Wilmington’s future healthcare workforce walks the stage

Applause, cheers, and emotional hugs filled the arena as hundreds of Seahawks crossed the stage to receive diplomas in their chosen fields. For many graduates at University of North Carolina Wilmington, commencement marked not just the end of four years of hard work, but the beginning of an uncertain — yet hopeful — next chapter.

“I feel fantastic, man. Four years done — onto the next chapter,” said one graduate.

That next chapter looks different for every graduate. Many students in health-related programs, including radiology, physical science, nursing, and public health, are now entering a competitive healthcare job market.

Among them is Isaac Morales Gomes, who hopes to stay close to home while beginning his career in public health.

“Specifically in Wilmington, it is a little tougher market — a tougher place to find jobs at. But there are places in Raleigh and Charlotte, specifically in my field, which is public health.”

However, many graduates believe opportunities in Wilmington could soon expand with the proposal for a new medical campus at UNCW.

As the region faces challenges including a shortage of physicians, difficulties retaining nurses, and rapid population growth, students say the addition of a medical school could create long-term benefits for both healthcare and employment across the Cape Fear region.

“It’s going to open a lot of doors, especially in the Wilmington area, specifically in the healthcare region,” Gomes said. “There are a lot of things Wilmington needs to do better and improve on. I think the medical school can improve Wilmington not only in the healthcare field, but job opportunities.”

The proposed campus could also introduce greater competition in the local healthcare system, particularly for Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center, which recently received a “C” grade in the Spring 2026 Leapfrog Hospital Safety rankings.

For graduates like Reanna Cashman, who earned a bachelor’s degree in exercise science, the need for expanded healthcare services is already clear — especially as Wilmington’s aging population continues to grow.

“At the end of the day, at some point in your life you are going to need rehabilitation,” Cashman said. “You are going to need a professional way of fixing an injury, or rehabilitation to get back to a point.”

While students celebrated the milestone of graduation, many are also reflecting on the value of higher education itself. After years of studying and significant financial investment, some graduates say the return depends largely on individual goals and career paths. “I think it matters what you are pursuing — your future endeavors,” Gomes said. “For example, if you are going to professional school for a professional job, I think it’s very important.”