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DeVry University
DeVry University offers flexible scheduling and the convenience to study at any of 80+ locations, online or a combination of both. Earn a respected associate degree, bachelor's degree or master's degree from an accredited university. A career-oriented education from DeVry University will put you in a great place to begin or advance in the workplace when you graduate.
Jacksonville University
Jacksonville University's Online BSN program offers you the opportunity to complete your nursing education online, without ever stepping foot on a college campus.
Penn Foster
Penn Foster offers affordable, self-paced career-focused distance education programs in fields like business, criminal justice, health services, technology, engineering, paralegal studies and more.
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Nursing Shortage
FYI - Nursing Shortage
Comprising more than 2 million jobs, the nursing field is the largest Health Care occupation in the United States. That substantial workforce, however, is still not large enough to meet rising demand. In fact, the United States is facing a very real nursing shortage.
According to May 2003 white paper from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), the current nursing shortage needs to be addressed now:
"The United States is in the midst of an unprecedented shortage of registered nurses. This shortage is expected to persist because of the increasing demand for Health Care as baby boomers approach retirement; the aging nursing workforce; and the decline of interest in nursing as a career because of expanding opportunities for women in previously male-dominant professions."
Consider the following statistics:
- The Department of Labor estimates that by 2010 there will be 1 million total new and replacement Registered Nurse positions. By 2020, a shortage of more than 800,000 nurses is projected.
- The Health Resources and Services Administration concluded in a July 2002 report that 30 states were estimated to have RN shortages in 2000-a shortage that is expected to increase to 44 states over the next two decades.
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At University of Phoenix, you can change your life while still having a life. Attend class at the times and places that fit your busy schedule. Learn More |
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Keiser University offers degrees in fields that are in high demand and provides job placement assistance to all its students and alumni. We research trends for growing fields and tailor our curriculum to prepare students for entry and advancement to rewarding careers. Learn More |
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Kaplan College offers degrees in fields that are in high demand and provides job placement assistance to all its students and alumni. We research trends for growing fields and tailor our curriculum to prepare students for entry and advancement to rewarding careers. Learn More |
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These compelling numbers speak for themselves: Because of the current nursing shortage, the nursing profession is an excellent career opportunity.
"Actually, there has never been a better time to become a nurse," says Robert Rosseter, director of public affairs at the AACN. "Salaries are going up and working conditions are improving in an effort to appeal to new students and retain working RNs in the profession."
Why the shortage? Two main reasons are generally cited:
- An aging RN workforce. Due to fewer people entering the profession, the average age of nurses is on the rise. Currently the average age of an RN is 45.2. But according to a recent Government Accounting Office report, 40 percent of all RNs will be more than 50 years old by 2010. As experienced nurses retire or approach retirement age, there simply aren't enough new nurses to replace them.
- Enrollment and graduation numbers are down at nursing schools. The AACN reports that since 1995 enrollment in all programs has declined 17 percent.
The current nursing shortage certainly has created more job opportunities for those entering the field. However, in addition, it has led to other beneficial changes for RNs, says Rosseter.
"Nurses are gaining more independence on the job, which enables them to use the full capacity of their education and expertise," he explains. "Job security is also extremely high, given the fact that the projected supply of RNs will not come close to meeting the demand."
In short, today there are more reasons than ever to pursue this rewarding and rapidly expanding profession.