There's something remarkable about choosing a career where every single day, you show up and make someone's life better. That's the promise of nursing at Fayetteville Technical Community College; it's a promise thousands of students have answered.
FTCC's Nursing Division is one of the most respected and rapidly growing programs in the region and for good reason. It stands as the third-largest undergraduate program in North Carolina, with the Registered Nurse pathway growing to more than 400 students.
In 2025, FTCC’s nursing program led the region, accounting for 62% of all nursing graduates and preparing 122 first-time NCLEX candidates for immediate entry into the workforce. These aren't just numbers. They represent real people stepping into one of the most meaningful careers a person can choose.
Healthcare isn't just an industry. It's the backbone of healthy communities and that’s why nursing matters now more than ever. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the need for nurses is growing at a pace that few other professions can match. The BLS projects that the U.S. will need approximately 193,100 new registered nurses each year through 2032 to fill new positions and replace retiring professionals. Right here in our own backyard, that demand is deeply felt in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and beyond. Cape Fear Valley Health System alone needs 5,000 new hire nurses in the coming year.
Nurses are the constant; the compassionate hands that hold yours during a diagnosis, the steady voice that explains a treatment plan, the professional who notices something is wrong before anyone else does. Communities thrive when they have enough nurses, and they struggle when they don't. FTCC is committed to making sure Cumberland County and the surrounding region never have to struggle.
FTCC's Nursing Division is so special because there is a place for everyone and a pathway for every stage of the journey, whether you're just starting out or ready to level up.
• Certified Nursing Assistant: This is where many incredible healthcare careers begin. CNAs provide essential support in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home health settings — assisting with daily activities, monitoring vital signs, and, perhaps most importantly, offering genuine human connections to patients who need it most. With median annual salaries ranging from $30,000 to $38,000, it's an accessible, meaningful entry point with room to grow.
• Licensed Practical Nurse: Through classroom instruction, simulation, and hands-on clinical experiences, LPN students develop the skills for safe and effective patient care across clinics, rehabilitation centers, and long-term care settings.
Graduates earn a Practical Nursing diploma and are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-PN exam. In North Carolina, LPNs earn an average of approximately $68,000 annually, a stable salary with a rewarding career that truly makes a difference.
• Registered Nurse – Associate Degree in Nursing: This program is the full journey of blending classroom learning, lab practice, simulation, and diverse clinical rotations to build the clinical judgment and confidence that define great nurses. The curriculum centers on evidence-based practice, safety, and culturally competent care. RNs in North Carolina typically earn between $75,000 and $85,000 annually, depending on experience and specialty.
One of FTCC's greatest assets is its state-of-the-art simulation center, where learning feels real in an innovative space that mirrors actual clinical environments using advanced manikins and interactive scenarios. Students practice critical thinking, communication, and teamwork in a safe setting where mistakes become lessons, not consequences.
Guided debriefing sessions help students reflect and grow, bridging classroom knowledge with the real-world confidence patients deserve.
FTCC's Nursing Division is built on the belief that great nurses aren't just trained; they're inspired. It’s more than a career; It’s a calling.
With experienced faculty who mentor students every step of the way, strong clinical partnerships throughout the region, and programs designed to meet students where they are, FTCC makes it possible for anyone with the heart for healthcare to find their place in it.
People are drawn to nursing because of a personal experience, a desire to serve, or simply a love of science and people. FTCC has the tools to transform that passion into a profession. And when they walk into a patient's room on their first day as a nurse, they’ll know that every lab hour, every simulation, and every clinical rotation was worth it.
Healthcare isn't just what nurses do; it's who they are. And FTCC is proud to help them become exactly that. You can begin your journey today toward a rewarding career by reaching out to FTCC’s Nursing Division at 910-678-0183 or by emailing the nursing department at nursing@faytechcc.edu.