LPN to RN Online Programs in NC: Guide to Top Degrees
Advancing from working as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) to a registered nurse (RN) in North Carolina can lead to higher salaries, increased job opportunities, and greater responsibilities. Since North Carolina is currently experiencing a nursing shortage, becoming a licensed RN means you will have your pick of jobs — but how do you choose the right program? This guide explores different schools, learning outcomes, licensure requirements, financial aid, and other important considerations when selecting your LPN to RN bridge program in North Carolina.
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Inside Popular LPN to RN Programs in North Carolina
LPN to RN programs in North Carolina help licensed practical nurses (LPNs) become registered nurses (RNs) in as little as a year. These programs build on existing nursing knowledge, allowing students to fast-track their education while balancing work and life.
Most programs offer online coursework with in-person clinicals at approved healthcare facilities. Some also require on-campus labs or simulations for hands-on training. Before enrolling, you should confirm that the North Carolina Board of Nursing approves the program and meets National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN) exam eligibility. Here are profiles of several LPN to RN programs in the state that offer hybrid formats, making it easier to transition while continuing to work.
Stanly Community College
Stanly Community College offers students a convenient way to use their prior LPN training and education to quickly earn an associate degree in nursing (ADN). Graduates from this accredited program from the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation will be ready to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam and become registered nurses. The school has an impressive three-year NCLEX-RN average passage rate of 98%.
Much of the coursework in this hybrid program can be completed online, with students expected to attend on-campus classes or an in-person clinical at least one day a week. This is a competitive program; interested students must take the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) exam. But unlike some schools, there’s no minimum TEAS score for admission. Instead, the exam is used to identify the top 16 student scores to facilitate the admission process. Once admitted, students complete the 41-credit, two-year LPN to RN curriculum and can take the NCLEX-RN.
Duration: 2 years
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: Fees vary – see the latest tuition & fees chart here.
Admissions Requirements:
- Transcripts
- LPN license
- One course of high school (or higher education) algebra, biology, and chemistry with a C grade or higher.
- Background check and drug screening
Curriculum:
- Anatomy and Physiology II
- Nursing Transition Concepts
- Pharmacology
- LPN to ADN Concepts
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Catawba Valley Community College
The LPN to RN Bridge program at Catawba Valley Community College has several features that make it an attractive option for current LPNs who wish to become registered nurses.
In this hybrid program, students complete curriculum requirements online and on campus and complete clinicals on-site. For added convenience, the online classes are usually offered in an asynchronous format. This allows students to complete their online coursework at a time that’s most convenient for them. The in-person requirements are scheduled so students can typically continue working while in school. For example, most classes held on campus take place in the early evenings, and clinicals commonly occur during weekends.
Graduates of the LPN to RN online program at Catawba Valley CC receive excellent preparation for the NCLEX-RN exam, as the school earned a three-year pass rate average of 95%. In addition to being approved by the North Carolina Board of Nursing, the LPN to RN program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.
Duration: 2 semesters
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $4,500
Admissions Requirements:
- Complete pre-admission coursework
- LPN license
- CPR certification
- Background check and drug screen
Curriculum:
- Practical Nursing I, II, and III
- Nursing Transition Concepts
- LPN to ADN Concepts I and II
Cape Fear Community College
The LPN to RN program from Cape Fear Community College is one of the best for preparing students to become RNs. In fact, the school’s NCLEX-RN three-year average pass rate is 99%.
One way Cape Fear CC’s program, which is ACEN-accredited, achieves such impressive results is by providing flexible learning options. Coursework can be completed online and on campus, making it easier to continue working as an LPN in school. In fact, this is one of the requirements for admission into the program; applicants must be working as LPNs and LPN program graduates within the last year. Alternatively, applicants must have at least one year of experience working as an LPN, and this experience must have been earned within the previous two years.
Another notable aspect of this online LPN to RN program is that it takes just three semesters. Students complete the condensed curriculum with the help of at least 144 hours of clinical practice tied to each LPN to RN nursing course.
Duration: 3 semesters
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: Fees vary — see the program website for details.
Admissions Requirements:
- High school transcripts
- LPN license
- Successful completion of prerequisite courses with a GPA of 2.0 or higher
- To apply, LPNs must meet one of the following requirements:
- If you completed an approved Practical Nursing Program within the past year, you must be currently employed and have at least 520 hours of LPN work experience.
- If you graduated more than a year ago, you must have 1,040 hours of LPN work experience within the last two years.
Curriculum:
- LPN to ADN Concepts I & II
- Prof. Research & Reporting
Quick Guide: FAQs for LPN to RN Programs
If you’re considering an LPN to RN bridge program, you probably have many questions — How long does it take? How do I know the program is a good one? What are the admission requirements? Below, we break down the most common questions from LPN to RN students to help you make an informed decision.
How much time does it take to finish an LPN to RN bridge program?
Most programs take 2-3 semesters, with some accelerated options finishing in one year. For instance, at Wake Tech, students take fall, spring, and summer classes.
