Research College of Nursing, HCA Midwest Health break ground on $36.5MM college

Kansas City, MO —  Research College of Nursing (RCoN) – the region's largest and longest-running, single-purpose nursing institution and a leader in clinical education – broke ground on a much-anticipated expansion of the college and the creation of a Center for Clinical Advancement on September 11, 2024.

HCA Midwest Health, Kansas City's largest healthcare provider, announced in March 2023 a comprehensive $36.5 million investment in the Research College of Nursing from HCA Healthcare, HCA Midwest's parent family. This initiative will support the college's expansion plans, including the development and building of an innovative Center for Clinical Advancement on the campus of Research Medical Center while making a substantial, positive economic impact in the region. A new 78,000-square-foot building, estimated to be completed in early 2026 – RCoN's 120^th anniversary – will better serve the community's current and future healthcare needs while cementing the college as a long-term regional educational source of nursing talent for generations to come.

“HCA Midwest Health has shown the community we are committed to addressing the national nursing shortage, and today marks a historical moment in providing new access to clinical education for those who dream of making a positive impact on a patient’s life,” said HCA Midwest Health President Keith Zimmerman. “This investment in our healthcare future fulfills a significant need in our region while also building strong, thriving communities.”

Research College of Nursing is an accredited institution of higher education that prepares nurses to thrive and lead in complex healthcare environments. Students gain a unique blend of educational excellence in the classroom with exceptional clinical experiences from HCA Midwest Health, the region's leading healthcare system. RCoN offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program with two tracks: the traditional two-year and the accelerated one-year. HCA Healthcare, HCA Midwest Health's parent company, is a national champion for clinical education and is making similar investments across the country. 

“Research College of Nursing’s new Center of Clinical Advancement is not only vital in shaping the successful future of nursing professionals, many of whom will remain in the Kansas City area to deliver high-quality healthcare to our community, but it will also have a major positive economic impact on our region,” said Mayor Quinton Lucas. “Growth means progress, and Research College of Nursing’s expansion will also help impact the revitalization efforts surrounding Research Medical Center and the 71-Highway improvement project. Research College of Nursing, approaching its 120th anniversary of serving Kansas City, is a treasured community institution, and we are grateful for HCA Healthcare and HCA Midwest Health’s generous investment.” 

"The expansion of Research College of Nursing embodies the advancement of nursing education in the region," said RCoN President Nancy DeBasio. "RCoN's legacy is rooted in the rich history of community, with a reputation for nursing education of the highest quality. Graduates of the College live out our mission through leadership in practice, service, and advocacy. The new building, including state-of-the-art teaching-learning technologies, and the Center for Clinical Advancement demonstrate the exciting future that lies ahead for our students."

As a graduate of RCoN, this is especially meaningful for me, as this is a milestone in the growth of one of the city's and region's most treasured nursing institutions," said Research Medical Center CEO Kirk McCarty. "The synchronicity between RCoN, Research Medical Center and HCA Midwest Healthcare is invaluable, and the college's continued growth represents its dedication to its mission to not only educate nurses and develop nursing leaders but to care for our communities.”

RCoN expansion highlights include:

• Creation of a Center for Clinical Advancement, which pairs enhanced technology with simulation opportunities to help clinicians bridge the gap between classroom learning and bedside care.
• Expanded capacity to plan for an increase in enrollment while growing faculty and staff at the Research College of Nursing over the next five years.
• A state-of-the-art patient simulation laboratory to prepare students for the complexities of contemporary healthcare practice.
• Technologically advanced classrooms that will provide a more engaging and meaningful learning experience.
• Innovative education technology that will afford students the ability to achieve nursing competencies.

"The specialized design of the Research College of Nursing expansion will focus on the needs of healthcare students, including small-group study spaces and areas to facilitate student and faculty collaboration," said HCA Midwest Health Chief Nursing Executive Katie Bruels, DNP, RN. "The benefits of the Center for Clinical Advancement will impact not just an advance in nursing education, but continuing education for HCA Midwest clinicians as a whole."

RCoN expansion partners include architect BHDP and Collaborative Studios, construction manager McCown Gordon Construction, project manager Concord Healthcare, and developer Healthpeak.

For more information on the Research College of Nursing and its dedication to educating nurses, visit ResearchCollege.edu.