Explore the Best Online Nursing Schools in North Carolina
Learn about this year’s best nursing schools in North Carolina and get insights on whether an online or in-person program is right for you.
Jobs for nurses at every level are set to grow in North Carolina in the near future, making this a great path if you want the chance to help others and also want a stable career and a good salary. Whether you’re just starting your nursing journey, consider yourself a career changer, or want to upgrade your existing nursing credentials, this rundown of nursing schools in NC is a great place to start. On this page, you’ll find spotlights of some of the best nursing programs in NC alongside information on salary, accreditation, and licensing for nurses in the state. Open the door to your future by exploring our curated list of distinguished programs.
East Carolina University
Greenville, North Carolina
Public
Gardner-Webb University
Boiling Springs, North Carolina
Private
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Charlotte, North Carolina
Public
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Greensboro, North Carolina
Public
University of North Carolina Wilmington
Wilmington, North Carolina
Public
Fayetteville State University
Fayetteville, North Carolina
Public
Western Carolina University
Cullowhee, North Carolina
Public
Appalachian State University
Boone, North Carolina
Public
Carolinas College of Health Sciences
Charlotte, North Carolina
Public
Cabarrus College of Health Sciences
Concord, North Carolina
Private
University of North Carolina at Pembroke
Pembroke, North Carolina
Public
North Carolina Central University
Durham, North Carolina
Public
Barton College
Wilson, North Carolina
Private
North Carolina A & T State University
Greensboro, North Carolina
Public
Lenoir-Rhyne University
Hickory, North Carolina
Private
Campbell University
Buies Creek, North Carolina
Private
North Carolina Wesleyan College
Rocky Mount, North Carolina
Private
William Peace University
Raleigh, North Carolina
Private
Davidson-Davie Community College
Thomasville, North Carolina
Public
Common Qualities of the Best Nursing Schools in North Carolina
With so many nursing schools in North Carolina now offering degrees at every level, it’s important to remember that not all are created equally. When checking out prospective options, keep these three top qualities in mind.
- Affordable
Earning your nursing degree without breaking the bank means that when you’re done you can focus on finding a job you love rather than on how you’re going to cover a high monthly student loan repayment. - Nationally Accredited and State Approved:
Because all nurses practicing in the state of North Carolina must hold licenses, it’s vitally important that they attend a program to which the state has given its seal of approval. The North Carolina Board of Nursing maintains a list of approved pre-licensure nursing programs to help you make an informed decision. You should also make sure any nursing programs in NC that you consider hold proper programmatic accreditation. In the world of nursing, the names to know are the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Both provide searchable databases to help you find an accredited option. - High NCLEX-RN Pass Rates
Whether you’re looking at an ADN or BSN program, it’s important to ensure it graduates students who can pass the NCLEX-RN examination on their first try. This signals that the program adequately prepared students through coursework and clinicals. If you cannot find these numbers on the program website, reach out to an administrator and ask for at least the last three years of pass rates.
Types of Nursing Programs Available in North Carolina
Whether you’re just starting your nursing career or are a veteran nurse looking to pursue an advanced degree, nursing schools in North Carolina offer programs at every level to help you meet career goals. Take a look at some of the most common options currently available.
Pre-Licensure Nursing Programs in North Carolina
ADN Programs
Associate degree in nursing programs in NC support students who want to earn their RN license but aren’t quite ready to commit to a four-year bachelor’s degree. These programs, commonly offered by community colleges and vocational schools, usually take two years to complete and provide affordable tuition rates.
Examples of North Carolina Nursing Schools with this Program
Traditional BSN Programs
A traditional bachelor of science in nursing also supports those looking to become RNs. These programs take four years to complete and typically lead to higher starting salaries than an ADN. Plenty of public and private colleges throughout the state offer these programs online and on campus.
Examples of North Carolina Nursing Schools with this Program
Accelerated BSN Programs
Accelerated BSN programs can help you enter the nursing field if you already have a bachelor’s degree in another subject but want to change careers. Lasting approximately 18 months, accelerated BSNs build on existing general education knowledge and focus on targeted nursing coursework and clinical experiences.
