University of Nebraska Medical Center

Strengthening rural healthcare through workforce development, education, and community-based care

Rural Focus

Rural workforce development | Nursing pipeline | Community-based care | Health equity | Rural research

Overview

The University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) College of Nursing prepares nurses and advanced practice providers to meet the demands of rural healthcare.

With a statewide, five-campus model spanning more than 500 miles, UNMC embeds nursing education directly within rural communities. This approach strengthens workforce pipelines, supports local healthcare systems, and improves access to care across Nebraska.

Core Support for Rural Hospitals & Clinics

UNMC College of Nursing partners with rural healthcare organizations through:

• Workforce Development
  Building a pipeline of nurses and advanced practice providers trained for rural settings
• Clinical Training Partnerships
  Placing students in critical access hospitals, rural clinics, and community health settings
• Community-Engaged Research
  Working alongside rural providers to develop practical solutions to real-world challenges
• Rural Health Programs
  Supporting initiatives like the Rural Health Opportunities Program (RHOP) and Kearney Health Opportunities Program (KHOP)

Challenges Addressed

• Ongoing workforce shortages
• Limited access to specialty and primary care
• Geographic barriers to care
• Loss of essential services, including maternal health
• Growing health disparities in rural communities

How It Works for Rural Communities

UNMC’s model is built around training providers where they are needed most.

Students complete clinical rotations and preceptorships in rural hospitals, clinics, and public health settings. This real-world experience prepares them for the broad scope of care required in rural environments.

Because students train in these communities, they are more likely to stay—helping rural hospitals recruit and retain talent.

Measurable Impact

• 1,300+ healthcare professionals trained through RHOP and KHOP
• ~60% practicing in rural Nebraska communities

Rural Success in Action

UNMC launched a mobile health clinic to bring care directly to underserved rural populations.

This program:

• Expands access to preventive care and screenings
• Provides health education in communities with limited services
• Gives students hands-on experience in rural care delivery

It’s a direct example of how education, service, and community partnership come together to improve access.

What Graduates Are Saying

“I always knew I wanted to work in a critical access hospital where nurses care for patients across many settings. UNMC prepared me for that kind of well-rounded rural nursing role and allowed me to complete my preceptorship in a critical access hospital, where I was later hired as a nurse.” — UNMC College of Nursing Graduate

Why UNMC College of Nursing

UNMC operates one of the most geographically integrated nursing education models in the country.

Their statewide presence allows them to:

• Train nurses in the environments where they will practice
• Build long-term partnerships with rural hospitals and clinics
• Develop solutions grounded in real-world rural healthcare needs

Through education, research, and community engagement, UNMC continues to strengthen rural healthcare systems across Nebraska.

Connect with UNMC College of Nursing

POC: Jenny Knobbe, Rural Recruiter
📞 (402) 370-2769
📧 jknobbe@unmc.edu