BTC Awarded $343K Grant from Missouri State Board of Nursing

    Bolivar Technical College (BTC) is proud to announce we have been selected to receive a $343,000 grant from the Missouri State Board of Nursing through the Nursing Education Incentive Program (NEIP). The grant is part of a $5 million statewide initiative aimed at strengthening nursing education programs across Missouri. 

    The grant funds will be utilized to address key areas identified as critical for enhancing nursing education and clinical training at BTC. Specifically, the grant will support faculty recruitment and retention, expand clinical partnerships and facilitate essential technology upgrades. 

"We are incredibly grateful for the Missouri State Board of Nursing's continued support," said Erin Mock, Director of Nursing Education at BTC. "This grant allows us to invest significantly in our faculty, preceptors, and technological resources, ensuring a high-quality learning environment and directly impacting student success." 

    A substantial portion of the funding, amounting to $165,000, will go toward a robust faculty benefit package. This includes professional development opportunities, scholarship funds and support for the orientation and mentorship of new faculty members, helping to address the nationwide shortage of nursing educators. 

    Additionally, we will allocate $59,000 toward expanding clinical partnerships with Citizens Memorial Hospital (CMH). This funding supports Academic Nurse Preceptors, who provide one-on-one mentorship to our nursing students, greatly enhancing the quality of clinical training experiences. BTC graduates made up approximately 90% of CMH’s newly hired graduate nurses in 2023-2024, demonstrating the vital role of this partnership in addressing healthcare needs in the Bolivar area. 

    Finally, the grant dedicates $119,000 to critical technology upgrades on campus, including new computer workstations, server replacements, a campus-wide operating system update and the addition of a high-fidelity ALEX™ mannequin with advanced AI features. The ALEX™ mannequin is a state-of-the-art simulation tool capable of interactive, realistic patient scenarios, providing students with invaluable hands-on training and enhancing their critical thinking and clinical decision-making skills. These investments are designed to support innovative simulation-based learning opportunities, ensuring BTC nursing students are well-prepared to meet the demands of contemporary healthcare settings.

"These financial investments illustrate Missouri’s commitment to nursing education excellence and workforce development," Mock added. "We look forward to further strengthening our program, which directly benefits our students, faculty, and the broader community."  

    The funding awarded to BTC was part of a special appropriation recommended and approved by Missouri Governor Mike Parson, reflecting statewide efforts to invest in the future of nursing. BTC remains committed to educating the next generation of healthcare providers, and this grant significantly advances that mission.