OVERLAND PARK, KANSAS – (March 13, 2025) – HCA Midwest Health, the largest healthcare provider in the area offering convenient access to high-quality, state-of-the-art patient care, announced today the launch of a new pre-licensure nurse apprenticeship program, the first in the region and in Kansas, designed to train and develop a skilled healthcare workforce to meet the growing demand for qualified professionals in the industry. This innovative program, based at Overland Park Regional Medical Center and Menorah Medical Center – both part of HCA Midwest Health – marks a new era for nursing students by providing aspiring caregivers with hands-on experience and comprehensive training, allowing them to build rewarding careers while earning an income and accessing 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 chance for high-skill training—while being gainfully employed—and helping them fulfill their dreams of working 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, colleges, universities, and state partners who all share a common goal: to provide valuable, long-term solutions that improve healthcare while delivering high-quality care to our community.”
Healthcare apprenticeship programs create targeted workforce solutions that effectively tackle challenges within the healthcare industry while enhancing job quality and fostering career advancement opportunities for nurses. Students benefit from the support, guidance, and partnership of an experienced and passionate mentor throughout their career.
“Kansas is leading the way in advancing registered apprenticeships, with a 47% increase last year alone that 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 represents over three years of research, standards development, and collaboration with various organizations. These organizations include the Kansas Hospital Association, Hamilton-Ryker TalentGro, the Kansas Board of Nursing, as well as multiple agencies and departments within the State of Kansas. The program partners with Kansas Board of Nursing-approved schools, including 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 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 HCAMidwest.com/NurseApprentice for information and to submit their application.
About HCA Midwest Health
As the Kansas City area’s largest healthcare provider, HCA Midwest Health comprises seven hospitals and dozens of outpatient centers, clinics, physician practices, surgery centers, and other facilities and services to meet residents’ healthcare needs. HCA Midwest Health is one of the area’s largest employers, with more than 10,000 colleagues and a local economic impact of more than $1.4 billion annually. That includes more than $102 million annually in charity and uncompensated care and more than $200 million in federal, state, and local taxes to help improve the schools, roads, and infrastructure of the communities we serve. HCA Midwest Health facilities include Research Medical Center, Overland Park Regional Medical Center, Centerpoint Medical Center, Menorah Medical Center, Lee’s Summit Medical Center, Belton Regional Medical Center, Lafayette Regional Health Center, and Research Psychiatric Center. HCA Midwest Physicians, part of HCA Midwest Health, is a network of experienced, multi-specialty physicians throughout the Greater Kansas City metropolitan area. Currently, HCA Midwest Physicians represents nearly 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.
About Kansas Department of Commerce Registered Apprenticeships
More information on Kansas Registered Apprenticeships can be found on the Kansas Department of Commerce website. In addition, regular “Dinner Bell Calls” are held to help build and promote registered apprenticeship programs, share resources, connect with others, and hear and share success stories.
About Kansas Hospital Association
The Kansas Hospital Association is a voluntary, non-profit organization existing to be the leading advocate and resource for members. KHA membership includes 240-member facilities, of which 121 are full-service, community hospitals. Founded in 1910, KHA’s vision is Optimal Health for Kansans and Kansas Hospitals.
About Hamilton-Ryker TalentGro
Hamilton-Ryker is a Total Workforce Solutions company and award-winning industry leader that provides solutions to today’s workforce challenges. We offer a full suite of services to employers and job seekers including; industrial, administrative and professional staffing, compliance and payrolling services, government contracted infrastructure support, vendor management, and Workforce Development. For more information, visit www.hamilton-ryker.com.