If an LPN to RN program takes longer, such as four semesters at Coastal Carolina Community College, it’s usually because it includes courses that other LPN to RN programs in the state count as general education classes or prerequisites.
LPN to RN students can speed up the time it takes to earn their nursing associate degree if they have already completed college courses at another school. These transfer credits typically apply to general education and prerequisite courses, as the LPN to RN program already considers the nursing courses for which LPN students automatically get credit.
What are the admissions requirements for LPN to RN bridge programs in NC?
To enroll in an LPN to RN program in North Carolina, applicants typically need:
- A high school diploma or GED
- A valid, unrestricted LPN license (North Carolina or multi-state compact)
- Completion of prerequisite courses (math, writing, science)
- A minimum GPA (usually 2.5 or higher)
- A passing score on the TEAS or ACT exam
- Clinical experience (varies by school)
Students indicate their intent to apply for the nursing program during the general admissions process. Applicants must attend a nursing program information session. After admittance, students take any needed prerequisite courses and must maintain a minimum GPA.
The next step requires students to file an “intent to apply” with the nursing department at their school and show they’ve met the requirements for admission into the LPN to RN program.
The clinical requirements vary by school. For example, at Sampson Community College, all applicants must work at least two years (and at least 2,000 hours) as an LPN at a qualified healthcare facility. At Cape Fear Community College, the applicant must have earned their LPN credentials within the past year and be currently employed or have at least a year of experience as an LPN within the past two years.
Applicants must earn a minimum passing score on a chosen assessment test to be eligible for admission. At Forsyth Tech Community College, applicants need at least a 60% total score on the TEAS. Alternatively, some students, such as those at Lenoir Community College, can take either the TEAS or ACT.
How much does LPN to RN bridge programs typically cost?
After you graduate with your associate degree in nursing and begin working as a registered nurse, you can expect an increase in income to recover the financial investment of your NC LPN to RN program. According to our research, tuition costs for several programs are between $2,000 and $5,000, but your entire financial obligation will depend on many factors.
Remember that not all LPN to RN bridge programs in NC require the same number of credits to graduate. Additionally, most LPN to RN programs are offered by community colleges, which have tuition rates set by the North Carolina state legislature.
What should I look for in an LPN to RN program?
Returning to school to earn an associate degree in nursing is a significant decision. To ensure you get the biggest return on your time and money investments, you’ll want to select a state LPN to RN bridge program that has several essential features:
- It must be approved by the North Carolina Board of Nursing.
- It should have programmatic accreditation from the NLN CNEA, ACEN, or CCNE. This isn’t required to become a registered nurse in North Carolina, but it serves as additional assurance that you’re receiving a quality nursing education.
- Find a program with historically high NCLEX-RN pass rates. These vary each year, with the best programs earning higher passing percentages.
You should also look at the types of student support services and activities available. Honors societies, networking events, and career mentoring can help you find the perfect job after graduation.
What is the job outlook for RNs in North Carolina?
Job growth for RNs in North Carolina is projected at 16.4%, significantly higher than the 5.6% national average. This growth indicates a strong demand for skilled RNs, with 7,930 annual job openings. In comparison, the projected growth rate for LPNs is 10.0%, with 1,490 openings each year. These salary and growth rates suggest a promising future for RNs in North Carolina.
LPN vs. RN Salaries in North Carolina
If you're a North Carolina LPN considering the move to RN, let's explore the advantages. The median salary for RNs in North Carolina is $79,580, which is about 36% higher than the $58,590 median salary for LPNs. Entry-level RNs earn $62,980, surpassing the median LPN salary, and those in the 90th percentile can make $104,190, nearly $34,000 more than 90th percentile LPNs.
Job growth for RNs in North Carolina is projected at 16.4%, significantly higher than the national average of 5.6%. This growth indicates a strong demand for skilled RNs, with 7,930 annual job openings. In comparison, the projected growth rate for LPNs is 10.0%, with 1,490 openings each year. These salary and growth rates suggest a promising future for RNs in North Carolina. Check out the tables below to learn more about how opportunities for RNs and LPNs compare.
| Occupation ↕ | Area ↕ | 10th Percentile ↕ | Median ↕ | 90th Percentile ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | North Carolina | $47,130 | $58,590 | $70,160 |
| Registered Nurses | North Carolina | $62,980 | $79,580 | $104,190 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Occupation ↕ | Area ↕ | Curr. Jobs ↕ | Proj. Jobs ↕ | New Jobs ↕ | Growth % ↕ | Avg. Ann. Openings ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurses | United States | 3,172,500 | 3,349,900 | 177,400 | 5.60% | 193,100 |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | United States | 655,000 | 689,900 | 34,900 | 5.30% | 54,400 |
| Registered Nurses | North Carolina | 106,190 | 123,650 | 17,460 | 16.40% | 7,930 |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | North Carolina | 16,650 | 18,320 | 1,670 | 10.00% | 1,490 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
