CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Johnson & Wales University leaders said they want to make nursing more accessible.
The school is now offering a more accessible pathway for a career change for anyone with a bachelor's degree or higher in any major.
As more nurses become burnt out and pushed to the edge, data from Nursecast predicts we will see a shortage of 12,500 nurses in North Carolina by 2033.
"The numbers only represent the state of North Carolina, Meredith Joyner, with Johnson & Wales, said. "In metropolitan areas like Charlotte, they are harder hit by the shortage."
The school is hoping to change that with a new accelerated nursing program. The university invested more than $1 million towards its stimulation lab to offer a 16-month hands-on experience.
"We have cutting-edge technology here which really allows our students to gain immersive experience before they're actually in the hospital," JWU President Rick Mathieu said.
Joyner said the program is for that student who wants to do something else who is in a former position.
"I had five students that had a bachelor's degree in something else, but they were going into a two-year nursing program," Joyner said.
School leaders said whether it’s taking blood or helping deliver a baby, the university is committed to training the best nurses.
"They have to practice taking care of three people all at the same time through our immersive lab training," Joyner said.
They’re hoping the classes will not only impact the healthcare industry locally but also across the state.
"We are ready to make a big impact here in North Carolina," Mathieu said.
The first wave of students will start this May, the university said there may be opportunities for scholarship opportunities for students applying this fall.
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