Job Prospects For North Carolina Nurses
There is a strong demand for nurses in North Carolina, especially those who have graduate degrees. If you become a nurse practitioner, nurse educator or nurse anesthetist, you should have an easy time finding a job when you get out of school. Here is an overview of the average salaries for nursing jobs in North Carolina, courtesy of the BLS:
- Nursing Assistant: $23,030 per year
- Licensed Practical Nurse: $41,500 per year
- Registered Nurse: $60,460 per year
- Nurse Practitioner: $104,310 per year
Learn more about nursing schools in North Carolina and find the one that is perfect for you.
Doctor Of Nursing Practice Dnp
Be the change in patients lives at the highest level of nursing practice.
You are ready to advance your nursing career. Our Doctor of Nursing Practice program will assist you in building upon your degree and in developing advanced competencies to serve others as a doctorally prepared nurse.
We know your life is busy and advancing your education requires flexibility. Most of our curriculum is conducted online in a highly interactive environment.
Health Sciences Programs At Lenoir
ROBERT C. REED/RECORD:Diane Caruso , director of FNP and DNP at Lenoir-Rhyne University doctorate program in nursing practice shows nursing graduate student Sarah Jonas proper examination procedure of patient Rachel Nance-Hill.
ROBERT C. REED/RECORD: Nursing graduate student Sarah Jonas discusses why she chose the doctorate program in nursing practice at Lenoir-Rhyne University.
HICKORY Health care is the fastest growing industry in the country and is expected to expand by 19 percent in the next seven years and add nearly 2.3 million new jobs by 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook.
In response to this need, Lenoir-Rhyne University recently announced the launch of the Family Nurse Practitioner and Doctorate of Nursing Practice in the fall of 2018. The DNP will be the schools first doctorate program.
Sarah Jonas earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Lenoir-Rhyne University six years ago and had a job waiting for her at Frye Regional Medical Center after graduation. Now shes ready to enter the FNP and DNP program.
I worked so hard for my first degree it took me awhile to want to have that desire to go back, Jonas said. Ive always known I needed to do more than just my four-year degree. I do love to learn and like to provide the highest quality care, and this will help me do that.
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Top 10 Up And Coming Nursing Schools In The South
Many nursing schools in the South are expanding their facilities and program offerings to accommodate the increasing demand for highly trained nurses in the region and across the nation. Some of these schools have yet to receive recognition from national publications, yet deserve consideration from aspiring nurses looking for a more affordable or accessible nursing school option.
In an attempt to discover these up-and-comers, we researched dozens of Southern schools with nursing departments and evaluated them in terms of their commitment to ongoing growth.
Rating And Ranking Methodology
- Innovative Instructional Methods 1 point
- Use of Cutting-Edge Technological Resources 1 point
- Recent Facility Additions/Renovations 1 point
- Related Student Organizations and Societies 1 point
- Flexible Track Options 1 point
- Community Connections 1 point
- Wow Factor 1 point awarded for each unique feature or program that wowed us
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Online Learning Format And Requirements
The program may be completed only online or have an in-person requirement. The learning platform and technology requirements also vary between programs.
Know how you learn best before enrolling in an online RN-to-DNP program. For example, do you do better with a video lecture-style format or independent reading? Do you anticipate needing technological help and is it available?
Learning Outside The Classroom
Qualified nursing students may become members of Mu Alpha, Lenoir-Rhynes local chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International, Honor Society of Nursing.
Sigma Theta Tau International provides leadership and scholarship in practice, education and research to enhance the health of all people. The honor society supports the learning and professional development of its members, who strive to improve nursing care worldwide.
You also have the opportunity to participate in regular student community service initiatives such as fundraising activities for campus-wide events, Foothills Homeless Veteran Stand Down and community health promotion projects.
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Up And Coming Nursing Schools In The South
The following schools have been determined to be the top ten up and coming nursing schools in the South. After rating them according to the methodology above, we list them here in descending order according to points awarded. In cases where two or more schools received the same number of points, we compared the tying schools by net price and assigned the higher ranking to the more affordable school.
What Can You Do With A Degree From An Rn
A DNP degree prepares the graduate for a leadership role in administrative and clinical practice. Graduates are prepared to improve patient outcomes and translate research into practice. APRNs fill roles in education, patient care, research, and leadership.
