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When Aubrey Ball started pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Utah Tech University just a few years ago, little did she know she'd be playing a role in addressing the nationwide shortage in the healthcare workforce.
"I know it's very cliché to say, but I need something to prove I was here," said Ball, who is a registered nurse in Intermountain St. George Regional Hospital's Labor & Delivery Unit and Women's Health Specialist/OBGYN Clinic. "I have to give back. It's that basic human instinct to make the world around me a better place. That's what brought me to the medical field."
However altruistic, Ball's interest in a career in health care is in high demand. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the need for nurses is increasing at 6%—with a projected 203,200 openings for registered nurses each year over the next decade. Utah Tech University is working to educate more nurses like Ball to help meet this demand.
"We are opening up pathways for every student to advance their education and further their career, no matter where they are in their progression," Dr. Judy Scott, chair of Utah Tech University's Nursing Program, said. "We are open to anybody across the United States and even in other countries because of the online program. They can stay where they are, work where they are and continue to contribute in the workforce in nursing, which is a critical need, but still reach their own educational goals."
We are open to anybody across the United States and even in other countries because of the online program. They can stay where they are, work where they are and continue to contribute in the workforce in nursing, which is a critical need, but still reach their own educational goals.
–Dr. Judy Scott
Utah Tech University offers a variety of online programs in health disciplines that are perfect for those needing flexibility to accommodate their busy lifestyles. Utah Tech Online health-focused offerings include masters programs in Nursing Education & Leadership and Sport Education; bachelors degree completion programs in Healthcare Administration, Nursing and Long Term Care Administration; as well as certificates in Gerontology, Health Communication and Recreation Management.
"The RN-BS program is totally online and ideal for those who have finished their two-year associate degree in nursing and want to earn a bachelor's," Scott said. "The National Institutes of Health came out with a report that found outcomes are better for patients who were cared for by nurses who had bachelor's degrees."
In line with the university's "active learning. active life." approach to education, the online program requires students to complete hours that oftentimes can be fulfilled by working on projects in their current workplace.
Also fully online, Utah Tech's Master of Science in Nursing Education and Leadership is new this fall.
"There is a lack of nursing educators," Scott said. "We started the master's program so we can grow those nurses who want to go on and become educators or leaders in the field. An important aspect of our program here at Utah Tech is that we are open to people in any state, in any career and in any phase of their life."
Having finished her bachelor's degree in 2021, Ball is now applying to be in the new master's program.
"I have looked at other master's programs, and Utah Tech is really setting themselves apart because their master's program is in both leadership and education, which gives you a lot of flexibility and you're not limiting yourself," Ball said. "Truthfully, I'm not entirely sure what my end goal is, but I know the program will prepare me to decide if I want to go into a managerial side, where I'm advocating for my nurses and making sure everything is running smoothly with all the processes, or return to my alma mater and give back by teaching nursing students."
Regardless of what their end goals are, Intermountain Health employees like Ball can take advantage of a Utah Tech online education for free, thanks to a scholarship program that Intermountain Health offers its employees to further their education at partnering universities such as Utah Tech.
"Our partnership with Intermountain allows their employees to come here and get their education for practically nothing," Scott said. "It allows them to grow in their field without the burden of the expense of earning an education. Because of the intentional partnership the university has with the hospital, we are able to meet the needs of their employees, who become our students who go back and become their leaders."
Programs in the health sciences aren't all Utah Tech Online has to offer. With more than 300 course offerings, as well as complete master's, bachelor's, associate, certificate and degree completion programs available, Utah Tech Online has something for everyone looking to further their education or better prepare themselves for advancement in their career.
Utah Tech's fully online programs include a bachelor's degree completion program in Enterprise Management as well as full bachelor's degrees in Communication Studies, Design, Individualized Studies, Integrated Studies, Management and Marketing.
Additionally, the university offers associate degrees in Early Childhood Education, General Studies and Management as well as a wide variety of career-boosting certificates. Learn more at online.utahtech.edu.
