UNC Greensboro’s School of Nursing (SON) Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is well-known and well-loved.
The program supports students in developing skills, empathy and compassion for patients and families, navigating challenging situations, and cultivating resilience to handle adversity and stress. It also positions students to develop financial stability in a rewarding career paths.
And now, this reputable program will be available to more students allowing them to start their nursing journey earlier.
Enrollment Innovation
The SON now offers the first UNC system’s Direct Admission initiative for its high-demand BSN program. This streamlined process offers more certainty, efficiency, and savings for eligible incoming first-year students.
“We are excited to be the first UNC System school to offer direct admission for first year students entering UNCG,” says Dean Debra J. Barksdale. “First-year direct admission provides students with early assurance of their spot in our competitive nursing major. We also still advise and maintain an application process for students who wish to apply later in their UNCG journey.”
Driven by the SON’s goal to increase enrollment its prelicensure program by 50% in two years, the SON aims to transition 220 new students into its upper division by 2027, an increase from the 140 students admitted Summer and Fall 2024, and to help alleviate North Carolina’s nursing shortage.
Why Growth Now?
Why growth now? Because North Carolina desperately needs it.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the registered nurse (RN) workforce to expand 6% by the year 2032, and North Carolina (NC) is one of the top ten states anticipating a large nursing shortage by 2035, at 13%.
SHEPS Health Workforce NC research also shows metro areas experiencing the greatest RN deficits, with the Northwest/Triad Medicaid region, which includes Greensboro and Winston-Salem, being the most impacted.
To combat the nursing shortage, the General Assembly of North Carolina directed all UNC System schools to increase nursing graduate numbers by at least 50%. Direct admissions is just one mechanism to ensure UNCG can achieve this charge.
Before implementing the initiative, SON did its due diligence by conducting interviews with eight regional and peer universities already offering this option.
And with 92.9% of UNCG nursing graduates staying in NC to work as RNs in diverse settings, program implementation now makes perfect sense to improve the nursing workforce.
Beneficial to First Year Students
Kristie Davis-Collins, the SON’s director of Pre- and Post-Licensure Programs, will work with SON Office of Student Success and its advisors to oversee the first-year direct admission pathway.
“Right from the start, new students will be embraced by a community committed to their success, including dedicated nursing faculty and advisors to help guide their journey,” says Davis-Collins. “Advisors help navigate courses, answer questions, and offer materials for student success. Plus, students can build a supportive SON community from the onset.”
Students applying to UNCG now can opt for the direct admission program. It begins Fall 2025, with an estimated enrollment target of 200+ first-year students.
Why UNCG School of Nursing?
The UNCG SON offers rigorous clinical experiences in a variety of community settings and delivers community-engaged learning and technology-enhanced nursing education, plus a reputable Veterans Access Program (VAP) to support veterans and active military personnel.
UNCG nursing graduates are highly sought in the region, working in many regional healthcare settings, specifically with Cone Health, Novant Health, and Advocate Health.
Graduates select desirable positions and are paid well. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported $84,430 as the 2024 average annual wage for Greensboro-High Point nurses although starting salaries can fluctuate.
The UNCG Way
The SON employs innovation to meet the legislature’s charge of growing our North Carolina nursing workforce. First-year direct admit students will experience all the benefits of being a UNCG nursing student and more.
“This program is about more than just academics,” says Davis-Collins. “It’s about creating a nurturing environment where students grow personally and professionally. By starting their nursing education from the get-go, students immerse themselves in their passion for nursing, connect with like-minded peers, and begin to make a real difference in the lives of others.”
Direct Admission Benefits
- Reduced stress: Students identify with their desired program in their first year at UNCG.
- Direct advising: Students receive dedicated advisors to support their academic journey.
- Decreased costs: Students avoid any waiting for entry into the nursing program.
- Student retention: SON avoids loss of students to other nursing programs.
- School of choice: Students name UNCG as primary school of choice.
- Community building: Students build a community of peers in the first year.
- Sophomore or Later Entry: SON maintains its current application process for students.
Story written by Amy Burtch, AMBCopy LLC
Photography by Sean Norona, University Communications
