HCA Midwest Health
November 01, 2021

Kansas City, MO — (November 1, 2021) — Nursing Schools Almanac has released its 2021 rankings of the best nursing schools in the U.S. and named Research College of Nursing (RCoN) number 5 in the state of Missouri, number 1 in the Kansas City area. The college was also recognized among the best in prelicensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs in the plains region. Established in 1905, Research College of Nursing is a fully accredited institution offering both a Bachelor and Master of Science in Nursing.

Data was collected on over 3,000 nursing schools and campuses nationwide. Each institution was then assessed on three critical dimensions including the school’s academic prestige and perceived value; the breadth and depth of nursing programs offered; and student success, particularly on the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).

“It is an incredible honor to be once again recognized among the top nursing schools in the state of Missouri,” says Research College of Nursing President Thad R. Wilson, PhD, RN, FAAN. “Our commitment to excellence in nursing education is demonstrated as our students continue to be successful through unprecedented times. We are proud to develop the next generation of resilient nursing leaders who raise the bar on exceptional patient care.

“RCoN students have consistently scored above the national NCLEX pass rate, demonstrating a spectacular tenacity completing a rigorous nursing program amid the pandemic—which we recognize is thanks largely to the support from our expert faculty, staff, and clinical partners of HCA Midwest Health.”

In third quarter 2021, RCoN reported a 90% NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate, national benchmarks and the state of Missouri reported 84% and 87%, respectively. The college has experienced record growth in the past five years as its BSN cohort capacity increased 40%. As RCoN continues to welcome new graduate and undergraduate students, this has fostered a more diverse student body population as represented in the 17 languages spoken among the BSN class of 2023. 

“Research Medical Center values its longtime partnership with Research College of Nursing and extends warm congratulations for being ranked among Missouri’s best nursing schools,” says Research Medical Center Chief Executive Officer Ashley McClellan. “The deserved recognition by Nursing Schools Almanac highlights the college leadership’s hard work and dedication to grow the well-regarded program. We look forward to continue partnering with the college to prepare the best and brightest nurses equipped to serve the healthcare needs of our community.”

Nursing Schools Almanac strives to provide an accurate, complete, and powerful online resource for aspiring nurses. As nursing responsibilities have grown, so have the licensing and training requirements for the various roles. Nursing Schools Almanac has organized a wealth of state- and city-specific information about nursing education, empowering aspiring nurses to find the best-suited programs to launch their careers. Visit Nursing Schools Almanac for the complete 2021 rankings.

About Research College of Nursing

Research College of Nursing is a fully accredited institution preparing nurses to thrive in complex healthcare environments. Students gain a unique pairing of educational excellence and strength of the region’s leading healthcare system – HCA Midwest Health. Trusted for 115 years, RCoN continues educating nurses, developing leaders and caring for communities.  Visit researchcollege.edu to learn more.

About HCA Midwest Health 

As the Kansas City area’s leading healthcare provider, HCA Midwest Health consists of seven hospitals and dozens of outpatient centers, clinics, physician practices, surgery centers and an array of other facilities and services to meet area residents’ healthcare needs. HCA Midwest Health is one of the area’s largest private-sector employers, with more than 10,000 employees, and the largest provider of charity and uncompensated care. Each year, we provide nearly $1 million to local charities. Annually, HCA Midwest Health invests capital to enhance and expand patient services and last year paid more than $115 million in taxes, which may go to the improvement of schools, roads and infrastructure in the communities we serve. HCA Midwest Health facilities include Belton Regional Medical Center, Centerpoint Medical Center, Lafayette Regional Health Center, Lee's Summit Medical Center, Menorah Medical Center, Overland Park Regional Medical Center, Research Medical Center and Research Psychiatric Center. Midwest Physicians, which is part of HCA Midwest Health, is a network of experienced, multi-specialty physicians located throughout the Greater Kansas City metropolitan area. Currently Midwest Physicians represents 600+ providers. It includes 80+ specialties, providing care in 150+ locations to serve our community. The physicians, licensed professionals and support staff who comprise the HCA Midwest Health team are dedicated to improving healthcare in the Greater Kansas City and outlying areas to create healthier communities that lead to healthier tomorrows. For more information, visit hcamidwest.com.