In 1995, Burge School of Nursing, long recognized for its high standard of nursing education and the quality of its graduates, evolved to Lester L. Cox College of Nursing and Health Sciences ( Cox College). More than 2,500 nurses graduated from Burge, with the final graduation being held in June 1996.
The Board of Directors of CoxHealth named the College for its long-time Chairman, Lester L. Cox. Initial approval for the nursing program was received from the Missouri State Board of Nursing in May 1995, and 49 students were admitted to the Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) degree program in 1995. Thirty-one students graduated at the first commencement on May 10, 1997.
In 1997, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program opened, and the first BSN degree was conferred at the May 15, 1999 commencement. Health Science certificate programs in medical transcription and medical coding were added in 1999 and 2001 respectively.
In 1999-2000, the College received initial accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
In 2002, the ASN Program received initial accreditation from the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission.
In 2003, the BSN Program received initial accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
In 2004-2005, the College received continued accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The next comprehensive evaluation is scheduled for the 2014-2015 academic year.
In 2006, a Dietetic Internship program was added to the Department of Health Sciences.
