Schools increase programs to meet nursing shortage

Schools increase programs to meet nursing shortage

Students who wish to land a career in a demanding field may discover that nursing is one occupation that will see tremendous growth. Registered nurses (RNs) hold nearly 2.6 million positions in the U.S. and that number is expected to increase by 22 percent over the next decade, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Fortunately, some institutions are adding programs for individuals who are interested in entering this aspect of the healthcare industry. The College of Notre Dame of Maryland recently announced it will offer a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN), the Baltimore Business Journal reports.

The school is adding this option in conjunction with its other offerings in this field, such as a master's degree for RNs who are working and would like to pursue higher education.

The newspaper reports that by adding a new program for those who would like to become nurses, the school could help rectify the shortage of nurses in Maryland.

Similar programs could prove to be beneficial to professionals in this field, as there will be a vast amount of job opportunity for nurses throughout the U.S. over the next eight years. During this time period, the BLS reports that there will be 581,500 new positions available for these professionals.

By Stephanie Hughes