Agreements with Western Nebraska Community College, Scottsbluff Public Schools will build rural nursing pipeline
During a recent visit to Scottsbluff, UNMC Interim Chancellor Dele Davies, MD, signed memorandums of understanding (MOUs) that will provide eligible students with guaranteed admission to the UNMC College of Nursing – West Nebraska Division.
In two signing ceremonies on Oct. 2, Dr. Davies and UNMC College of Nursing Dean Lepaine Sharp-McHenry, DNP, met with President Greg Dart of Western Nebraska Community College, and Superintendent Dr. Andrew Dick of Scottsbluff Public Schools.
The memoranda, which Dr. Sharp-McHenry also signed, will allow the UNMC College of Nursing to provide information and advisement regarding admission to the college’s BSN program to pre-nursing students at Western Nebraska Community College, as well as students enrolled in the Scottsbluff High School’s Health Sciences Career Academy. Both high school and community college students will receive guaranteed early admission into the BSN program, as long as they meet all nursing prerequisite requirements and complete the UNMC College of Nursing’s admission process.
“Nurses are a key element of the health care team,” Dr. Davies said. “With a nationwide shortage of nurses that is reflected here in Nebraska as well, UNMC is proud to team with both Scottsbluff Public Schools and Western Nebraska Community College to provide a smooth pathway into this essential profession. The agreement will help students from Scottsbluff and the surrounding areas lock in their nursing educational opportunity close to home, thereby providing a base from which to grow rural Nebraska’s nursing workforce.”
“This is an exciting day for our nursing students and the Panhandle,” Dart said. “Through this partnership, we are not only helping our students achieve their dreams, but we are also addressing critical healthcare needs by preparing the next generation of skilled professionals. Together, we are building a pathway that empowers our students and strengthens our health care system.”
The college’s agreement with Scottsbluff Public Schools is its first with a Nebraska high school, said Lepaine Sharp-McHenry, DNP, dean of the UNMC College of Nursing.
“As we work to broaden our statewide partnerships, we hope this agreement will serve as the basis for many more collaborations with Nebraska high schools,” she said.
“Scottsbluff Public Schools takes pride in providing incredible opportunities for our students,” Dr. Dick said. “This agreement, the first of its kind, provides a seamless pathway to one of the top nursing programs in the country for students who wish to pursue a career in nursing without having to leave western Nebraska. Scottsbluff High School’s Career Academy program continues to evolve while ensuring we are meeting the demands of our local workforce, adding value to the high school diploma, and providing our students with unparalleled opportunities.”
Dean Sharp-McHenry said: “As 2025 approaches, our state will need more than 5,400 new nurses to fill its needs. In order to address these workforce needs, the UNMC College of Nursing is exploring various ways to partner with our community colleges and high schools to create opportunities for students.
“This guaranteed admission agreement is one example that allows students to know up front that they will have a seat in our program.”