School of Nursing and Health Studies
Many Career Paths, One Purpose — Healthy Communities
The UMKC School of Nursing and Health Studies prepares the next generation of health professionals to serve, lead and innovate.
UMKC School of Nursing and Health Studies by the Numbers
Meet Our Alumni
The BHS program is versatile; I was exposed to a broad range of concepts that impacted healthcare delivery, which included learning about policies in the public sector, leadership, project management, and clinical care. The program helped me find internships with the City Health Department and local non-profits. These internships helped me springboard into my roles and education post-graduation. My advisor and professors were incredible during that time. They were embracing and ignited curiosity in me to pursue further in public health. I was in the first batch to graduate from the BHS program, and I am grateful to UMKC for playing a pivotal role in shaping my career path.
Shweta Palakkode
BHS '15
I serve as adjunct faculty for the UMKC School of Nursing, have published three books and own a successful coaching business. My future goals include expanding my coaching and speaking business, where I get to share my passion for holistic well-being by empowering women to prioritize self-care by embracing their inner strength. My passion for holistic health was born out of my nursing education, where we were trained to look at the whole person and anticipate what health issues could arise and begin to address them before they started. This preventative, whole-person health concept was the basic foundation of my nursing education and continues to be the cornerstone for everything I do.
Grace Simmons
BSN '08, MSN AGNP '12
After attaining my BSN, I was confident sitting for and passing the NCLEX shortly after graduation. This allowed me to pursue my career goal of practicing as a critical care nurse in the city I love. I've since been able to become more involved within the hospital organization by serving on various councils and leadership roles. I've also recently started to serve and give back to UMKC as the SoNHS Alumni Association Board President. I find this role very fulfilling and it is such a unique opportunity to give back.
Jacob Sumner
BSN '22, SoNHS Alumni Association Board President
I want to be a nurse, and I’m excited to work in a hospital. I know UMKC will help me achieve my goals.
Kiara Jimenez
Health Sciences Student from St. Louis
SoNHS News
UMKC-Led Critical Materials Crossroads Engine Selected for $160 Million NSF Award
14 Jul 2026 | Historic investment positions the Greater Kansas City region to strengthen America’s supply chains, advanced manufacturing and national security Read full story UMKC-Led Critical Materials Crossroads Engine Selected for $160 Million NSF Award
From Kansas City to Brazil: Fulbright-Winning UMKC Researcher Studies Link Between Free Transit and Physical Activity
30 Jun 2026 | Joseph Lightner from the UMKC School of Nursing and Health Studies will study how zero-fare transit systems influence health outcomes across urban communities Read full story From Kansas City to Brazil: Fulbright-Winning UMKC Researcher Studies Link Between Free Transit and Physical Activity
UMKC Releases 2026 Spring Dean's List
29 May 2026 | Almost 1,900 students recognized Read full story UMKC Releases 2026 Spring Dean's List