UNMC-UNK Health Sciences Education Complex

The UNMC College of Nursing has expanded its programs at the University of Nebraska Kearney campus. As part of the new Health Science Education Complex, nursing students work with UNMC's allied health professionals in a team-like approach to rural primary care.

The new facility, which opened in 2015, provided opportunities to expand nursing's enrollment, as well as cutting-edge approaches to inter-professional learning experiences for students preparing for careers in rural primary care, new models for acute and critical care and community-based care.

The new building made it possible for the College of Nursing - over a three-year period - to expand total enrollment by 40 students. The expansion included a mix of bachelor of science in nursing and graduate students in the nurse practitioner options.

The building was part of the University of Nebraska's Building a Healthier Nebraska initiative. A total of $15 million in state funds was provided for the 48,000 square-foot building, with construction costs at $19 million. The building increased teaching and research space, as well as educating more nurses for Nebraska. In addition, the building will house students from UNMC's allied health professions, including physician assistants, physical therapy, clinical laboratory, diagnostic medical sonography, radiography and medical nutrition.

The building includes office space for nursing and allied health faculty, staff and administration in one two-story wing. The first floor of the main wing is primarily classroom space and the second floor is primarily lab space, including three simulation suites, four exam rooms, assessment lab, musculoskeletal lab, neuromuscular lab, sonography lab, energized lab and a task training room. The first floor includes five classrooms, with the largest seating 66 students. The anatomy lab is also be located on the first floor, along with numerous student study areas and the student services and administrative offices.