WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – North Carolina needs thousands more nurses each year to replace workers leaving the field and fill new jobs, even as a new report shows the state’s nursing pipeline is growing slowly.
The state’s nursing programs produced 4,670 newly licensed registered nurses in 2025, an increase of nearly 3% from the year before, according to a report from the N.C. Health Talent Alliance. Licensed practical nurse programs saw faster growth, with an 18% year-over-year increase.
But the report also found more than 7,000 vacancies for registered nurses across the state– the most of any health care occupation. Certified nursing assistants had more than 2,700 vacancies, followed by medical assistants with more than 1,000.
Labor market projections for 2026 through 2029 show North Carolina needs an average of about 6,930 new registered nurses and 1,520 new licensed practical nurses each year to replace workers leaving the professions and fill newly created jobs.
The shortage could deepen. The federal Health Resources and Services Administration projects North Carolina will have a 20% shortfall of full-time registered nurses by 2038.
In southeastern North Carolina, programs involving UNC Wilmington and Cape Fear Community College are working to recruit nursing students and connect graduates with local jobs. The effort received a grant last year through the New Hanover Healthcare Career Partnership.
“We’re grateful for the work of the New Hanover Healthcare Career Partnership, a collaborative initiative that is expanding career pathways and enhancing retention of skilled healthcare workers for our growing region,” said Laurie Whalin, Novant Health Coastal Region president in a statement. “With increased enrollment and recruitment efforts, we’ve been able to hire 103% more nurses from UNCW between 2023 and 2025.”
Novant Health also reported stronger nurse retention in the region. The health system retained 95.5% of registered nurses in the first quarter of 2026 and 98.1% in the second quarter, Whalin said, adding that the figures are above the national average.
The region’s growth will continue to drive demand, Whalin said. Novant plans to keep recruiting nurses as it prepares for future expansions, including a new hospital in Leland.
“We cannot take our foot off the gas,” said Vincent Ginski, senior director of workforce competitiveness at the NC Chamber Foundation. “Retaining the professionals we have, bringing back those who have left, and continuing to invest in our schools, colleges and universities will be critical to closing workforce gaps and meeting North Carolina’s growing health care needs.”
You can find the full report by clicking here.
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