Study of small colleges shows interest in nursing and teaching

While Iowa is facing shortages of nurses and teachers, a new crop to replenish those professions may be just a few years away. Kathleen Gannon, spokeswoman for the Iowa Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, says a recent student survey shows positive developments in both fields.While the annual survey of incoming freshmen finds the top choice is education, Gannon says nursing isn’t far behind.Gannon says business majors were in first place last year but business has fallen to second place on the latest survey, just ahead of nursing in the third position. She says the survey is a big help for the association to keep tabs on student interests.The association covers 29 independent institutions in Iowa.