UNCW Launches Accelerated Nursing Program

This summer, the UNC Wilmington School of Nursing launched the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program. The ABSN program is designed for individuals who hold a bachelor's degree and wish to transition into nursing. This intensive, on-campus program offers a fast-track to a new career in just four semesters and equips students with essential nursing competencies and expertise.

Rachel Cobb earned a degree in public health from East Carolina University and worked three years in clinical research in Wilmington. Her experiences interacting with patients in that role helped confirm her desire to become a nurse. As Cobb was deciding where to pursue this path, she chose UNCW due to the nursing program’s reputation. “They have a really high NCLEX pass rate and that made a huge difference,” she said. The NCLEX, or National Council Licensure Examination, is a standardized exam used in the United States and Canada to determine if a nursing graduate is ready to practice as a licensed nurse.

Another factor that influenced Cobb’s decision was the school’s positive relationship with local hospitals, particularly Novant Health. “Being able to go to clinicals in town at those hospitals and learn with the doctors and nurses who we very well might be working with when we graduate was something that drew me to the program,” she said. When advising other students, Cobb stresses the importance of prioritizing one’s time. “Learning to say no and also learning to have a balance in your life is key for success,” she said. Looking ahead, Cobb hopes to stay in Wilmington and work at a local hospital after graduation in August 2026.

Preston Marion is a husband and father of two who previously worked in software sales. He says of pursuing this path, “I wanted to have my day-to-day job be focused on providing care, serving others, helping others. I have this vision of becoming an advanced practice nurse and this is that first step to that ultimate goal.” While the program is intense and fast paced, Marion says, “It’s really humbling to see people at their worst. It makes you motivated to really learn the material well so you can take good care of these people and really make a difference.”

Both Cobb and Marion enjoy being part of a small cohort. “We’re a small little team of students, but everyone’s fantastic. I feel like everyone’s on the same team trying to just succeed together,” Marion said. “The small class size has allowed us to form close connections with both classmates and faculty,” Cobb says. “In an accelerated nursing program, those relationships are so important. You spend a lot of time together in class and in clinicals. Even just seven weeks in, I can already say I’ve made lifelong friendships within my cohort.”

While advising students about the program, Marion emphasized, “It’s possible to have a family and still achieve success. If you’re willing to sacrifice in some ways, you can certainly be successful in the ABSN program and reach your goals of becoming a nurse.”