Aging population leads MN nurses back to school

Population estimates indicate that the number of Minnesotans age 65 and older will rise 40 percent in the next 10 years. Students are looking beyond two-year-nursing programs to learn more about physical therapy, treatment management and psychological care while pursing a bachelor's degree. Nurse educators say two-year degree programs are not enough to keep up with the increasing demands on the profession, and more nursing students are pursuing four-year programs. Enrollment in undergraduate and graduate nursing programs increased 8.5 percent last year, from 238,799 in 2010 to 259,100 in 2011, according a recent report by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.