CNHS at STLCC

Welcome to the Center For Nursing & Health Sciences

Center for Nursing & Health Sciences

STLCC is a leading provider of healthcare education in Missouri. Our students represent nearly half of the region’s healthcare jobs. We work closely with employers to meet their workforce needs to better serve our community.

Forest Park – CNHS Virtual Tour

Committed to the Health of St. Louis

The Center for Nursing and Health Sciences at our Forest Park campus is home to approximately 900 students in nursing and health sciences professions. It is the first new building constructed on our Forest Park campus in 20 years, a state-of-the-art learning environment featuring the latest technology.

The district-wide nursing program at STLCC is currently undergoing significant expansion. Our goal is to enroll 192 students on each of our 4 main campuses – Florissant Valley, Forest Park, Meramec and Wildwood – increasing enrollment capacity by 75% over the next 3-5 years. This will make STLCC one of the largest nursing programs in the region. Thus, helping meet the growing workforce needs for registered nurses and other healthcare professionals.

A significant investment in the nursing program has created an opportunity to offer our nursing students a premier learning experience at an affordable cost. Our convenient locations offer accessibility for students throughout the Greater St. Louis Metropolitan Area. Our nursing program supports diversity and welcomes all students. Our graduates achieved 93-94% National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) pass rates over the past two years, much higher than state and national averages.

Current State of the Regional Healthcare Workforce

african american male STLCC nursing student

Huge Growth

Over the past ten years, the growth rate for healthcare jobs was 14% compared to 1% for all industries.

Shortages of Skilled Nurses

38% of healthcare employers in the St. Louis region cited shortages of knowledgeable and skilled workers.

Experience in High Demand

Over 47% of healthcare employers are forced to hire less experienced workers.

19% Vacancy Rate

St. Louis vacancy rate for staff nurses is 19.1%, higher than a statewide vacancy rate 18%.

Nursing & Health Science Programs

Clinical Laboratory Technology

This program prepares students for entry-level positions as clinical laboratory technicians.

Dental Hygiene

Through classroom work and laboratory and clinical experience in the on-campus public dental hygiene clinic, students learn to conduct patient assessments, take medical and dental histories, and much more.

Diagnostic Medical Sonography

This program provides a specialty in ultrasound technology for graduates with an associate degree or two-year hospital-based program in another allied health area.

Emergency Medical Technology

EMTs care for the sick and injured. EMTs are skilled in patient assessment and recognition of diagnostic signs and symptoms of major injuries and illnesses.

Nursing

Nursing is an art and applied science that is practiced in a variety of acute and long-term care settings.

Occupational Therapy Assistant

This program prepares you for positions as occupational therapy assistants (OTA) who work under the supervision of registered occupational therapists.

Paramedic Technology

Being a paramedic, or an EMT, is not only a great way to make a positive change in the world, but it is a fulfilling career choice that presents a different set of challenges everyday.

Physical Therapist Assistant

This program prepares students to assist physical therapists in providing therapy services to a variety of patients.

Radiologic Technology

This program prepares students for entry-level positions as radiographers (X-ray technologists).

Respiratory Care

This program prepares students for positions as respiratory therapists. Students learn to assess, perform diagnostic tests, treat, and educate patients with cardiopulmonary disease.

Surgical Technology

Students learn aseptic technique, instrumentation, surgical procedures and patient care through classroom, laboratory practice and at a clinical affiliate.

Featured Partners

STLCC has clinical affiliation agreements and partnerships with most of the area hospitals and clinics, including those in the BJC, SSM, Mercy and St. Luke’s healthcare systems, for training nurses and other health sciences students.

DePaul SSM and STLCC are partnering on a new pilot program that will encourage high schools students to pursue careers in nursing and health sciences. Students will complete Certified Nursing Assistant training while in high school and prepare for entry into the nursing or health science programs at STLCC. DePaul SSM will offer select students scholarships and support as students complete their education at STLCC.

BJC HealthCare’s Institute for Learning Development has partnered with STLCC since April 2019 to provide students with training in Patient Care Technician (PCT) and Medical Assistant (MA) opportunities. During the first year, the program enrolled 76 students across five cohorts. For many individuals interested in transitioning to a healthcare career, having to leave a job while learning the skills necessary can be a daunting barrier. STLCC’s partnership with BJC HealthCare alleviates a student’s need to choose immediate income over training. Students in the program have an opportunity to earn while they learn, and upon satisfactory completion, continue PCT employment with BJC.

COVID-19 Rapid Response Retraining Program

With so many individuals losing jobs or being furloughed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and unemployment crisis, the College is offering innovative programs to retrain displaced workers for jobs in the healthcare sector. We are offering short-term credentials, such as non-credit training and Certificates of Specialization and Proficiency.