Shortage of Nursing Educators Leaving Many Colleges Out In the Cold
Most nursing and medical students are well aware of the shortages in qualified nurses and doctors for hospitals and medical facilities around the country, but many may not realize that there is another shortage going on as well. This shortage is with the educators that are meant to train the next generation of nursing professionals.
The reasons for this shortage are multiple, though certainly interwoven. Perhaps the largest factor in educator shortage is that many of the current nurse educators are older and quickly moving into retirement age. As these older nurses move away from the workforce, few younger nurses are poised to take their places. Over the next ten years, the shortage of nursing educators is estimated to rise substantially unless something is done to combat the trend.
The impact of this shortage could be far reaching and may impact the nursing field for years to come. Fewer teachers means fewer students can be accepted and trained through nursing programs at colleges around the nation. This not only leaves fewer nurses to move into teaching but also fewer nurses to provide hospitals and medical facilities with the personnel they need. With shortages already happening at hospitals all over the U.S., such a shortage could be catastrophic.
Luckily, there are ways that you can help contribute to ending this nursing shortage. Students and current nurses who are willing to take the time and coursework required to get a higher degree in nursing (usually a Masters) will find numerous resources available to them to aid them in their studies and their careers, especially as the shortage increases. While faculty positions often pay less and require additional work than traditional nursing positions, they can provide some great rewards as well as teachers get the satisfaction of improving their profession.
As a student or a nurse you should be concerned about the shortage of nursing educators out there. Whether you choose to work as a teacher yourself or encourage others who you think would be well-suited for a career as a professor to do so, there are numerous ways to do your part to help ensure that the next generation of nurses will have the training and preparation they need.
Top Online Nursing Programs
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University of Phoenix - RN to BSN. 27 Nursing Degrees. Students interested in reaching their career goals in the healthcare industry as a nurse will reach them at the University of Phoenix. University of Phoenix allows working adults the convenience of taking classes when they can.
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South University - A.S. in Allied Health Science. As an accredited online college, South University offers a respectable Associate’s Degree in Allied Health Science for those seeking to pursue a career in healthcare. The program is offered completely online, allowing students to learn in their own time without sacrificing their current responsibilities.
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LA College - A.A. in Health Care Administration. With a handful of online health programs, LA College is a great choice for students seeking entry-level positions in the healthcare industry. Their Associate’s degree in Health Care Administration will provide students with the basis for a multitude of job opportunities in hospitals, doctor’s offices, clinics, and many others.
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Post University - BS in Mgmt. For Registered Nurses. Post University is dedicated in helping students achieve their personal and professional goals in a timely manner, allowing them to pursue their careers in healthcare more quickly. The Bachelor of Science in Management for Registered Nurses degree will prepare nurses to obtain administrative and management roles that require critical-thinking, decision-making, and leadership skills.
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Herzing University - BSN-Bridge Program. With nursing constituting as the largest healthcare occupation today, Herzing University has created quality nursing programs to fulfill the increasing demand in the industry. At Herzing, students receive hands-on training in order to help them enter the workforce with confidence.
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The College Network - 10 universities offering Nursing Degrees. The College Network is one of the nation's top providers in providing high quality nursing degrees online. Students have the opportunity to pursue a variety of HealthCare degrees that that will allow them to further their career in Nursing.
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Jones International University - B.A. in Health Care Mgmt. Jones International University offers a Bachelor’s program in Health Care Management that will help students become skilled and effective managers in the healthcare industry. Students could work in a variety of different settings upon completion of the program.
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Virginia College - BS in Health Services Management. Virginia College is dedicated in helping students achieve their goals and aspirations to advance in the health care industry. Their Bachelor’s degree in Health Services Management will prepare students for a variety of career options in assistant management or administrative positions within a healthcare facility.
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Western Governors University - B.S. in Nursing. Western Governors University is an accredited online university offering a variety of nursing and healthcare programs for students of all ages. Their Nursing program will incorporate patient education, health promotion, nursing roles, technology, and many other health related subjects.
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Baker College - B.S. in Nursing. Baker College allows students to complete their Nursing degree completely online, at their own pace and time. Their program provides current registered nurses with the opportunity to advance and continue their growth.
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Keiser University - B.A. in Health Services Administration. With several degree options in the healthcare field, Keiser University prepares students for a variety of positions in any healthcare setting. Their mission is to help students develop skills and knowledge that will prepare them for leadership positions upon graduation.
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Indiana State University - LPN to BSN. Students looking to jump start a career will find accredited an accredited RN to BSN nursing degree from the Indiana State University. Indiana State University was originally founded in 1865 and over this time has prepared thousands of students for new, exciting careers.
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