Pathway Programs

These programs are intended for high school, first/second year college and second career students.

The program's mission is to help students become aware of nursing career possibilities and then help them excel. While supporting future nurses, the program contributes to Kansas nursing workforce needs.

Diversity Focus - Kansas City Campus

As the U.S. population becomes increasingly diverse, alarming health inequities persist. The U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration advises that increasing nursing workforce diversity can contribute to health care accessibility, quality and better health equity. The Kansas City pathway seeks to increase BSN class and graduate diversity by at least 15%.

Rural Nursing - Salina Campus

U.S. health care provider shortages are more profound in rural areas. Kansas is predominantly rural, with 98 of its 105 counties (93%) designated as rural. Ninety counties (86%) are designated as Primary Care Health Professional Shortage Areas. Registered nurses and nurse practitioners are vital to the health and well-being of rural populations. The Salina pathway seeks to attract and graduate nursing students from rural areas who aspire to rural nursing careers.

The KU Nursing Pathway

KU Nursing Pathway students receive individual mentoring and participate in monthly events with KU School of Nursing faculty, practicing nurses and health care industry leaders to:

• Prepare for advanced academic success
• Explore nursing career options
• Develop leadership skills

There is no cost to participate and no obligation to continue in the program. Students who complete Phases 1 and 2 and choose to enroll at the KU School of Nursing receive scholarship awards during Phase 3.

Phase I - Entry and Introduction

Upon admission into the program, participants engage in individual and group meetings to plan for participation and learn about mentoring and available support services.

Phase II - Discover, Define and Prepare

While completing nursing school college prerequisites (up to two years), participants meet with their program mentor and attend monthly meetings, including nursing career exploration events, guidance in defining an individual nursing career pathway, and acquiring learning and career skills for nursing education success.

Phase III - Learn, Lead, Plan

Participants choosing the KU School of Nursing continue to receive mentorship and skill development while further defining their nursing career aspirations. During the senior year, participants engage in leadership skill development, peer mentoring and career progression discovery.