Rhode Island residents interested pursuing a career have reason to celebrate; officials in the Ocean State have made easy-term loans available to them. All they need do is plan to enter the healthcare industry. "Rhode Island will offer nursing students zero interest student loans if they agree to work in the state after graduation," a July 24, 2011 Boston.com article reports.

On July 26 Rhode Island governor Lincoln Chafee will unveil the initiative, which is intended to remedy the shortage of nurses the state is currently experiencing.

Applicants must agree to work in Rhode Island in order to qualify for the loan, which would not begin to accrue interest until four years after borrowers complete their education. These loans will be administered by the Rhode Island Student Loan Authority.

The current nurse shortage has state officials deeply concerned. Rates of retiring baby boomers means that Rhode Island will need to add some 6,500 nurses to those currently working if it is to keep pace with demand.

Nursing is a boom profession in the Ocean State -- and, indeed, in the nation generally -- as the demographic shift toward a graying population continues in the United States. Getting in on a nursing career now should mean steady, remunerative employment for years to come.