NAU Programs Address Critical Nursing Shortage

Arizona is projected to have the nation’s largest shortage of nurses by 2025. Healthcare systems of all sizes and varieties have been impacted by the ongoing shortage. And previous short-term solutions, like travel nurses, aren’t enough.

For years, Northern Arizona University has been working to grow nursing programs and staff this critical area, especially among underserved areas and populations, through both undergraduate and graduate programs.

How is this happening?

• NAU’s American Indian Nursing Program provides scholarships and housing/transportation assistance to Indigenous students who receive culturally relevant training and clinical rotations on reservations. It’s the first — and only — reservation-based pathway to an entry-level nursing degree.
• The university invested in new nursing simulation labs in both Phoenix and Flagstaff campuses that include advanced “manikins.” Sim labs ensure that students graduate with hands-on experience needed for real life situations. (Evidence has shown that simulations are better learning experiences than real life.)
• NAU is using a $7 million grant to add 200 new seats to nursing programs. The first cohort of this initiative will graduate this May. Additionally, more than 100 students received full scholarships to pursue an accelerated track, joining the Arizona workforce in under 18 months.
• Stipends to cover travel costs are being given to students who travel to clinic and precept opportunities in rural Arizona, thanks to a $1 million grant. These students are gaining valuable experience and boosting availability of care in high-needs areas.
• NAU has launched a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program to help meet growing behavioral health needs. This is a postgraduate certificate that prepares practicing nurses to deliver much-needed mental health care.

Two new nursing programs are being added this summer to the options available at NAU’s Phoenix campus: BS in Nursing – Compressed and BS in Nursing – Accelerated.

NAU’s programs have been so successful (the University boasts some of the highest pass rates for nursing licensure exams), that applications to nursing programs are growing, while most other colleges around the country have seen declines.