New distance learning program reaches nursing students

New distance learning program reaches nursing students

National statistics show that the number of Americans age 55 and older is expected to increase from 60 million to 107 million over the next 20 years, according to the National Council on Aging in Washington, DC. The Department of Labor reports that to replace the outgoing supply of healthcare workers and meet the needs of an increased elderly population, the nation will need at least 600,000 more nurses within the next 10 years.

In order to encourage more adults to become nurses, officials from Cottage Health System recently announced a partnership with California State University Channel Islands (CSUCI) to bring the school’s baccalaureate nursing program to the Santa Barbara area, the Santa Barbara Independent reports.

The bachelors of science nursing (BSN) degree program would allow for as many as 22 adult learners per year to enroll in distance learning classes. Prior to this agreement, Santa Barbara residents who were pursuing an advanced nursing degree had to commute at least 30 miles to reach educational facilities.

"This RN to BSN track is designed for the practicing nurse who has completed a nursing program in a community college and is seeking a Bachelor of Science Nursing," according to the CSUCI nursing website.

The BSN program at CSUCI, and many similar distance learning initiatives, take less than three years to complete.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for nurses is expected to grow by 22 percent over the next eight years.

By Mark Danson