Online college set to offer nursing degree program

Online college set to offer nursing degree program

Officials at Baker College have recently announced the launch of a new bachelors of science in nursing (BSN) online degree program that is set to begin in the spring of 2010.

The program is designed for registered nurses who are looking to continue their education, but need the flexibility to work around their busy schedules and move at their own pace.

"The BSN program will help licensed registered nurses to develop into leaders of research, practice, education and administration within the healthcare environment," said Baker College president Julia Teahen.

Prospective students must hold an unencumbered license as a registered nurse and are expected to maintain licensure throughout their academic career.

Although the program is done entirely online, students must take three courses that involve clinical experience. Participants are required to perform clinical activities involving staff teaching, system alterations or program changes.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for nurses is expected to grow by 23 percent over the next seven years. The top salaries in the field already exceed $83,000 per year.

Labor Department analysts predict that by 2012, a total of 1 million nurses will be needed to care for the aging population, and some 587,000 new nursing jobs will be created nationwide.