Newman University and Garden City Community College Working to Combat Nursing Shortage in Western Kansas
Garden City, KS–Newman University and Garden City Community College are offering a bachelor’s of science in Nursing with their new joint bachelor’s degree program. According to the Kansas Department of Labor’s 2022 Occupational Outlook report, by 2026 Kansas will need more than 28,000 nursing assistants and 18,000 registered nurses. Rural Kansas hospitals are continuing to face nursing shortages that if not combated, could result in hospital closures.
Nurses are the backbone of the health industry in the United States, and their role continues to increase in importance in meeting the needs of patients. Nursing is the largest single profession in the medical field, and yet there is still a shortage in many cities. These nurses who hold bachelor’s degrees are equipped to not only be care providers, but patient advocates, which is vital to the treatment success in many cases.
The new nursing program allows students to complete an RN-BSN program in 12 months. While studying, students will learn the essentials needed to increase patient outcomes. Students will also learn more skills to work to the full scope of practice which is being required of nurses more often now than ever before. The program has an accelerated 4-week pace and includes hybrid and online options. Students will only take one course at a time.
Meeting the needs of Western Kansas students along with the greater community is a focus of the partnership between Newman and Garden City Community College. Identifying where the community is in need of well-trained graduates has enabled Newman University to strategically decide which four-year degrees to bring to Garden City and the surrounding areas.
About Newman:
Founded in 1933, Newman University is grounded in Catholic values and traditions, yet is respectful of all faith traditions. At Newman you’ll find people, programs, organizations, and activities designed to educate your mind and inspire your spirit.
The main campus is in Wichita, Kansas with outreach sites in Southeast Kansas, Southwest Kansas, Tulsa and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Newman is a sponsored ministry of the Adorers of the Blood of Christ United States Region.
About GCCC:
Founded in 1919, Garden City Community College (GCCC) has served the public longer than any other community college in Kansas. GCCC is the senior leader in community college education for Kansas, with a tradition of preparing people of all ages from diverse backgrounds for success in their lives and careers.
The mission of GCCC is to help each student become a positive contributor to the economic and social well-being of society. GCCC offers opportunities for every individual through our shared vision of becoming the premier educational nexus to progress and world-class learning in a dynamic environment. From here, you can go anywhere.
