Tri-Tech Skills Center has sent its first cohort of students on to Washington State University (WSU) Tri-Cities as part of a new joint program supporting those pursuing a nursing career. 

The university welcomed the 10 Tri-Tech students participating in the Nursing Bridge program during a recent awards ceremony, according to a release. Those students have earned their certified nursing assistant (CNA) certification and now will pursue their bachelor of science in nursing degrees at the Richland campus. 

“This is such an amazing opportunity for high school students who already have their CNA certification and want to advance their nursing careers,” said Heather Kraemer, Nursing Bridge coordinator, in a statement. “The fact that they can gain hospital experience while working toward their degree really helps remove barriers to getting that critical hands-on training.” 

The WSU College of Nursing, Kadlec Regional Medical Center, Trios Health, Lourdes Health are also collaborating with the program alongside public-private partner Career Connect Washington Program Builders, which is funding the initiative. 

Students selected for the Nursing Bridge program will complete the first two years of pre-nursing courses while gaining two years of paid CNA experience at one of the participating hospitals. Upon meeting all admission requirements, they will receive direct admission to the WSU Tri-Cities College of Nursing to begin the pre-licensure BSN program. 

For more information about applying to the WSU Tri-Cities Nursing Bridge program, including eligibility requirements and application steps, please visit the program website.