As the demand for nurses across the country continues to grow amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Alaska continues to face the challenge of having enough nurses to support patients. COVID has proven difficult for many nurses, but it’s important to continue growing the nursing workforce. The University of Providence (UP) is working to expand its reach in order to get more nursing students into the workforce by offering its nursing program in Anchorage, Alaska.
While most states are keeping up with the nursing demand, Alaska has a significant shortage of registered nurses and is projected to have the most job vacancies according to registerednursing.org. With roughly 22% of the needed 23,800 registered nursing positions needed in Alaska missing and only a handful of RN programs in Alaska, growing nursing programs is crucial to the nursing workforce.
The University of Providence offers a fast, comprehensive, and accredited Accelerated Bachelors of Nursing program in Anchorage, Alaska. The accelerated BSN program is designed for applicants who already have a bachelor’s degree in any field who are ready to go into the profession. In this rigorous, 12- month program, students are expected to complete their classes online and attend clinicals face-to-face. This past year, the clinical site in Anchorage, Alaska saw a 225% growth compared to the previous year. In addition to a BSN program, the University of Providence offers a RN to BSN program that is a part-time, cohort-based model with required online classes. This is another alternative RN program in Alaska.
Chelsea Gardner, a student in the BSN program, said, “I was so glad to discover the University of Providence Accelerated BSN program here in Anchorage! I was already working with Providence as a Raspatory Therapist, but was looking at different options for broadening my education and this program fit perfectly.”
Achieving your BSN will provide many career opportunities both now and in the future. Especially in this climate, BSN graduates are highly desirable by employers due to their ability to deliver evidence-based nursing care that is population-centered and grounded in spiritual, ethical, and compassionate care. Upon graduation, students will be qualified to take the national licensure exam to become a licensed registered nurse in Alaska.
As a part of University of Providence’s unique partnership with Providence Health, all Providence caregivers are able to receive discounted tuition when continuing education. Ready to become a nurse? Apply today.
