NCCU to Enhance Nursing Programs with $1.9 Million UNC System Grant

North Carolina Central University (NCCU) is among 12 institutions and health education centers to receive funding from the University of North Carolina System to address the state's nursing workforce shortage as part of its Health Care Workforce Expansion Initiative. NCCU's portion of the grant is $1,935,528.

Like many states, North Carolina is facing an alarming drop in nursing professionals. The state is projected to have a shortage of up to 18,600 registered nurses over the next decade, posing a major challenge for healthcare providers and an aging patient population, according to an analysis by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's Sheps Center for Health Services Research. Nursing students face rigorous education and licensure requirements, making it challenging to quickly expand the nursing workforce. Additionally, the Great Resignation, which saw millions of Americans voluntarily quit their jobs in the aftermath of the pandemic, has sharply impacted healthcare professions, adding to the decline of working nurses.

"Our nursing students are among the brightest and most dedicated in the state, and this funding will further empower them to excel in their studies and future careers," said NCCU Chancellor Karrie G. Dixon. "The commitment and passion our students bring to the nursing profession are truly inspiring. With enhanced resources and support, we are confident that our graduates will continue to lead, innovate and make a significant impact in the healthcare field."

Funded by the North Carolina General Assembly as part of last year's state budget, the grants are designed to help public universities produce more nursing graduates. The grants will fund new faculty positions, state-of-the-art equipment and initiatives for undergraduates who need help meeting coursework and admissions requirements.

"This generous grant from the UNC System allows us to enhance our nursing education programs, support our dedicated faculty and prepare our students to meet the evolving needs of the healthcare industry," said Yolanda VanRiel, Ph.D., NCCU Department of Nursing chair. "By investing in our nursing students and infrastructure, we are not only advancing our university's mission but also contributing to the health and well-being of our communities." 

UNC System institutions, along with the state's community colleges, are some of the largest producers of new nurses in North Carolina. Over the past decade, the UNC System has graduated 27,191 nurses with bachelor's degrees and 5,709 with master's degrees.

May 2024 graduates of NCCU's nursing program achieved a National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX) pass rate of 92.7%, exceeding the national average of 77.7%.

"Dedicated nurses are the backbone of a strong health care system, and we see huge demand for nursing talent across North Carolina," said UNC System President Peter Hans. "Our public universities not only train the next generation of nurses, but also provide excellent professional development and life-saving research for health care providers. I'm grateful to our lawmakers for helping us meet those needs more effectively."

The System's goal is to increase its output of nursing degrees by 50% over the next 10 years.

"Healthcare in North Carolina will continue to place extraordinary demands on critical allied health professions, particularly on nurses who serve a vital part of the healthcare teams across the state," said Rep. Donny Lambeth, (R-Forsyth). "The grants provided will go a long way towards helping to attract and educate more students into this demanding profession. The General Assembly is proud of its work to help strengthen educational opportunities in North Carolina for young people who are interested in pursuing a career in nursing."

"Tackling the nursing shortage in North Carolina has been one of my top priorities and I am glad to see the UNC System expand nursing education across the state," said Sen. Ralph Hise (R-Mitchell). "The university system has a tremendous opportunity to help close this gap in our workforce and produce highly talented nursing graduates."