Examples of North Carolina Nursing Schools with this Program
Nursing Bridge Programs in North Carolina for Current Nurses
LPN to RN and LPN to BSN Programs
If you’ve worked as a licensed practical nurse and now feel ready to take the next professional step, these bridge programs can help. The LPN to RN leads to an associate degree and takes 18-24 months to complete. The LPN to BSN leads to a bachelor’s degree and takes three to four years to finish.
Examples of North Carolina Nursing Schools with this Program
RN to BSN Programs
An accelerated BSN could be the right option if you already have your ADN and RN license but want to upgrade your credentials. Building on knowledge already gained in your associate degree, these North Carolina nursing programs usually take about two years to complete.
Examples of North Carolina Nursing Schools with this Program
RN to MSN Programs
Designed for ADN-educated RNs, these bridge programs allow you to skip the BSN and earn a master’s degree in a shorter amount of time than doing both separately. You can usually find these NC nursing programs as online or in-person offerings, with both lasting 30-36 months.
Examples of North Carolina Nursing Schools with this Program
Advanced Nursing Programs in North Carolina
MSN Programs
MSN programs exist both for those who already have a BSN and individuals who earned a bachelor’s degree in an unrelated subject. These degrees take between two and three years to complete, depending on previous credentials. They utilize both online and in-person learning.
Examples of North Carolina Nursing Schools with this Program
DNP and PhD Doctoral Programs
DNP programs take between three and five years to complete and support nurses who want to continue in professional practice at the top of the career ladder. PhD in nursing programs usually take between four and six years and build skills needed to transition into research and/or academic positions.
Examples of North Carolina Nursing Schools with this Program
Post-Graduate Certificates
Post-graduate certificates support graduates of MSN programs who want to gain specialized knowledge in a particular nursing area. These nursing programs in North Carolina can be found online and on campus and cover topics such as nurse administration and management, nurse education, forensic nursing, and various nurse practitioner specialty areas.
Examples of North Carolina Nursing Schools with This Program
Inside Look at Top Online Nursing Programs in North Carolina
Many nursing schools in North Carolina now offer online nursing degrees to help busy students balance outside responsibilities with their education. It’s important to remember that any online nursing program in NC that requires a clinical component means you must do that portion in person. Suppose you already work as a registered nurse and want to upgrade your degree, say from an ADN to BSN. In that case, you can complete all degree requirements without ever stepping foot on campus. Many of these online nursing programs in North Carolina offer asynchronously scheduled classes, meaning you can watch prerecorded lectures at times that fit your schedule.
FAQs About Online Nursing Programs in North Carolina
Can I earn my nursing degree in North Carolina completely online?
Some nursing schools in NC allow you to complete all your coursework via distance learning, but any program requiring a clinical component means you’ll need to participate in face-to-face learning. Most times, schools will work with you to find a suitable clinical location near your residence.
Will my online North Carolina nursing degree be considered less valuable by employers?
Absolutely not! As long as you find an online nursing program in North Carolina that holds proper accreditation and state approval, employers won’t care how you completed your degree. In fact, your actual diploma doesn’t stipulate the learning format, so they won’t even know whether your degree was completed online or in person.
Are online nursing programs in North Carolina more affordable than campus programs?
It depends. Some schools may offer discounts for online classes. However, even if they don’t, you can still save by not paying for campus-based fees such as facilities usage and parking. Additionally, completing your degree from home allows you to save money on transportation, eating out, and other campus-based expenses.
Financial Aid Opportunities for Nursing Students in North Carolina
Even though nurses earn ample salaries in North Carolina, you don’t want to spend years paying back student loans. In addition to finding an affordable program, it’s important that you line up as much financial aid as possible. Since grants and scholarships don’t have to be repaid, these tend to be popular options for nursing students. The North Carolina Foundation for Nursing offers several meaningful awards at various academic levels. Besides looking for individual schools and nursing departments that offer awards, check with other professional associations, nursing organizations, and private foundations to learn about scholarship and grant opportunities
How to Become an RN in North Carolina: Licensing Information and Requirements
Each state sets its own requirements for receiving a nursing license, making it essential for you to review each step and meet all mandates carefully. Many schools help you prepare for the NCLEX-RN, so be sure to check with your advisor in your final year to learn about next steps. The NC Board of Nursing outlines the licensing process as follows.
