Nursing Schools Expand Enrollments in Wake of Nursing Shortage

Across the nation and locally hospitals and nursing schools are coming together and creating innovative models to directly deal with the nationwide nursing shortage. Hospitals are devising plans to ensure they have a stream of recruits each year, and working to retain the nurses they have. They have begun offering nurse's flexible hours, shift differentials and additional educational opportunities.

In the state of Connecticut the number of nursing program graduates statewide has jumped in the past few years, fueled by a projected shortage of nurses and an increased demand, health and education officials said. A report released last week by the state Department of Higher Education showed a 25 percent increase in the number of students earning nursing degrees last year. The increasing trend in nursing school enrollments has lead more students to seek-out and earn their nursing degree online as traditional classroom environments are at capacity.

However, despite the spike in students, the 1,076 nursing degrees conferred is short of the 1,081 nursing job openings projected by the state Department of Labor this year. And it will get worse, health officials said. Many nurses who are part of the baby-boomer generation are set to retire soon. By 2012, the state will be short about 6,000 registered nurses, according to labor department projections.

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

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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.