An Alabama-based college recently announced that it will offer an associate's degree in nursing for the first time.

According to the Selma Times-Journal, the institution will start offering classes in the fall of 2011. The college first considered adding a nursing program about 40 years ago and has revisited the proposal many times since.

An official in the admissions department told the news source that more than 140,000 students were turned away from nursing programs in the U.S. last year, creating a dire need for more classes in this field. He believes the college's science program will complement the the new curriculum.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that job opportunities in this field will grow much faster than other occupations. An aging population may lead to more nursing vacancies and more patients who need treatment.

The BLS reports that employees in this field will increase their likelihood of career advancement by attaining a bachelor's degree or higher. Many online colleges offer nursing programs for individuals who wish to be introduced to the field.