nursing pathways program
SOUTHEAST MISSOURI

get started on a
career in nursing

Get the skills, training and hands-on experience you need to launch your nursing career in Southeast Missouri.

Whether you’re a high school student, graduate or career changer, the Nursing Pathways Program (NPP) provides fully funded training for the majority of students, certifications and paid apprenticeships to help you succeed.

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about the program

Building the Region’s Health care Workforce

Powered by Heartland Forward and funded through a grant from the US Department of Labor, the Nursing Pathways Program (NPP) is a community-driven initiative designed to strengthen and grow the health care workforce in Southeast Missouri.

In partnership with Three Rivers College, Poplar Bluff Technical Career Center and Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center, the program provides accessible training and real-world experience to meet the growing demand for skilled nurses in the region.

who can apply?

Poplar Bluff Technical Career Center Students (PBTCC)

Students at Poplar Bluff High School and any high school partnering with PBTCC can begin training to become a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) through the Health Occupations Class at PBTCC.

While CNA training isn’t required for future nursing programs, it provides a strong foundation for advancing in the field.

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high school
graduates

Three Rivers College offers fast-track nursing programs for in-demand careers:

One-Year Training
Become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and start working in patient care.

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Two-Year Training
Become a Registered Nurse (RN) and advance your career in health care.

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Three Rivers College
Nursing Students

Nursing students at Poplar Bluff Campus can begin a paid apprenticeship at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center.

This program not only covers required clinical training but also provides exclusive learning opportunities and real-world experience to help students transition into full-time nursing roles.

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frequently asked questions
Can you start your nursing career pathway before you graduate from high school?

Yes. You can begin training to become a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) while still in high school. Once you complete the CNA training, it is possible to get a full time job immediately after high school graduation.

What is the average salary for careers in nursing?
  • Certified Nursing Assistants earn an average annual salary of $38,130, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
  • In Poplar Bluff, Missouri, the average hourly wage for Licensed Practical Nurses is $25.16.
  • In Poplar Bluff, Missouri, the average hourly wage for a Registered Nurse is $41.32.
How many nursing jobs are needed in Missouri?

According to a recent Missouri Hospital Association report, nearly 2,000 jobs must be filled for Certified Nursing Assistants, nearly 500 jobs must be filled for Licensed Practical Nurses and nearly 7,000 jobs must be filled for Registered Nurses.