How Long Is Nursing School In North Carolina
North Carolina community colleges offer scholarships for short-term workforce training programs
The amount of time you spend in a North Carolina nursing school will vary based upon the career path you choose. You can become a Certified Nursing Assistant in as little as 6 to 12 weeks. Become a Licensed Practical Nurse in 1 to 1.5 years, a North Carolina Registered Nurse in 2 to 4 years, or stay in nursing school longer to become a Nurse Practitioner in 6 to 8 years.
Above on this page we created a tabular image which summarizes how long nursing school is in North Carolina. That image includes the number of nurses employed in the state of North Carolina, along with the average wages earned at each education level.
Notice that in the state of North Carolina, far greater numbers are employed as a Registered Nurse compared to a Licensed Practical Nurse . Notice also that a Licensed Practical Nurse in North Carolina earns far more in wages compared to a Certified Nursing Assistant .
Use the nursing program acronyms CNA, LPN, ASN, BSN, MSN, DNP, and PhD to help identify which North Carolina nursing schools offer the length of program you desire.
How Much Does Nursing School In North Carolina Cost
Tuition for a nursing school in North Carolina will cost between $2,000 to $3,000 per year for state residents seeking a two year Associate degree, an ADN or ASN, for example. The larger public four year colleges and universities in North Carolina cost more between $5,000 to $9,000 per year for state residents seeking their Bachelor Degree in Nursing, a BDN or BSN.
To help reduce the cost of nursing school in North Carolina, a student can generally take their pre-nursing courses at a smaller two year college. Then, transfer those credits into the larger four year college or university of your choice. Each college has their own method of awarding transfer credits for pre-nursing coursework. You will need to plan ahead and question the receiving school before you start your first pre-nursing class.
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Overview Of Nursing Schools In North Carolina
- There are 77 nursing schools in North Carolina. The CCNE accredits 18 nursing schools and the ACEN accredits 30 schools in North Carolina.
- Typically, an Associate Degree in Nursing will take between 18 to 24 months to complete, and a Bachelor Degree in Nursing will take about 4 years to complete.
- The average NCLEX passing rate range for ADN students in North Carolina is between 22.50% and 98.75%.
- The average NCLEX passing rate range for BSN students in North Carolina is between 52.00% and 98.67%.
- The average annual salary for registered nurses is between $52,080 to $111,220 a year.
- Registered Nurses throughout the country and in North Carolina can expect a favorable job growth of 15 percent from 2016 to 2026 which much faster than the average for all occupations.
Associates In Nursing Programs
Central Carolina Community College The associate in applied science in nursing degree program at Central Carolina Community Colleges Lee County campus prepares graduates to become registered nurses equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to work as part of an interdisciplinary team in diverse healthcare environments. The curriculum includes content focused on holistic health and nursing education and can typically be completed in five semesters. Admission to the program is competitive and is based on the completion of nursing prerequisites and an acceptable score on the Test of Essential Academic Skills exam, among other factors. Central Carolina Community College also offers a practical nursing program through its Harnett County campus.
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Best Ranked Rn Programs In North Carolina
To help nursing students in their search for a top RN program, the education experts at RNCareers.org publish their annual findings of the best nursing schools for both North Carolina and the country. Schools ranked on our list have proven their ability to educate highly competent nurses.
To create our rankings, we evaluated 54 ADN degree programs and 19 BSN degree programs in North Carolina. We obtained each institutions first-time NCLEX-RN passing rates, the number of students taking the test, the program nursing accreditation and more. We then compared the results against other nursing programs in North Carolina to provide our state rankings. View our methodology.
Associate In General Education In Nursing
The Associate in General Education -Nursing is designed for students who wish to begin their study toward the Associate in Nursing degree and a Baccalaureate degree in Nursing as based on Blocks 1 through 3 of the Five Block Degree Plan in the Uniform Articulation Agreement between:
- The University of North Carolina Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs and the North Carolina Community College Associate Degree Nursing Programs which was approved by the State Board of Community Colleges and the UNC Board of Governors in February 2015.
- North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities RN to BSN programs and the North Carolina Community College Associate Degree Nursing Programs which was approved by the State Board of Community Colleges and the signatory NCICU in February 2018.
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Tuition And Costs Of Msn Programs In North Carolina
Tuition and costs for an MSN can vary depending on the type of specialty you are interested in going into. You’ll have to cover the cost of tuition of course, as well as additional fees for things like books and labs. To provide an idea about the cost of an MSN program in the state, the total estimated in-state cost for tuition and fees at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill is between $11,000 and $12,500 per semester, not including additional mandatory fees.