According to AACN, there are currently 407 DNP programs enrolling students, including online RN-to-DNP programs. The number of students enrolled rose by over 1,000 from 2020 to 2021.
While students may earn a BSN, then MSN, before enrolling in a DNP program, an online RN-to-DNP program can take less and be more cost-effective.
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Melanie Hensley Family Nurse Practitioner
Melanie Hensley, NP is a previous graduate of Lenoir-Rhyne School of Nursing and has worked as RN for 25+ years. She is a graduate of Western Carolina University Nurse Practitioner program. Melanie was awarded “Burke County Favorite Nurse Practitioner” for 2019. Melanie Hensley is a compassionate and caring provider, dedicated to the patients, and helping to explain any medical concerns.
In nothing do men more nearly approach the gods than in giving health to men. – Cicero
Solid Rock Family Medicine
Solid Rock Family Medicineâs mission is integrating all aspects of your health care in one place, providing care that is safer, more effective and enhancing the quality of care you receive by placing the focus where it belongs â on you!
Popularity Of Nursing At Lenoir
During the 2020-2021 academic year, Lenoir – Rhyne University handed out 64 bachelor’s degrees in nursing. Due to this, the school was ranked #854 in popularity out of all colleges and universities that offer this degree. This is an increase of 36% over the previous year when 47 degrees were handed out.
In 2021, 1 students received their masterâs degree in nursing from Lenoir – Rhyne University. This makes it the #586 most popular school for nursing masterâs degree candidates in the country.
In addition, 25 students received their doctoral degrees in nursing in 2021, making the school the #123 most popular school in the United States for this category of students.
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Is It Worth Getting A Dnp
Most nurses find getting a DNP a very valuable investment that is well worth the time and money. DNP-holders have higher salaries, more professional autonomy, and excellent job prospects.
Page Last Reviewed: November 2, 2022
Note: The ranking list and school descriptions on this page were created and reviewed independently by our Rankings Team.
State Authorization & Professional Licensure
Lenoir-Rhyne University is approved to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements a voluntary, regional approach to state oversight of postsecondary distance education. Although institutions that are members of SARA are authorized to provide education to students from all SARA member states, some states have an authorization process. This is an evolving area, therefore students who hold a license as a registered nurse outside the State of North Carolina are encouraged to contact the National Council on State Boards of Nursing and the professional certification board.
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How To Become A Nurse In North Carolina
In order to become a nurse in North Carolina, you will need to get some kind of degree. The specific degree you need to get will depend on the type of nurse you want to be. Some nurses require more education than others, so think carefully about your career goals. Find a program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission to get the best education possible.
Here are some different types of nursing degrees you may go through in North Carolina:
- Diploma of Nursing : 1 year
- Associates Degree in Nursing : 2 years
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing : 4 years
- Master of Science in Nursing : 6 years
- Doctor of Nursing Practice : 8+ years
After completing your degree program, you can apply for a nursing license through the North Carolina Board of Nursing. You may also need to get one or two certifications for some of the skills you need for your job. The more credentials you have, the better off you will be.
Student Debt Of Nursing Graduates With A Bachelor’s Degree
While getting their bachelor’s degree at Lenoir – Rhyne University, nursing students borrow a median amount of $23,250 in student loans. This is not too bad considering that the median debt load of all nursing bachelor’s degree recipients across the country is $27,000.
The typical student loan payment of a bachelor’s degree student from the nursing program at Lenoir – Rhyne University is $356 per month.
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University Of North Alabama
Florence, Alabama
Enrollment: 6,102Net Price: $15,338
The Wilson School of Nursing at Midwestern State University offers three levels of nursing education: a pre-licensure program, a RN to BSN program, and a Masters of Science in Nursing program. The school houses the J.S. Bridwell Regional Simulation Center, a 13,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility with a full-time staff of expert nurse educators, each of whom have more than 20 years of clinical experience. Here, students practice clinical skills using the facilities adult, birthing, and infant mannequins. The on-campus Student Nursing Association also provides opportunities for professional growth through community outreach projects.
