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Warrensburg, MO — Western Missouri Medical Center (WMMC) and the Warrensburg R-VI School District have formally partnered to provide healthcare career pathways for local students through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the hospital and school district. The agreement includes the expansion of high-quality nursing education opportunities, facilities and clinical experiences for students pursuing a career as a licensed professional nurse.
Through the terms outlined in the MOU, WMMC will provide funding for the Warrensburg Area Career Center (WACC) Practical Nursing program and will offer opportunities for WACC students to participate in clinicals and internships at WMMC’s hospital and clinic locations. The hospital will also provide two physical spaces for classroom and clinical activities for students, including maintenance support for an interactive training mannequin.
The school district will coordinate directly with WMMC to share employment opportunities with WACC students through presentations by hospital staff, direct correspondence with students and priority interview opportunities. WACC will also provide enrollment opportunities for WMMC employees who wish to earn their nursing licensure, as well as three spots for WMMC hospital representatives on the WACC Health Sciences Advisory Committee, facilitating collaboration between the hospital and school for research, teaching and professional development.
“Warrensburg Schools is excited for this partnership with Western Missouri Medical Center,” said Dr. Steve Ritter, Superintendent of the Warrensburg R-VI School District. “This agreement will strengthen the programs for students and hospital staff, ensuring program stability into the future and providing a workforce for our local community. Our Adult LPN Program will continue to thrive and supply healthcare professionals while WMMC will benefit from the training of their staff and the opportunity to hire graduates of the program. Sharing resources will enhance both organizations as we ensure workforce-ready graduates. We thank WMMC President/CEO Darinda Dick and the team at WMMC for their support, and we look forward to a long and successful partnership.”
“Collaborating with Warrensburg R-VI School District in establishing the Licensed Practical Nurse Career Pathway is not just about creating opportunities; it’s about investing in the future of healthcare and our community,” said Darinda Dick, President/CEO. “This partnership underscores our commitment to fostering a skilled and dedicated healthcare workforce, ensuring the continued delivery of high-quality care at Western Missouri Medical Center.”
WACC’s Practical Nursing program is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education and has been approved by the Missouri State Board of Nursing and the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Upon completion of the program, students apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses and become licensed practical nurses after passing the exam.
For more information about WACC’s Practical Nursing program, visit wacc.warrensburgr6.org.
About Western Missouri Medical Center
Western Missouri Medical Center (WMMC) is a fully accredited acute care county medical center located in Warrensburg, MO. WMMC prides itself in emergency care, obstetrics, orthopedic and general surgery, family healthcare, internal medicine, outpatient clinics, ambulatory care, rehabilitation services and more. Inpatient services include medical, surgical, intensive, obstetrical, orthopedic, pediatric and skilled nursing care, as well as a wide range of therapeutic and diagnostic outpatient services. This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.