Nursing is one of the fastest growing professions in the U.S., according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The federal agency projects that the number of jobs for registered nurses (RNs) will increase by 22 percent over the next eight years.

Hundreds of thousands of job openings will result from the forthcoming retirement of many experienced nurses. Furthermore, the baby boom generation is aging, which means that many new patients are expected to require medical care. Growth in the profession will also be driven by the technological advances in the healthcare industry, which is converting most of its records to digital software.

The increasing demand for qualified RNs has prompted colleges throughout the U.S. to add nursing degree programs. For example, a university in Maine has started accepting applications for a new nursing doctoral practice program, The Portland Press-Herald reports. It is the first of its kind in northern New England.

The doctorate nursing degree was approved by university trustees this past September, and the college will begin offering classes in fall 2011. The institution added the program because a doctorate is expected to become a required credential for all advanced practice nurses by 2015, according to the news provider.

The Maine-based school will offer classes that aim to arm RNs with leadership and management skills. According to the BLS, most nurses are required to have a bachelor's degree or higher to fill administrative positions, as well as research, consulting and teaching roles.

Individuals who are interested in management positions in this field may consider pursuing a public administration degree. Nurses who are considering taking their knowledge and experience into the classroom may want to enroll in an online teaching degree program.

Many web-based and traditional colleges have added accelerated nursing programs in an effort to meet the growing demand in this field. According to Montana.edu, a state college in the Treasure State will soon offer an accelerated bachelor's degree program for aspiring nurses who already have a bachelor's degree in another field.

Once admitted, students will be able to finish the program in about 16 months, the school's website reports. To be eligible, scholars must have completed the same prerequisite courses as students in the non-accelerated program.

The dean of the school's college of nursing said that this is an efficient way for students to begin a second career and give themselves more options in the job market.

Students who are searching for versatility in the office setting may also consider pursuing a business administration degree or enrolling in human resource management courses.