State-of-the-art learning in a vibrant arts community

In 2018, the Salina Health Education Center opened in historic downtown Salina. This state-of-the-art facility includes video conferencing classrooms, simulations labs, individual and small group study rooms, and an onsite fitness center. Students live and learn in Salina, a community of 46,000, that offers performing and visual arts, sporting events, family entertainment and more than 700 acres of parks and trails.

Small class size combined with a nationally recognized institution

Twenty-four students are admitted each fall to the Salina campus. The small class size gives students an opportunity for close-knit learning groups and one-on-one interaction with master’s and doctoral prepared faculty. Clinical groups with a small student-to-instructor ratio provide student support in diverse clinical settings.

Salina students have access to student resources provided by the University of Kansas Medical Center — a nationally recognized academic and research institution. Some of these services include guided study sessions, help with test-taking strategies and time-management workshops through the Counseling and Educational Support Services office. The Writing Center also provides one-on-one consultations on writing projects from brainstorming to the final draft.

The KU School of Nursing is designated as a Center of Excellence by the National League for Nursing.  It is the only school in the region to be recognized by the NLN for its commitment to innovation and excellence in the education of nurses.

Nursing education with a focus on rural experiences and interprofessional opportunities

Students have an opportunity to take a rural health elective course that focuses on healthcare and the role of the nurse in a rural healthcare environment.  The course is a combination of coursework and clinical experience in a rural healthcare setting. 

Part of the nursing education experience on the Salina campus is Interprofessional Education (IPE). Students participate in multiple simulation events with KU-Salina medical students over two years. The goal is to promote interprofessional communication and collaboration in a safe learning environment. 

Grow as a student and a leader

Developing leadership skills is important to prepare students for professional nursing. Our campus promotes involvement and leadership opportunities through the Thiry Academic Society, Association of Undergraduate Students in Nursing, Kansas University Student Nurses’ Association and the Salina Student Ambassador program. Leadership skills are also developed through multiple leadership courses and interprofessional education simulation events.