Meet Eligibility Requirements and Pay Fee
You must prove that you graduated from a board-approved education program, pass a criminal background check, and submit an initial application for licensure by examination. Along with your application, plan to pay a $75 fee, which is good for one year from the application date.
Register with Pearson VUE
Pearson VUE Testing Centers administer all NCLEX-RN exams in the state and require a $200 testing fee paid at least two weeks before graduation. After the company receives payment, you will receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) that allows you to schedule your examination.
Schedule Your Examination
Your ATT provides step-by-step information on how to schedule your computerized, in-person exam. The NC Board of Nursing notes that results of the NCLEX-RN usually arrive within four weeks after your test day.
Keep Up with Renewal Requirements
North Carolina nursing licenses are valid for two years and expire on the last day of your birth month. Failing to renew by that date means your license is considered expired. Renewal requirements include submitting an online application and providing proof of residence. Evidence of continuing education is only required when the board specifically notifies you.
Salary and Job Outlook for RNs in North Carolina
There will be a surge in RN jobs due to the shortages the profession has been experiencing. As a result, 7,930 new jobs will be added to the field annually in the coming years, representing a 16.40% increase in the state. This is good news for North Carolina and for you if you enroll in a nursing degree program. Nationwide, 193,100 new jobs will be created annually, reflecting a 5.60% increase. More good news is that registered nurses earn a good living. The salary range is $62,980 to $104,190 per year, with an average income of $79,580. However, salaries vary across the state. In the Durham-Chapel Hill area, nurses earn an average of $78,990, with a range from $68,800 to $112,990. Similarly, nurses in Asheville earn between $59,270 and $110,840, with an average of $79,580. Check out the tables below for more information.
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | $62,980 | $79,580 | $104,190 |
| Asheville, NC | $59,270 | $79,580 | $110,840 |
| Burlington, NC | $63,140 | $83,790 | $98,830 |
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC | $64,240 | $81,190 | $103,130 |
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC | $68,800 | $78,990 | $112,990 |
| Fayetteville, NC | $58,300 | $87,190 | $110,260 |
| Goldsboro, NC | $60,980 | $76,820 | $97,070 |
| Greensboro-High Point, NC | $62,930 | $80,950 | $101,310 |
| Greenville, NC | $66,320 | $80,100 | $107,180 |
| Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC | $56,350 | $71,180 | $93,280 |
| Jacksonville, NC | $60,300 | $76,240 | $95,210 |
| New Bern, NC | $57,500 | $68,430 | $86,410 |
| Raleigh, NC | $64,850 | $81,910 | $103,640 |
| Rocky Mount, NC | $59,490 | $75,150 | $96,990 |
| Wilmington, NC | $63,370 | $76,440 | $98,680 |
| Winston-Salem, NC | $66,470 | $83,020 | $106,970 |
Source: Registered Nurses, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % | Avg. Ann. Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 3,172,500 | 3,349,900 | 177,400 | 5.60% | 193,100 |
| North Carolina | 106,190 | 123,650 | 17,460 | 16.40% | 7,930 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
North Carolina Nursing Resources
North Carolina Nurses Association (NCNA)
As the premier nursing membership organization in the state, NCNA provides nurses with continuing education, networking opportunities, policy advocacy, career information, and both in-person and virtual events.
North Carolina Board of Nursing (NCBN)
The NCBN manages all nurses’ licensure throughout the state, allowing for both first-time and renewal licenses. Plan to bookmark this page, as you’ll reference it frequently.
North Carolina Emergency Nurses Association
This membership association supports nurses working in emergency medicine settings by offering the NC Emergency Nurses Symposium, several chapters throughout the state, continuing education opportunities, and a career center.
North Carolina Organization of Nurse Leaders (NCONL)
Joining NCONL provides you access to a rotating schedule of events, an annual conference, job listings, and opportunities to get to know other nurse leaders in the state.
Scholarships and Online Resources for RN Students
Want to learn more about popular scholarship opportunities and other resources for registered nursing students? Check out our guide on the subject.