For NP programs visit:
- North Carolina Post-Graduate Certificate Nursing Programs
How Is The Nursing Job Market In North Carolina
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The medical field is booming nationwide and North Carolina is no exception. Nursing jobs in North Carolina are available in many fields or specialties. North Carolina nursing jobs are expected to continue to grow as the entire medical industry is. There are also a lot of nurse practitioner jobs in North Carolina, and this is expected to continue to grow as the need for doctors increases. Travel nursing jobs are a relatively new specialty, but this too is growing in the state.
A registered nurse is the most common kind of nurse, and many of them have specialties. The Bureau of Labor Statisticssays registered nursing jobs in North Carolina should grow by 19 percent through 2024. North Carolina nursing jobs growing fast in the south, trailing only Georiga and Texas.
North Carolina nursing jobs are expected to continue to grow at all levels of nursing. A conservative estimate is 1.57 percent per year through 2026. That should translate to 7,060 new nursing jobs in North Carolina each year in the near future.
Nurse practitioner jobs in North Carolina are expected to be the most in-demand job related to the medical or nursing field. The U.S. Bureau for Labor Statistics predicts the number of nurse practitioner jobs will increase by 36 percent through 2026. Nurse practitioners are a step above nursing and just barely a step below being a doctor. Nurse practitioners may also prescribe medication in the state.
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Msn Program Length In North Carolina
Many people wonder how long a graduate MSN program will take to complete since you must already hold at least a BSN in order to apply. Because these programs are designed for busy working nurses to complete, the length can vary. Generally speaking, it will take roughly 2-3 years to complete your MSN. Keep in mind that these programs sometimes offer flexible coursework in the form of night and/or online classes.
Getting A North Carolina Nursing License
North Carolina regulations for licensure by examination or by endorsement require a candidate to demonstrate their eligibility by submitting a completed application, subsequent fees, and the following information:
If applying by examination you must meet these criteria and provide the following information:
- Graduate of a state-approved school of nursing – transcripts automatically sent from school to board upon completion
- Registration for NCLEX – obtain successful completion of the exam
- Criminal Background Check – including fingerprints
If applying by endorsement you must include the following with a completed application:
- Proof of education
Learn more about NC RN license information at the North Carolina Board of Nursing.
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How Much Does Nursing School Cost In North Carolina
The cost of nursing school in North Carolina varies depending on the program and institution. ADN programs can cost $6,000-$40,000, while BSN programs range from $40,000-$200,000. More advanced degrees vary in tuition cost based on the previous degree earned:
- BSN-to-MSN: $20,000-$180,000
- MSN-to-DNP: $17,000-$170,000
Lpn To Adn/bsn Programs
For the quickest route to entry-level RN practice, RN to ADN programs in North Carolina is a great option. This program bridges the gap between LPN and RN practice in just a few semesters. For example, Bladen Community College in Dublin offers an RN to ADN program that requires just 33 total credit hours to complete. Those looking to earn a bachelorâs degree in nursing may opt for the RN to BSN program pathway. Winston-Salem State University offers an LPN to BSN for students who have at least one year of direct patient care experience in the state.
Requirements for LPN to RN programs in North Carolina may include:
- Minimum cumulative GPA
- Must hold a current unencumbered LPN license
- Graduate of an accredited LPN program
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About Nursing Schools In North Carolina
Nursing schools are making educational advancement opportunities that are readily available for registered nurses within the state. Obtaining an associate degree in nursing or a bachelors degree in nursing is very advantageous to a working nurse. In fact, many hospitals and healthcare settings prefer hiring a nurse who has obtained a bachelors degree. More than have of the registered nurses in North Carolina have a bachelors degree or higher, which makes North Carolina the best-educated state in the nation. Now is a better time than ever for nurses to seek out higher education to meet the needs of the constantly evolving profession. Nurses are encouraged to request information from multiple schools to improve chances of getting accepted into one.
In our North Carolina RN program guide, find rankings for both ADN and BSN Degree programs, tuition costs, NCLEX passing rates, and more. Research key North Carolina RN Program information to help you compare program metrics and to apply to best RN program for your career in nursing.
In the State of North Carolina, nurses are helping to change the face of healthcare. To ensure that they have the best education and preparation for future health care challenges, registered nurses need to graduate from a state-approved associate’s degree in nursing program or a BSN degree program.
