Nursing pathways program sparks interest in profession

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo., (KBSI) — A nursing pathways program piloted in Poplar Bluff is generating increased student interest in the profession, according to educators.

The second annual Health Care Career Fair, held Feb. 7 at Poplar Bluff High School, drew students and representatives from local medical providers, including Cedargate Healthcare and Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center.

“We’ve had students get jobs through employers represented, and some who never considered the field are now interested,” said Karen Harris, PBHS biology instructor.

The program aims to address the local nursing shortage by encouraging community members to pursue healthcare careers. Organizers recommend students take anatomy and physiology classes and participate in the health occupations program at the Poplar Bluff Technical Career Center.

Abby Crites, TCC health occupations instructor, reported a doubling of applications since the program’s launch. The program has received grant funding, including medical scrubs and virtual reality headsets.

Partnerships formed through the program include paid apprenticeships offered by PBRMC and a speaking engagement with author Marcus Engel at Three Rivers College.

The nursing pathways program was piloted with a $1.5 million grant through the U.S. Department of Labor.