Improve Health for Rural North Carolina Communities

The NURSE-STAR Project

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    • Advance Your Nursing Career Where It Matters Most

    Nursing Upskilling, Retention, Simulation, and Education—Strengthening Training Pathways to Advancement to Improve Health for Rural North Carolina Communities (NURSE-STAR).
    About the Program
    The NURSE-STAR Project is an initiative, supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), within Gardner-Webb University’s Hunt School of Nursing designed to strengthen the nursing workforce in rural and medically vulnerable North Carolina communities. The project will create pathways for individuals with prior healthcare experience to advance their nursing education while providing additional clinical training, simulation-based learning, mentorship, and professional development. The project plans to serve 40 undergraduate nursing students over four years, with 10 participants receiving stipends per project year.
    Apply Now

    Project Mission and Goals:

    Expand pathways into nursing for individuals with prior healthcare experience.

    Strengthen clinical readiness through additional clinical and simulation experiences.

    Support students through mentorship and professional development.

    Improve the preparation and retention of nurses serving rural and medically vulnerable communities.

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    Who Should Apply

    We are hoping to recruit individuals with prior healthcare experience, including but not limited to:
    • Licensed practical nurses (LPNs)./li>
    • Emergency medical technicians (EMTs).
    • Certified nursing assistants (CNAs).
    • Medical assistants (MAs)
    • Community health workers (CHWs).
    • Home health aides (HHAs).
    Applicants must meet the university’s applicable nursing program admission requirements and the program’s eligibility criteria. Prior healthcare experience is not required and does not automatically guarantee admission, academic credit, or selection as a STAR participant.

    Program Benefits

    Program stipends.
    Review of prior learning and experience for potential academic credit.
    Additional clinical experience in rural and community-based settings.
    Simulation-based training.
    Mentorship and professional development.
    Support transitioning into nursing practice.

    Request Information

    Learn more about the ACE program, application timelines, and training expectations.

    Request Information

    Ready to Become More?

    Start your application when the next cycle opens.

    Apply to the NURSE-STAR Project

    Clinical and Simulation Experiences:

    NURSE-STAR participants will complete 100 additional hours of experiential learning beyond standard nursing clinical rotations. Potential community settings include home health, schools, EMS, nursing homes, and other appropriate community-based sites.

    The website may also feature the planned mobile health clinic initiative, developed in coordination with a rural medical clinic, DNP students, and rural medical, vision, and dental providers.

    If you have questions or need guidance as you explore the ACE program, our team is ready to support you. Contact us to take your next step.

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