McPherson College Partners with KU for Nursing Program
New collaboration addresses critical rural healthcare workforce shortage
McPherson, KS- McPherson College has announced a groundbreaking partnership with the University of Kansas School of Nursing that will allow students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree beginning in the 2026-27 academic year. The collaboration directly addresses the critical nursing workforce shortage plaguing rural Kansas communities, with students completing 60 prerequisite credits at McPherson's campus before transitioning to KU's Salina campus and online coursework for their remaining 60 nursing credits while maintaining their connection to the liberal arts college.
The program comes at a crucial time for Kansas healthcare, as recent data from the Kansas Nursing Workforce Center reveals that 29% of registered nurses and 23% of licensed practical nurses in the state plan to retire within five years, while nursing program enrollment has dropped 39% over the past decade. Students in the program will receive guaranteed admission to KU's nursing program and gain clinical experience at healthcare agencies in rural communities including Salina and McPherson, with nursing degrees ultimately awarded by KU. "This program is designed for students interested in studying nursing at a strong, well-resourced public institution while retaining a small, residential liberal arts college experience," said McPherson College Executive Vice President Aaron Meis.
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