Due to an increasing need for highly educated nurses, many campus-based and online schools are increasing their offerings for current and prospective healthcare professionals. In addition, many of these institutions are making their nursing degree programs more flexible in an effort to meet the needs of busy or working students.

For instance, a California-based school recently partnered with a nearby health system to expand the reach of its bachelors program in nursing, the Santa Barbara Independent reports.

Beginning in the 2012 academic year, as many as 22 degree seekers will have the opportunity to enroll in the program. These students will complete their clinical requirements at one of the health system’s locations, which could help them make the connections they will need to land a job after they graduate.

School officials say that the program will cater to registered nurses (RNs) who have already earned an associates degree or certificate and who are looking to update their educational qualifications.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, RNs who hold at least a bachelors degree will have better job prospects than nursing professionals who do not hold this certification.