Nursing Programs Expand Nationwide to Combat Shortage

Across the United States, colleges, universities, and healthcare⁢ organizations are actively developing new programs ⁤and expanding existing ones to address the critical nursing shortage.These initiatives range from‍ fast-track programs for ⁣military medics to partnerships aimed ‍at helping professionals transition into nursing careers.

In ⁢Pennsylvania, Penn State Dubois is ‍set ⁣to launch a ⁣licensed practical nursing program in August. Similarly, the Pennsylvania College of Technology in⁣ Williamsport is ⁢expanding⁤ its workforce development practical nursing program.

Southern Connecticut State University in New⁤ Haven⁣ has partnered ⁣with a local high school to offer certified nursing assistant courses. ⁤East⁣ Carolina University in Greenville, N.C., is launching a medic-to-nurse program for military⁤ medics seeking an accelerated Bachelor of⁤ Science in Nursing.

Vanderbilt University school of Nursing in Nashville is ‍working to establish a nurse anesthesia program by summer 2026. ChristianaCare, based in Newark, Del.,⁣ recently honored the first cohort of clinical nurses to complete its Nursing‍ Research Fellowship in ⁣Robotics and Innovation.

Mildred Elley, a college in albany, N.Y.,has opened a new location offering courses for ‍licensed practical nursing ⁣and clinical medical assistant certificates. Huron Regional Medical Center in south Dakota ⁢has launched‍ a registered nursing apprenticeship program tailored for English-as-a-second language nurses.

Lakeshore College in Cleveland,Wis., and UW-Green ⁢Bay⁣ have ‍partnered ⁢to offer ⁤a dual-study program for students pursuing teaching or nursing degrees. Hartford HealthCare in Connecticut is ⁢collaborating with Quinnipiac University to launch a part-time educational program for mid-career professionals transitioning into nursing.

WVU Medicine in Morgantown,‍ W.Va., is opening a ⁣hospital-based associate degree nursing program. VCU health in Richmond, Va.,‍ in partnership with Virginia Commonwealth University School of Nursing, is offering a guaranteed admission pathway⁢ for registered⁤ nurses to earn a Bachelor⁤ of Science in Nursing.

The Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, in partnership with st. Peter’s‍ Health Partners, will launch a new ⁢nursing associate of ⁢science degree and a bachelor of⁢ science degree in Fall 2025. Boston College Connell School of Nursing has launched a new master of science⁣ degree⁢ program in nurse-midwifery.

Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, S.D., is launching a new two-year nursing program in Sioux Falls in August. The Betty Irene moore School of Nursing at UC davis⁤ has earned accreditation for its doctor of nursing⁣ practice⁤ — nurse anesthesia degree program.

Rocky Vista University in ‍Englewood, Colo., is ⁢launching⁤ Colorado’s first doctor of anesthesia practice‍ program. ⁤Asbury University in Wilmore, Ky., opened a Bachelor of Science in nursing program starting in fall 2025. The University ⁢of Akron in Ohio launched an Early Assurance Pathway to Nurse Anesthesia Program for high school students.

Valencia College in Orlando, Fla., is adding a nursing simulation center to its program. Bay College in Escanaba, Mich., is ending its practical nurse program for the 2025-26 academic year. A hospice clinical manager in Mount⁢ Prospect, Ill., opened a nursing college for prospective certified nursing assistants and phlebotomists.

Springfield ⁢(Mass.) Technical Community College opened an accelerated registered⁤ nurse program for licensed practical nurses, paramedics and military medics.Faulkner ⁣University in Montgomery, Ala., opened a Bachelor of Science in nursing program. Arizona College of Nursing, a for-profit entity, opened in Phoenix in January. UC Davis lowered tuition costs for its PhD in nursing⁣ science program thanks to a $3 million donation.