Entry-level enrollment in U.S. baccalaureate nursing programs rose just 2 percent between 2007 and 2008, according to preliminary data from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. The eight-year low continues a steady decline in enrollment growth since 2003, when enrollment rose 16.6 percent.

AACN’s annual survey of baccalaureate and graduate-level nursing programs also shows a decline in enrollment growth in master’s programs and no increase in the number of students enrolling research-focused nursing doctorates.

"This year’s enrollment increases are welcome, but largely insufficient to meet the projected demand for nursing clinicians, educators and researchers into the foreseeable future," says AACN President Fay Raines.

Based on preliminary data from the survey, AACN suggests that it’s not necessarily a lack of interest in nursing careers, but rather a lack of resources at nursing schools, that is driving the decrease in enrollment growth. About 27,771 qualified applicants were rejected from entry-level baccalaureate programs in 2008, AACN reports. Nursing schools are citing a shortage of faculty, clinical placement sites, classroom space and funding as reasons for turning away qualified applicants.

AACN’s Web site has more survey results and charts showing nursing enrollment trends.

—Irene Tsikitas