KANSAS CITY, MO. — (February 3, 2026) — Research College of Nursing (RCoN) – the region’s largest and longest-running single-purpose nursing institution and a leader in clinical education – announces a new fast-track Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) pathway designed to allow high-performing students to complete their nursing degree in just 12 months.
Approved by the Missouri State Board of Nursing, the program is the first accelerated fast-track option of its kind in the region for students without a prior bachelor’s degree. The new pathway enables qualified students to move more quickly into the nursing workforce while maintaining RCoN’s rigorous academic and clinical standards.
“Unlike many accelerated BSN programs, Research College of Nursing’s fast-track option allows students to begin working as nurses sooner while also reducing the educational debt many graduates carry,” said Amy Townsend, PhD, RN, president of Research College of Nursing. “For nearly 120 years, RCoN has been deeply rooted in this community with a legacy of excellence in nursing education. This new fully accredited program reflects our continued commitment to future nurses and to strengthening the nursing profession.”
The launch of the fast-track program coincides with the opening of the new $36.5 million Research College of Nursing campus, which welcomed students in January. The 78,000-square-foot facility includes an innovative Center for Clinical Advancement located on the campus of Research Medical Center. The center – anticipated to be fully completed during the college’s 120th anniversary year – will expand access to hands-on clinical education while helping meet the region’s current and future healthcare workforce needs.
“Our first cohort of students for the fast-track option begins this May, with an application deadline of April 1,” Townsend added. “The first step for interested students is to connect with a member of our admissions team to discuss questions, eligibility, and next steps.”
“For decades, HCA Midwest Health and Research Medical Center has demonstrated a strong commitment to addressing the national nursing shortage by investing in education and clinical training,” said Kirk McCarty, president and CEO of Research Medical Center. “As a Research College of Nursing graduate, it is especially meaningful to see another significant investment in future nurses – one that strengthens both patient care and our region’s healthcare workforce while also providing meaningful benefits to students.”
Across the country, healthcare workers and aspiring nurses are saddled with student loan debt. Recognizing the vital importance of meeting the financial and emotional needs of healthcare students and colleagues, HCA Midwest Health offers a Work Loan Forgiveness program. The program, which reinforces the college’s commitment to advancing the future of nursing, provides up to 75% tuition assistance for BSN students at Research College of Nursing for a two-year service commitment.
Applicants can schedule admission appointments in a variety of convenient ways: online, via the Admissions Appointment, by calling Derick Jolliff-Cunigan at 816.823.0517, by emailing Derick.JolliffCunigan@researchcollege.edu, or by visiting the Admissions Appointment to self-schedule.
Research College of Nursing is a fully accredited institution preparing nurses to thrive in complex healthcare environments. Students benefit from a unique pairing of academic excellence and the strength of HCA Midwest Health, the region’s leading healthcare system. RCoN offers Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree programs. HCA Healthcare, the parent company of HCA Midwest Health, is a national leader in clinical education and continues to make similar investments in nursing education nationwide.
For more information on the Research College of Nursing and its dedication to educating nurses, visit ResearchCollege.edu.
About Research College of Nursing
Research College of Nursing (RCoN) is the Kansas City area’s largest and longest-running, single-purpose nursing institution. It is ranked #7 among the Best Nursing Schools in Missouri, #1 in Kansas City, Missouri, and #27 in the Plains region by Nursing Schools Almanac’s 2022 report. RCoN students gain a unique pairing of educational excellence and the strength of the region’s leading healthcare system — HCA Midwest Health. Trusted for nearly 120 years, RCoN continues educating nurses, developing leaders and caring for communities.
About HCA Midwest Health
As the Kansas City area’s largest healthcare provider, HCA Midwest Health comprises seven hospitals and dozens of outpatient centers, clinics, physician practices, surgery centers, and other facilities and services to meet residents’ healthcare needs. HCA Midwest Health is one of the area’s largest employers, with more than 10,000 colleagues and an annual local economic impact of more than $1.4 billion. That includes more than $102 million annually in charity and uncompensated care and more than $200 million in federal, state, and local taxes to help improve the schools, roads, and infrastructure of the communities we serve. HCA Midwest Health facilities include Research Medical Center, Overland Park Regional Medical Center, Centerpoint Medical Center, Menorah Medical Center, Lee’s Summit Medical Center, Belton Regional Medical Center, Lafayette Regional Health Center, and Research Psychiatric Center. HCA Midwest Physicians, part of HCA Midwest Health, is a network of experienced, multi-specialty physicians throughout the Greater Kansas City metropolitan area. Currently, HCA Midwest Physicians represents nearly 600 providers. It includes 80+ specialties and provides care in 150+ locations to serve our community. The physicians, licensed professionals, and support staff who comprise the HCA Midwest Health team are dedicated to improving healthcare in the Greater Kansas City and outlying areas to create healthier communities that lead to healthier tomorrows. For more information, visit hcamidwest.com.