAYADA Home Health Care, founded in 1975 by J. Mark Baiada, is a premier non-profit home health care provider offering a comprehensive range of services globally. BAYADA is dedicated to providing high-quality, compassionate care to children, adults, and seniors. For more information, visit BAYADA.com.
BAYADA Education is a non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening the nursing profession through education, research, and advocacy. By supporting innovative nursing programs like the BAYADA Scholars Track, BAYADA Education aims to increase the number of skilled and compassionate nurses entering the healthcare workforce. Discover more at BAYADAEducation.org.
