Online master?s program in nursing gives students specialization options

Online master’s program in nursing gives students specialization options

In the coming decade, healthcare experts expect that there will be a shortage of advanced nursing specialists, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. These professionals may be clinical nurse specialists, nurse anesthetists, nurse-midwives or nurse practitioners.

Because all of these positions require a master’s degree, many campus-based and online colleges are creating new graduate programs that can prepare students to fill these roles.

For instance, the University of Colorado College of Nursing recently announced the launch of a new online master’s program that is intended to serve degree seekers who currently work in underserved areas, The Aurora Sentinel reports.

Individuals who choose to enroll in the 30-credit program will be able to choose to specialize in either executive leadership or healthcare informatics. Because the curriculum can be completed online, enrollees will be able to keep their current jobs while they enhance their educational qualifications.

This format is intended to help students “advance their careers in the areas of leadership and health systems administration,” Amy Barton, associate dean of clinical and community affairs for the school, told the news source.