Rutgers School of Nursing–Camden Expands Access to Innovative Nursing Education Through New Workforce Development Initiative
CAMDEN, N.J. (August 12, 2026) — Rutgers School of Nursing–Camden and the Rutgers University Foundation today announced support from Johnson & Johnson to strengthen nursing education, expand access to nursing degrees, and help prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals to meet the evolving needs of patients and communities across New Jersey.
The $300,000 contribution from New Brunswick, N.J.-based Johnson & Johnson will support the modernization and rededication of the school’s Simulation Lab as the Johnson & Johnson Nursing Simulation Lab – a hands-on training facility where students practice clinical care using lifelike scenarios and medical equipment – with advanced technologies that better reflect today’s clinical environments, while also providing scholarships to help first-generation students pursue careers in nursing.
“At Rutgers University School of Nursing–Camden, we are preparing nurses who are not only clinically excellent, but also compassionate, adaptive, and ready to lead in a rapidly changing healthcare landscape,” said Donna Nickitas, dean of Rutgers University School of Nursing–Camden. “This generous support from Johnson & Johnson represents a powerful investment in our students, our faculty, and the communities we serve. By modernizing our simulation learning environment and expanding scholarship support for first-generation nursing students, this initiative strengthens our ability to deliver a rigorous, practice-ready education while opening doors for talented students whose voices, experiences, and leadership are essential to the future of nursing.”
Johnson & Johnson’s sponsorship will support the purchase of advanced high-fidelity patient simulators, electronic medical record (EMR) training systems, virtual and AI-enabled simulation technologies, and the creation of an innovative pharmacology lab. In addition, the funding will establish the Rutgers School of Nursing-Camden Johnson & Johnson Scholarship, which will provide five $10,000 scholarships for talented, first-generation nursing students, facing financial barriers entering the profession.
The university officially opened the enhanced facilities during a dedication ceremony at Rutgers School of Nursing–Camden, bringing together university leaders, Johnson & Johnson representatives, elected officials, faculty, and students. The event celebrated Johnson & Johnson's decades-long relationship with Rutgers University, reflecting the organizations' shared commitment to improving health outcomes, strengthening communities across South Jersey, and preparing the next generation of New Jersey's healthcare workforce.
Simulation-based learning has become an increasingly important component of nursing education, enabling students to develop clinical judgment, communication, and decision-making skills in realistic, hands-on settings before entering patient care environments. The new technologies will help ensure Rutgers nursing graduates are prepared to thrive in modern healthcare systems while meeting growing workforce demands across the state.
“Nurses are the backbone of healthcare and are essential to advancing health outcomes,” said Howard Reid, Vice President, Corporate Brand and Purpose, Johnson & Johnson. “Johnson & Johnson has supported nurses since 1897. This sponsorship to Rutgers-Camden reflects our longstanding commitment to elevating the critical role nurses play in healthcare delivery and strengthening the nursing workforce through education, innovation, and partnership.”
As healthcare systems face growing workforce challenges nationwide, efforts to expand nursing education remain critical to ensuring a pipeline of qualified professionals. Together, Rutgers-Camden and Johnson & Johnson have a shared mission to educate future healthcare leaders and ensure that New Jersey builds a highly trained, future-ready nursing workforce that is prepared to deliver quality patient care and transform health systems.
About Rutgers University–Camden
Ranked among the Top 50 public institutions by U.S. News & World Report and named one of Washington Monthly’s “25 Best-in-Class Colleges,” Rutgers University–Camden provides an exceptional environment for intellectual growth, community engagement, and student success.
Located in Camden, NJ’s “eds and meds” district, the campus sits within a city rich in cultural and historic attractions, a vibrant arts community, leading healthcare institutions, and global corporate headquarters that support internships and experiential learning. Recognized as one of the safest campuses in the region, Rutgers–Camden offers a welcoming environment for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students, with easy access to Center City Philadelphia and the broader South Jersey region.
Home to approximately 6,000 students, Rutgers–Camden fosters a close-knit academic community while delivering the resources of a world-class research institution. The campus comprises four schools—the School of Arts & Sciences, School of Business, School of Nursing, and the Law School—and is part of the Rutgers University system. Designated an R2 research university and recognized with the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification, Rutgers–Camden is a national model for civically engaged urban institutions, contributing impactful scholarship and creative work on a global scale.