The Nursing Program for Advancing Training in Health Services (N-PATHS) has graduated its inaugural cohort, marking a key milestone for the NIH-funded initiative designed to strengthen the national pipeline of nurse scholars.
“NPATHS created a space where truth is welcomed, reality can be faced without fear, and growth is nurtured,” said N-PATHS Scholar Shanae Rhodes, PhD, RN. “It gave me the tools, courage, and confidence to boldly step into my journey.”
Launched by Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences investigators, N-PATHS is designed to help early career nurse scientists to develop the skills needed to pursue academic and research careers through structured mentorship, research training and professional development.
“Success for N-PATHS is measured by the growth of our scholars as researchers, educators and leaders who are equipped to conduct inclusive, equity-focused and community-engaged research that drives meaningful change,” said Ashlee Vance, PhD, Assistant Scientist at the Henry Ford Health Center for Healthcare Improvement, and Principal Investigator of N-PATHS.
Evidence of this success was demonstrated by strong engagement and achievements across multiple areas, including recruitment, scholar participation, knowledge gains and research productivity. The program attracted 48 applications from nurse scientists and allied health researchers across more than 10 states. Fourteen scholars ultimately were selected to participate in the first cohort of scholars for N-PATHS.
“This program is for working professionals,” shared N-PATHS Scholar Patrick McMurry, PhD Candidate. “NPATHS is very doable and digestible. They created the program to allow enough time to meaningfully engage.”
Participants also reported high satisfaction with the program’s structure, mentorship model, and research training opportunities. Their feedback underscores the demand for formalized pathways that support nurse-led inquiry and academic development.
“The NPATHS program matches scholars with faculty mentors,” NPATHS Scholar Stacey Bevan, PhD. “I've enjoyed working with my mentor, who has helped me launch a project with advanced methods expertise and concrete recommendations!”
With its inaugural cohort complete, N-PATHS will welcome its second cohort in late July, building on the program's early success and expanding opportunities to strengthen the nursing research workforce across the country.