Nurses who graduate from an RN program can obtain certification in over 100 nursing specialties, go on to earn an RN to BSN or RN to MSN degree.
Tuition And Costs Of Adn Programs In North Carolina
You will need to carefully consider a few items when looking into program costs. Tuition is one of the big ones, but you’ll also need to factor in things like textbooks, transportation, and other miscellaneous mandatory fees.
To give you a general idea regarding cost, the total estimated ADN program fees at Wake Technical Community College in Raleigh are approximately $14,000 for in-state students.
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Additional Information & Awards
JCC’s Pass rate over the last three years is 90.4% The state average for 2021 is 78%, and three year average is 82%.The national average for 2021 is 82%, and three year average is 86%.
What Is The Difference Between A Degree Diploma And Certificate
Holbrook-Huskins Associate Degree Nursing Pinning Ceremony
We offer several credentials that provide the flexibility you need. Most degree programs last two years and provide the most in-depth study of a particular subject. Diplomas and certificates take less time and are often taken in conjunction with other degree programs. Specialized training is also available for workforce development programs that are completed in less than a year.
Always check with your advisor for details. Not all programs provide college credit or are transferrable.
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Key Factors That Affect Nursing School Tuition
Keep in mind that colleges and universities reserve the right to change tuition rates at any time. The yearly tuition rates listed here will vary for each individual student depending on various factors including,
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics ,
- Nurses employed in North Carolina make an annual mean wage of $71,200, which is lower than the national mean annual wage.
- North Carolina has a lower standard of living than most other states. Pay for nurses can also be higher in denser urban areas like Charlotte.
Rn Salaries In North Carolina
There are approximately 86,150 registered nurses working in the state of North Carolina. It has been predicted that nursing is the fastest growing industry and will continue to grow through the year 2020. There is a great need for nurses who obtained a bachelor’s degree. The mean annual salary for registered nurses in North Carolina is $59,290 and this tends to fluctuate with experience and education level. There are management and other executive positions available to a baccalaureate-prepared nurse who wishes to get away from bedside nursing.
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Degrees Diplomas And Certificates Available
- RIBN and aRIBN ProgramsEastern North Carolina Regionally Increasing Baccalaureate Nurses is a partnership between Wayne Community College and East Carolina University College of Nursing . The RIBN program provides students with a four-year option in which they complete an Associate Degree and Bachelors of Science Degree in Nursing . Applicants to the RIBN and aRIBN programs must also apply to those programs. For additional information about RIBN and aRIBN and the application process, visit the ENC RIBN site or the ENC aRIBN site.
Is North Carolina A Good State For Nurses
According to the personal finance group WalletHub, North Carolina is the 34th best state for nurses, while ranking 24th for opportunity and competition.
Even though nursing salaries in the state are lower than the national average, North Carolina also has a lower cost of living. Nurses can also benefit from North Carolina’s involvement in the NLC, providing nurses who earned their degree in another state with an easier licensing process.
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I Took A Certification Course A Few Years Ago At Wcc Because Other Community Colleges Were Not Offering The Course During That Time And I Loved It
“While at WCC, I came in contact with a lot of different people who were interested in me and in my education, and the instructors were vested in their students. The staff made themselves available to assist students in any way they could. After completing the training, I tried to attend a community college closer to home, but it didnt work out because I felt like they didn’t care about me or my education. So, I decided to go back to WCC. That was the best decision I have ever made. I am currently in my fourth consecutive semester, and I completed my last two semesters with a 4.0 GPA. Thank you, Wilson Community College!
University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Nursing is among the best nursing schools in NC. Carolina Nursing offers a full complement of top-ranked programs for students at every stage of their nursing career from pre-licensure undergraduate programs to Masters, DNP, PhD, and post-degree opportunities and now offers online degree options for their Master of Science in Nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice and Post-Graduate Certificate programs. UNC-Chapel Hills nursing school is recognized as the best public school of nursing in the nation and has been named a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education.
The Chapel Hill Campus within the University of North Carolina was founded in the late 1780s and is the states flagship school. Approximately 29,970 students attend classes on-campus and online offered by UNC-Chapel Hill.
Highlight: UNC-Chapel Hill is recognized as one the oldest of all institutions of higher education in the United States.
