In a sweeping effort to address the critical nursing shortage across the Midwest, Chamberlain University and SSM Health have announced a landmark initiative that promises to deliver more than 400 practice-ready nurses annually across four states. The newly launched Aspiring Nurse Program pairs education funding, immersive clinical experience, and direct job placement within SSM Health facilities, marking a national first in workforce development strategy.
The program, which kicks off in Oklahoma this fall, is a direct response to the growing demand for nurses and the need for scalable, long-term solutions.
“The nursing shortage demands bold, scalable solutions,” said Laura S. Kaiser, FACHE, President & CEO of SSM Health. “The Aspiring Nurse Program is a strategic long-term investment in our people and our mission designed to meet today’s workforce challenges while building a stronger, more resilient future for nursing.”
Students enrolled in the program receive tuition support through Chamberlain’s online Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. In exchange, they commit to joining SSM Health’s workforce upon graduation. Clinical training takes place at SSM Health facilities in Missouri, Oklahoma, Illinois, and Wisconsin, allowing students to gain hands-on experience within the health system’s care environments, technologies, and team-based culture, well before they officially enter the profession.
The effort reflects a growing trend in healthcare to reimagine workforce pipelines through deeper collaboration between academic institutions and healthcare providers.
“This partnership with SSM Health demonstrates the transformative power of large-scale collaboration between education and healthcare,” said Steve Beard, Chairman and CEO, Adtalem Global Education, Chamberlain’s parent company. “We’re building the foundation for long-term workforce stability while ensuring graduates are day-one ready. This is the future of strategic healthcare workforce development.”
The program’s launch aligns with Chamberlain University’s mission to advance community health through education and clinical excellence. Founded initially as Deaconess College of Nursing, Chamberlain has become the nation’s largest nursing school, with a strong commitment to values-driven, service-oriented learning.
“This program is more than a solution to the nursing shortage—it’s a bold reimagining of how we grow and support the next generation of nurses,” said Amy Wilson, DNP, Chief Nurse Executive, SSM Health. “By investing in education and clinical experience from day one, we’re not only preparing students for success—we’re strengthening the future of patient care across our communities.”
The first cohort will begin in September 2025, with additional locations to follow in St. Louis and Jefferson City, Missouri, as well as in Illinois and Wisconsin.
“Nurses are essential to community health, and expanding the workforce supports both patients and current caregivers,” said Karen Cox, PhD, RN, FACHE, FAAN, President of Chamberlain University. “As the nation’s largest School of Nursing, we’re eager to create innovative and immediate opportunities for our graduates in communities where they’ll make a real impact.”
To learn more or apply for the program, visit https://www.chamberlain.edu/aspiring-nurse-program-oklahoma.
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