Nursing school acceptances begin to increase

After state budget cuts forced the UNC School of Nursing to cut its class size by 25 percent two years ago, the number of admitted students is now starting to increase.

With the release of admissions decisions March 7, the school accepted 16 more students than last year, split evenly between two undergraduate programs.

Out of 396 applicants, 26.3 percent — or 104 students — were admitted into the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. The accelerated program accepted 17.8 percent, or 56 students, out of 315 applicants.

Beverly Foster, director of the undergraduate program, said the school has been working to combat negative effects of the budget cuts since 2011.

She said acceptance levels often rise and fall with the demand for nurses and status of the economy.

“I think it is a positive sign that the campus budgetary climate has eased sufficiently to accommodate 16 more students in the coming year,” she said.

Amy Burdette, associate director for admissions in the school, said she does not anticipate more budget cuts.

But this year’s incoming class, though larger than last year, is still smaller than it was before the cuts.

Foster said the smaller class sizes are frustrating for the admissions committee as well as the students.

“It’s difficult for students, and it’s painful for faculty to have to make those decisions,” she said.

“Right now we have a wonderful supply of qualified students. One of the most painful things that the faculty does on the admissions committee is make choices.”

Sophomore Katie Lowe was one of the students admitted this year.

“I was just really nervous because everyone that applies and goes here works hard enough and is qualified,” she said. “I feel very privileged and blessed to be a part of the program.”

But for students who were not admitted, Foster said there are other options.

“If a door has been closed one time, it’s no reason to believe that it will always be closed,” Foster said. “There are things that can be done.”

She said applicants who were disappointed should consider what they can do to improve their applications for the next cycle.

“The other thing to do is to consider that there are many other nursing programs that are right within driving distance of Chapel Hill that are accredited and good quality.”

But while the budget cuts are leading to reduced class sizes, Foster said the quality of the program will remain intact.

“We will not take in more students than we have resources to manage,” Foster said.

“We’re not going to expand capriciously without adequate resources to do that.”

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