Rowan-Virtua SOM and Virtua Health earn Joint Accreditation with Commendation

Recognition places the partnership among an elite group of organizations advancing interprofessional continuing education nationwide

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine (SOM) and Virtua Health have earned Joint Accreditation with Commendation as a provider of continuing education, a distinction that recognizes excellence in interprofessional education and collaboration.

Awarded jointly by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), the designation affirms the partnership's commitment to delivering high-quality educational programs that support physicians, pharmacists, nurses and other healthcare professionals in learning together to improve patient care. The accreditation is effective for a full six-year term through July 2032.

"This is a testament to the power of partnership. Jointly, we are creating innovative educational experiences that prepare today's healthcare workforce for tomorrow's challenges,” said Dr. Jen Khelil, Executive Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer of Virtua Health. “Joint Accreditation with Commendation recognizes our shared commitment to excellence and reinforces our belief that collaboration is essential to improving patient outcomes across the region."

Nationally, only 197 organizations hold Joint Accreditation, with just 48 earning Commendation status. In New Jersey, only 12 organizations have achieved Joint Accreditation, and only six have received Commendation. The recognition places SOM and Virtua Health among a select group of institutions leading interprofessional continuing education across the country.

"This recognition reflects the extraordinary commitment of our faculty, staff and clinical partners to advancing interprofessional education at the highest level,” said Richard Jermyn, Vice Chancellor of Virtua Health College of Medicine & Life Sciences. When healthcare professionals learn together, they are better prepared to deliver exceptional, team-based care. We are proud of what this achievement represents and even more excited about the opportunities it creates to advance our mission and improve the health of the communities we serve."

Partnership in practice

The achievement reflects years of collaboration between Rowan University and Virtua Health (specifically Virtua’s Center for Nursing Excellence and Innovation) since they partnered to form Virtua Health College of Medicine & Life Sciences in 2021. Through their partnership, Rowan and Virtua Health continue to expand educational opportunities that prepare healthcare professionals to meet the evolving needs of patients and communities. This expansion includes soon-to-open and new facilities supporting research, nursing education, and physician assistant training on Rowan’s West Campus and in Sewell.

Together, the organizations continue to advance innovation in education, clinical practice and research while reinforcing their shared commitment to improving health throughout South Jersey and beyond.