PITTSBURG, Kan. (AP) — Classes have started this week at Pittsburg State University for the school’s first group of students working toward a doctorate degree in nursing practice.

The coursework comes amid a need for highly educated nurse practitioners in the southeast Kansas area, largely because of a recent growth of rural health clinics.

The Joplin Globe reports that around 16 students are in the program. Director Mary Carol Pomatto of the university’s nursing school says the program’s goal was to admit 12. She says students should finish their degree in December 2016.

Students say they selected the program because of affordability and location. Others said the program would help them provide the highest level of care for patients.