Arcadia and Acts Partner to Tackle Senior Care Workforce Crisis

GLENSIDE, Pa. – April 30, 2026 – Arcadia University and Acts Retirement-Life Communities today announced a landmark partnership designed to directly combat the deepening workforce crisis in the senior care sector. The collaboration will provide more than 8,600 Acts team members across nine states with access to Arcadia's full catalog of over 150 industry-recognized certificate programs, creating a powerful new pipeline for talent development and career advancement.

This strategic alliance between the Glenside-based university and the Fort Washington-headquartered senior living provider aims to upskill and reskill a vast workforce, with a particular focus on high-demand fields such as allied health, skilled trades, and leadership. The move is seen as a proactive and scalable solution to the persistent staffing shortages that have strained the senior living industry nationwide.

Addressing a Critical Industry Need

The timing of the partnership is critical. The senior care industry, particularly on the East Coast where Acts operates its 28 communities, is facing an unprecedented labor crisis. In Pennsylvania, for example, the long-term care system is under severe pressure, with reports indicating that over 112,000 direct care shifts go unfilled each month. The state's nursing homes are projected to face a shortfall of over 20,000 care providers annually through 2032, a deficit that has already led to facility closures and limited admissions.

The situation is similarly dire in neighboring states. New Jersey's direct care workforce is shrinking even as its elderly population grows, with a majority of nursing homes failing to meet minimum state staffing requirements. This structural gap between the demand for care and the supply of skilled workers threatens the quality of life for thousands of seniors.

By offering accessible training in roles like Clinical Medical Assistant, Pharmacy Technician, and Phlebotomy Technician, the Arcadia-Acts partnership directly addresses these shortages. It provides a mechanism for Acts to cultivate talent from within, reducing reliance on a fiercely competitive external hiring market and ensuring a higher standard of care for its 11,000 residents.

A New Model for Employee Development

At the heart of the initiative is a commitment to investing in the existing workforce. The programs, delivered through Arcadia's partnership with Core Education, are specifically designed for working professionals. Flexible online and hybrid formats allow employees to pursue certifications without disrupting their work schedules, and many programs qualify for Continuing Education Units (CEUs) essential for professional licensure.

For Acts, this initiative is an evolution of its long-standing commitment to employee growth. The organization's own "Acts Corporate University," established in 2000, already provides tuition reimbursement and scholarship opportunities. This new partnership dramatically expands the scope and accessibility of educational offerings available to its team members.

"Arcadia University's Workforce Development initiative was created to help employers invest in their greatest asset—their people—by providing opportunities to upskill and reskill employees for the evolving demands of today's workforce," said John Noakes, Associate Provost and Director of the Center for Professional Futures at Arcadia University. "We're proud to partner with Acts—an organization that shares our commitment to investing in people and preparing them for long-term success."

This sentiment is echoed by Acts leadership, who view the partnership as essential for meeting future challenges.

"At Acts, we are always looking for ways to support the growth and development of our team members," noted Jo Anne Hartman, Acts Vice President of Education and Research. "This partnership with Arcadia University allows us to provide valuable opportunities for professional advancement, ensuring our team members are equipped to meet the evolving needs of our residents and the industry."

The University as an Economic Engine

The collaboration signifies a broader trend in which higher education institutions are becoming increasingly vital partners in regional economic development. Rather than operating in a silo, universities like Arcadia are leveraging their educational infrastructure to solve real-world business challenges, thereby strengthening local industries and ensuring a resilient workforce.

This model of direct university-industry collaboration is proving to be a powerful tool for closing skill gaps. By aligning curriculum with the specific needs of a major employer like Acts, Arcadia ensures that its certificate programs are not only academically rigorous but also immediately applicable in the workplace. This targeted approach helps create a more efficient talent pipeline, benefiting the employer, the employee, and the regional economy as a whole.

The partnership's focus extends beyond clinical roles to include skilled trades and leadership, addressing the full spectrum of operational needs within a large senior living organization. As facilities age and technology evolves, the demand for skilled maintenance staff and effective managers is just as critical as the need for frontline caregivers.

Building Career Ladders and Improving Care

Ultimately, the success of this initiative will be measured by its dual impact: the career mobility it provides for employees and the enhanced quality of care it delivers to residents. For an entry-level caregiver, access to a pharmacy technician or medical billing certificate can be the first step on a new career ladder, fostering loyalty and reducing costly employee turnover.

Studies have consistently shown that investments in employee education and upskilling lead to higher job satisfaction, increased productivity, and lower rates of attrition. In an industry plagued by burnout and high turnover, creating tangible pathways for advancement is a powerful retention strategy.

This stability and expertise within the workforce translates directly to a safer and more supportive environment for residents. A well-trained, engaged, and stable team is better equipped to provide the consistent, high-quality care that families expect and residents deserve. By investing in its people, Acts is simultaneously investing in its core mission: to deliver exceptional senior living services. This partnership sets a new standard for how the senior care industry can build a sustainable and highly skilled workforce for the future.