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In an innovative initiative unprecedented in the U.S., University of Mary students will be prepared to provide exceptional care, with an emphasis on the older adult, in collaboration with Missouri Slope.

BISMARCK, ND — The University of Mary’s Saint Gianna School of Health Sciences and Missouri Slope in Bismarck have announced a unique partnership that will address the nursing shortage in long-term care (LTC) while giving nursing students invaluable real-world experience. This agreement enables students with a bachelor’s degree in another field to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in an accelerated second degree (ASD) program taking only 16 months. During their studies, students will have numerous opportunities for hands-on clinical learning, including supervised time with Missouri Slope residents, providing real-life learning that ensures graduates are prepared to provide exceptional care for patients across the lifespan. 

The program is a strategic answer to the nationwide nursing shortage and will specifically support staffing needs in long-term care settings, which have been especially impacted. In 2023, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced a new rule requiring LTC facilities to have a licensed registered nurse on duty 24 hours a day—an update from the previous eight-hour requirement. This mandate has added new urgency to address staffing gaps across the nation, leaving LTC facilities scrambling to meet the standard.

The University of Mary, renowned for its top-ranked nursing program within the Saint Gianna School of Health Sciences, will start classes for the accelerated BSN program in January 2025. As part of this initiative, Missouri Slope is offering a generous full-tuition scholarship to a select number of qualifying nursing students who commit to working at their care facility for at least two years post-graduation. Interested students are encouraged to apply at  and begin the application process quickly, as demand for the program is expected to be high.

“A Community-Focused Solution to a National Problem”

This partnership was inspired by a need for sustainable, long-term solutions in the healthcare sector. Reier Thompson, CEO of Missouri Slope, explained the motivation: “The long-term care industry has long faced challenges attracting and retaining nursing talent. COVID-19 only intensified these issues, requiring us to find sustainable ways to meet the needs of our residents. This program will not only benefit our facility and residents, but also make a positive impact on the Bismarck-Mandan community and economy. Partnering with University of Mary’s esteemed nursing program is a huge step forward for all involved. It truly is a community-focused solution to a national problem.”

A Model of Innovation for Other LTC Facilities Across the Nation

This partnership is also expected to serve as a national model, offering a blueprint for other LTC facilities facing staffing shortages. Thompson envisions Missouri Slope as a “community of learning and innovation” and hopes that this collaboration will inspire similar partnerships nationwide. By supporting nursing students with scholarships and guaranteed employment, Missouri Slope aims to set a precedent for how LTC facilities and educational institutions can collaboratively address workforce challenges in healthcare.

“When thinking of where the latest and greatest medicine, procedures, treatments, etc. are created, we look to the academic medical centers across our great country,” added Thompson. “These are the places the best and brightest come together to hypothesize, theorize, and research opportunities to solve complex medical issues or conditions. We wanted to apply that same mindset to the post-acute care industry as we struggle as a nation to prepare for our aging population and the strain they will place on healthcare. We want to be a teaching nursing facility to help foster initiatives that can benefit everyone. Naturally, introducing more students to the post-acute care industry through this model will also open their hearts and minds to opportunities that exist to work in long term care. Whether they choose to work at Missouri Slope, or another long-term care provider, it will be a net gain for all of us as we have such a limited pool of people to hire from. We are thankful to be working with University of Mary as we begin to implement this grand vision.”

University of Mary’s Dean of the Saint Gianna School of Health Sciences, Dr. Mary Dockter, shared her enthusiasm for the partnership, “Missouri Slope is already a strong partner for our health sciences programs, and we are thrilled to elevate this partnership further. Their commitment to quality care aligns perfectly with our mission to prepare healthcare professionals who respect and defend the dignity of every human person at every stage of life, carrying forward the values of our namesake, Saint Gianna.”

Dr. Billie Madler, associate dean of nursing, echoed Dockter’s sentiments, “This partnership exemplifies our shared dedication to a well-prepared nursing workforce. By providing tuition sponsorships for second-degree nursing students, Missouri Slope is not only addressing the CMS regulations but also building a strong foundation for community-centered, quality care. We are honored to work together on this significant endeavor.”

Students in this program will benefit from hands-on experience in multiple settings and with patients across the lifespan, as well as having access to state-of-the-art training spaces on the University of Mary campus. Recent upgrades to the Casey Center for Nursing Education, which houses the Larry and Eileen Weigum Division of Nursing, include advanced simulation labs, a dedicated skills lab, and a modern pharmacy room. These facilities provide nursing students with immersive training that prepares them to handle real-world situations, blending classroom learning with practical experience.

This program is open to individuals who have already earned a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field. The accelerated second-degree BSN pathway is specifically designed for mature, highly driven students ready to transition into healthcare. Through this 16-month program, students are prepared to tackle the unique demands of working in LTC, an area that requires specialized knowledge, patience, and compassion.

As Thompson further noted, “Setting the vision to become a care community of learning and innovation is rooted in our desire to improve care not only for our residents but also for the entire industry. Our program’s intent is to provide BSN students with insight into the long-term care profession. Even if they pursue opportunities outside of Missouri Slope, their experience here will benefit the industry as a whole.”

Missouri Slope’s bold approach represents a forward-thinking solution for a national issue. By investing in a partnership with the University of Mary, Missouri Slope is addressing immediate staffing needs while contributing to the broader vision of a sustainable, community-focused healthcare model. The program also offers financial support, job security, and a chance to serve the local community—making it an attractive option for future nurses.

For those interested in joining this groundbreaking program, now is the time to apply. Potential applicants can visit  for more information.

Anyone who wishes to learn more about the University of Mary can do so at www.umary.edu or  , or by contacting an admissions representative at enroll@umary.edu, or by calling (701) 355-8030. The University of Mary is one of only 15 Recommended Cardinal Newman Society Residential Colleges and Universities in the US. 

SWAG��Ƶ the University of Mary: True to its motto “lumen vitae”—The Light of Life—the University of Mary offers education for the whole of life through cutting-edge professional programs and graduate programs animated by moral courage and leadership in chosen professions and service to the community. A private, co-educational Catholic institution, the University of Mary welcomes students of all faiths and backgrounds.

A Christian, Catholic, Benedictine institution founded in 1959 by the Benedictine Sisters of Annunciation Monastery, Mary offers over 60 bachelor’s, 15 master’s, and five doctoral programs—in Business Administration, Education, Nursing Practice, Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy. The 19-sport Athletic Department adheres to its Greatness Through Virtue mission under the governance of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) conferences. With more than 3,800 students, Mary has locations in North Dakota, Montana, Arizona, Rome, Italy, as well as vibrant online offerings.