More Than One Million Nurses Needed Between 2006-2016
Between 2006 and 2016, more than 500,000 new job openings will be created for registered nurses. That number increases to more than one million nurses when considering the replacement of nurses retiring during the next ten years. Registered nursing programs include a four year BSN degree program from a four year university, an ADN degree from a community college or junior college and a diploma earned from a hospital diploma nursing program.
Community colleges and junior colleges offer an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), a career that is expected to grow by more than 500,000 new jobs between 2006 to 2016 according to the US Labor Department. Registered nurses represent the largest health care occupation in 2006, with 2.5 million jobs. Training to become a registered nurses also includes a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN) and earning a diploma from a hospital based diploma nursing program. While hospital diploma programs were the primary source of training registered nurses some 50 years ago, their numbers have been dramatically reduced to approximately just 70 programs today. Community colleges offer a smart consumer choice for RN training because of the following:
- The cost of RN training at a community college is significantly lower than training at a four year university or private college.
- The community college offers an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) in two years. All candidates, whether graduating from a two year college or four year university must take the NCLEX-RN in order to credentialed as a registered nurse.
- You can begin working as a registered nurse after two years of training at the community college.
- Whether you graduate from a community college or a four year college your registered nursing credential is the same. You are an RN once passing the NCLEX-RN. Although the training is different and a four year degree provides more opportunity in different aspects of nursing such as teaching, and nursing administration, both degrees, including the hospital based diploma program lead to becoming an RN.
Registered nurses work in a variety of health care settings including hospitals, physician groups, home health, nursing care facilities and outpatient surgical centers. Becoming a registered nurse is a career that can be a life long vocation because of the flexibility the career offers. Many nurses transition from the hospital setting to physician groups or nursing care facilities as their professional and personal needs change. The demand for nurses is the catalyst behind this outstanding career opportunity. Flexibility has also been enhanced by the Nurse Licensure Compact Agreement, now recognized by 20 states with more states pending approval. The agreement permits a registered nurse licensed in one state to be able to practice in another state without having to pass an additional state examination.
Community colleges are a great resource for students seeking a career as a registered nurse. This is a competitive career field and seats at many of the community colleges and junior colleges are limited due to limited resources. Work closely with your high school counselor to explore all of your nursing career opportunities.
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