HCA Midwest Health, Avila University Partnership Addresses Nursing Shortage

Posted November 27, 2024

HCA Midwest Health and Kansas City, Mo.-based Avila University have expanded their partnership to train the next generation of the nursing workforce.

Nursing students enrolled in Avila’s programs can complete their coursework online and conduct the required clinicals at HCA Midwest Health to earn their Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, according to a release.

The first cycle of students can enroll as soon as January 2025.

HCA Midwest Health and Avila first announced plans for a partnership in August. The partnership would aim to educate and train aspiring nurses through high-quality, accessible education.

“This new partnership with Avila University improves access to training for future nurses so they can be successful and provide the best possible patient care,” HCA Midwest Health President, Keith Zimmerman, said in the release. “Healthcare professionals and nurses are the heart of our mission, and this collaboration ensures access to a high-quality nursing program while making significant progress on addressing the pressing nursing shortage within the area.”

The partnership program allows current HCA Midwest Health employees and aspiring nurses can earn the skills needed to become nurses and advance their careers. This program also addresses a larger issue of nursing shortages in Missouri and Kansas.

In 2023, nurse vacancies reached 17.4% in Missouri and 19% in Kansas, according to the release.