With community service woven into the fabric of an education at The Christ College of Nursing & Health Sciences, a degree from Christ ensures a well-rounded student and a path to impacting the Cincinnati community. COVID-19 amplified the need for community outreach and students at Christ acted swiftly, offering screenings to those uncomfortable visiting their doctor during the pandemic. “We really do want to make sure when we see disparities in health, we want to be the problem solvers as a college,” says President of Christ College of Nursing & Health Sciences Gail Kist-Kline. “It’s evidence that our students are graduating with the skills to do that [and it] speaks volumes to who they are and their interest in serving this community and making a difference in this region.”

The college continues to grow both in size and contribution to the vibrancy of the healthcare workforce in Cincinnati. The Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber releases an annual report disclosing the fastest growing occupations in the region. Kist-Kline says Christ is contributing to a few of those, including nursing, and offering new programs like healthcare administration and medical assisting. Additionally, the Bureau of Labor Statistics names nursing among the top occupations in terms of growth with a higher than average outlook through 2029. And the college is also growing alongside the industry, from 320 students to serving more than 1,000. Minorities make up about 18 percent of the student population, which reflects patients’ desire for representation in healthcare providers. “We are contributing to the diversity of the workforce in healthcare,” says Kist-Kline. “There’s a shortage of nurses in this area and we are committed to closing that gap.”

Along with growth comes the need for financial assistance and The Christ College’s mission is to make education accessible. Fund-raising is the driving force behind scholarships and financial aid. Many students applying to Christ qualify for financial aid, which indicates greater financial need in general. The Hero fund-raiser is a direct connection to providing support for students so they can continue their education. “Our students are running toward healthcare and wanting to make a difference,” says Kist-Kline. “We are really trying to graduate compassionate leaders and they are really trying to make a difference in our community.” Learn how you can be a part of the next generation of healthcare workers and explore the impact of the May 6 Healthcare Heroes Made Close to Home fund-raiser.