Massachusetts Nursing and Healthcare Schools

Shortages in Health Care

Massachusetts is very concerned about the issues affecting health care services in their state. As well, Massachusetts is greatly concerned about obtaining a sufficient amount of health care professionals to meet the needs of their communities.

According to the Department of Workforce Development, the health care field is currently the largest industry in Massachusetts as far as job vacancy and demand. Presently there are more than 16,200 job vacancies in health care related services. All of these positions need to be filled by qualified health care professionals. Although there are 165,000 unemployed residents seeking work here in Massachusetts, over 1/3rd of these residents lack basic educational skills; skills in reading, writing , math and science. The demand for trained Nurses and other health care workers have increased by 17.5% in the last year alone. This number is expected to increase substantially over the next ten years, and expected to continue through the next 20 years.

Job Security and Demand

Many of Massachusetts current health care workers will be reaching retirement ages. While the population here in Massachusetts continues to grow, the amount of elderly residents populating Massachusetts also raises a great concern as these "Baby Boomers" will require long term health care services in their latter years; care that at this time, is just not sufficiently available.

The Massachusetts Workforce Board Association has coordinated a program to work along side health care employers who serve in our state. Hospitals, Home Health Care Agencies, Skilled Nursing Facilities, and Comprehensive Health Care Facilities are working together with the Department of Labor to address these shortages in health care professionals. Recruitment efforts are being made, however health care employers continue to struggle to find qualified individuals to fill these many high demand positions.

Massachusetts is especially in need of a numerous amount of Registered Nurses, LPN=s and RN=s trained in Critical Care. There is a growing need for radiology and other medical technicians. There is also a high demand for Occupational Therapy, Physical and Speech Therapists, Rehabilitation Services, Respiratory Care, and Dietitians. All of these are high vacancy and high demand positions, not only by Hospitals, but also by Home Health Care Agencies, Skilled Nursing Facilities, and Private Practices. Competitive wages and benefits are enormously increasing among the health care employee workforce; as facilities compete for those trained personnel. This is actually a great opportunity for those entering the health care field, either as a LPN, Registered Nurse or other Health care Professional.

Training Opportunities

Programs are available to assist in educational expenses. Loan Repayment Programs, Scholarships, and Workforce Development Programs, that allow current employees to take time off to gain extra skills and education that will allow them to advance in their current field. The Incumbent Worker Training Program is also available in Massachusetts. This program allows the employers to actually pay educational expenses for their employed Nurses. Special funding is provided to health care employers for this purpose. This program allows Certified Nurses, LPNs and Registered Nurses to enhance their training so employers can promote within their facility, while leaving the lesser positions open for those just entering the nursing field. This is a great opportunity for those wanting to stay employed and still get the educational training needed to quickly advance in their health care careers!

Salaries

Salaries and benefits differ from facility to facility, depending on size, number of employees, as well as experience and educational training. Below are average salaries paid in Massachusetts for health care professionals. These positions are in high demand and waiting to be filled.

• Dietician $35,368 - $38,564
• LPN $39,833 - $47,520
• Radiology Technologists $51,939 - $64,578
• Rehabilitation Therapy $58,073 - $67,769
• Respiratory Therapist $59,939 - $64,587
• Staff RN $67,802 - $73,347
• Speech Therapist $74,384 - $109,698
• Emergency Room $75,162 - $107,776
• ICU $76,483 - $113,481
• Occupational Health $82,958 - $92,322
• Head RN $84,772 - $102,728
• Nurse Practitioner $97,186 - $102,548
• Pharmacists $116,156 - $121,810

Campus Based	Bay State College has campuses in Boston, Gloucester, and Middleboro. It offers career courses in the following areas. Some courses can even be taken during night time education. Associates - Health Studies Associates - Medical Assisting Associates - Physical Therapist Assistant Associates - Social and Human Services
Online	The College Network - Offers a wide variety of online nursing classes that are available to you from anywhere in the United States. LPN to A.S. in Nursing LPN to BS in Nursing RN to BS in Nursing Diploma/Foreign Trained RN to BSN RN to MS in Nursing MS in Nursing (MSN)
Online	Kaplan University is one of the United States leading universities for online healthcare degrees. Business, Nursing, and Allied Healthcare programs are all offered. RN to B.S. in Nursing MBA Health Care Management Life Care Planning Cert. Certificate in Forensic Nursing Certificate in Legal Nurse Consulting
Campus Based	Branford Hall Career Institute has a campus in Springfield and offers healthcare programs in: Health Claims Specialist Massage Therapy Professional Medical Assistant
Online	Walden University - Students gain the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in their choice of professional study, while maintaining their current workload and family life.. RN to MSN BSN to MSN MS in Mental Health Counseling Master of Public Health Ph.D. in Health Services Ph.D. in Public Health M.S. in Psychology Ph.D. in Psychology
Online	University of Phoenix - one of the leading universities in the US that offers a wide variety of online accredited degree programs. Associate of Arts in Health Administration B.S. in Health Administration RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing B.S. in Psychology MBA Health Care Management Master of Science in Nursing Doctor of Health Administration Nursing HealthCare Certificate
Campus Based	Lincoln Technical Institute has campuses in Lowell, Brockton, and Somerville. Massage Therapy Medical Assistant Medical Coding & Billing Medical Administrative Assistant

Top Online Nursing Programs

Below you will find the top rated online nursing schools along with the program the school offers. Request a free information packets from the nation's best online nursing programs using the More Info buttons below:

	The College Network - Associate's, Bachelor's & Master's Degrees. With healthcare degrees offered by 10 major universities, The College Network has become the premiere destination for students seeking a nursing degree online. They offer fully accredited degrees, including LPN to RN degrees, that will satisfy students' career goals and ambitions.
	Indiana State University - Bachelor's Degree. Offering a high-quality, accredited degree in nursing, Indiana State University gives students a chance to quickly accelerate into respected nursing positions in many healthcare institutions. Their popular L.P.N. to B.S.N. program is available entirely online, allowing students to continue working while pursing an advanced degree.
	Kaplan University - Certification, Associate's & Bachelor's Degrees. As one of the most respected online universities in the country, Kaplan University has helped thousands of students reach their dreams of becoming a nurse. With a number of healthcare degree programs available, students can graduate in as little as two years and be on their way to helping others.
	Herzing University - Associate's, Bachelor's & Master's Degrees. Herzing University offers three key nursing programs for students of all ages and education levels. Students will have the opportunity to receive hands-on training in order to better prepare them for a real position in the healthcare industry.
	Walden University - Master's Degree. For individuals seeking higher education in the field of nursing, Walden University has knowledgeable, respected industry leaders educating their students. Their quality education and in-depth training will help students get on the right track to leadership positions in several healthcare institutions and entities.
	Capella University - Master's & Doctoral Degrees. Capella University is an accredited university providing nursing students the skill set and education needed to make an impact in the healthcare industry. Their affordable programs allow those who enjoy helping others to gain additional knowledge to continue pursuing their passion.

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