Online ABSN Programs in NC: Comparing Top Degrees
Ready to accelerate your path to a BSN in North Carolina? Whether you’re starting fresh or advancing your nursing career, an online Accelerated BSN (ABSN) program can help you reach your goals faster. This EduMed guide covers tuition, accredited schools, admission requirements, career opportunities, and how online learning can fit your busy schedule. Keep reading to find the right ABSN program for you.
Why Trust EduMed? We partner with 150+ nursing & allied health professionals to bring you the most in-depth data & insights on higher education & careers in healthcare. Meet our team and review our editorial values.
Jump To Section
Program Profiles: Popular ABSN Programs in North Carolina
An Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) might be the perfect way to switch to a nursing career without starting from scratch. If you already have a bachelor’s degree, this could be your fastest path to becoming a registered nurse (RN). And if you’re in North Carolina, now’s a great time—with a serious nursing shortage, future nurses can reap the benefits of strong job prospects and solid pay.
Some ABSN programs will be offered in hybrid learning formats. This means that online coursework will be available for flexibility, but hands-on clinical training will still be required to be completed in person. Online ABSN courses can be self-paced, but they will often take 12, 16, or 24 months to complete. The curriculum of these courses skips general education courses and focuses only on nursing. The in-person clinicals required for online students will cover the practical elements of your education, often incorporating real patients to prepare you for the field as you work in clinics, hospitals, schools, and other locations.
Figuring out where to start can feel overwhelming, but we’ve got you covered. Take a look at some reputable school programs below to get a sense of ideal school features to keep in mind.
Northeastern University ABSN Program
Northeastern University’s ABSN Program is offered in three locations: Boston, Massachusetts; Providence, Rhode Island; and Charlotte, North Carolina. Applicants can expect a turnaround of a few weeks for an admissions decision. The program lasts for four semesters, complete with nursing labs that allow for risk-free practice while still maintaining a sense of realism. The Burlington, Fall River, and Charlotte school locations offer scholarships to new students, including $26,000 at the Charlotte location with the possibility of an additional $10,000 dependent upon a student’s prior educational experience.
Duration: 16 months
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $1,307 per credit hour (67 credit hours total)
Admissions Requirements:
- Non-nursing bachelor’s degree or 62 non-nursing credits for transfer students
- Prerequisite course completion with a “C” grade or higher
- Ability to meet all university technical standards
- Completion of an application through Nursing CAS
- Official transcripts from all institutions attended
- Written goal statement describing your nursing interests and future career plans
- Updated resume
- Two letters of recommendation from academic or professional references (with at least one academic reference preferred)
- Fundamentals and theories of nursing
- Health assessment
- Drug therapy
- Ethical practice
- Wound care
- Intravenous therapy
- Adult care
- Community health
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
East Carolina University (ECU)
East Carolina University’s (ECU) Accelerated Second-Degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) Program is a solid option for students looking to study full time and on-campus. This program is designed for folks who already have a bachelor’s degree in another field.
The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and approved by the North Carolina Board of Nursing. While it’s not online, the hands-on experience and intensive coursework prepare you for the NCLEX-RN exam and a variety of nursing roles. Simulation-based learning activities are part of the curriculum in order to enhance students’ practical nursing skills. Clinical placements provide hands-on experience in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings within a 60-mile radius of ECU’s Greenville campus.
Duration: 12 months
Mode: On-campus
Cost: $11,184.00 (Tuition)
Admissions Requirements:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Complete specific prerequisite courses with a grade of “B-” or higher, including Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Microbiology, Chemistry, and others
- Complete the HESI Admission Assessment (A2) exam, covering subjects like Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, Math Skills, and Biology
- Anatomy and Physiology courses must be completed within five years of the application deadline
- Submit a completed application, including transcripts, test scores, and proof of prerequisite course completion
- Provide at least two professional or academic recommendation letters
- Submit a personal statement or essay outlining the motivation for pursuing a nursing career
- Have healthcare-related volunteer or work experience (optional but beneficial)
- Meet the technical standards required for clinical practice, including physical and cognitive abilities
Curriculum:
- Nursing Fundamentals
- Pharmacology
- Pathophysiology
- Nursing Research
- Evidence-based practice
- Cultural competence
- Leadership in nursing
- Elective courses may be available to further enhance specialization in areas like pediatrics or gerontology
- A capstone project or comprehensive examination may be required for graduation
The University of North Carolina (UNC)
If you’re looking to switch careers into nursing, the University of North Carolina (UNC) has an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) Program that might be perfect for you. It’s accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and taught by committed faculty, giving students many opportunities for research.
You’ll get a mix of rigorous coursework and hands-on clinical practice to prep for the NCLEX-RN exam. While it’s not fully online, the program features flexible scheduling with evening classes and weekend clinicals to accommodate the different lifestyle needs of students.
