The national nursing shortage is attracting so much attention that states are now working together to help control the numbers.

The University of Oklahoma College of Nursing recently launched a 14-month accelerated bachelor’s degree program that will allow students from California (where the shortage is severe) to earn RN certification without leaving the west coast. The program is aimed primarily at students who already have bachelor’s degrees in other fields. It will rely heavily on an online learning curriculum, which was developed with financial support from the California Board of Registered Nursing.

The 30 students who have enrolled will do their clinical work in San Diego County. OU has hired instructors to work in California.

Sources: Earthtimes.org, NewsOK.com, and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation