An associate degree in nursing (ADN) will soon be offered at the University of Charleston-Beckley in West Virginia, The State Journal reported.

Jerry Foster, the school's regional president, said on Tuesday that the private university has notified the West Virginia Board of Examiners for Registered Professional Nurses and will begin the accreditation process.

"We have spoken to dozens of community leaders," Foster said in a statement. "The University of Charleston has a storied 50-year history when it comes to allied health programs and this nursing at UC-Beckley will become the newest chapter."

The program will allow students to graduate as a registered nurse (RN) in one and a half years, The State Journal reported.

Larry Rosenquist has been hired as associate professor of nursing at UC and, upon approval of the State Board of Examiners, will lead the new nursing program.

"I am very proud to be a part of building this new program at UC-Beckley,"Rosenquist said. "Beckley is a vibrant city and I am excited to make an impact in the health of our residents."

Students participating in this program can also enroll in the school's online Bachelors of Science in Nursing program, which allows licensed registered nurses to continue their education at the school to earn a bachelor's degree.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, career opportunities for nurses are expected to grow nationally by 19 percent between 2012 and 2022. Right now, there are 106 Beckley-area residents per registered nurse, compared to 102 per registered nurse for the rest of the state.

"We are proud to help address this significant community need," Foster said.