Demand For Health Professions & Nursing Graduates Growing; Nursing Among Fastest Growing Professions
Monday, April 03, 2006
South University has announced plans to open a new campus in Tampa, Fla., the University's second in the state. With classes set to begin this summer, the University is planning to initially offer a bachelor of science in Health Science degree program beginning June 26, 2006 and a bachelor of science in Nursing degree program when fall quarter classes begin on Oct. 2. 2006. These two areas continue to grow in popularity among both traditional and non-traditional University students.
"There is no question that the health professions field continues to grow and there is a consistent need for properly trained professionals to provide patient care and services," said Dr. Bill Paulsen, dean of South University's School of Health Professions. "It is no secret that the population in Florida continues to age and its reputation as a popular retirement locale has only accelerated the issue. Training new professionals to address the growing demand is an absolutely critical need."
Students may apply to the University's B.S. Health Science program and then choose, after completing the necessary Nursing prerequisite courses the first two years, to apply to the B.S. Nursing program. Students or professionals with the necessary prerequisites may apply for acceptance into the B.S. Nursing program.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, as the largest industry in 2004, healthcare provided 13.5 million jobs?13.1 million jobs for wage and salary workers and about 411,000 jobs for the self-employed. (Career Guide to Industries 2006-2007).
Health Care Industry & Profession Overview
? Eight out of 20 occupations projected to grow the fastest are in health care.
? More new wage and salary jobs?about 19 percent, or 3.6 million?created between 2004 and 2014 will be in health care than in any other industry.
? Registered nurses constitute the largest health care occupation, with 2.4 million jobs.
? About 3 out of 5 nursing jobs are in hospitals.
? Registered nurses are projected to create the second largest number of new jobs among all occupations; job opportunities in most specialties and employment settings are expected to be excellent, with some employers reporting difficulty in attracting and retaining enough RNs.
According to the latest available statistics, median annual earnings of registered nurses were $52,330 in May 2004. Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of registered nurses in May 2004 were as follows:
Employment services $63,170
General medical and surgical hospitals $53,450
Home health care services $48,990
Offices of physicians $48,250
Nursing care facilities $48,220
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor & Statistics
"While at the Florida Board of Nursing, I found that there was such a demand, that students are in many cases either not able to begin the program or put on a waiting list to get into school," says Dr. Dan Coble, President of the South University - Tampa campus. "Our programs and degrees will provide them with another option to begin their coursework, receive personalized attention and earn a degree that will prepare them for successful careers."
The new campus will be located at 4401 North Himes Avenue in Tampa near Raymond James Stadium. Students interested in applying to South University may visit the Tampa campus or contact the South University - Tampa admissions office at (813) 393-3800, toll free at (800) 846-1472 or via e-mail at tampa@southuniversity.edu.
South University is a private academic institution dedicated to providing educational opportunities for the intellectual, social and professional development of a diverse student population. South University offers educational programs at the associate's, bachelor's, master's and doctoral levels with campuses located in Savannah, Ga., Columbia, S.C., West Palm Beach, Fla. and Montgomery, Ala. Visit South University online at: www.southuniversity.edu. For more information about South University's online programs, call 1-888-444-3404 or visit http://online.southuniversity.edu.