MUNCIE, Ind. - The nursing shortage in the United States and worldwide will continue to worsen as the population continues to age and thus place more stress on medical systems, says a Ball State University nursing educator.

Looking for ways to offset the critical shortage led to the development of the Second Baccalaureate Degree Track for Nursing, said Linda Siktberg, director of Ball State's School of Nursing. By completing the 19-month nursing curriculum and passing the subsequent national licensure examination, students are almost guaranteed employment anywhere in the United States, Siktberg said.

"The nursing shortage will not be solved in the near future," Siktberg said. "By completing the second baccalaureate degree track and passing the national licensure exam, these students will have a career for the rest of their lives."

Students can enroll in the program and finance it themselves or apply for one of the 10 full scholarships being offered by Cardinal Health System. CHS, which operates Ball Memorial Hospital and other healthcare facilities in East Central Indiana, is offering the scholarships to students willing to make a three-year commitment to CHS upon graduation.

Depending on where graduates go to work, they can expect to earn close to $40,000 plus benefits, said Terry Allen, vice president of Human Resources at CHS.

"Students get financial aid, Ball State gets students with financial backing and Cardinal Health System gets well-qualified nurses," Allen said. "Ball Memorial and CHS have had ties with Ball State for the last 35 years, so this is just another exciting chapter in our relationship."

To qualify, applicants must have had a 2.75 grade point average in college and must have taken the required courses, which include nearly 10 science and health classes. Graduates with a major in biology or chemistry seeking to start a second career are likely to have taken most of the prerequisite courses, Siktberg said. Graduates with degrees in teaching, business or journalism, however, would have to take additional prerequisite courses before being admitted to the program.  This is the second such program in the state, Allen said.

(Note to Editors: For more information, contact Siktberg at (765) 285-5571 or lsiktber@bsu.edu.)