April 8, 2026
Research College of Nursing (RCoN), in partnership with HCA Midwest Health, celebrated a ribbon cutting for its $36.5 million academic facility and the HCA Healthcare Center for Clinical Advancement, expanding access to nursing education and clinical training to help meet growing healthcare workforce needs in the Kansas City region.
Leaders from Research College of Nursing and HCA Midwest Health gathered on April 8, 2026, to commemorate the milestone with a ribbon cutting ceremony.
The 78,000-square-foot facility is located on the campus of Research Medical Center at 2110 E. Meyer Blvd in Kansas City, Missouri. The new building supports increased student capacity, strengthens hands-on learning, and provides space for programs aligned with today’s healthcare environment. The facility has already been in use, supporting students and clinical training, with the ribbon cutting serving as a formal celebration of this expansion.
Expanding Nursing Education for Today’s Students
The new academic space was designed to support collaborative learning, real-world application, and modern instructional technology. It enhances the college’s ability to deliver high-quality nursing education in Kansas City while improving the overall student experience.
The building includes:
- Advanced simulation labs designed to replicate clinical environments
- Interactive classrooms that support collaborative learning
- Hands-on training spaces focused on patient care
- Dedicated debrief rooms to reinforce clinical decision-making
These resources help ensure students graduate prepared to enter the workforce with confidence and practical experience.
Strengthening the Nursing Workforce in Kansas City
The facility brings together Research College of Nursing and the HCA Healthcare Center for Clinical Advancement in one location, creating a direct connection between education and clinical practice while supporting healthcare workforce development in Missouri.
Research College of Nursing focuses on preparing nursing students, while the Center for Clinical Advancement supports new graduates and experienced nurses as they transition into practice and continue building their skills.
“This is an investment in our community and in the future of healthcare,” said Keith Zimmerman, President of HCA Midwest Health. “Expanding access to education and training helps ensure we are preparing a strong, capable workforce for the region.”
Supporting Clinical Training and Career Growth
The Center for Clinical Advancement provides ongoing training and development opportunities, including support for nurses entering the profession and resources for experienced clinicians looking to advance their skills.
The use of consistent simulation technology across all stages of a nurse’s career strengthens the transition from education to practice and supports continued professional growth.
“The connection between the college and the Center creates an environment where learning and practice come together,” said Katie Bruels, DNP, RN, Division Chief Nursing Executive at HCA Midwest Health. “Students gain valuable experience, and nurses at every stage of their careers have opportunities to grow.”
Preparing Nurses for the Future
“This new facility reflects the direction of nursing education,” said Dr. Amy Townsend, President of Research College of Nursing. “Students benefit from both strong academic preparation and real-world clinical experience, which better prepares them to care for patients from day one.”
The building supports evolving programs designed to meet the needs of today’s learners and tomorrow’s healthcare workforce.
A Continued Commitment to Kansas City
The opening of the facility builds on Research College of Nursing’s nearly 120-year history of educating nurses and serving the Kansas City community. It also strengthens its partnership with HCA Midwest Health, the region’s largest healthcare provider.
HCA Midwest Health includes seven hospitals and a broad network of care sites, with more than 10,000 colleagues serving patients across the region. The organization also invests in physician training through residency and fellowship programs, helping expand access to care.
A Milestone for the College and Community
The ribbon cutting ceremony on April 8, 2026, marked an important milestone for the college, its partners, and the community.
The new facility provides a place where students begin their careers, build clinical confidence, and contribute to the future of healthcare in Kansas City and beyond.
September 13, 2024
Kansas City, MO – Research College of Nursing (RCoN) — the region’s largest and longest-running, single-purpose nursing institution and a leader in clinical education — broke ground on a much-anticipated expansion of the college and the creation of a Center for Clinical Advancement on September 11, 2024.
HCA Midwest Health, Kansas City’s largest healthcare provider, announced in March 2023 a comprehensive $34.5 million investment in the Research College of Nursing from HCA Healthcare, HCA Midwest’s parent family. This initiative will support the college’s expansion plans, including the development of an innovative Center for Clinical Advancement at Research Medical Center, while making a substantial, positive economic impact in the region. A new 78,000-square-foot building, estimated to be completed in early 2026 — RCoN’s 120th anniversary — will better serve the community’s current and future healthcare needs while cementing the college as a long-term regional educational source of nursing talent for generations to come.
“HCA Midwest Health has shown the community we are committed to addressing the national nursing shortage, and today marks a historical moment in providing new access to clinical education for those who dream of making a positive impact on a patient’s life,” said HCA Midwest Health President Keith Zimmerman. “This investment in our healthcare future fulfills a significant need in our region while also building strong, thriving communities.”
Research College of Nursing is an accredited institution of higher education that prepares nurses to thrive and lead in complex healthcare environments. Students gain a unique blend of classroom excellence and exceptional clinical experiences through HCA Midwest Health, the region’s leading healthcare system. RCoN offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program with two tracks: the traditional two-year and the accelerated one-year. HCA Healthcare, HCA Midwest Health’s parent company, is a national champion for clinical education and is making similar investments across the country.
“Research College of Nursing’s new Center of Clinical Advancement is not only vital in shaping the successful future of nursing professionals, many of whom will remain in the Kansas City area to deliver high-quality healthcare to our community, but it will also have a major positive economic impact on our region,” said Mayor Quinton Lucas. “Growth means progress, and Research College of Nursing’s expansion will also help impact the revitalization efforts surrounding Research Medical Center and the 71-Highway improvement project. Research College of Nursing, approaching its 120th anniversary of serving Kansas City, is a treasured community institution, and we are grateful for HCA Healthcare and HCA Midwest Health’s generous investment.”
