The idea behind these is that it is a career ladder of advancement. So AAs take courses to get their Bachelors, Bachelors work on their Masters and so on. In California there is even a program for the Licensed Vocational Nurses LVNs to take classes to earn their Associate Degrees.
The problem is that it usually takes a nurse a good length of time to go from one level to the other -- what with student loans, tuition and the need to earn a living. Now the grants are hurrying things along. Under the right circumstances, college costs are paid for and old student loans are paid off. Sometimes a living stipend is added. The state wants more Nurse Practioners, more Doctorates who can teach, more Nurse Midwives, anesthetists, public health nurses and Family Care Specialists. From what I've heard from nurse recruiters--the nursing students got it made. Ask and you will receive. You may have to agree to work in a certain field and in a certain place as payment in the future, but so what?
So, money talks--- the plan is working. Second year students in Bachelor programs are switching to nursing degrees. Students with Masters are not waiting to start work on their Doctorates. And nursing programs are doubling in size all over the state. Small collages who took in 30 to 60 nursing students a semester are now taking in 120. Students from other states are moving to California to get their education.
And, of course, as a nurse I am focusing on nursing, but the grants are extending to all health professionals. Therapists and Technicians of all persuasions are getting grants for education and advanced degrees as are Pharmacologists, Optometrists and even Home Health Aides are being given advanced classes.
Within two to five years all this activity will bring great changes to the California Health Care landscape. New bodies, new blood, new ideas will advance our brave new world of health care brought to you, courtesy of Obamacare.
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