L to R: Natasha Werito, Sofia Garner, Assistant Professor and International Clinical Pathway Prinicipal Faculty Katrina C. Little, Veronica Hernandez, Jamie Hernandez, Simran Singh. All on-site photos c/o Katrina Little
A major challenge facing Colorado’s healthcare shortage is a lack of clinical site locations for nursing student to obtain the hours needed for their degree; consequently, sites that do currently offer placements are cutting back on available hours.
That was the impetus for Katrina Little, Ph.D., to develop a partnership bringing five students to Manna Mission Hospital in Accra, Ghana, as a part for an immersive and applied two-week study-abroad opportunity – and gain 117 clinical hours from the experience.
“This has opened opportunities that students as future professionals otherwise might not have,” said Katrina Little, assistant professor in Metropolitan State University’s Department of Nursing. “It’s definitely cutting-edge.”
MSU Denver has a four-pronged approach to address the challenge of workforce pipeline constraints: In addition to traditional site-placements, expanded options include international placements, longitudinal clinical experiences, and enhanced simulation training.
“The clinical-hour bottleneck has prompted us to think creatively and expand learning opportunities for our students,” said Jenny Allert, DNP, chair the University’s Department of Nursing.
“This comprehensive strategy ensures students receive varied, high-quality learning experiences that prepare them to meet the complex demands of modern healthcare.”
The Ghana trip marked the program’s first milestone, providing students with an innovative opportunity to fulfill required clinical hours within a community-care setting. And unlike other study abroad programs that often focus on elective courses, MSU Denver’s International Clinical Pathway integrates directly with core nursing coursework.
Over a two-week period, students completed clinical rotations and attended lectures from Little on-site at the Manna Mission School of Nursing, ensuring continuity in their learning without pausing their academic progression.
“There are other programs across the country that offer something similar, but it’s not standardized into coursework they’re already taking and streamlined to ensure they’re not missing academic content,” Little said.
The facilities provided a learning environment steeped in real-world challenges, Little said. While it may have lacked some of the aesthetic elements found in U.S. hospitals, it compensated with high-quality, evidence-based care.
The students experienced first-hand how healthcare is adapted for cultural and resource considerations, which Little noted enriched their understanding of global health practices.
“The protocols were consistent with what we teach, with just a few clinical modifications to respect local customs,” she said.
The trip wasn’t solely focused on academics either; it was also an opportunity for personal growth and expansion of cultural competency. Students took part in historical excursions that illuminated Ghana’s journey to independence and the resilience of its people.
“The International Clinical Pathway is more than a solution to clinical-hour challenges; it’s an exceptional learning opportunity that prepares students to provide equitable, culturally aware care,” Allert said.
“MSU Denver’s nursing programs stand at the forefront of innovation, breaking barriers and creating meaningful opportunities for students to thrive in their professional journeys; programs like this are a testament to our commitment to shaping the future of nursing.” Jenny Allert, DNP, Department of Nursing chair.
Little said the pilot trip’s success has laid the groundwork for future cohorts and MSU Denver plans to offer the International Clinical Pathway again, expanding opportunities for students to gain essential clinical hours in a global context.
The department is also preparing to enhance its funding strategies, aiming to lower out-of-pocket costs for students in subsequent trips and open doors for broader participation.
Recruitment for the program ‘s next cohort is set to open in early spring 2025, with preparations already underway to engage more students and secure additional donor support, with the next fundraising campaign slated to open in February.
For this first outing, the group planned for a travel budget of $3,300, but organic fundraising efforts were able to raise approximately $2,500 – $1,000 through the MSU Denver Gives platform and they were able to shave about $700 per person off individual costs.
It’s just another example of how the University, College and Department remain dedicated to addressing barriers and expanding access to meet the demands of both today and tomorrow, Little said.
“We’re at the forefront to make sure our students are clinically prepared and have access to the training they need,” she added.
For more information on the International Clinical Pathways program, email Katrina Little, Ph.D.
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