Arkansas

According to federal projections, the job market for registered nurses will continue to grow for the next twenty years as more caregivers are needed throughout all healthcare settings. The National Center for Workforce Analysis, a branch of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services agency, predicts that by 2020 there will be an acute shortage of nurses, with the healthcare sector reporting at least 800,000 unfilled registered nurse jobs throughout the country.

Those who are planning a career in nursing do not have to struggle in a weak job market upon graduation. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of registered nurses is growing faster than most other occupations. While diploma programs as well as associate in nursing degrees are still very common educational avenues for nursing students, bachelor of science degrees in nursing are becoming the preferred choice for those who choose a career as professional nurses.

BSN program graduates have the greatest employment flexibility as entry-level nurses because they are prepared to practice in any health care setting including critical and emergency care, ambulatory care, public health, or mental health. Both employers and leading nursing organizations recognize that nurses with a four-year degree are able to provide a superior level of care and benefit from more career opportunities.