Western Carolina University submitted a detailed proposal outlining the needs and plans for its nursing program, which resulted in the award of $2,474,700 to expand and enhance its Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.

These funds were appropriated as part of the state’s 2023-2025 budget and in addition to WCU were awarded to Appalachian State University, East Carolina University, Fayetteville State University, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, North Carolina Central University, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, University of North Carolina at Pembroke, University of North Carolina Wilmington, Winston-Salem State University and the North Carolina Area Health Education Center.

“The WCU nursing program plans to utilize the funds to significantly expand the traditional BSN program,” said Terri Durbin, director of the WCU School of Nursing. “This expansion is expected to be sustained for four years with the grant funding, with a strategic plan in place to maintain the increased capacity beyond this period through additional tuition revenues and structural efficiencies.”

Specifically, the funds will be used to double the number of pre-licensure nursing students in the program from 30 to 60 students per cohort (spring and fall); hire additional faculty and staff to support the increased student intake; upgrade simulation supplies and equipment to provide state-of-the-art training facilities; and enhance technology to support the expanded program.

“The future goals for the School of Nursing that this grant will aid in are sustained growth, faculty development, enhanced clinical training, student support services and technological advancements,” Durbin said. “By achieving these goals, we are aiming to contribute significantly to mitigating the nursing shortage in North Carolina, thereby improving health care access and quality across the state.”