The news has been full of stories lately about the shortage of nurses in the United States, and the problems this looming crisis will create in health and medical fields.

Hospitals are looking for qualified workers to fill the gaps, but increasingly their searches are time consuming and futile.

This story, from Job Journal, focuses on the bright prognosis for health care workers entering the labor force.

There seems to be one problem however - costs of health care education in the U.S. have pushed many people to seeking other career choices. Especially for nurses who work long hours, are often underappreciated, and many times underpaid.

Here's an excerpt:

Thanks to the growing medical needs of aging baby boomers, virtually any career having to do with healthcare is expected to experience explosive job growth through 2010 and beyond. Topping the list are nurses - but countless other healthcare professionals are going to be in short supply as well.

Still, interested recruits in healthcare can face a daunting challenge. Since state budget cuts have reduced class offerings at both community and four-year public colleges, where can you find an affordable training program that isn't already overcrowded? Maybe right in your own backyard.One way to trim the costs would be to combine online education with further nurses training down the road. For example, one could get much of the background courses out of the way first through online universities and then later transfer to an institution which teaches the hands on aspects of the field. This also might be an especially intriguing option for students from overseas.
Below are a couple links where you can find more information in your nursing education search.

Jacksonville University Online Nursing.

University of Phoenix Online Bachelors in Nursing.

University of Phoenix Online Master's Programs in Nursing.