Mineral Area College awarded grant to enhance nursing education programs

PARK HILLS, MO – Mineral Area College (MAC) has announced it has been awarded a $115,533 grant from the Missouri State Board of Nursing to support and enhance nursing education programs.

Earlier this week, Governor Mike Parson announced a total of $5 million in grant funding allocated to 13 Missouri colleges and universities, aiming to strengthen nursing programs across the state.

“We are incredibly grateful for this grant,” said Angie Erickson, Dean of Health Professions at MAC. “This funding will be instrumental in ensuring our students have access to the latest technology and resources needed to prepare them for a career in nursing.”

The awarded funds will be used to purchase state-of-the-art equipment for the college’s nursing programs at the main campus in Park Hills, as well as the Perryville and Cape Girardeau locations. This advanced technology will allow students to practice, refine, and replicate complex clinical procedures in a safe and controlled environment, better preparing them for real-world scenarios.

“This investment highlights the state’s commitment to address the nationwide nursing shortage,” said Erickson. “Providing our students with the best possible education and training ensures a strong pipeline of qualified nurses for our local, regional, and statewide healthcare system.”

Mineral Area College offers Practical Nursing, Associate Degree Nursing (ADN), and Advanced Placement ADN programs at its main campus in Park Hills. Through partnerships with local hospitals, the Advanced Placement ADN program is also offered in Perryville at Mercy Hospital Perry and in Cape Girardeau at Saint Francis Medical Center.

Applications for the Fall 2025 semester are being accepted now through March 7, 2025. For more information or to apply, please visit www.MineralArea.edu/Nursing.