In 1973-74, a graduate nursing program was started under the aegis of the School of Graduate Studies. On Nov. 16, 1979, the Board of Curators approved a proposal to establish a school of nursing at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. In 1981, following a developmental period, two new curricula were implemented. These were an upper-division baccalaureate degree for registered nurses and a master's degree program. In 1992, the Board of Curators approved the offering of an inter-campus, cooperative doctoral program in nursing (Ph.D. N.D.). The doctoral curricula was implemented on the Kansas City campus in Fall 1995. In 2000, the Board of Curators approved the offering of a pre-licensure baccalaureate degree program beginning in Fall 2001. In 2006, a D.N.P. program was initiated.

The UMKC School of Nursing & Health Studies mission is to prepare the nursing and other health professional workforce as leaders in improving health outcomes through inter-professional practice, research, and education; excel in the delivery and improvement of health care to diverse populations including urban, rural, and under-served areas; and create diverse and dynamic campus and virtual learning communities.

Mission Elaboration:
Education: 

-To prepare the nursing and other health professional workforce as leaders in   improving health outcomes through inter-professional practice, research, and education
-To create diverse and dynamic campus and virtual learning communities.
-To implement established and innovative teaching strategies that enhance student success.

-To improve health outcomes/health care delivery and nursing education focusing on urban health and the underserved through excellence in selected research and scholarly endeavors.
-To lead in translational research that establishes standards of care and positively impacts the quality of healthcare

-To participate in governance of the school, campus, university, community, and professional organizations.
-To serve as leaders in healthcare by sharing expertise with local, regional, national, and global communities

-To excel in the delivery and improvement of health care to diverse populations including urban, rural, and under-served areas

Through academic and community partnerships that enhance nursing practice, education, research, and lifelong learning the UMKC School of Nursing & Health Studies will: offer nationally recognized undergraduate and graduate programs; create dynamic campus and virtual communities consisting of diverse faculty, staff, and students; and excel in preparing nurses and other health professionals who meet the health needs of individuals, families, and communities in Kansas city and other urban, rural, and underserved communities.

Faculty and staff of the School of Nursing & Health Studies pledge their commitment to the UMKC Values, ANA Code of Ethics, Scope and Standards of Practice, and Social Policy Statement.

1. Build and maintain academic programs that have local, regional, and national recognition.
2. Foster an environment that is mutually respectful and attracts diverse students, staff, and faculty.
3. Provide the resources necessary to increase student success.
4. Expand revenue sources that support academic and research/scholarship excellence.
5. Collaborate with community partners to meet their goals and enhance the School’s educational programs, research/scholarship, practice, and service.

The University of Missouri – Kansas City (UMKC) is uniquely situated to provide a highly skilled, well educated, innovative and diverse workforce for the state of Missouri. Located in the urban core, UMKC has the opportunity to set new standards in higher education by accomplishing what very few institutions can claim--a diverse faculty, staff and student body reflecting the community that it serves. This can only be accomplished by developing and maintaining inclusive recruitment, hiring, admission and retention programs throughout the organization.

The faculty, administration, staff, and students of the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Nursing & Health Studies are dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge and the acquisition of skills that will enable us to lead rich and full lives. We can pursue these ends only in a culture of mutual respect and civility. It is thus incumbent upon all of us to create a culture of respect everywhere on campus and at all times through our actions and speech.

As a community of learners, we are committed to creating and maintaining an environment at the School of Nursing & Health Studies and on our Hospital Hill campus that is free of all forms of harassment, intimidation, and discrimination. Any form of discrimination or coercion based on race, ethnicity, gender, class, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, rank, or any other characteristic will not be tolerated.

Should you, a friend, or a colleague ever experience any action or speech that feels coercive or discriminatory, you should report this immediately to the office of the Dean, and/or the Affirmative Action Office. The Affirmative Action Office, which is ultimately responsible for investigating all complaints of discrimination or sexual harassment, is located at 218A Administrative Center, 5115 Oak Street; the office may be contacted at 816-235-1323. All formal complaints will be investigated and appropriate action taken.

The University of Missouri-Kansas City has extensive educational facilities on the Volker campus combined with the health care educational facilities and main office on the Hospital Hill campus. These include libraries, resource centers, audiovisual resources, data processing and science information specialists. The affiliated clinical facilities include Truman Medical Center, Children's Mercy Hospital and nearly 100 community-wide facilities in the Kansas City metro area.

UMKC School of Nursing & Health Studies programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Additionally, the University of Missouri – Kansas City is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (312-263-0456), which is an independent corporation and one of two commission members of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA), which is one of six regional institutional accreditors in the United States. The Higher Learning Commission accredits degree-granting post-secondary educational institutions in the North Central region.