“The expansion of Research College of Nursing embodies the advancement of nursing education in the region,” said RCoN President Nancy DeBasio. “RCoN’s legacy is rooted in the rich history of community, with a reputation for nursing education of the highest quality. Graduates of the College live out our mission through leadership in practice, service, and advocacy. The new building, including state-of-the-art teaching-learning technologies, and the Center for Clinical Advancement demonstrate the exciting future that lies ahead for our students.”
As a graduate of RCoN, this is especially meaningful for me, as this is a milestone in the growth of one of the city’s and region’s most treasured nursing institutions,” said Research Medical Center CEO Kirk McCarty. “The synchronicity between RCoN, Research Medical Center, and HCA Midwest Healthcare is invaluable, and the college’s continued growth represents its dedication to its mission to not only educate nurses and develop nursing leaders but to care for our communities.”
RCoN expansion highlights include:
- Creation of a Center for Clinical Advancement, which pairs enhanced technology with simulation opportunities to help clinicians bridge the gap between classroom learning and bedside care.
- Expanded capacity to plan for an increase in enrollment while growing faculty and staff at the Research College of Nursing over the next five years.
- A state-of-the-art patient simulation laboratory to prepare students for the complexities of contemporary healthcare practice.
- Technologically advanced classrooms that will provide a more engaging and meaningful learning experience.
- Innovative education technology that will afford students the ability to achieve nursing competencies.
“The specialized design of the Research College of Nursing expansion will focus on the needs of healthcare students, including small-group study spaces and areas to facilitate student and faculty collaboration,” said HCA Midwest Health Chief Nursing Executive Katie Bruels, DNP, RN. “The benefits of the Center for Clinical Advancement will impact not just an advance in nursing education, but continuing education for HCA Midwest clinicians as a whole.”
RCoN expansion partners include architect BHDP and Collaborative Studios, construction manager McCown Gordon Construction, project manager Concord Healthcare, and developer Healthpeak.
For more information on the Research College of Nursing and its dedication to educating nurses, visit the Research College website.
March 6, 2023
Overland Park, KS – HCA Midwest Health, Kansas City’s largest healthcare provider, today announced a comprehensive $34.5 million investment in Research College of Nursing — the region’s largest and longest-running, single-purpose nursing institution, from HCA Healthcare. This initiative will support the college’s expansion plans, including the development and construction of an innovative Center for Clinical Advancement on the Research Medical Center campus. A new 78,000-square-foot building, estimated to be completed in 2025 — the college’s 120-year anniversary — will better serve the community’s current and future healthcare needs, while establishing the college as a long-term regional source of nursing talent for generations to come.
“HCA Midwest Health is proud of Research College of Nursing’s 118-year history as one of the region’s most highly regarded nursing colleges,” said HCA Midwest Health President Keith Zimmerman. “This investment is especially meaningful as not only will we help address the national nursing shortage, but we are also providing new access to education for those who dream of making a positive impact on people’s lives during their most vulnerable times.”
“HCA Midwest Health has shown the community that we are committed to the care and improvement of human life by responding to their needs, while also contributing to building strong, thriving communities. This investment in our future aligns with our mission and fulfills a significant need in our region.”
Research College of Nursing attracts a diverse student body and is committed to expanding access to education through loan-forgiveness programs.
“As an alum of Research College of Nursing myself, and now as a leader of more than 4,000 nurses across our health system, I’m so proud of the college and our company coming together to invest in our community and the future of nursing,” said HCA Midwest Health Division Chief Nursing Executive Amber Boes. “I attribute much of my success to the education I received at Research College of Nursing and the support and dedication of its faculty. So, to now play a role in transforming the college to an even more innovative education experience is rewarding and gratifying.”
The $34.5 million project will include:
- The creation of a Center for Clinical Advancement, which pairs modern education facilities with simulation opportunities to help clinicians bridge the gap between classroom learning and bedside care.
- Expanded capacity to plan for an increase in enrollment, while growing faculty and staff at Research College of Nursing over the next five years.
- A state-of-the-art patient simulation laboratory to prepare students for the complexities of contemporary healthcare practice.
- Technologically advanced classrooms that will provide a more engaging learning environment.
Innovative educational technology enables students to achieve nursing competencies. - Specialized design to focus on the needs of healthcare students, including small group study spaces and areas to facilitate student and faculty collaboration.
“It is a true honor and privilege to have our long-standing commitment to excellence in nursing education be recognized by this invaluable investment in our future,” said Research College of Nursing President F. Patrick Robinson, PhD, RN, FAAN. “The development of a new state-of-the-art nursing education center is an exciting opportunity for the healthcare community of Kansas City and will be a source of pride for our entire college community — students, faculty, staff, and alumni. It also reflects our vision of becoming the regional college of choice for nurses who desire to lead in practice, service, and advocacy.”
The construction of the new and expanded facilities is expected to take 18 months.
“Research Medical Center takes great pride in our Research College of Nursing,” said Research Medical Center Interim CEO John Krajicek. “We prepare nurses for success in today’s ever-advancing healthcare environment in a collaborative and supportive manner. With a combined foundation of more than 255 years, we understand the desire of current and future nurses to grow in their careers, and we are humbled and honored to play a role in their success. To be part of this monumental growth is exciting, especially given the need for nurses across the country.”
The college ranked No. 1 in Kansas City, Missouri, in Nursing Schools Almanac’s 2022 report and was among the seven best nursing schools in Missouri. Additionally, the college, which recently received accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission, was the first in the region to offer the innovative Dedicated Education Unit program, now the region’s largest, spanning six hospitals within HCA Midwest Health.
For more information on HCA Midwest Health and its family of hospitals, visit HCAMidwest.com.
For more information on Research College of Nursing and its dedication to educating nurses, visit ResearchCollege.edu.