Why it matters: Utah hospitals continue to face workforce challenges, but strategic partnerships with nursing schools are showing measurable impact.
The big picture: Weber State University’s Annie Taylor Dee School of Nursing has tripled its enrollment in just five years, from 300 to over 1,000 students, while maintaining strong acceptance standards and clinical quality.
The program accepts 96 students per semester, three times per year, with a 30-40% acceptance rate that ensures well-prepared candidates. All clinical rotations are full 12-hour shifts from day one, and clinical partners report improved vacancy rates and stronger applicant pools.
How it works: The program prioritizes real-world readiness by providing diverse clinical experiences across skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and surgical centers. Students complete capstone rotations where they work alongside hospital nurses on their actual schedules, including night shifts. Clinical exposure begins from the first semester, ensuring students are prepared for the demands of professional nursing.
What’s next: Weber State is developing a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) program in direct response to requests from hospital partners, addressing what Dr. Rieneke Holman calls an “anesthesia care provider crisis” in Utah.
The bottom line: Strong collaboration between healthcare providers and nursing education programs is creating a sustainable pipeline of qualified nurses ready to meet Utah’s growing healthcare demands.
What they’re saying: “I did have one clinical partner say that Weber State single-handedly turned the nursing shortage around, which I take great pride in,” said Holman.