On June 29, 2026, Covista, a subsidiary of Adtalem Global Education Inc. (NYSE: CVSA), announced a groundbreaking partnership with Advocate Health, one of the largest nonprofit integrated health systems in the United States. This strategic collaboration aims to enhance access to nursing education and create a robust pipeline of practice-ready nurses, addressing the pressing healthcare workforce shortage that the nation faces.

2. The Collaboration: A New Pathway for Aspiring Nurses

The partnership is being delivered through Chamberlain University, an institution under Covista that specializes in nursing education. The program is designed to support students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree by offering scholarships, clinical experience in Advocate Health's facilities, and loan repayment assistance during their employment. This comprehensive approach aims to create a financially sustainable pathway for individuals entering the nursing profession.

Key Components of the Program

Scholarships: Financial assistance for students enrolling in the BSN program.

Clinical Experience: Hands-on training within Advocate Health's healthcare settings.

Loan Repayment Support: Financial relief for students upon employment, reducing barriers to entering the nursing workforce.

3. Leadership Insights

Advocate Health's executive vice president and chief nurse executive, Betty Jo Rocchio, emphasized the initiative's commitment to building a sustainable nursing workforce. "Our People Forward, Practice Ready strategy is about better attracting, preparing, and retaining our nursing teammates," she stated. This collaboration is particularly geared towards reaching nontraditional students—working adults or first-generation college students—who might not otherwise consider a career in nursing.

Nakesha Lopez, Advocate Health's chief people and culture officer, noted, "This collaboration with Covista creates a clear pathway for aspiring nurses—from education to employment—with the financial support they need to succeed." The program aims to recruit students starting next month, with classes set to begin in September, and it is designed to grow in capacity over time, ultimately serving hundreds of students annually.

4. Addressing the Healthcare Workforce Crisis

The partnership is timely, as the U.S. faces a significant healthcare workforce shortage. Covista’s Care Capacity Monitor, based on Gallup data, revealed that over 702,000 healthcare jobs are posted monthly, while 306,000 unemployed healthcare workers are available to fill them. This growing gap is impacting patient care, and healthcare executives are increasingly recognizing the importance of partnerships with educational institutions to meet workforce needs.

According to Steve Beard, chairman and CEO of Covista, "Every community deserves a healthcare workforce built specifically for it—trained in it, rooted in it, and ready to serve from day one." He highlighted that this collaboration represents a transformative approach to healthcare workforce development, emphasizing community-rooted initiatives.

5. The Impact of Chamberlain University

Chamberlain University stands as the nation's largest nursing school, serving approximately 40,000 students across 24 campuses and boasting over 155,000 alumni practicing in all 50 states. The institution is recognized for its focus on nontraditional pathways, making it a fitting partner for Advocate Health in this initiative. Chamberlain Care®, its model of holistic student support, ensures that students receive guidance and assistance from enrollment through graduation and into their careers.

Amelia Manning, president of Chamberlain University, remarked, "When a health system such as Advocate Health wraps employment, clinical experience, and financial support into education, you unlock what is possible and help advance the health of people, families, and communities." This encapsulates the mission of both organizations: to foster a healthcare workforce that is not only skilled but also deeply connected to the communities they serve.

6. Conclusion

The collaboration between Covista and Advocate Health marks a significant step forward in addressing the nursing workforce crisis in the United States. By creating a clear, financially supported pathway for aspiring nurses, this initiative exemplifies how strategic partnerships between educational institutions and healthcare providers can yield sustainable solutions for the future of healthcare. As recruitment begins, the anticipation builds for what this innovative program will achieve in the coming years.

Original press release