Rowan and BAYADA Partner to Build and Upskill Nursing Workforce

On Nov 18, 2025

In response to the region’s growing nursing shortage, Rowan University, Rowan College of New Jersey and BAYADA Home Health Care have joined forces to launch a first-of-its-kind workforce development partnership that is expected to help aspiring and current caregivers advance their careers through affordable, flexible nursing education.

According to the Health Resources and Services Administration, New Jersey is projected to face a shortage of more than 24,000 nurses by 2036. The new partnership aims to address the shortage head-on by providing a tuition-assisted Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) program designed specifically for aspiring nurses who enroll in BAYADA’s Advance to LPN program supported by Rowan University.

Beginning in January 2026, the inaugural cohort will take courses at Rowan University, creating a streamlined path from home health aide to LPN. Participants will benefit from

• tuition reimbursement through BAYADA’s loan repayment program upon graduation,
• personalized Rowan student success coaching to guide students through their academic journey, and
• expert guidance for navigating the transition from academic preparation to clinical practice with BAYADA’s nationally accredited Nurse Residency Program.

“Home is the future of healthcare. To meet the growing demand of that future, we must urgently invest in developing skilled nurses,” said David Baiada, CEO of BAYADA Home Health Care. “This partnership with Rowan is our commitment to the community. We are helping dedicated caregivers become the next generation of compassionate nurses, making it possible for clients to live with the independence and dignity they deserve, in the comfort of their own homes.”

“This collaboration strongly supports Rowan’s mission to deliver accessible, career-focused education that meets the growing demand for nurses in New Jersey and across the nation,” said Rowan University Chancellor Tony Lowman, PhD. “Together, we’re expanding opportunities for individuals and reinforcing the health care systems our communities depend on.”

For clinicians like Lisa Walker, who earned her LPN through Rowan and is now a BAYADA nurse resident, the impact is personal.

“When I started, I had no health care experience—only a passion for helping others. BAYADA and Rowan gave me the skills and confidence to turn that passion into a profession,” Walker said. “Now I’m continuing my BSN at Rowan and working toward my goal of advancing in nursing while caring for people at home.”

The program is open to current and aspiring BAYADA caregivers; individuals who are not yet employed by BAYADA may apply for a position to become eligible for the program.

Applications are now open for Spring 2026. To learn more and apply to the program, visit the Rowan-BAYADA partnership webpage and email [email protected].

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