Duration: 4-semesters
Mode: On-campus
Cost: $25,039 (in state) $66,961 (out of state)
Admissions Requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
Prerequisite coursework (must be completed before applying):
- Transcripts – Unofficial transcripts from all previously attended universities
- Essays – Written responses assessing motivation and suitability for the program
- Community service experience is evaluated
- Special skills and abilities that contribute to nursing care are considered
- Performance in required science courses is highly important
Curriculum:
- Building Effective Relationships in Healthcare | Carolina Core I
- Clinical Nursing Skills and Health Assessment I | On-Campus Clinical I
- Nursing Care of Adults I
- Pathophysiology/Pharmacology Across the Lifespan I
- Family Focused Genomic Health Care
- Clinical Nursing Skills and Health Assessment II | On-Campus Clinical II
- Pathophysiology/Pharmacology Across the Lifespan II
- Mental Health Promotion and Psychiatric Care Across Populations and Settings
- Reproductive Health and Nursing Care of the Childbearing Family
- Nursing Care of Adults II
- Nursing Care of Infants, Children, and Adolescents
- Community Health Nursing
- Leadership in Nursing Practice
- Nursing Synthesis/Capstone
- Transition to Professional Nursing Practice
Frequently Asked Questions from Accelerated BSN Students
Pursuing your accelerated BSN in North Carolina is an exciting step, but it can justifiably feel a bit overwhelming. You’re not the only one who might feel this way; a lot of students likely have the same questions during their search and are unsure what to expect.
To make things easier, we’ve answered some of the most common questions to help guide you. Find out all you need to know about admissions processes, clinical requirements, program structures and more by continuing on.
Are there accelerated BSN programs in North Carolina that accept students with a non-science bachelor’s degree?
Yes; although accelerated BSN programs in North Carolina accept students with bachelor’s degrees of any background, there are usually a few prerequisite courses—like anatomy or microbiology—that need to be completed first. Schools like East Carolina University and UNC-Chapel Hill welcome students from all fields. For those already licensed, RN to BSN no prerequisites options are also available for a faster path to a bachelor’s degree.
How competitive is the admission process for ABSN programs in North Carolina?
Getting into an Accelerated BSN program in North Carolina is a competitive process with limited spots and a fast-paced curriculum as schools look for a solid GPA, completed prerequisite courses, and good scores on entrance exams like the TEAS or HESI.
Beyond grades, admissions teams consider healthcare experience, personal statements, and recommendation letters. Some programs, like East Carolina University, accept as few as 20 students a year.
Having volunteer work or hands-on experience can help. If career growth is the goal, many students also look into RN to BSN programs as the next step after earning their RN license.
How do clinical hour requirements vary among North Carolina’s ABSN programs?
North Carolina’s ABSN programs usually need around 500 to 800 clinical hours, but the requirements will ultimately depend on the school. Some schools follow North Carolina’s minimum practice hours requirement for nurses at 640 hours, while others go the extra mile to give more hands-on experience.
You’ll typically get clinical hours in areas like medical-surgical, pediatrics, and mental health nursing. A few programs also throw in virtual simulations, especially those with a hybrid setup. If you’re comparing programs, make sure to check out their specific requirements.
If you’re thinking about your next move, understanding the RN to BSN route can also help you plan ahead once you’re licensed.
Are there opportunities for interprofessional education during the program?
Plenty of Accelerated BSN programs in North Carolina mix in interprofessional education (IPE), so you’ll get to work alongside future pharmacists, social workers, and physical therapists. It’s a solid way to sharpen teamwork and communication skills—both of which are non-negotiable in healthcare.
Some schools do this through joint classes, simulation labs, or clinical rotations, giving you a broader view of patient care.
Programs at Duke University and The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, for example, make sure grads are ready to hit the ground running in collaborative settings. If flexibility matters, one of the top online BSN programs can help you plan around your schedule.
What is the typical student-to-faculty ratio in these programs?
Student-to-faculty ratios in North Carolina’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) programs will vary depending on the school. For example, Duke University leads with a 6:1 ratio, offering more personalized instruction. Meanwhile, East Carolina University has an 18:1 ratio, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill follows closely at 17:1.
These numbers impact how much direct interaction students get with faculty, which can shape their learning experience. Smaller ratios often mean more individualized support, which some students may prefer. When choosing a program, it’s worth considering how these differences might affect your education and overall success in an intensive ABSN program.
Why Career Changers in North Carolina Are Choosing Nursing
For career changers, nursing offers a meaningful transition. North Carolina’s nursing shortage creates a prime opportunity for those seeking stability and purpose. According to calculations from NC Nursecast, the state will need about 12,500 more nurses by 2033, pushing demand higher and keeping salaries competitive—RNs in North Carolina average $75,000 annually.
Diverse education backgrounds can be a versatile bonus for those entering the medical field. Business professionals bring leadership skills, educators excel in patient education, and psychology majors apply their understanding of human behavior.
Furthermore, nursing isn’t limited to bedside care—opportunities extend to public health, research, and administration. Beyond job security, it’s a career that allows you to make a positive difference in the healthcare field and in people’s lives overall.