Apprenticeships
The Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship, in partnership with healthcare providers across the state, launched the Nursing Registered Apprenticeship to address the critical workforce shortage of nursing professionals while creating more accessible and equitable pathways into the healthcare field.
Recognizing the growing demand for skilled nurses and the barriers many Kansans face in accessing traditional nursing education, this pathway creates a practical, earn-while-you-learn model to attract, train, and retain nursing talent —all while earning a paycheck.
Why Look At A Nursing Registered Apprenticeship?
Traditional nursing education can be costly and difficult to access, especially for non-traditional learners, rural residents, and individuals from underserved communities.
Employers with registered apprenticeships offer a solution to these problems by combining paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Nursing students who participate can earn and learn simultaneously.
How does it work?
- Be Admitted: Students must be admitted to an accredited Kansas nursing education program at the PN, ADN or BSN level.
- Get Hired: Employer partners, such as hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community health centers hire student apprentices.
- Contractual Agreement: While the student nurse apprentice is enrolled and remains in good standing in their nursing program, the employer will:
- Pay last dollar financial aid as needed
- Pay a wage for the 24 – 30 hours worked by the student nurse apprentice and provide a wage increase as student increases in skill and knowledge
- Provide nursing program clinical training hours, and those hours worked at the hospital
- Provide employee benefits (e.g., health insurance coverage, vacations, etc.) at their discretion
- Provide a staff nursing mentor when the nurse student apprentice fulfills their work hours
- Service Obligation: After graduating and getting their nursing license, the student will work for at least 2 years post-licensure at the employer
Early Success and Impact
In March 2025, the first pre-licensure nursing apprenticeship launched in partnership with Kansas Hospital Association and HCA-Midwest Health at their Overland Park Regional Medical Center and Menorah Medical Center locations. Since launching, the Kansas Nursing Registered Apprenticeship has produced strong results:
- 42 healthcare employers launched or expanded nursing registered apprenticeship programs
- Over 300 apprentices are enrolled in CNA-to-LPN and LPN-to-RN pathways
Ultimately, healthcare Registered Apprenticeships not only help meet immediate workforce needs but also support Kansas’ long-term goal of developing a strong, inclusive, and locally rooted nursing workforce.
