NAU School of Nursing recognizes a Health Care Career Pathway traversing educational sectors. By creating this coherent pathway of educational study, NAU is committed to helping students progress through their education trajectories. The system structure of the School of Nursing will encourage and facilitate students to move and transfer coursework between academic programs.

One goal of career pathways is to connect students to the labor market and help them smoothly enter rewarding careers (Hughes & Karp (2006). Strengthening transitions by encouraging career pathways. p.14). In the School of Nursing, clinical experiences are provided in many health care settings. Students are exposed to a range of clients and patient needs. The Health Care Career Pathway portrays opportunities for careers and lifelong learning. Increasing attention is paid to the integration of academic and occupational preparation to increase the rigor of all educational levels while making connections to occupations. This Health Care Career Pathway is strongly aligned to the mission statement of NAU:

National American University welcomes students of diverse interests, cultures and abilities and prepares them for careers in health care, business and business-related fields by providing quality higher education in a caring and supportive environment.

The university builds learning partnerships with students and other institutions locally, nationally and internationally through its private, regionally accredited system of campuses and education centers offering courses in traditional, accelerated and distance learning formats.

As a comprehensive technical and professional institution of higher learning, the university responds to the changing needs of students, employers, and their communities by providing undergraduate and graduate programs and continuing education opportunities to serve our evolving global society.