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What You Will Learn
Nursing is the largest healthcare occupation in the U.S., and Central Piedmonts nursing program is the oldest of its kind in the state of North Carolina. Therefore, when you choose to enroll in our nursing program, you decide to learn at an institution that has built a reputation for producing quality healthcare practitioners for more than 50 years.
The Christa A. Overcash Associate Degree in nursing curriculum will provide you with the knowledge, skills, and strategies to:
- integrate safety and quality into nursing care
- practice in a dynamic environment
- meet an individual’s needs to positively impact their health, enhance their quality of life, and help them achieve their full potential
Our coursework includes and builds upon the domains of healthcare, nursing practice, and the holistic individual. Content emphasizes the nurse as a member of the interdisciplinary team, providing safe, individualized care while employing evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and informatics. Upon completion of the program, you will:
Graduates are also eligible to apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination , which is required for practice as a Registered Nurse. Employment opportunities are vast within the global healthcare system and may include positions within acute, chronic, extended, industrial, and community healthcare facilities.
FAQs
Can you become an RN online in NC? ›
Many schools in North Carolina offer online nursing degrees. NCLEX pass rates are high at many of these schools, including Fayetteville State University, Western Carolina University, and University of North Carolina at Wilmington.
What is #1 nursing school in NC? ›#1: Duke University
Duke also graduates 120-150 students each year from its accelerated bachelor of science in nursing program. These students have passed the NCLEX exam at a stellar 98% first-attempt rate over the past decade.
- Oral Communications. This is typically a public speaking/speech course. ...
- Written Communications. This is typically a freshmen English or English Composition course. ...
- Critical Thinking. ...
- Math. ...
- Human Anatomy, With Lab. ...
- Human Physiology, With Lab. ...
- Microbiology, With Lab. ...
- Chemistry.
Nursing Bridge Programs in North Carolina for Current Nurses
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.
In North Carolina, there are roughly 104,810 registered nurses (RN), which means that the state employs more nurses per capita than the national average. Making North Carolina an excellent place to begin and enjoy a long career in nursing.
How do I become a LPN in NC? ›In North Carolina, the applicant wishing to become an LPN must attend a board-approved nursing education program. After graduation, a copy of the official transcript needs to be sent directly to the North Carolina Board of Nursing and the graduate must register to take the NCLEX-PN.
How many Nursing programs are in North Carolina? ›85 schools with nursing programs in North Carolina are in our database (see below). 60 colleges and universities offer associate's degrees or certificates in nursing. 26 colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees in nursing.
How much do nurses make in the States? ›In the United States overall, the average registered nurse salary is $82,750 and the median (50th percentile) is $77,600. California, with RN salaries averaging $124,000, is the highest-paying state for nurses as of May 2021 (according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Is nursing the hardest major? ›There's a rumor circulating on the internet that The Guinness Book of Work Records has declared a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing to be the toughest of all bachelor's degrees to obtain. There's no truth to this claim.
Can I study nursing in 2 years? ›Once completing this 1 year course, you will work alongside a registered nurse that has completed their degree or diploma qualification. Diploma in nursing - This qualification takes 3 years to be completed and students will be equipped to work as an enrolled nurse or staffing nurse.
What kind of math do I need for nursing? ›
Nursing in the "real world" generally requires very basic math skills, but almost all programs require at least one college-level math class — usually algebra. Some nursing schools may require a basic statistics course as well, so if you know what schools you're applying to, be sure to check for this requirement.
Which nursing program is the best? ›- 1.) Duke University.
- 2.) Georgetown University.
- 3.) Johns Hopkins University.
- 4.) New York University.
- 5.) University of Pennsylvania.
- 6.) University of Michigan.
- 7.) University of California Los Angeles.
- 8.) University of Washington.
...
NCLEX-RN Pass Rates - First Time CA Educated Exam Testers.
| School | American Career College | |
|---|---|---|
| 2018/2019 | % Pass | 93.1% |
| 2019/2020 | # Taken | 68 |
| % Pass | 92.65% | |
| 2020/2021 | # Taken | 84 |
There are 77 nursing schools in North Carolina. The CCNE accredits 18 nursing schools and the ACEN accredits 30 schools in North Carolina. Typically, an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) will take between 18 to 24 months to complete, and a Bachelor Degree in Nursing (BSN) will take about 4 years to complete.
What is the fastest way to become a nurse in North Carolina? ›To become an RN in North Carolina, you must earn an ADN or a BSN, pass the NCLEX, and complete a criminal background check. You must send an official transcript to the state board of nursing, pay the $75 application fee and the $200 examination fee, and submit your fingerprints for a background check.
