University offers online master's degree in nursing

University offers online master's degree in nursing

According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, a shortage of healthcare professionals is expected to worsen as the baby boomer population ages and more faculty members retire. Individuals who wish to pursue a career as an educator and fill this void may want to obtain an online master’s degree in nursing.

Due to the needs of the healthcare industry and the busy schedules of prospective students, the University of Arizona (UA) how offers an online master’s nursing degree program, the Arizona Daily Star reports.

The online nursing degree track caters to healthcare professionals who have earned a two-year degree from a community college, or have at least two years of work experience.

Students whose schedule may not be compatible with the program's are able to utilize what university officials refer to as a “carousel model.” Three times a year, individuals are admitted for the 16-week semester. However, if an enrollee feels they cannot complete their studies at the given time, they can stop and then resume their coursework again in eight weeks.

Joan Shaver, UA nursing dean, says offering the online degree is “really about strengthening the nursing workforce.”

By Mark Huntsman