August 19, 2025
The UNC School of Nursing (SON) has launched Assured Admissions to Nursing, a new initiative that provides eligible first-year students with a guaranteed path into the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program.
Carolina Nursing’s BSN program — ranked first among public schools of nursing in the nation — is dedicated to preparing exceptional nurse leaders who advance health care and improve lives. Through immersive clinical experiences and innovative teaching, the program equips students with the knowledge, skills, and perspective needed to thrive in today’s dynamic health care environment.
Beginning in Fall 2026, eligible students who meet the program’s academic requirements will be guaranteed a place in the BSN program, providing a clear pathway to a nursing career after their first two years at Carolina. About half of each BSN class will enroll through Assured Admissions, while students not admitted through the program can still apply via the traditional intra-university transfer process without disadvantage.
During their first two years on campus, selected students will benefit from one-on-one faculty mentorship, pre-enrollment advising from the Office of Student Affairs and opportunities to participate in nursing-related events and organizations, ensuring they are supported from day one.
“By welcoming students into the School of Nursing from the start of their Carolina experience, we can offer the kind of consistent guidance, connection and preparation that helps them excel,” explained Kacy McAdoo, Assistant Dean for Student Affairs.
This new pathway is also a strategic step toward addressing North Carolina’s nursing shortage, which is projected to reach a deficit of nearly 12,500 registered nurses by 2033. Assured Admissions will allow Carolina Nursing to engage promising students earlier, expand undergraduate enrollment and prepare more highly skilled nurses to help meet the State’s growing workforce needs.
“We’re thrilled to launch assured admission for first-year students at Carolina,” said Dean Valerie Howard. “Carolina Nursing has a long tradition of preparing exceptional nurses, and this new pathway strengthens that commitment. Assured Admissions allows us to identify and support future nurses sooner, giving them a clear, predictable path to their careers while helping us meet the urgent need for more highly prepared nurses in our state.”
How it Works
Selection is based on a holistic review of each student’s UNC undergraduate application — no separate or supplemental application is required. Applicants simply answer the associated questions on their UNC application, and candidates are chosen for their outstanding academic achievement, meaningful extracurricular involvement and a demonstrated interest in nursing.
Students offered assured admission may explore other academic interests and are not required to declare nursing as their major. There is no obligation to pursue the BSN if their career goals shift. Students not selected for Assured Admissions may still apply through the traditional intra-university transfer process and are not at a disadvantage. To remain eligible for the BSN program, students must meet the required academic criteria by the end of their sophomore year before beginning the BSN major in the fall of their junior year.
For more information about Assured Admissions to Nursing, visit our Assured Admissions webpage or contact the admissions office at nursing@unc.edu.
