Nurses in High Demand, Program Proves Competitive

More people are heading back to school to help meet the need of trained healthcare workers and earn a living.

Wednesday, May 6th 2009, 7:59 pm

By: News 9


By Jacqueline Sit, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Healthcare is at the top of people's minds lately, especially with the H1N1 Flu Virus sweeping the headlines, but there's a shortage of trained workers in the health field.

More people are heading back to school to help meet the need of trained healthcare workers and earn a living.

"It's really bringing applicants who have degrees in teaching, microbiology, your sciences, many others are coming into nursing because of the job market is so tight," said Linda Barren of OSUOKC Health Services.

The nursing program at Oklahoma State University in Oklahoma City has seen their graduation rate triple in the last few years. Minority groups and men are also signing up.

"There's no age limit," Barren said. "We have graduates who are almost 70-years-old to apply and get through our nursing program, so it's never too late to become a registered nurse."

Parker Henderson is one of a growing number of men taking the nursing route, breaking the stereotype of what's typically seen as a woman's profession.

"I'm not going to lie to you, it's nice knowing that I'm going to have a job and that there is some security in it. I think that's driving a lot of people towards the nursing career and kind of pursuing that on their own," Henderson said.

There are only 64 positions available in the program, but about 250 applicants are vying for the spots.

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