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Like many communities across the country, the Cape Fear region faces a critical shortage of nurses. This shortage threatens the stability of our health care system, the well-being of our communities, and the ability of hospitals and care facilities to meet the growing demand for medical services.
At Cape Fear Community College (CFCC), we recognize that addressing this challenge requires innovative thinking and a collaborative approach.
We are proud to be a partner in a groundbreaking health care initiative, the New Hanover Healthcare Career Partnership (NHHCP), which brings together CFCC, the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW), New Hanover County Schools (NHCS), and the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce. The NHHCP addresses critical workforce challenges in New Hanover County by focusing on the recruitment, training, and retention of health care professionals committed to serving our communities. With a $22.3 million grant from the New Hanover Community Endowment (The Endowment), we are advancing workforce development to strengthen the nursing pipeline and improve regional health care.
This partnership supports students at every stage of their education, creating clear pathways into nursing while addressing barriers to completion. It begins in local high schools with NHCS’ new health science academy, where students can explore healthcare career exploration programs to introduce students to nursing. Coupled with dual enrollment opportunities at CFCC, high school students are able to take foundational health care courses, giving them a head start on their training.
At CFCC, we are expanding opportunities in nursing education. Since 2019, we have increased our Associate Degree Nursing capacity from 90 to 160 students, a 77% increase, and our Practical Nursing program from 30 to 50 students, a 67% increase. We have hired eight full-time and 12 part-time employees to further support this growth. Additionally, through the support of The Endowment, we are enhancing financial assistance by offering scholarships, housing and utility stipends, exam assistance, clinical supplies, and emergency support. While the first cohort of nursing students benefiting from this partnership’s full financial support has yet to graduate, we are already seeing success. Every student who has received a housing stipend remains actively enrolled and is progressing through the program.
UNCW, our four-year partner, is pivotal in ensuring seamless transitions for students seeking to advance their nursing credentials. By aligning curricula and strengthening articulation agreements, this collaboration provides CFCC nursing graduates with streamlined access to bachelor’s degree programs and beyond, reducing barriers to continued education and growth.
One key example is the Try Teal initiative, which allows CFCC Associate Degree Nursing students to take two courses in UNCW’s Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) program at no cost, saving students more than $1,200. Upon successful completion of these courses, students can be conditionally admitted to UNCW’s RN to BSN program, an online, accelerated pathway designed specifically for working adults.
An additional example is the Coastal Community Healthcare Fellowship (CCHF) program, which supports health care students at CFCC and UNCW with scholarships, clinical placements, mentorship, and housing aid, including a post-graduation housing stipend. Participants are required to commit to staying in New Hanover County for at least two years post-graduation.
The Wilmington Chamber of Commerce bridges education and industry by fostering partnerships between local health care and educational institutions to align programs with workforce needs. Through the New Hanover Healthcare Career Partnership, the chamber identifies employer demands and helps develop tailored training and support services, ensuring a skilled local health care workforce.
The health care industry is vital to our region’s economy and well-being, and through this collaborative effort, we are working to create a sustainable pipeline of skilled nurses. Our goal is not just to fill jobs but to provide students with meaningful, rewarding careers that contribute to the health and vitality of our community.
The New Hanover Healthcare Career Partnership is a forward-thinking investment in our region’s future. By aligning education with workforce needs, removing financial and logistical barriers, and strengthening the pipeline of skilled nurses, we are creating opportunities to benefit students, health care providers, and the community for years to come.
At Cape Fear Community College, we are committed to expanding access to nursing education, supporting student success, and helping to build a strong, capable health care workforce. This partnership demonstrates the power of collaboration. When education, industry, and philanthropy work together, we can solve critical challenges and create lasting impact. Together, we are not just filling jobs but preparing students for fulfilling careers, improving health care services, and strengthening our community.