What type of nursing gets paid the most? ›- Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist – $202,000.
- Nursing Administrator – $120,000.
- Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse – $120,000.
- General Nurse Practitioner – $118,000.
- Critical Care Nurse – $118,000.
- Certified Nurse Midwife – $114,000.
- Informatics Nurse – $102,000.
- Clinical Nurse Specialist – $95,000.
As of Oct 13, 2022, the average annual pay for the BSN jobs category in North Carolina is $69,563 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $33.44 an hour. This is the equivalent of $1,337/week or $5,796/month.
How hard is it to get into Chapel Hill nursing? ›Admission to the School of Nursing is very competitive. The minimum cumulative grade point average for admission to the BSN is a 2.8 on a 4.0 scale.
Does North Carolina have a nursing program? ›North Carolina has roughly 15 schools that offer a general MSN degree throughout the state, as well as about 7 schools that offer an MSN-Nurse Anesthesia program.
Which nursing program is the best? ›- 1.) Duke University.
- 2.) Georgetown University.
- 3.) Johns Hopkins University.
- 4.) New York University.
- 5.) University of Pennsylvania.
- 6.) University of Michigan.
- 7.) University of California Los Angeles.
- 8.) University of Washington.
How many ADN programs are in NC? ›
There are 77 nursing schools in North Carolina. The CCNE accredits 18 nursing schools and the ACEN accredits 30 schools in North Carolina. Typically, an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) will take between 18 to 24 months to complete, and a Bachelor Degree in Nursing (BSN) will take about 4 years to complete.
How hard is it to get into Chapel Hill nursing? ›Admission to the School of Nursing is very competitive. The minimum cumulative grade point average for admission to the BSN is a 2.8 on a 4.0 scale.
Does North Carolina have a nursing program? ›North Carolina has roughly 15 schools that offer a general MSN degree throughout the state, as well as about 7 schools that offer an MSN-Nurse Anesthesia program.
What is the number 1 nursing school in the US? ›- Johns Hopkins University.
- Duke University.
- Emory University.
- University of Pennsylvania.
- University of Washington.
- Columbia University.
- Ohio State University.
- University of Michigan--Ann Arbor.
- Sweden.
- United States of America.
- Canada.
- New Zealand.
- Ireland.
- Netherlands.
- Norway.
- Russia.
Candidates who have applied for licensure/registration with a participating nursing regulatory body (NRB) will be permitted to take the NCLEX eight times a year and there must be 45 test-free days between each examination.
How much does adn make in NC? ›As of Oct 8, 2022, the average annual pay for an ADN Nurse in North Carolina is $56,898 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $27.36 an hour. This is the equivalent of $1,094/week or $4,741/month.
What does ADN stand for? ›The Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is defined as a person that has earned a 2-year degree in nursing from an accredited college or technical program. Once they have finished the degree, the person must successfully pass the NCLEX exam.
How long does it take to become a RN? ›Depending on the specific nursing program that you enroll in, it could take anywhere from 16 months to four years to become a registered nurse. “I chose to earn my BSN, which takes four years,” says ChiChi Akanegbu, who completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Regis College as a part of the Class of 2020.
Can you get into UNC with a 3.5 GPA? ›1. Achieve at least a 4.39 GPA while taking the most challenging classes available. Good grades are a must to get into UNC: the school considers class rank and GPA “important” to admissions decisions. Carolina's class of 2025 had an average high school GPA of 4.39 and 93% of the class had a GPA of 4.0.
What GPA is required for UNC-Chapel Hill? ›
Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0
A cumulative UNC-Chapel Hill grade-point average of at least a 2.000 is required.
A student who earns at least a 2.5 weighted high school grade point average OR a minimum test score on either the ACT (19) or the SAT (1010) is eligible for review by any of the 16 UNC System universities.
How many nursing schools are in NC? ›26 colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees in nursing. 15 colleges and universities offer master's or advanced degrees in nursing.
How much do nurses make in the States? ›In the United States overall, the average registered nurse salary is $82,750 and the median (50th percentile) is $77,600. California, with RN salaries averaging $124,000, is the highest-paying state for nurses as of May 2021 (according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics).
How do I become an RN in Charlotte NC? ›Pre-Licensure Nursing Programs in Charlotte
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 can receive licensure and begin working as registered nurses.