Students who wish to pursue a career in nursing will find a high demand for their skills in the coming years. In an effort to improve career options in this field, more schools are creating associate degree programs that provide relevant training.
For example, Florida Career College (FCC) has launched an associate degree program specializing in nursing, which will accept 40 students into its inaugural semester beginning in August. After obtaining this degree, individuals will be qualified to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination and become registered nurses (RNs).
Also, beginning in January 2011 the school will offer a transitional program, which will enroll a total of 30 students who are licensed and interested in advancing their career. Individuals who graduate from this program will meet the requirements to become a RN.
The new degree program is "a great addition to our academic roster and we expect to draw candidates from as far south as Miami and as far north as Port Saint Lucie," said Michael Schwam, executive director at the FCC's Boyton Beach campus.
Government statistics suggest that during the next eight years, the employment of registered nurses is expected to increase by 22 percent, and this demand will create approximately 581,500 new jobs
