The Cambridge Health Alliance and Northeastern University’s College of Professional Studies have received a $500,000 grant from the Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund to fund training, education and credentialing programs for nurses and healthcare employees.
Funded over three years, the Health Careers Learning Partnership will offer a bachelor’s degree program for registered nurses (RN-to-BSN) and pre-requisite courses and a college readiness certificate program for healthcare employees.
Shifting demographics and an increasing need for elderly care are driving demand for industry-qualified, trained healthcare professionals at public hospital systems like CHA.
“We are delighted to partner on this grant with Northeastern University’s College of Professional Studies, a recognized leader in professional education,” said Dennis Keefe, CHA’s chief executive officer. “This project will help Cambridge Health Alliance offer better patient care and delivery to the community we serve and provide career pathways for our employees to gain industry-recognized credentials and skills.”
Registered nurses will have the opportunity to earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing through the RN-to-BSN program. For employees who are interested in enrolling in a healthcare college degree program, prerequisite courses in the sciences will be offered through the College of Professional Studies. Additionally, college readiness and English language programs will be offered to those who need to enhance their academic foundation while building toward college prerequisite courses.
“Cambridge Health Alliance is competing in a marketplace where qualified and credentialed nurses are in constant high demand,” said Christopher E. Hopey, vice president and dean of the College of Professional Studies at Northeastern University in Boston. “At the College of Professional Studies, we’re proud to join forces with Cambridge Health Alliance to provide educational pathways for registered nurses and healthcare employees.”