Rockhurst University Expanded Nursing Program Capacity

The Kansas City institution increased enrollment for its online nursing program to address regional workforce shortages.

Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Nursing Jobs

Rockhurst University Expanded Nursing Program Capacity

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Rockhurst University has expanded its online accelerated nursing program by 60% in an effort to combat a critical shortage of healthcare workers. The expansion aims to address a decline in the Kansas nursing workforce that has persisted since 2019.

Why it matters

Kansas is facing a significant nursing labor crisis, with nearly a quarter of its licensed staff expected to retire or leave the field within the next five years. Increasing educational capacity is a key strategy for hospitals to maintain patient care levels amidst a growing senior population.

Rockhurst University increased class sizes for its online accelerated nursing program by 60% to meet rising demand. Statewide, 25% of registered and licensed practical nurses plan to exit the profession within the next five years.

The players

Rockhurst University

This private Jesuit university is located in Kansas City and operates the Saint Luke's College of Nursing and Health Sciences.

Saint Luke's College of Nursing and Health Sciences

This specialized college within Rockhurst University provides healthcare education and degree programs.

The details

The program at the Saint Luke's College of Nursing and Health Sciences allows individuals who already hold bachelor's degrees in non-nursing fields to pivot into the healthcare sector through an accelerated path. This increase in student volume is designed to help Kansas healthcare organizations fill thousands of anticipated job openings created by both industry growth and replacement needs.

The Kansas nursing workforce has seen a steady decline since 2019.
Rockhurst University announced the expansion of its nursing program on September 23, 2026.
An estimated 25% of current Kansas nurses may leave the profession within the next five years.

Market Landscape

This program expansion attempts to mitigate the long-term workforce decline that has constrained Kansas healthcare systems since 2019. By pivoting non-nursing degree holders into the field, the university is competing to secure a larger pipeline of talent to serve local medical providers.

Aspiring nurses in the area may now face a shorter waitlist or easier enrollment process for accelerated degree programs. This shift could help stabilize local hospital staffing levels, potentially reducing the reliance on temporary agency workers that impacts overall patient care quality.

The takeaway

As Kansas faces a massive wave of upcoming retirements, educational institutions are leaning into accelerated online models to bridge the gap. Individuals looking for a career change should evaluate whether their existing degree credits align with these expedited pathways to meet regional healthcare needs.