UNMC Expands Nursing Partnership With UNO

The University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) College of Nursing and the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s (UNO) College of Arts and Sciences will collaborate on an early admission pathway for pre-nursing students at UNO.

In a memorandum of understanding, signed Jan. 15, the UNMC College of Nursing will provide information and advisement regarding admission to the college’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program to pre-nursing students at UNO.

Students will receive guaranteed early admission into the BSN program, as long as they meet all nursing pre-requisite requirements and complete the UNMC College of Nursing’s admission process.

“Nebraska continues to experience a significant demand for registered nurses, particularly in rural communities where preventative care and health promotion are essential to the well-being of our residents,” said Lepaine Sharp-McHenry, DNP, dean of the UNMC College of Nursing. “With five divisions of the UNMC College of Nursing stretching from Omaha to Scottsbluff, we are excited to create early, accessible pathways that allow students to begin their nursing education sooner.

“This new collaboration with UNO brings that vision to life. Together, we are opening doors for students, expanding educational opportunities, and strengthening Nebraska’s nursing workforce pipeline to support healthier communities across the state.”

The memorandum of understanding builds on the ongoing collaboration between UNO and UNMC, while also reinforcing the shared commitment to the state’s nursing workforce, said Melanie Bloom, PhD, dean of the UNO College of Arts and Sciences.

“By formalizing advising, admission and progression pathways, we are strengthening a pipeline that helps students move efficiently from undergraduate study into nursing careers where they are urgently needed,” Dr. Bloom said.

UNO Chancellor Joanne Li, Ph.D., echoed the importance of collaboration between the two universities.

“UNO is proud to deepen the strong, longstanding ties between our university and UNMC,” Dr. Li said. “Our pre-nursing students aren’t just any students — they are Mavericks who will bring their unmatched drive, compassion and a commitment to service in their educational journey at UNMC and the Nebraska communities they will go on to serve. I applaud the UNO College of Arts and Sciences and the UNMC College of Nursing for their leadership in our shared workforce development mission.”

The agreement benefits students and the broader community, said Paul Davis, PhD, director of the UNO Health Careers Resource Center.

“The need for caring, well-trained nurses in our state is high, and this partnership helps address that urgent need,” Dr. Davis said. “This program is designed to attract bright students and provide support and opportunities for them along this demanding academic path leading to their entry into the healthcare workforce. We’re excited for the unique opportunities this partnership will provide to our joint students.”

UNMC Interim Chancellor H. Dele Davies, MD, echoed those sentiments of collaboration.

“This collaboration lets us strengthen our partnership with UNO while also helping to build the vital nursing workforce across the state. The new initiative will create a streamlined, accessible path to a fulfilling nursing career for University of Nebraska students in order to meet the growing needs of our Nebraska communities. I want to thank Dr. Sharp-McHenry for her leadership at UNMC, and our UNO collaborators, Drs. Joanne Li, Melanie Bloom and Paul Davis, for making this path possible for our students.”