Online Nurse Practitioner Programs in NC: Review Top Schools

Comparing Online NP Programs in North Carolina

With a projected job growth rate of 55% through 2030, the outlook for being a nurse practitioner in North Carolina is positive. If you are a registered nurse (RN) or have a bachelor’s degree in nursing, going back to school to continue your education can be a great trade-off; in addition to more career opportunities, you can have an increased role in direct patient care and the chance to specialize in an aspect of care that interests you.

This breakdown of the different types of NP programs in North Carolina will give you a bird’s-eye view of what to expect from the online or hybrid NP programs available. As you consider which type of NP program best meets your career goals, you can weigh factors such as the total cost, how long it takes to get your degree, and which specialty you would like to earn.

FAQs for North Carolina Online NP Students

What is the difference between hybrid NP programs and online NP programs?

The difference between hybrid programs and online programs is mainly that hybrid programs blend more traditional modes of coursework, such as on-campus classes, with online tools, whereas coursework in online programs is completed entirely online. For nursing courses, the balance usually skews to online course delivery, reserving in-person communication for physical requirements like orientation sessions, practicums, labs, and externships.Classes may be delivered synchronously (at set days and times) or asynchronously (at days and times that you choose). Some may require an in-person campus visit near the middle of the program.

What accreditation should an online NP program have?

When looking for online nurse practitioner programs in North Carolina, accreditation should be from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). These are the two main national organizations that accredit NP programs. It’s important that you consider programs with accreditation because it shows that they have been periodically evaluated and meet rigorous standards to provide high-quality education to their students. Degrees from accredited programs are also more likely to impress future employers.

Will there be financial aid available for my online NP program?

Most university graduate programs that lead to an NP certification accept financial aid for NP students. The three most common forms of financial assistance for NP students are scholarships, grants, and loans.

Scholarships and grants are available from private organizations, professional associations, community groups, and the college or university itself. These make for excellent options for NP students looking to minimize their educational debt because they rarely require repayment from students after graduation. Loans are still a good option for NP students who need further assistance covering their expenses.

What should I expect to be studying as part of an online NP program?

Healthcare policy, patient safety, clinical judgment, specialty care, and leadership skills are all hallmarks of a quality NP program with a comprehensive curriculum. The specialty care topics will be strongly tied to whatever you chose for individual certificates or study tracks. These can include elderly care, mental health best practices, and nursing research. Basically, you are looking for a well-rounded education that prepares you for the complexities of providing care, leadership, or education as an NP.

What is the difference between a nurse practitioner and a physician assistant (PA)?

There are several key differences between an NP and a PA, although it’s important to note that RNs can qualify for either discipline through an accredited school program.

NPs concentrate more on all-around patient care, especially within patient populations with diverse care needs. PAs focus on medicines in specific disciplines, such as surgery or dermatology. NPs also have more autonomy in patient care as part of a team, while PAs mostly work under the direct supervision of a physician.

Earning an NP License and Certification in North Carolina

Once you graduate from your master’s degree or doctoral program, the state nursing board in North Carolina requires that you take an exam from a national group: the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) or the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Your choice depends on your specialty. The AANP exam is for clinical care roles, while the ANCC also includes education, research, and leadership specialties.

The ANCC test is between $295 and $395, depending on your membership status. For the AANP exam, the cost is between $240 and $315, also depending on group membership.

After you pass the exam of your choice, you can apply to be a nurse practitioner through the North Carolina Board of Nursing. There are requirements that you must meet beyond proving you’ve passed your degree or certificate program, including a background check and fingerprinting and signing a collaborative practice agreement with a supervising physician. Total costs are $165, with an $80 discount if you sign up for community volunteer work with the NC board.

You’ll need to renew your North Carolina NP license every two years during your birth month. In addition to renewal, you’ll need to complete 70 continuing education hours.

Salary & Career Outlook for Nurse Practitioners in North Carolina

Upon graduating from your nurse practitioner program in North Carolina, you'll be ready to start looking for work. It's natural to wonder about your career opportunities and the kind of salary you can expect in your new role, but there's good news on both fronts, as you'll see in the tables below. Demand for nurse practitioners is high across the country and is projected to increase over the next several years. This is especially true in North Carolina, where job openings are expected to rise at a rate of 55.5% over the next ten years, faster than the national rate of 44.5%. Moreover, nurse practitioners in North Carolina earn excellent salaries, although this can vary by region, experience, and any specialization you may have. The median NP in North Carolina earned $121,450 in 2023, but you can consult the table for further details.