Yavapai College launches new bachelor's degree in nursing
PRESCOTT — Registration is officially open for classes in Yavapai College's new Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, designed for registered nurses who want to advance into leadership roles.
The program is the school's second bachelor's degree. In August, classes started for Yavapai College's Bachelor of Science in Business program.
"This degree will change the lives of countless residents of Yavapai County. It is more than just a degree," said Yavapai College President Lisa Rhine at an event on Oct. 16.
Classes for the new nursing program will begin on Jan. 13. The program will start with 50 students in the spring term and will grow to accommodate 100 students in the fall 2024 semester.
The degree is offered online, and students can attend full-time or part-time.
The launch of this program comes as Arizona and the U.S. grapple with a critical workforce shortage in the healthcare industry.
According to the Arizona State Nursing Board, Arizona ranks among the top five states with the most severe healthcare staffing shortages as of January 2022.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates more than 195,000 openings for registered nurses across the state from 2021 to 2031.
"Partnering with Yavapai College helps us to strengthen our workforce now and into the future. We need qualified nurses, we need qualified physicians, and we need qualified support staff," said Dr. Anthony Torres, CEO of Dignity Health Yavapai Regional Medical Center. "The College is going to afford us that opportunity to collaborate for people not only to live here, get educated here, but to have a career here."
Reach the reporter at LLatch@gannett.com.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Yavapai College now offering bachelor's degree in nursing
