Meredith College Launches Nursing Program with 23 Students

Twenty-three students just became pioneers at Meredith College, launching a brand new nursing program designed to prepare the next generation of compassionate healthcare professionals.

The North Carolina college admitted its inaugural nursing cohort this spring, selecting students who demonstrated not just strong grades but also grit, teamwork skills, and a commitment to serving diverse communities. Program Director Michelle Hartman says these future nurses stood out for their potential to succeed in challenging coursework and their dedication to health equity.

The path ahead blends traditional college life with focused nursing preparation. Students will spend the next year completing prerequisite and general education classes before diving into their first nursing courses in spring 2027. By fall 2027, they'll begin clinical rotations where classroom learning meets real patient care.

What makes Meredith's approach special is how it pairs intensive science training with the college's strong liberal arts foundation. Small class sizes mean students get personalized attention from faculty, and individualized advising helps each student navigate the demanding program successfully.

Building community matters as much as building skills. Every week, students can join "Nursing Strong" activities where Dr. Hartman creates space for the cohort to connect and decompress. Recent gatherings included group study sessions, creating stress management kits, coloring anatomy diagrams together, and cheering on the college's basketball team.

Getting into the program requires dedication beyond the initial college admission. Current Meredith students who want to join future cohorts must complete a secondary application each spring, submitting essays, transcripts showing strong grades, and two references that speak to their readiness for nursing's challenges.

The Ripple Effect

This new program arrives at a crucial time when healthcare systems nationwide face nursing shortages. By training nurses with both technical expertise and a liberal arts perspective, Meredith is investing in professionals who can think critically, communicate effectively, and provide culturally competent care to diverse patient populations.

The college's emphasis on mentorship and supportive learning means these 23 students won't just earn degrees. They'll graduate as part of a tight-knit cohort that learned together, struggled together, and celebrated together from day one.

Twenty-three students are proving that new beginnings can happen at any institution ready to meet community needs with innovation and heart.