Nursing Schools in Charlotte, NC: Top Online & Campus Programs
Ready to take the next step in your nursing career? Find out about the top nursing schools in Charlotte, NC, figure out which one works for your goals, and learn about resources and financial aid to help you succeed.
If you’re a registered nurse in Charlotte, NC, you’re already in demand. And that demand is set to grow even more: jobs for registered nurses in North Carolina are projected to increase by an impressive 12% from 2020 to 2030, compared to a 6% growth rate nationally.
Pursuing an on-campus or online nursing program in Charlotte, NC, puts you in a prime position to take advantage of this growth while also earning an excellent salary. You’ll find nursing schools in Charlotte offering degrees at every level, making it easy to either start your nursing career or take your career to the next step. To help you make this all-important decision, this guide highlights top schools, reviews different types of degrees available, and explains the licensure process. Keep reading to find the top Charlotte schools that made it onto our list as the best choices for students like you.
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Charlotte, North Carolina
Public
Carolinas College of Health Sciences
Charlotte, North Carolina
Public
Types of Nursing Programs Available in or Near Charlotte, NC
Finding a nursing program in Charlotte, NC, is easier simply because of the multiple options available in and around the city. These schools support students at every academic level, making it easy for you to find the best program to meet your academic and professional needs. Take a look at some of the more common nursing program options below.
Pre-Licensure Nursing Programs in Charlotte
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Associate degrees in nursing require two years of full-time study, including general education and foundational nursing topics. After completing the degree, graduates take the NCLEX-RN exam. If they pass, they will be eligible for licensure and begin working as registered nurses.
Examples of Charlotte Nursing Schools with This Program
Central Piedmont Community College
South Piedmont Community College
Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (Traditional BSN)
Designed for students who want a four-year degree, traditional BSN programs require completion of approximately 120 credits. Schools offer these nursing programs in Charlotte, NC, as both campus-based and hybrid options. Regardless of which path students choose, they will participate in face-to-face clinicals as part of the program requirements.
Examples of Charlotte Nursing Schools with This Program
Accelerated BSN Programs
Accelerated BSN programs support students who previously completed a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing subject who now want to become registered nurses. Most of these programs require 12-18 months of study and include an in-person clinical component. After graduating, students can take the NCLEX-RN exam for RN licensure.
Examples of Charlotte Nursing Schools with This Program
Nursing Bridge Programs in Charlotte, NC for Current Nurses
LPN to RN and LPN to BSN Programs
These bridge programs at nursing schools in Charlotte, NC, help licensed practical nurses (LPNs) gain the skills and education required to move into registered nursing roles after passing the NCLEX-RN exam. The LPN to RN leads to an ADN and takes approximately one year to complete. The LPN to BSN leads to a bachelor’s degree and usually takes about two years to finish.
Examples of Charlotte Nursing Schools with This Program
RN to BSN Programs
While ADNs allow graduates to work as RNs, BSN-educated RNs often earn higher salaries and take on more responsibility. The RN to BSN enables you to upgrade your credentials in 12-18 months. Many schools offer these programs entirely online because they don’t require a clinical component.
Examples of Charlotte Nursing Schools with This Program
RN to MSN Programs
If you’re an ADN-educated nurse who wants to take on more responsibility, you can bypass the BSN degree by enrolling in an RN to MSN program. These degrees usually take 30-36 months to complete, with many schools offering online options. After graduating, you can take on roles such as nurse practitioner, nurse educator, or nurse leader.
Examples of Charlotte Nursing Schools with This Program
Advanced Nursing Programs in Charlotte
Traditional MSN Programs (Master of Science in Nursing)
Traditional MSN programs support students who already completed their BSN and now feel ready to take the next educational step. Most of these programs take about two years to complete, and many schools make the coursework primarily available via distance learning. Common specializations include adult-gerontology, clinical nurse leader, and nurse-midwife.
Examples of Charlotte Nursing Schools with This Program
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and PhD Doctoral Programs
If you want to work in the highest echelons of nursing practice, a DNP can help you achieve this goal. These programs focus on clinical and professional skills and typically last three years. The PhD in nursing supports students who want to work in policy, research, and academic circles. Many professors teaching at nursing schools will have a PhD. The majority of doctoral nursing degrees take four to six years to complete.
Examples of Charlotte Nursing Schools with This Program
Post-Graduate Nursing Certificates
Post-graduate nursing certificates allow MSN-educated nurses to specialize. Some of the post-graduate certificates commonly offered include family nurse practitioner, psychiatric mental health, acute and primary care pediatrics, and neonatal care. Most take about two semesters to complete.
