In fact, studies by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) show that more than 40,000 applicants to baccalaureate and graduate nursing programs have been turned away. This is not because they lack the qualifications but because there simply aren’t enough faculty to teach them.
It is projected that the nursing shortage will continue until as late as 2025. In order to effectively combat this, the community must recruit individuals who are as passionate about patient care as they are about education. For those who fall into this category, expanding their knowledge base through an RN to BSN program like the one offered through Arizona State University Online is a foundational step on the path to becoming a nursing educator. This focused study can prepare students for entry level positions in the world of nursing education, launching a rewarding new career path that can help respond to the looming shortage of caregivers.