Nursing Programs Experience Enrollment Growth Across Various Levels Signifying Rising Interest in Healthcare Careers
Rising Enrollment in Nursing Programs
The landscape of nursing education in the United States is experiencing a revitalizing trend as new data from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) showcases significant enrollment increases across various nursing program levels. After facing some declines in recent years, baccalaureate, master's, and practice doctorate programs have observed an uptick in student numbers, countering downward trends. However, concerns remain as enrollment in PhD programs continues its decline, posing challenges for future nursing research and education.
According to the latest AACN survey, which collected data from 964 nursing schools during the fall of 2024, baccalaureate nursing programs have particularly benefitted from increased interest. Enrollment in Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs rose by 4.9%, adding 12,434 students, marking the second consecutive year of growth after a slight dip in 2022. With a current total of 267,889 students pursuing their BSN, these figures reflect a robust pathway for aspiring nurses and underline the profession's enduring appeal.
Additionally, enrollment growth was also registered in RN to BSN degree completion programs, signaling a rebound after five years of decline. This pathway is essential for nurses seeking to further their education and better meet the healthcare demands of today. Last year, 90,369 students participated in these programs, representing a 1.6% increase.
At the graduate level, master's programs similarly saw a 4.8% rise in enrollment, translating to 6,308 additional students. This growth marks the first upward trend in three years for master's-level nursing programs, which equip graduates for various roles including administration, teaching, research, and patient care, with current enrollment now at 136,656 students across 655 nursing schools.
However, the picture at the doctoral level is more concerning. For the eleventh consecutive year, the PhD nursing programs recorded a decline, dropping by 0.5%, or 21 students, further exacerbated by a total decrease of 17.9% since 2013. Academic leaders express urgency in addressing this ongoing decline in order to cultivate future nursing scientists and educators, crucial for the ongoing success of nursing education and advancement in healthcare.
On a more positive note, the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs continued their upward trajectory, with a 2.0% increase, amounting to 936 new students, solidifying 21 years of sustained growth. With a staggering total of 42,767 students currently enrolled in DNP programs across 439 nursing schools, the courses prepare nurses for advanced practice roles such as nurse practitioners and nurse anesthetists.
The data also reveals the interest level among potential nursing students, as applications to baccalaureate and higher degree programs skyrocketed to 728,819—an increase of 46,272 applications from the previous year. Notably, entry-level BSN programs saw an 8.5% application rise, while master's, PhD, and DNP programs collectively noted significant increases, underscoring the growing enthusiasm for nursing education.
Nevertheless, the AACN report details some sobering statistics concerning the interest in nursing: a total of 80,162 qualified applications were turned away from nursing programs in 2024. This includes 65,398 from entry-level baccalaureate programs, highlighting an unsettling trend where qualified applicants are not admitted due to several limiting factors, including faculty shortages and inadequate clinical placements.
In light of these challenges, AACN continues to advocate for increased federal funding aimed at bolstering nursing education. This support is essential not only for recruiting and preparing faculty but also for expanding the infrastructure necessary to accommodate more qualified applicants in the future. The organization emphasizes the importance of utilizing NursingCAS, a centralized application service that streamlines the admissions process and alerts applicants to available slots, ensuring that fewer qualified candidates are turned away.
The AACN’s comprehensive survey has proven to be instrumental for policy-making and institutional benchmarking within nursing education. With a commitment to fostering qualified nursing professionals, AACN stands as the national voice for academic nursing, representing over 875 schools of nursing dedicated to improving health care through quality education and research initiatives.
As the demand for healthcare continues to soar, these enrollment trends illustrate a promising evolution in nursing education, demonstrating that interest in nursing careers remains robust. The continuous collaboration between educational institutions, regulatory bodies, and healthcare practitioners will be crucial in addressing the nursing shortage and ensuring a high-quality workforce in the years to come.