Rural Washington. Local Care.
For National Rural Health Day, Washington State University College of Nursing highlights the students, nurses, researchers, and community partners working to strengthen rural health care. Explore how educational pathways, scholarships, and research support the people who serve rural Washington.
People and partnerships advancing rural health
Photo: Brad Schwartz, WSU College of Nursing.
Learning locally. Preparing to serve.
At Arbor Health in Morton, WSU nursing students gain clinical experience through the Rural Nursing Pathway. Meet the students and community partners helping connect nursing education with the needs of rural communities.
Photo: Brad Schwartz, WSU College of Nursing.
Supporting future rural nurses
Aereona Rhodes and Kyla Ohs received their Rural Nursing Pathway scholarships during WSU College of Nursing’s fall J1 BSN orientation. Both students will gain clinical experience at Columbia Basin Hospital, connecting their nursing education with rural community care.
Expanding options for rural pain care
Washington State University College of Nursing researcher Marian Wilson, PhD, RN and Stanford University’s Beth Darnall, PhD received a five-year, $2.6 million National Institutes of Health grant to study how rural nurses can expand pain management options and improve access to nonpharmacological pain care in their communities.
Bringing rural nursing into the statewide conversation
Dean Anne Mason will highlight the College of Nursing’s rural outreach at an upcoming WSU Board of Regents meeting. Her presentation offers an opportunity to share how nursing education, community partnerships, and research connect with rural health needs.
Educational pathways that support rural communities
Students enter nursing at different stages. WSU College of Nursing offers pathways for aspiring nurses, students completing an associate degree, and registered nurses continuing their education. Rural learning experiences help connect that education with local health care needs.
Explore an educational pathway, help prepare a future nurse, or support students pursuing their nursing goals.
Rural Nursing Pathway
For students pursuing a nursing career in rural Washington, the Rural Nursing Pathway connects nursing education with opportunities to learn in rural communities.
Explore RNP
RN–BSN
For registered nurses ready to earn a bachelor’s degree, the RN–BSN program builds on their nursing education and experience. It offers a route for working nurses to continue their education, including those serving rural communities.
Explore RN-BSN
Concurrent Enrollment
For students enrolled in participating associate-degree nursing programs, Concurrent Enrollment provides an opportunity to begin WSU coursework toward a BSN while continuing their community college education.
Explore CEP
Rural Clinical Education In the News
Clinical experiences connect classroom learning with patient care. Rural nursing education gives students opportunities to learn about the communities they may serve and the role nurses play in local health care.
Read the news
Become a Preceptor or Clinical Partner
Share your experience with a WSU College of Nursing student preparing to enter the profession. Preceptors guide senior students through their final practicum, helping them apply their education to patient care and make the transition from student to graduate nurse. For nurses serving rural communities, precepting also offers an opportunity to introduce students to local practice and community needs.
Request information about becoming a preceptor, or become a host site for the Rural Nursing Pathway.
Support Nursing Scholarships
Help WSU nursing students pursue their education. Your scholarship gift supports future nurses preparing to serve rural communities.
Give the gift of scholarship
National Rural Health Day Events
Join rural health webinars and celebrations November 17–20, 2026, surrounding National Rural Health Day on November 19.
Building Connected Communities: A Practical Toolkit for Rural Healthy Aging
November 17, 2026 | 2–3 p.m. EST
Webinar
Explore partnerships and practical tools to connect rural older adults with local services.
Beyond the Clinic Walls: Is Mobile Healthcare Right for Your Rural Community?
November 18, 2026 | 1–2 p.m. EST
Webinar
Learn how to assess community needs, build partnerships, and plan a sustainable mobile healthcare program.
Quality Leaders as Influencers: Practical Tactics to Build Engagement & Shared Ownership
November 18, 2026 | Starts at 2 p.m. EST
Webinar · Free
Build engagement and shared responsibility for quality improvement with practical tools for rural healthcare teams.
North Dakota Aging in Community: An Innovative Solution for Rural Aging in Place
November 18, 2026 | 2–3 p.m. EST
Webinar
Discover lessons from NDSU Extension’s approach to helping older adults age in rural communities.
HRSA Virtual Job Fair
November 18, 2026 | 6–9 p.m. EST
Virtual · Free · Job seekers only
Connect with rural healthcare recruiters and explore available positions and benefit packages.
National Rural Health Day 2026
November 19, 2026
Nationwide celebration
Celebrate 15 years of recognizing the people, partnerships, and ideas strengthening rural health.
The Power of Rural: Then, Now, and What’s Next
November 19, 2026 | 2:30–3:30 p.m. EST
Virtual panel discussion
Hear past Community Stars share their progress, lessons learned, and perspectives on the future of rural health.
Celebrating the Heart of Rural Healthcare: National Rural Honor Roll
November 20, 2026 | 1–2 p.m. EST
Virtual celebration
Recognize 57 hospitals and clinics earning 5-Star status on the 2027 National Rural Honor Roll.
Event information from Power of Rural. All times are Eastern Standard Time (EST). Check each event page for current details and registration.