Ten Tri-Tech Skills Center students are taking the next big step toward becoming registered nurses through a new Nursing Bridge program at Washington State University (WSU) Tri-Cities. The initiative, designed to create a streamlined path from high school to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), recently celebrated its inaugural cohort during a recognition event on the Richland campus.
These students have already earned their certified nursing assistant (CNA) credentials while in high school. Now, through the Nursing Bridge program, they’ll complete their prerequisite coursework at WSU Tri-Cities and gain two years of paid hospital experience—all while preparing for direct admission to the WSU College of Nursing’s BSN program.
“This is such an amazing opportunity for high school students who already have their CNA certification and want to advance their nursing careers… the fact that they can gain hospital experience while working toward their degree really helps remove barriers to getting that critical hands-on training.”
Heather Kraemer, Nursing Bridge coordinator
The Nursing Bridge program is a collaboration between WSU Tri-Cities, Tri-Tech Skills Center, Kadlec Regional Medical Center, Trios Health, and Lourdes Health. Funding support comes from Career Connect Washington Program Builders, a public-private initiative focused on workforce development.
By combining academic preparation with on-the-job learning, the program aims to expand the regional nursing pipeline and meet growing health care needs across the Tri-Cities.
Students interested in the program can learn more, including eligibility criteria and application steps, at the WSU Tri-Cities Nursing Bridge webpage..
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