Colleges Seek Out Nursing Shortage Solutions in Texas and Virginia

With a severe nationwide shortage of 1 million nursing looming in 2012, colleges and hospitals are taking steps and coordinating events around the common goals of helping students succeed in nursing.

At the University of Texas, faculty at the health science center recently hosted a workshop for about 75 local professors to give them concrete examples of what nursing students are expected to know after completing their science coursework. The hope is that nurse educators, and professors will adequately prepare students for a lasting career in the nursing field. During one panel, three students shared stories of how they struggled through nursing school. One had dropped out of high school and the other two had babies. All are minority women, who make up a small percentage of registered nurses. Professors in the audience asked questions about whether they preferred traditional or nursing degree online programs, what kind of grade point average would get students into the nursing program, and what they could do to make microbiology more relevant.

With Virginia also in the grip of a nursing shortage, faculty at Piedmont Virginia Community College is attempting to raise funds to start a new nursing program. The program for licensed practical nurses, or LPNs, would cost about $195,000. PVCC President Frank Friedman said the funds needed was for direct costs only, and not overhead. Most of the price tag would come from the cost of faculty. He said he did not expect a state budget increase large enough to cover the cost, and so officials will approach the localities and hospitals in PVCC's service area.

Earn your Nursing Degree Online

Explore these accredited online nursing degree programs below and request free no obligation information from any that interest you. We recommend getting information from several schools so you can compare the programs, costs, time commitments and financial aid options.

Chamberlain College of Nursing

The Chamberlain College of Nursing allows students currently working in the healthcare field to earn their degree without disrupting their work schedule or family life. Students learn theory and academics that aid their on-the-job skills and prepare them to advance their careers or acquire a specialty.

Kaplan University Nursing

Kaplan University accelerated nursing programs can be completed in 18 months of online self-study. The pace is up to you - Attend class anytime, anywhere, 24/7. No campus attendance is required.

University of Phoenix Nursing

Join over 100,000 working professionals and get your degree from the University Of Phoenix Online. A well-respected degree from the University of Phoenix is the first step in you meeting your career goals.

Walden University Nursing

Walden University, an accredited institution, offers advanced degrees online to professionals who work to advance their careers as well as the greater good. Degree programs include management, education, health and human services, and psychology. Our rigorous programs are designed to help students make a difference in the lives of children, the health of communities or the success of an organization.

South University Nursing

South University offers accelerated nursing degree courses online that focus on what you need to know - allowing you to immerse yourself in course material and achieve a feeling of success every five and a half weeks.