October 6, 2025

Creighton University Health Sciences Expansion in Omaha

Omaha, October 6, 2025

Creighton University has announced a $15 million expansion of its health sciences programs in Omaha, in partnership with CHI Health. The initiative aims to enhance primary care and surgical training to address healthcare shortages in the region. The new facility will feature advanced simulation labs and community clinics, aiming to train an additional 500 healthcare providers over five years. This effort is positioned to improve medical access for underserved communities and boost local workforce readiness.

Creighton University Launches $15 Million Health Sciences Expansion in Omaha

Omaha, NE – Creighton University has announced a $15 million expansion to its health sciences programs, aimed at enhancing primary care and surgical training. This initiative, launched today, October 6, 2025, partners with CHI Health to address critical healthcare shortages in the region. The new facility in midtown Omaha will feature advanced simulation labs and community clinics, positioning the university as a key player in improving local medical access.

Core Components of the Expansion

The expansion focuses on practical, hands-on training to produce more qualified healthcare providers. Simulation labs will allow students to practice procedures in realistic settings without risking patient safety. Community clinics integrated into the facility will provide direct care to residents, particularly those in underserved areas. This approach ensures that education and service delivery go hand in hand, creating immediate benefits for the Omaha community.

The project targets training an additional 500 providers over the next five years. These professionals will specialize in primary care and surgical fields, filling gaps in regional healthcare. By emphasizing these areas, the program responds to growing demands for accessible medical services in urban and rural parts of Nebraska and surrounding states.

Partnership and Location Details

Collaboration with CHI Health brings expertise in clinical operations and resources for facility development. The midtown Omaha site was selected for its central location, offering easy access for students, faculty, and patients. Construction is set to begin soon, with the facility expected to open within the next two years. This placement also aligns with Omaha’s role as a healthcare hub, supporting broader economic growth in the metro area.

Impact on Workforce and Community

Local leaders have highlighted the expansion’s potential to boost workforce readiness. By training more providers, the program will help retain talent in Nebraska, reducing the need for residents to seek care out of state. Economic development benefits include job creation during construction and long-term employment in healthcare roles. The initiative strengthens the Omaha metro area’s capacity to handle population health needs, from routine check-ups to complex surgeries.

The focus on underserved populations means the new clinics will prioritize low-income and minority communities, promoting equity in healthcare delivery. This aligns with national trends toward community-based medical education, where universities partner with health systems to tackle disparities.

Background on Creighton’s Health Sciences

Creighton University has long been a leader in health sciences education in the Midwest. Its programs already produce thousands of graduates annually, contributing to hospitals and clinics across the country. This expansion builds on that foundation, adapting to modern challenges like provider shortages exacerbated by aging populations and post-pandemic strains on healthcare systems.

In the context of Omaha’s evolving landscape, the project complements recent developments in the area, such as other health infrastructure investments. It underscores the city’s commitment to innovation in medical training, ensuring that future doctors and surgeons are prepared for real-world demands.

Broader Regional Context

Nebraska faces ongoing healthcare challenges, including rural access issues and urban overload in facilities like those in Omaha. This expansion directly addresses these by increasing the pipeline of trained professionals. Over the five-year period, the additional 500 providers could significantly alleviate wait times and improve preventive care options.

The partnership model with CHI Health exemplifies how academic institutions and healthcare providers can work together for mutual goals. Similar initiatives nationwide have shown success in boosting local economies and health outcomes, providing a blueprint for other regions.

As the project moves forward, it will involve input from community stakeholders to ensure the facilities meet diverse needs. This inclusive approach helps tailor the programs to specific local health priorities, from chronic disease management to emergency surgical care.

Overall, Creighton University’s $15 million investment signals a proactive step toward a stronger healthcare future for Omaha and beyond. By combining education, training, and direct service, the expansion promises lasting improvements in regional wellness and professional development.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Creighton University health sciences expansion?
Creighton University has announced a $15 million expansion to its health sciences programs, focusing on primary care and surgical training in partnership with CHI Health.

Where is the new facility located?
The new facility in midtown Omaha will include simulation labs and community clinics.

What is the goal of this initiative?
This initiative will train 500 additional providers over the next five years, enhancing access for underserved populations.

How does this project benefit the Omaha area?
Local leaders praised the project for boosting economic development and workforce readiness in the Omaha metro area.

Key Features Chart

The following table outlines the key features of the Creighton University health sciences expansion.

Feature	Description
Investment Amount	$15 million expansion to health sciences programs
Focus Areas	Primary care and surgical training
Partnership	With CHI Health
Location	Midtown Omaha
Facilities Included	Simulation labs and community clinics
Training Goal	500 additional providers over five years
Target Impact	Enhancing access for underserved populations and boosting economic development