Nursing is a high-demand career today, and it will continue to grow in the years ahead. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), demand for nurses is expected to rise by 16 percent from 2014 through 2024. This growth is higher than the average occupation at 12 percent. The BLS reports that nearly 3 million jobs for registered nurses are anticipated to be available by 2024.
Stanbridge University President Yasith Weerasuriya attributes the need for more nurses to many factors. “First, there is an increased awareness about health; people understand they can help themselves by becoming more informed about their bodies and what they should do to stay healthy,” he says. “Second, advances in medicine have led to longer, healthier lives. People are living longer, and they need nurses for more complex care.”
Weerasuriya also notes that nursing is a great career option, saying it’s one of the most desired professions today. “You can do many different things as a nurse,” he says. “Nursing is very rewarding because it can provide career diversity, allowing you to move into one of many different roles in the field.”
There is a shortage of nurses in the US, which impacts hospitals and healthcare facilities across the country. The American Nurses Association (ANA) reports that more than 6,500 nursing positions are open in California alone. The ANA also notes that the US will need more than 1 million nurses by 2020, but that without a significant increase in education and recruitment efforts, the worker shortage will continue.
Weerasuriya says this nursing shortage has impacted Stanbridge University’s enrollment numbers. “Over 50 percent of all our students are working professionals,” he says. “The majority of our students are adult learners who realize there is a great demand in the market for nurses, and they want an exciting career that offers them many different paths to follow.”
Stanbridge University’s president also notes that nursing has never been more rewarding. “Nursing graduates are highly sought after by pharmaceutical companies, medical device manufacturers, and medical technology companies,” he says. “Many of our students go into research or sales once they graduate, but most importantly, they’re all employed as RNs working in hospitals and clinics across the US.”
To meet the needs of an increasingly aware population seeking more health information, Stanbridge University offers innovative educational programs. For example, the school recently launched a new accelerated nursing program for working adults. This degree can be completed in as little as 16 months, and it contains no general education requirements.
“Our goal is to provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their careers,” Weerasuriya says. “We want our students to feel prepared when they graduate and start a rewarding career as a registered nurse.”
He concluded by saying, “The world of health care and education has never been more exciting, and we’re thrilled to be a part of the growing healthcare field. As time goes on, we expect that there will be even more opportunities for nurses.”
Stanbridge University is an award-winning institution that offers programs in Nursing and Allied Health. Campuses in Orange County, Los Angeles, and Riverside provide innovative technology and hands-on learning opportunities. Stanbridge University is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).
