Nursing schools face enrollment challenges

Fewer students are entering baccalaureate degree completion, master’s and PhD programs, posing challenges for nursing to meet U.S. health care needs, according to annual data released by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. Enrollment in RN-to-BSN degree completion programs fell for the fifth straight year, declining by 9.9%, or 9,774 students. Enrollment in master’s programs decreased slightly by less than 1%, and enrollment in PhD programs continued to decline, with a 3.1% decrease, or 137 students, from 2022 to 2023. PhD enrollment has fallen by 17.5% from 2013 to 2023. However, enrollment in baccalaureate degree programs remained steady, and enrollment in DNP programs grew by 2.0%. AACN conducted the survey in fall 2023; 975 schools responded, representing a 90% response rate. (AACN news release, 4/15/24)