Registered nurses now have more online education opportunities

Registered nurses now have more online education opportunities

Employment of registered nurses (RNs) is projected to grow by 22 percent over the next eight years, which is nearly double the average for all other occupations, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports. This increase is due in part to the expansion of the healthcare industry, which is expected to produce thousands of new jobs in the coming decade.

To meet the growing demand for these professionals, many American universities are expanding their nursing programs to address the needs of nontraditional learners. For example, Healthstream, an online healthcare education provider, recently announced a partnership with the American Nurses Association (ANA) to expand web-based course offerings, the Financial Post reports.

As a result of the merger, Healthstream will provide a website for ANA members and other nursing professionals where they can browse, purchase and complete continuing education courses. Also, Healthstream's library of online courses will be available to RNs through ANA's catalog.

"Lifelong learning is important for registered nurses, and our goal is to offer them leading-edge continuing education that is readily accessible, secure and convenient," Marla Weston, ANA CEO, told the news source.

ANA, which represents more than 3.1 million RNs, provides these individuals with access to organizational affiliates and workforce advocacy groups.

According to the BLS, median annual wages of registered nurses were $62,450 during the 2008-2009 fiscal year.

By Mark Danson