Michele Laas, RN, BSN, MSN Chief Nursing Officer | Bothwell Regional Health Center
Michele Laas, RN, BSN, MSN Chief Nursing Officer | Bothwell Regional Health Center
Bothwell Regional Health Center and State Fair Community College (SFCC) have launched a joint program to address the local nursing shortage. The initiative provides a tuition-paid pathway for students enrolled in SFCC’s Practical Nursing (PN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs who also work at Bothwell.
Under this partnership, Bothwell pays for tuition, fees, and books for eligible students at any SFCC campus. In exchange, participants gain clinical experience while working at Bothwell during their studies and commit to full-time employment at the hospital after graduation.
Michele Laas, Chief Nursing Officer at Bothwell, described the effort as an investment in the future of healthcare in the area. “Health care is built on people, and nurses are at the center of everything we do,” Laas said. “By investing in their education and providing a path to employment, we are strengthening our hospital and ensuring our community continues to receive excellent care for years to come.”
The PN program can be completed in 12 months and prepares graduates for the NCLEX-PN licensure exam. The ADN program takes two years and leads to eligibility for the NCLEX-RN exam. Both tracks include classroom instruction, simulation labs, and clinical rotations.
Allison Brosch, Dean of Health Sciences at SFCC, emphasized that the collaboration supports student success through both financial support and practical experience. “By combining financial support with hands-on experience, we’re helping students succeed in their studies and transition smoothly into the nursing profession,” she said. “This partnership directly benefits our students, the hospital and the patients they will serve.”
SFCC President Dr. Brent Bates noted that this effort aligns with the college’s mission to support workforce development in Sedalia. “We are dedicated to preparing graduates who are ready to serve their communities,” Bates said. “This partnership with Bothwell removes barriers, opens doors and creates an opportunity for our nursing students to learn, work and make a difference in Sedalia caring for patients.”
Since its start, 14 students have participated in the scholarship program. Prospective applicants should apply to SFCC’s Nursing program and indicate interest in the Bothwell partnership.
More information about enrollment is available at sfccmo.edu/nursing or brhc.org/careers/nursing.
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