North Carolina

Each year the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) conducts a survey investigating the enrollment in baccalaureate, master's, and doctoral nursing programs throughout the country. The most recent study on this topic was conducted in 2010 with the results released in March 2011.

A consistent surge in enrollment has been reported by all the schools of nursing participating in the survey. According to the study, enrollment in doctoral nursing programs increased the most, pointing to a renewed interest in research focused and academic careers. In the last five years, the number of universities and schools of nursing offering the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program has increased from twenty to over one hundred and fifty programs. The number of students admitted in master and baccalaureate nursing programs has also expanded despite restricted enrollment capacities and economic challenges.

The number of students enrolled in accelerated nursing programs has shown a steady increase as well. In 2010, over 13,000 students were enrolled in these type of programs, up from 11,960 in 2009. Even though overall enrollment in nursing programs is growing, nursing schools have been affected by funding cuts and economic difficulties. As a result, more than 67,000 eligible applicants seeking to enroll in professional nursing programs were turned away in 2010. In order to expand enrollment and support a continued interest in the nursing profession, colleges and universities need to address the present shortage of faculty and resources.