Release date: June 27, 2002

Nursing School Sees Surge in Applicants

Emory University’s Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing has experienced a dramatic increase in nursing school applications, jumping 45 percent over the previous year. The school received 244 applications for approximately 80 available spots.

"Our staff has been implementing new and innovative recruitment techniques to reach people who haven’t considered nursing as a career, especially students on the Emory campus," says Nancy Halloran, director of student affairs and admissions at the nursing school. There is a nationwide shortage of registered nurses that is becoming increasingly critical.

"I believe it’s also a function of the economy following Sept. 11. People are seeking hands-on careers where they can help people. They’re answering the call for jobs we’ll always need, like teachers and nurses. We’ve left the dot.com world and are going back to a meat and potatoes economy."

Nationally, enrollment in entry-level baccalaureate nursing programs was up 3.7 percent in the fall of 2001, with southern schools showing the greatest increase.

Contact: Tia Webster, 404-727-5692, twebste@emory.edu

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