During a recent visit to Gering, Nebraska, UNMC Interim Chancellor H. Dele Davies, MD, and Lepaine Sharp-McHenry, DNP, dean of the UNMC College of Nursing, signed a memorandum of understanding that will provide eligible students from Gering Public High School with a pathway into the college.
In a signing ceremony on March 24, Drs. Davies and Sharp-McHenry met with Superintendent Nicole Regan, EdD, of Gering Public Schools.
The memorandum of understanding will allow the UNMC College of Nursing to provide information and advisement regarding admission to the college’s BSN program to students enrolled in Gering Public High School’s Career Pathway Program. High school students can 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.
“We are proud to partner with Gering Public Schools in creating opportunities that are both meaningful for students and valuable for the state,” Dr. Davies said. “We are pleased to offer a pathway into our program in the Western Division of the UNMC College of Nursing. For many students, being able to learn near their families and communities can make all the difference, and when students train in communities like this, they are often more likely to build their lives and careers here, as well.”
Dr. Regan said Gering High School has seen “incredible growth” in its students’ interest in health care careers.
“Today’s partnership builds on that momentum,” she said. “Through the High School Early Admissions Program, our partnership with the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Nursing creates a clear and structured pathway for our students to continue their education and pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing right here in western Nebraska.”
The college’s agreement with Gering Public High School is its newest with a Nebraska high school, Dr. Sharp-McHenry said.
“Collaborating with Nebraska high schools makes it easier for us to inform and support young students who wish to become nurses,” she said. “Our state needs roughly 6,700 new nurses to fill its needs. This partnership allows the UNMC College of Nursing to create opportunities for students and, for those who can meet the criteria, a guarantee that our program has a place for them.”