Gardner-Webb sees increased enrollment in nursing program
Gardner-Webb University is home to one of North Carolina’s most comprehensive nursing programs that includes associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees. Students who desire to enter the field of nursing or those who want to further their careers are choosing the GWU Hunt School of Nursing. Enrollment in the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) has grown from 14 to 73 in recent years, and the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) has increased from 47 in 2019 to 96 in 2023.
“The Hunt School of Nursing is no ‘hidden gem’ or ‘best kept secret,’” stated GWU President Dr. William Downs. “To the contrary, our nursing programs have firmly established and sustained broad reputations for excellence. Students, practitioners, and patients across the state and around the region are well aware of how GWU combines faculty expertise with the passion and care that can come only from an institution with our values and history. It’s exciting to see the growth in popularity of our ABSN and DNP degree programs, and we look forward to their continued upward trajectories.”
While direct marketing campaigns have led to the increase, some students, like Scott Pokorney, enrolled in the Hunt School of Nursing after talking to alumni. While working as an EMT in Mecklenburg County, Pokorney asked the nurses he met to recommend the best nursing program in the region.
Gardner-Webb’s alumni were unanimous in their praise. “They had nothing but great things to say about the program, and highly recommended pursuing my nursing degree at GWU,” Pokorney said. “They specifically mentioned how incredible the professors are.”
Hunt School of Nursing Director Dr. Tracy Arnold said that Gardner-Webb’s ABSN program plays a critical role in addressing the current nationwide, nursing shortage because it allows the nursing faculty to prepare entry-level practitioners to enter the workforce in 15 months.
“Our Accelerated BSN students are highly qualified individuals, with bachelors, masters, and doctoral degrees in other fields,” Arnold said. “Our program attracts students from all over the east coast, with some students commuting up to two hours, one way, which speaks to the reputation of our faculty, staff and curriculum.”
Pokorney entered the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program at Gardner-Webb and now spoke of the admiration alumni have for the faculty.
“They are truly invested in preparing you to become the best new RN possible,” he said. “They genuinely want you to succeed and nurture you to your full potential.”
The ABSN is one of several degree options at Gardner-Webb. To find out more or to register, go to gardner-webb.edu/nursing.
This article originally appeared on The Shelby Star: Gardner-Webb sees increased enrollment in nursing program
