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William Paterson University has been selected as a 2023 NJBIZ Healthcare Heroes honoree. The awards recognize excellence, promote innovation, and honor the efforts of individuals and organizations making a significant impact on the quality of health care in New Jersey. The University is being honored in the Education Hero—Organization category.
The NJBIZ Healthcare Heroes Award honorees were chosen by a panel of independent judges and include individuals and organizations across 12 categories. Award recipients will be recognized will be during a ceremony on June 27, 2023 at The Palace at Somerset Park.
“This award is a testament to the great work being done throughout William Paterson and our College of Science and Health in preparing the nurses and other healthcare professionals who are in great need throughout New Jersey,” says President Richard J. Helldobler.
William Paterson’s nomination focused on the institution’s leadership in educating New Jersey’s healthcare workforce. Since 2020, it has invested in growing its healthcare programs to meet the significant need for nurses and public health professionals, as well as increased demand for online learning by adult learners and those seeking advanced degrees via flexible delivery models. Adding to campus-based programs in nursing and public health, William Paterson successfully launched fully online undergraduate RN to BSN and health studies programs, 12 fully online master’s degree and certificate programs in nursing, and a master’s in public health.
Since 2019, enrollment in nursing degree programs has surged. Undergraduate nursing enrollment has more than doubled, from 431 students to 1,058 students, and graduate enrollment has tripled, from 190 to 713 students. The University is now one of the largest nursing programs in the state.
Thousands of alumni are employed in healthcare institutions and related organizations as nurses, nurse practitioners, healthcare administrators, educators, researchers, and in other professional positions. Between 2019 and 2022, the University graduated nearly 550 new nurses, many employed in the state and making a direct impact on the nursing shortage. Also, more than 200 nursing professionals earned advanced degrees and certifications.
In addition, research conducted by William Paterson faculty and nursing doctoral students on significant healthcare topics makes an impact on the healthcare field. Faculty and alumni hold important leadership roles in the state and national nursing organizations.
