MIDDLE TENNESSEE — Across the United States, the need for more nurses has reached critical levels — and the Murfreesboro and Nashville areas are no exception… That was Dr. Tia Bell, Dean of the Marian University - Leighton School of Nursing. Bell told WGNS about their Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program that offers a fast-track into a nursing career for a significant number of individuals seeking a career change or a more rewarding professional path. According to program officials, the full-time ABSN program features two distinct tracks: one tailored for career changers, and a transfer path. The transfer path allows students to earn an Associate of Science in Health Sciences (ASHS) degree from Marian University while simultaneously completing the prerequisites required for the ABSN program.

The university has partnered with Ascension Saint Thomas to enhance program efforts and increase the number of nurses entering the medical field locally.

Because Middle Tennessee has experienced faster growth than other regions, the demand for nurses in the area is even higher. This overwhelming need became especially apparent during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the shortage of healthcare professionals was thrust into the national spotlight. The crisis also triggered a surge in the use of contract-based travel nurses, as hospitals scrambled to fill staffing gap’s and maintain patient care…

While the nursing shortage hasn’t gone away, the demand for travel nurses has dissipated slightly… Changes and adjustments in the medical field have in some ways, made the call to full-time permanent nurses even louder, while phasing down the continued need for travel nurse positions - an effort that has been well coordinated by hospitals far and wide.   

Hospitals have turned to travel nurse agencies to fill staffing gaps, but the true costs run deeper than they appear. In addition to onboarding expenses for training in protocols and safety, contracts often include agency fees and housing stipends on top of high hourly rates. While these rates may seem manageable at first, HR teams and administrators are beginning to feel an ongoing strain, as long-time staff spend more time assisting travel nurses and less time with patients. These concerns are prompting many facilities to shift away from contract dependence and focus instead on building full-time teams that grow together as a cohesive, community-centered workforce.

Dr. Tia Bell reiterated… The Dean of the Marian University - Leighton School of Nursing, told WGNS that their Nashville location offers an accelerated path into nursing. The program is tailored for second-degree or transfer students who are ready to dive into a demanding but rewarding field.

With online coursework, in-person skills and simulation labs, and clinical rotations through their partnership with Ascension Saint Thomas, students receive hands-on experience in one of Middle Tennessee’s most respected healthcare networks.

Overall, Tennessee’s nursing shortage is being compounded by a rapidly aging population. Between 2020 and 2023, the number of residents aged 65 and older in the Nashville–Murfreesboro–Franklin Metropolitan Statistical Area grew by 13%—the fastest increase among all age groups. This surge underscores the growing demand for elder care services and, by extension, a strong and reliable nursing workforce. Simply put, the need for compassionate, qualified nurses has never been more urgent. Fortunately, schools like Marian are making the fast-track to a nursing career more accessible—and more essential—than ever.

• To learn more about Marian University’s nursing program in the Nashville area, [CLICK HERE].