Kansas State, Wichita State plan satellite nursing program

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Wichita State University and Kansas State are hoping to offer a satellite nursing program in Manhattan.

Wichita State and K-State have started the planning phase of a program that will give students the opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Science degree from the College of Health and Human Sciences at K-State, and a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from the College of Health Professions at WSU.

The program would allow Kansas State students to earn a three-year bachelor’s of science from the College of Health and Human Sciences. And, if they are accepted, students could also complete a two-year bachelor’s of science in nursing through Wichita State on the Manhattan campus.

The program is intended to address a nursing shortage in Kansas.

Kansas State signed a memorandum of understanding last month. That starts the planning phase leading up to seeking the Kansas State Board of Nursing’s approval for the program.

John Buckwalter, dean of the College of Health and Human Sciences, said the program will attract students who would have attended Kansas State if it had a nursing program.