Governor Stein stressed his administration's commitment to strengthening the state’s healthcare pipeline to ensure the health and safety of North Carolinians.
“North Carolina is already challenged to address a significant nursing shortage,” Governor Stein said. “Reducing the number of nurses qualified to teach will reduce the number of seats available to nursing students across the state. We should be reducing barriers for people who want careers in the health care fields, not creating them.”
A Shortage Crisis in North Carolina
The pushback from the state comes amid alarming data on North Carolina’s nursing deficit. Recent reports indicate the state is suffering from a greater-than-average lack of healthcare professionals.
A 2025 report found an approximately 13 percent vacancy rate for registered nurses (RNs) statewide, jumping to 15 percent in rural counties—significantly higher than the national average of 10 percent.
The vacancy rate for licensed practical nurses (LPNs) stands at approximately one-third.
Another analysis rated North Carolina's shortage of nursing-related professionals as the eighth worst in the United States.
Compounding the problem, North Carolina’s population is rapidly growing. Experts estimate the state will require an additional 17,500 nursing professionals by 2033 just to meet existing demands.
Bipartisan State Efforts at Risk
Governor Stein highlighted that the proposed federal change would undermine significant, bipartisan investments already made at the state level to tackle the shortage.
In 2023, the North Carolina General Assembly appropriated $55 million to the state’s community college system specifically to address shortages in critical fields like nursing. These funds have been instrumental in supporting 108 programs across all 58 community colleges, including 32 associate degree in nursing (ADN) and practical nursing (PN) programs.
Furthermore, the UNC System last year invested $29 million to expand nursing programs across 12 public universities and Area Health Education Centers (AHEC).
Stein Pushes for Further Investment and New Pathways
To continue state momentum, Governor Stein has requested additional funding, including $10 million for North Carolina’s Independent Colleges and Universities and $1 million for Area Health Education Centers to expand the healthcare workforce.
The Governor has also promoted non-traditional and accelerated routes into the nursing field, such as workforce and apprenticeship programs. Earlier this year, he recognized sisters Haylee and Emily Orellana at the State of the State address for their success in a nursing apprenticeship program through Surry Community College and Surry Yadkin Works. This program allowed them to earn certified nursing credentials while still in high school, demonstrating a viable pathway for others.
In his letter to Secretary McMahon, Governor Stein underscored the need for the Department of Education to partner with states like North Carolina in addressing the national healthcare shortage rather than implementing regulations that stand to restrict access to crucial educational programs.
WNCTimes