Career Outlook: Health Care Professionals in Demand

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Samantha Dorsey
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2 Health care professionals are in high demand. Demands created by an aging population, expanding health care system, and rising health care costs are putting pressure on industry leaders to find experienced and qualified professionals with degrees. For many health care professionals, online programs are the best avenue for obtaining the quality of education today s employers are seeking. Career Outlook: Health Care Professionals in Demand According to a workforce analysis published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in December 2009, the job market for health care professionals in the United States is expected to increase 16-22% over the next several years. Among the most in-demand professionals are RNs, health promotion managers, and medical group administrators. This high demand is due in large part to the increasing age of baby boomers and the need to expand health care as the population grows. 1 Nursing Professionals The health care industry suffers not only from an inadequately staffed workforce but also from the critical need for nurses who have undergraduate degrees. Because of the complex and evolving demands nurses face in the field, industry leaders seek RNs who have earned at least their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to meet current and future demands for patient quality and safety. Because leaders in the medical field seek nurses with a higher degree of education, it is imperative for RNs to earn at least a bachelor s degree. Research shows that better outcomes for patient care and quality occur when nurses have a more rounded education (BSN, MSN, etc.). For example, an Generally, registered nurses with at least a bachelor s degree in nursing (BSN) will have better job prospects than those without one. 4 article released by the Institute of Medicine in 2011 indicates that BSN graduates reported significantly higher levels of preparation in evidence-based practice and assessing gaps in teamwork and collaboration than new nurses without the additional education. 2 In 2010, the Institute of Medicine released a report of recommendations for the future of nursing. The Institute urges nursing students to complete their degree. If an RN is not enrolled in a degree program or is currently on academic hiatus, the Institute insists that now is the time to go to school. Additionally, two of its top recommendations are that nurses should practice to the full extent of their education and training and that nurses should achieve higher levels of education and training through an improved education system that promotes seamless academic progression. 3 Regardless of the direction you choose, a bachelor s degree and/or a master s degree are a necessary credential to advancing your career in the nursing profession. 1 Nursing Shortage Fact Sheet, 2011, American Association of Colleges of Nurses. 2 Ed. Linda R. Cronenwett, Ph.D, R.N., FAAN, The Future of Nursing Education, 2011, Institute of Medicine of the National Academies, p The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health, 2011, Institute of Medicine of the National Academies, 4 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Edition, Registered Nurses, 1

3 Online Education: Solutions for the Nursing Professional There are many benefits to online education. It is an ideal option for health care professionals who would like to pursue a degree program and work simultaneously. Because there are no geographical constraints associated with an online program, students can take courses no matter where they live and do not have to sacrifice a year of income to obtain a degree. The online educational environment is streamlined with easy-to-use and easy-to-access Web tools to make learning and instruction easier. Asynchronous class times make it easier for students to complete coursework around their own schedules. Because students can access course materials at any time, they can keep balance between work, family, and school responsibilities. The class experience is also maximized, and faculty can utilize instruction time to the fullest extent. The online education environment promotes accelerated learning where students can earn a degree faster than in a traditional, on-campus day program. Online education has several communication advantages over traditional classroom-based learning environments. Peer interaction among students is made easy through a variety of readily available Web-based tools, including online discussion boards, chat rooms, and . Additionally, Web-based tools facilitate convenient access to the faculty. Students are able to post discussions or send s at any time and the instructor can utilize the online course platform to provide a variety of resources (documents, videos, and links) to accommodate a range of learning styles. Cost is another benefit of online education for working professionals. There are no residency-based fees associated with online programs, and financial aid is available in the forms of scholarships, loans, and grants. Online Health Care Education at NMC Nebraska Methodist College offers a variety of academic programs in the fastest-growing, most in-demand fields in health care. Additionally, the College is affiliated with one of the largest health care systems in the state. Faculty and staff understand firsthand the realities of the health care system and the needs of the health care industry today. The median annual wage for a clinical nurse manager with a MSN degree is $79, Educational Benefits of Online Learning, 2000, Blackboard Inc. 4 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Edition, Medical and Health Services Managers 5 Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Degree Salary. PayScale. Web. 19 Apr For more than 120 years, Nebraska Methodist College has been training and educating nursing professionals. The College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (HLC/NCA). All nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) Nebraska Methodist College s online learning environments are designed for the busy student, and they offer a variety of online programs for all levels of health care professionals. 2

4 RN to BSN NMC s RN-BSN program is designed specifically for licensed RNs seeking to rapidly expand their career options in leadership and health care. The program enhances the applied nursing experience to increase a nurse s ability to think critically about patient care. Ultimately, students are better equipped to deal with the growing complexities of today s health care and improve patient outcomes. Complete courses in 18 months Two phase program of 60 hours of coursework Online orientation provided and serves to set students up for success in the online learning environment BSN to MSN The MSN program is designed for nurses with a passion for quality patient care and a strong interest in leadership opportunities within health care organizations or in the academic setting. You ll gain a solid foundation of educational, theoretical and leadership knowledge, with additional specialized curriculum tracks to prepare you for the career opportunities you want to pursue. Complete degree with 36 credit hours Gain practical experience working with a nurse administrator in a clinical setting RN to MSN Streamline your path from RN to MSN by earning your master s degree in nursing. You ll find you re able to continue to move your career forward into such areas as teaching, leadership and management Complete degree with 54 credit hours Part time study is available. MSN students gain practical experience teaching undergraduate students in an academic setting May specialize in Nurse Educator or Nurse Executive tracks 3

5 Conclusion A growing health care industry means the need for highly qualified and educated professionals is also growing. Nebraska Methodist College offers academic programs that reflect the most in-demand fields in the industry today. Many nursing and administrative professionals are choosing online education as way to progress their education due to the busy demands on their life. The follow programs are currently offered exclusively online: Nursing Programs RN to BSN RN to MSN, Nurse Educator MSN, Nurse Educator Post-Master s Certificate, Nurse Educator RN to MSN, Nurse Executive MSN, Nurse Executive Post-Master s Certificate, Nurse Executive RN to BSN, Nursing Academy Allied Health Programs BS, Health Promotion BS, Healthcare Administration: Applied Clinical Ops MS, Health Promotion Management MS, Medical Group Administration NMC is the place for health care professionals who want to advance their education and move ahead in high-demand health care careers. Learn more about NMC Online: Ann Greiman Admissions & Recruitment Counselor (402) ann.greiman@methodistcollege.edu Location: Founded: 1891 Affiliation: Accreditation: Quick Facts about NMC Omaha, NE Nebraska Methodist Health System The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools Nursing: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) Allied Health: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs 4

Career Outlook: Healthcare Professionals in Demand

Career Outlook: Healthcare Professionals in Demand Healthcare professionals are in high demand. Demands created by an aging population, expanding healthcare system, and rising healthcare costs are putting pressure on industry leaders to find experienced