WILMINGTON, N.C. --  Nursing programs on the coast are climbing the ranks, making for a promising health care future.

• Cape Fear Community College's Associate Degree Nursing program ranks number one in the state, according to a report
• UNC-Wilmington's Graduate School of Nursing jumped 12 spots in another report
• Both schools are looking to improve and expand their programs

Cape Fear Community College's Associate Degree Nursing program ranks number one in the state, according to RegisteredNursing.org. The school accepts 90 students into their nursing program every year and gives students the opportunity for real world, hands on experience in their simulation lab.

"It's not an easy program," said Rodney Bullard, CFCC Clinical Instructor. "But when you're done, you know you're ready to take care of your patients and provide the best care and the most professional care that you can find in the state."

UNC-Wilmington's Graduate School of Nursing is also moving up. The school jumped 12 spots in the U.S. News & World Report, now 129th for 2020 Best Graduate Schools.

"You know that the hard work is paying off, not only by faculty but also by students and their outcomes doing well on their certification boards," said Micah Scott, PhD, UNCW School of Nursing Program Coordinator. "It really let's us know we're on target, but I wouldn't mind breaking 100 next year."

Both schools are looking to improve and expand their programs in the future.