Woman's College Department of Nursing

In February 1957, the Woman’s College of the University of North Carolina established the Department of Nursing in order to prepare qualified young women for registered nurse responsibilities in 2 years. In collaboration with Moses Cone Memorial Hospital, the University developed the “associate degree” program in response to the growing nurse shortage throughout the nation, and especially in Greensboro.  This program was the first of its kind in North Carolina and pioneered the future establishment of associate degree programs in the state’s community colleges.  The program, unlike diploma degree programs which were apprentice-type programs and hospital service oriented, was a “college controlled program in nursing education.”

Associate Degrees in Nursing were awarded from 1959 through 1966.  UNCG and the School of Nursing proudly recognizes these alumnae for their contribution to nursing education at UNCG and for laying a firm foundation for a future School of Nursing.

In 1964, the North Carolina legislature passed the “New Nurse Practice Act” and made the UNCG associate degree program in nursing legal and opened the door for other programs of this kind to be opened in the state.