There aren’t enough nurses in the United States today. A report by National Center for Health Workforce Analysis projects a shortage of 78,610 full-time equivalent registered nurses (RNs) by 2025 and a 63,720 shortfall in 2030. This shortage negatively impacts the availability and quality of healthcare services for everyone—now and in the future. The demand for well-educated nurses, particularly to fill leadership and specialized positions, is especially high. The Bureau of Labor Statistics, projects about 194,500 openings for RNs each year, on average, over the next decade.
We spoke with Hannah Hughes, PhD, MSN, MBA, RN, CNE, NEA-BC, a healthcare workforce consultant and portfolio director of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC), about this critical shortage and how a BSN from UMGC can help registered nurses expand their skills and enhance their careers as they contribute to meeting society’s healthcare needs.
What is the current state of the nursing field, and how do you see that changing in the coming years?
Very simply, we need nurses! In particular, we need more highly educated and skilled nurses to fill leadership positions in areas like community/population health, patient safety, nurse training, telehealth, research, and case management.
Our aging population means people are living longer and requiring more care for longer periods. The current and projected nursing shortages represent a threat to the promise of available, high-quality healthcare delivery in the U.S. Having an adequate workforce of qualified health service providers—particularly nurses—is essential.
Nurses can help to address this shortage by enhancing and expanding their competencies through education and contributing to the future of the nursing workforce.
Why would someone who is already a registered nurse want to add a BSN?
While many nurses choose to pursue a BSN for personal fulfillment, holding a BSN also offers many opportunities for nurses to advance professionally. In light of the increasing complexities in healthcare and nursing practice, there is a national push to enhance the education of the nursing workforce. Many management and leadership positions now require a BSN, as do some specialty practice areas and professional certifications. A BSN prepares and positions nurses to practice within the full scope of generalist nursing.
How long has UMGC had an RN to BSN program, and how has it changed since its inception?
The first nursing courses offered at UMGC for the RN-to-BSN began in spring 2014. Because healthcare is ever-changing, we’ve always recognized the importance of staying up to date with evolving trends—and we’ve done just that.
Most recently, we launched a revised curriculum to be sure we're preparing students to provide exceptional evidence-based nursing care to patients, families, and communities in a dynamic healthcare system. The updated curriculum emphasizes leadership, advocacy, social justice, health equity, and healthcare quality and safety.
What accreditation does UMGC’s RN-to-BSN program have, and why is that important?
The RN to BSN program at UMGC is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Accreditation is important because it’s an indication of program quality. Many employers, including the federal government, require that nurses graduate from an accredited program. Most higher education institutions require that nurses applying to their graduate degree programs earn their prior degrees and initial nursing education from an accredited institution.
UMGC is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) and is a constituent institution of the University System of Maryland.
What are the admission requirements for UMGC's program?
Aside from meeting UMGC’s undergraduate admission requirements, there are three requirements for enrollment in the BSN program: First, applicants must reside in a state where the BSN program is approved to be offered. Second, they must hold an associate degree or diploma (or the equivalent) in nursing. Third, they must hold an active, unencumbered registered nurse (RN) license from a U.S. state where the program is approved to be offered or a multi-state license.
Can you tell me more about UMGC’s RN-to-BSN curriculum? What is it designed to provide nursing students?
UMGC’s RN to BSN program is a good fit for RNs who are looking for a pathway to advance their careers. It's designed to help nurses build upon their knowledge and applicable skills as well as develop additional expertise in clinical decision-making, interdisciplinary communication and collaboration, data analysis and application, and other aspects of planning, delivering, and evaluating quality patient care in our diverse society.
It is an online program with an in-person community health practice experience requirement toward the end of the program. The curriculum is refreshed and updated regularly, with a focus on building upon your established clinical knowledge and experience to equip you to contribute to improved patient and organizational outcomes.
We have also recently added some gaming and simulation components to our program and curriculum which are exciting and engaging for students.
In addition, at UMGC, we focus on promoting a student-centered environment focused on your success. We are known for serving working, adult learners and ensuring that learning is current, relevant, and career-focused.
What kinds of integral nursing skills can students develop in the BSN program at UMGC?
UMGC's nursing program is based on the AACN Essentials, standards set forth by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing regarding the competencies that nurses are expected to achieve. Our program reinforces leadership, interprofessional collaboration, evidence-based practice, and health equity, with an emphasis on the diverse roles nurses play in the delivery of care across the healthcare continuum.
Reference on this webpage to any third-party entity or product does not constitute or imply endorsement by UMGC nor does it constitute or imply endorsement of UMGC by the third party.
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