First nurse apprenticeship program in Kansas and throughout region announced by HCA Midwest Health

Program ushers in a new era of critical training not always available to traditional students, where aspiring nurses gain skills needed to jumpstart their careers while financially supporting their families

Overland Park, Kan. — HCA Midwest Health, the area’s largest healthcare provider offering convenient access to high-quality, state-of-the-art patient care, announced today the launch of the FIRST IN THE REGION and FIRST IN KANSAS new pre-licensure nurse apprenticeship program designed to train and develop a skilled healthcare workforce, addressing the growing demand for qualified professionals within the industry. This first of its kind innovative program, based at Overland Park Regional Medical Center and Menorah Medical Center — both part of HCA Midwest Health — ushers in a new area of nursing students providing aspiring caregivers with hands-on experience and comprehensive training, enabling them to build rewarding careers while earning income and access to employee benefits.

“HCA Midwest Health is proud to be the first health system in Kansas and the Kansas City region to offer future caregivers the opportunity for high-skill training — while being gainfully employed — and fulfilling their dreams to work in a growing industry,” said HCA Midwest Health Division Chief Nursing Executive Katie Bruels, DNP, RN. “As we continue to shape the future of nursing, it is an honor to collaborate with our community, college and universities and state partners who all share a common goal: provide valuable, long-term solutions to improve healthcare, while providing high-quality care to our community.”

Healthcare apprenticeship programs build targeted workforce solutions that effectively address healthcare industry challenges while improving job quality and developing pipeline and career advancement opportunities for nurses, all the while having an experienced and passionate mentor to support, guide, and partner with each student throughout their career.

“Kansas is leading the way in advancing registered apprenticeships, with a 47% increase last year alone that take took our state from 47th in 2020 to 29th in 2024,” Kansas Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Today marks another milestone as we celebrate the launch of our state’s first pre-licensure Nurse Apprenticeship Program. This program has the power to transform our nursing workforce and set a new standard for how Kansas nurses teach and mentor the next generation of aspiring Kansas nurses.”

The Nurse Apprenticeship Program culminates more than three years of research, standards development, and collaboration with many organizations. These organizations include the Kansas Hospital Association, Hamilton-Ryker TalentGro, the Kansas Board of Nursing and multiple agencies and departments within the State of Kansas. The program is in partnership with Kansas Board of Nursing approved schools, such as Johnson County Community College, MidAmerica Nazarene University and Pittsburg State University.

Nurse Apprenticeship Program Key Highlights:

• Diverse Career Pathways: Apprentices can choose from various nursing careers tailored to meet the applicant's career goals
• On-the-Job Training and Economic Impact: Apprentices will gain valuable practical experience by working alongside experienced healthcare professionals in various hospital departments. Apprentices will be paid and eligible for employee benefits.
• Mentorship and Support: Each apprentice will be assigned a dedicated mentor to guide their education and experience and provide ongoing support throughout the program and their career.
• Pathway to Employment: Upon completing the apprenticeship program, graduates will have the opportunity for full-time employment at any one of seven HCA Midwest Health hospitals — including Research Medical Center, Overland Park Regional Medical Center, Centerpoint Medical Center, Menorah Medical Center, Lee's Summit Medical Center, Belton Regional Medical Center and Lafayette Regional Health Center — or another healthcare organization.

How to Apply: Individuals interested in applying for the Nurse Healthcare Apprenticeship Program can visit the HCA Healthcare Careers site for information and to submit their application.