Nursing degree now available in Cumming

The University of North Georgia's (UNG) Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is expanding to a third campus, as UNG's Cumming Campus is offering the BSN to students for the first time in fall 2025.

For the 2025-26 academic year, UNG plans to have 20 students in the nursing program in Cumming, then expand slightly on an annual basis. That number is in addition to the roughly 400 traditional BSN students between the Dahlonega and Gainesville campuses and another 80 in the accelerated BSN program in Gainesville.

"Our community partners have been asking for this for a long time. The Cumming Campus is very excited for us to be there," Dr. Becky Murck, undergraduate program coordinator and assistant professor in the Nursing Department, said. "With Cumming being a commuter campus, the program can be more affordable for students enrolled there. It provides increased accessibility for our students."

UNG's BSN graduates have a 100% job placement rate, and in 2024, they had a 96.74% first-time National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) pass rate. The program is regularly ranked as having the top-scoring students on the NCLEX in the state of Georgia.

Dr. Rebekah Mildenhall, associate department head and assistant professor of nursing, said UNG's expansion of nursing to Cumming fits with population growth in the area.

"We need to be able to support people's health care needs if these communities are going to be able to thrive as they grow," Mildenhall said. "We are also serving students who live in those areas by providing closer availability of programs."

Suzanne Applegate, simulation coordinator and senior lecturer, said the simulation lab on the Cumming Campus offers cutting-edge technology that provides a safe place to learn nursing skills.

"Working in that space bridges the gap between the classroom and clinicals," Applegate said. "This experience enhances patient safety."