The 2025 Clinical Teaching Institute and Kansas Nurse Educator Conference, scheduled for July 16 and 17 in Wichita, Kansas, will bring together nurse educators from across the state for two days of learning, collaboration and innovation. Designed for APRNs, clinical instructors, academic faculty and health care professionals involved in nursing education, this annual event hosted by KU Medical Center is focused on strengthening the nursing education workforce and advancing the future of health care in Kansas. 

This year’s conference theme is built around one of the most rapidly evolving topics in both health care and education: artificial intelligence (AI). Day one will explore how AI can be used to enhance classroom and clinical teaching, with hands-on strategies for creating engaging assignments, test questions and interactive learning modules. Educators will also examine the ethical considerations, limitations and risks of AI in practice. Day two shifts focus to student success — spotlighting ways to recognize at-risk behaviors early, track student progress and develop effective remediation plans. The afternoon will feature concurrent breakout sessions offering a variety of practical, evidence-based tools that participants can take back to their own institutions. 

AI is not the only topic on the agenda. Emerging issues like faculty burnout, clinical placement shortages and student anxiety are also part of the ongoing conversation. These challenges are not isolated, but affect educators and students alike, and addressing them is key to sustaining a strong, resilient nursing workforce. 

The planning process for this conference is deeply rooted in collaboration. The Kansas Commission for Nursing Education and Practice guides the content, using attendee evaluations, on-the-ground feedback and needs assessments to identify gaps and choose relevant themes. National experts are invited to present, while Kansas-based educators are encouraged to submit abstracts for breakout sessions and poster presentations, creating a platform to share ideas and showcase best practices happening throughout the state. 

While the logistics of organizing an event of this scope are considerable, planners say the most rewarding part is seeing the content come to life. The focus isn’t just on theory; it’s on real, practical strategies that educators can use to improve outcomes for students and ultimately strengthen the Kansas nursing workforce. 

Attendees come from all regions of the state, making Wichita an ideal central location for the event. The conference consistently draws close to 200 participants each year, creating a dynamic and supportive environment for networking and professional development. It’s a place where rural and urban perspectives come together, where challenges are shared and solutions are forged collectively. 

Events like the Clinical Teaching Institute and Kansas Nurse Educator Conference represent more than just professional development. They are part of the KU Area Health Education Center’s broader commitment to strengthening health care education across Kansas. AHEC’s Joint Accreditation status ensures that all continuing education programs it offers meet rigorous national standards. The 2025 Clinical Teaching Institute and Kansas Nurse Educator Conference and partnership with the Kansas Commission for Nursing Education and Practice demonstrates a shared investment in Kansas’ health care future and commitment to empowering educators, advancing student success and building a stronger, more resilient nursing workforce.