Online ADN Programs in North Carolina: Top Schools, Tuition & More

Program Profiles: Popular ADN Programs in North Carolina

While many ADN programs are delivered entirely on campus, that doesn’t mean you can’t find one to meet your needs. If you are working and raising a family, there are online nursing programs that are flexible enough to help you pursue your career goals and keep up with other responsibilities. In some cases, you may be able to find accelerated ADN programs to speed up your time in nursing school.

It’s important to keep in mind that there will still be on-campus requirements for your ADN program. Even though you may be able to work online much of the time, you will be required to travel to campus for laboratory work. Additionally, you will participate in clinicals at a healthcare facility or at your school.

As you explore programs, think about how much time you will be required to spend on campus. Certain programs may be easier to incorporate into your lifestyle than others. Review the schools below for a glimpse of how these programs work.

FAQs About Online ADN Programs in North Carolina

Now that you have more information about ADN programs in North Carolina, you may have some questions. This is a big decision, so get all of the information you need. Below are answers to some of the most common student questions about nursing associate degree programs.

Is financial aid available to help me fund my ADN program in North Carolina?

Fortunately, nursing students have multiple financial aid options in North Carolina. You can receive funding from your school, non-profit organizations, and professional nursing associations. Also, the government offers both loan plans and scholarships for RNs based on merit or financial need.

One source of funding is through the Great 100 Nurses of North Carolina, which provides scholarships to students around the state in order to support the future of the profession. On the federal level, the Health Resources and Services Administration has the Nurse Corps Scholarship Program. These scholarships help nursing students pay for tuition, fees, and supplies like books, instruments, and uniforms.

Should I look for an ADN program in North Carolina that is accredited?

Yes. You will need to graduate from an accredited program in order to earn your nursing license. Additionally, employers are interested in candidates who have been graduated from an accredited program.

Accrediting organizations evaluate programs on the strength of their curriculum, as well as the qualifications of faculty members and student services available. After rigorous scrutiny, organizations determine if a nursing program adequately prepares students for the licensing exam and gives them the skills employers want. Nursing programs are accredited by the ACEN and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing’s Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Will I get hands-on experience during an ADN program?

Yes. Getting hands-on clinical experience is a critical part of online ADN programs in North Carolina and a requirement for licensing. It also gives you the opportunity to deepen your understanding of the course material. As you work side-by-side with registered nurses, you get to see firsthand how nurses handle daily challenges and work together as a team.

Clinical experience can be gained in different settings such as hospitals, long-term care facilities, and private doctors’ offices. In some cases, clinicals are offered on a school’s campus. Those who already work in the healthcare field may get approval to complete this hands-on experience at their place of employment. This allows students to get the required experience without significant hardship or disruption in their daily lives.

Do I need to take an examination to get a nursing license?

Yes. After completing your online ADN program in North Carolina, you will be eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). This standardized exam uses computerized adaptive testing (CAT) to test students’ thought processes and determine their nursing ability. It must be completed within six hours. All prospective nurses, whether LPN or RN, must take and pass the NCLEX to be licensed.

The NCLEX pass rate refers to the percentage of graduates who successfully pass the NCLEX-RN after completing an online ADN program in North Carolina. A higher percentage pass rate indicates that the courses cover all the necessary information in a way that enables most students to earn their license on the first try.

Am I required to take continuing education to renew my license?

Completing continuing education hours allows you to stay abreast of new techniques and technology, so you can continue to perform your duties effectively. It is also one of the requirements of renewing your nursing license in North Carolina, which must be done every two years.

The state requires you to complete 30 contact hours of continuing education through the North Carolina Board of Nursing website or at on-site workshops, among other options. North Carolina chooses which topics are pertinent for nurses to learn during these courses. Continuing education offerings can be on new topics or areas of specialization, or can be refreshers on important topics like safety, documentation, and scope of practice.

Ranking the Best Online ADN Programs in North Carolina

Finding the right ADN program should not be taken lightly. The more schools you become familiar with, the more likely you will be to find the right one. That’s why we put together the following rankings of the best schools around the state. Review these curated programs to find one that will meet your needs and goals. To find out how these schools were chosen, review our ranking methodology.

Salary & Career Details for ADN Nurses in North Carolina

There are several benefits to completing a nursing associate degree. These programs train you to begin your career relatively quickly, and if you are able to enroll in an accelerated ADN program, you can cut the time it takes to earn your degree. After graduation, you can qualify for several jobs, including home health, hospital, and rehab nurse positions. On average, nurses with an associate degree earn $72,996 annually.

This is a great start for your nursing career, but it’s a good idea to think about furthering your education. Employers are increasingly requiring that nurses have a bachelor’s degree to ensure that patients receive the highest quality of care. Also, the state is encouraging enrollment in BSN programs. For example, the legislature earmarked $350,000 in the budget to help North Carolina Wesleyan University expand its bachelor’s degree program.

In addition, earning a BSN can open more career opportunities. If you’re interested in pursuing a leadership position, these programs provide the skills needed to step into a managerial role. Other jobs for those with BSNs include labor and delivery, plastic surgery, and geriatric nurse positions. Also, there is a bump in pay with a bachelor’s degree. On average nurses with a BSN earn $75,423 per year.