In light of recent changes to the healthcare industry - such as an aging baby boomer population and policy reform - many organizations are suggesting that registered nurses (RNs) should earn advanced credentials. This recommendation comes as a result of predictions that there will be a shortage of primary care physicians.

This week, a college of health sciences in Kansas City, Missouri announced the launch of an RN-to-bachelor's of science in nursing (BSN) program. KC Community News reports that the degree track was created to accommodate the academic needs of busy working adults.

According to the news source, the curriculum for the nursing RN to BSN program was designed to build on the experience and education of current professionals in the field. Enrollees can apply credits from previously completed coursework to the new offering. Furthermore, there are no clinical hour requirements, courses are offered online or in a blended format, and classwork can be completed in as few as eight weeks.

The Institute of Medicine recently recommended that 80 percent of registered nurses (RNs) earn bachelor's degrees or higher by 2020.