With an aging population and technological innovations that continue to lengthen the average lifespan, ETSU’s College of Nursing is working to meet the demand for qualified nurses.
“There is a statewide movement to double the number of graduates by 2009-2010,” said Dr. Patricia Smith, dean of the college of nursing, adding that the enrollment in the college had already increased by 50 percent as of fall 2003.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is projecting 125,000 open nursing positions nationwide by next year and 800,000 by 2020.
These projections mean that more new jobs will be created for registered nurses than for any other occupation between now and 2020.
“Given the aging of the U.S. population and the increased demand for nursing care, it’s not surprising that the growth in R.N. jobs is skyrocketing,” said Barbara A. Blakeney, president of the American Nurses Association.
Smith said reaching the goal of doubling the number of graduates by 2010 would require funds for more faculty. In addition to two faculty positions provided by ETSU, this is being accomplished through community partnerships.
“We partnered with Wellmont to increase BSN enrollment from 60 to 90,” Smith said, adding that this was done through two faculty positions provided by Wellmont.
A similar partnership with Mountain States Health Alliance has allowed the college to start an accelerated second-degree program where individuals who already have a bachelor’s degree in another field can add a degree in nursing.
“We are always looking to increase partnerships with local health care agencies,” Smith said.

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