Nursing Students go Online to Earn Degree

The United States is in the midst of a nursing shortage that is expected to intensify as baby boomers age and the need for health care grows. Compounding the problem is the fact that nursing colleges and universities across the country are struggling to expand enrollment levels to meet the rising demand for nursing care. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) is concerned about the shortage of Registered Nurses (RNs) and is working with schools, policy makers, kindred organizations, and the media to bring attention to this health care crisis.

A primary concern for Nursing Schools is the lack of nurse educators available to teach nursing candidates. According to AACN's report on, 2006-2007 Enrollment and Graduations in Baccalaureate and Graduate Programs in Nursing, U.S. nursing schools turned away 42,866 qualified applicants from baccalaureate and graduate nursing programs in 2006 due to insufficient number of faculty, clinical sites, classroom space, clinical preceptors, and budget constraints. Almost three quarters (71.0%) of the nursing schools responding to the 2006 survey pointed to faculty shortages as a reason for not accepting all qualified applicants into entry-level nursing programs.

However, the news is not all bleak. An exciting solution that has been gaining momentum is the use of online coursework to complete nursing requirements. While traditional brick and mortar classrooms are overflowing, more nursing schools are going online to expand enrollment levels and keep up with the increasing demand for graduating qualified nurses. One college in particular is offering both undergraduate and graduate degrees to motivated individuals interested in the nursing/healthcare arena. Founded in 1976, University of Phoenix is one of the original accredited universities to offer online college education with complete degree programs by use of the Internet. It is the nation's largest accredited university, with over 17,000 highly qualified instructors, 170 campuses and Internet delivery worldwide.

By advancing your nursing education, you can become an agent of change and a
leader in your field.

Earning your advanced nursing degree online is easy! You will attain your advanced nursing degree when and where you have the time-at work, at home, it's up to you;
it's all online.

Find out more about earning your nursing degree.