School offers new competency-based online nursing degree program

School offers new competency-based online nursing program

The healthcare industry may be the best place to look for new job growth. Job openings for registered nurses in particular are projected to grow much faster than the average for other occupations, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports. American hospitals are currently faced with a severe nursing shortage, which is expected to get worse.

Consequently, now is an excellent time for adults who are seeking a degree in nursing to consider online schools. Online universities continue to offer new opportunities for adult learners seeking a degree in nursing.

This week, Western Governors University (WGU) announced that they will be offering the first online, competency-based bachelor's degree program in nursing.

"This program is specifically designed for individuals who have prepared themselves academically for nursing school, but haven't been able to enroll in a traditional program, either because of school capacity, or their own work and family obligations," said Jan Jones-Schenk, director of nursing at WGU.

According to the BLS, many new jobs will be available for nurses because the number of older people who need healthcare is expected to grow rapidly. Hospitals will need nurses, and many of these professionals could find jobs in home health, clinics, doctors' offices, and nursing homes, the BLS reports.

By Mark Branson