Examples of Charlotte Nursing Schools with This Program
Understanding Online Nursing Programs in Charlotte, NC
Attending an online nursing program in Charlotte, NC, is an excellent option if you need the flexibility to learn at your own pace and have the discipline and focus to complete your degree outside a traditional classroom. It also makes it much easier to continue working while in school. If you’re looking to complete a degree that doesn’t require a practicum, you can likely find a nursing school in Charlotte that offers an online option. If you do need to complete clinical experiences, this part of the degree will need to take place in person. In the case of advanced degrees such as a DNP or PhD, the school may require you to join your peers on campus for some in-person learning intensives. These usually happen on the weekends to accommodate busy schedules.
FAQs About Online Nursing Programs in Charlotte, NC
Can I earn my nursing degree in Charlotte completely online?
It depends on your degree and chosen specialty. And what degree and concentration you choose determines if you’ll need to complete an in-person practicum. If you’re enrolling in an RN to BSN, as an example, you can probably find an online version of the degree since it only requires coursework. However any degrees with clinical hours will require that portion of the program to be completed in person. But these programs will often allow students to complete the classroom portion of learning fully online.
Will my online Charlotte nursing degree be considered less valuable by employers?
No, it won’t. Your future employer will care most that you hold a nursing license. As long as you earn your nursing degree from a state-approved and properly accredited program, you should have no trouble passing required exams and earning your license.
Are online nursing programs in Charlotte more affordable than campus programs?
They could be, but it depends on the school. Some provide a discounted rate for online learning, while others charge the same rate. Even if the latter is the case, you can still save time and money by not going to and from campus multiple times a week or buying a parking pass. Online programs also make it easier to work while taking courses. Having this income can make the nursing degree far more affordable.
Financial Aid Opportunities for Nursing Students in Charlotte, NC
With so many nursing scholarships available locally and nationally, finding financial aid to help pay for your degree doesn’t have to be complicated. In terms of North Carolina-specific awards, the North Carolina Foundation for Nursing is one possible source of nursing scholarships that focuses on North Carolina nursing students.
Other places to check include local and state government agencies, professional associations, nonprofit foundations, individual colleges and universities, and hospitals. Filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid can also help you qualify for federal grants, work-study, and loans.
How to Become an RN in Charlotte, NC: Licensing Requirements
The North Carolina Board of Nursing awards all registered nurse licenses in the state and sets specific requirements. To take the exam, you must supply an application and official school transcripts demonstrating you attended an approved program before paying Pearson VUE to sit for the exam. You must also pass a criminal background check. Learn more about licensure requirements and additional educational options by checking out our guide to nursing schools in North Carolina.
Job Demand for RNs in Charlotte, NC
With over 24,000 RNs working in the Charlotte area, these professionals make up about 20% of North Carolina’s RN workforce. North Carolina is projected to add over 17,400 nursing jobs during the next decade. Considering the large number of nurses working in Charlotte, jobs are likely to show strong growth in that area. As demand for RNs grows, earning a bachelor’s or advanced degree increases your competitiveness and boosts your salary when looking for a new job.
When on the job hunt, make sure to consider some of the larger medical providers in the greater Charlotte area. Atrium Health Medical Group and Novant Health Medical Group are the two largest employers for the medical field.
How Much You Could Make as an RN in Charlotte, NC?
Now that you have learned what to expect while attending nursing school, as well as the types of degrees you can earn, you may be ready to enroll. But before you sign your name on the dotted line, you probably want more information. The cost of tuition can add up quickly, so you want to be sure you get a return on that investment. Below, we provide some of the most important information you need—how much you can expect to make after completing your studies. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurses in the Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia region earn an average of $81,190 per year. The bottom 10 percent of earners make $64,240, while the top earn $103,130. This is comparable to the salaries registered nurses earn around the state. In North Carolina, nurses make between $62,980 and $104,190. The average salary in the state is $79,580.
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | $62,980 | $79,580 | $104,190 |
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC | $64,240 | $81,190 | $103,130 |
Source: Registered Nurses, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Additional Charlotte, NC Nursing Resources
North Carolina Board of Nursing
Because Charlotte adheres to the licensing rules set forth by the NC Board of Nursing, bookmarking this page is a good idea if you’ll need to find information about your initial license or renewing an existing license.
Oncology Nursing Society – Greater Charlotte Area Chapter
If you work or plan to work in oncology nursing, joining this local chapter provides you access to online discussions, in-person and virtual events, resources, and opportunities to participate and grow your nursing skills.
American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) – Piedmont Carolinas Chapter
This chapter of AACN provides events and continuing education, a career center filled with local jobs, and news/announcements about nursing in the Charlotte area.
National Black Nurses Association (NBNA)– Piedmont Chapter
The NBNA Charlotte-area chapter provides a space where black nurses, regardless of job title, come together for networking, mutual learning, and career support. The chapter offers annual and lifetime memberships.
Metrolina Coalition of Nurse Practitioners (NPs)
This nonprofit group brings together NPs in the greater Charlotte area to take advantage of mentorship opportunities, service, leadership development, and networking. The group also provides a scholarship.