Tuition For North Carolina Nursing Schools
Some nursing schools in North Carolina charge more money than others based on the way they go about getting their funding. The College Board estimates tuition rates in North Carolina for different types of schools. You can use this information and the time frames from the section above, you can get a rough idea as to how much financial aid you will need to cover your education. Average tuition rates include:
- Public Two Year College: $2,242 per year
- Public Four Year University: $6,514 per year
- Private Four Year University: $29,223 per year
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How Long Does It Take To Complete An Rn
RN-to-DNP programs can take full-time students 3-6 years to complete. However, this ultimately depends on the student’s educational and professional history, and their chosen specialization. Online learners who hold a master’s degree or bachelor’s degree can graduate more quickly than those with an associate degree.
People Are Also Reading
The DNP is designed for professionals already working in the health care field, LRU Master of Science in Nursing Director Kathryn Tinkelenberg said.
There is a tremendous demand for higher-educated health professionals because health care is getting more and more sophisticated, Tinkelenberg said.
The increase in sophistication is across the board in the field, including technology and legal issues.
Do I need a DNP degree to be a bedside nurse? No, but what it will give me is a much broader perspective of everything thats going on in the world, Tinkelenberg said.
Jonas heard about the new program at LRU from the School of Nursing Chair Kerry Thompson, and it sparked her interest.
Its exciting because its local, because I do have two small children, Jonas said.
Being able to further her education at her alma mater was another plus. She was prepared to find another school, but to be a part of LRUs first doctorate program was an experience she didnt want to miss.
This will drastically expand my knowledge base and allow me to care for patients even better, Jonas said. We always want to help those who cant help themselves. Its why we do this.
She expects to add to her assessment skills and her knowledge of how to treat the human body.
Ahead of the curve
These new programs are part of a trend in growth to LRUs College of Health Sciences in recent years.
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Rankings: The 50 Best Nursing Schools In North Carolina
For our 2022 rankings, the research team at Nursing Schools Almanac collected data on nearly 3,000 nursing schools and campuses throughout the United States. We evaluated each school on three dimensions:
- The institutions academic prestige and perceived value
- The breadth and depth of nursing programs offered
- Student success, particularly on the NCLEX licensure examination
We then combined these assessments into an overall score and ranked the schools accordingly. For a detailed description of our assessment methodology and dimension weights, please see here.
#1:Duke University
The National League for Nursing has designated the Duke University School of Nursing a Center of Excellence on six separate occasions. The school consistently ranks among the best in the nation in U.S. News & World Reports top MSN and DNP programs. Indeed, DUSON was the first school in North Carolina to offer the doctor of nursing practice degree. 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.
Applying To An Online Rn
Applications to an online RN-to-DNP program have standard requirements but the measurements may vary across programs. For instance, they all require a minimum GPA, but that minimum can vary.
To increase your chances for admission, begin your preparation for the admissions process early. Consider speaking with an admission counselor from the program to ensure you include not only the required documentation, but also that you meet optional conditions.
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Regionally Increasing Baccalaureate Nurses Program
Students admitted into the Regionally Increasing Baccalaureate Nurses program are dually admitted and enrolled to both Lenoir-Rhyne University and one of the following community colleges: Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute, Catawba Valley Community College, Gaston College, Mitchell Community College, Western Piedmont Community College, and Wilkes Community College. Students in the RIBN program take a pre-approved list of courses at LRU and their prospective community colleges to earn both an Associate Degree Nursing from their community college and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at LRU.
Applicants applying to the RIBN program directly from high school, or those with less than 26 transferable college credits that count towards the BSN degree will be considered for admission to the RIBN program upon meeting the requirements specified below. It is the students responsibility to submit the following information:
Best Nursing Schools In North Carolina
North Carolina is a beautiful and diverse state with a landscape ranging from Atlantic Ocean beaches to the Appalachian Mountains. Charlotte, the states largest city, is home to the NFLs Carolina Panthers and museums such as the NASCAR Hall of Fame. A fabulous state to live in with some of the countrys leading universities and career opportunities.
Nursing is a great career that does not take long to get into. You could work in a big city like Charlotte, Raleigh, or Greensboro, or you could work in a small town in North Carolina. No matter what you decide to do, there will be doctors offices, clinics, hospitals, and more that need nurses to function. With the right education, you can take advantage of the many job opportunities in NC well into the future. Check out the information below to see how nursing schools in North Carolina could help you out.
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Why Is Online Rn
Accreditation ensures the program meets national standards and provides the student with a quality education. While the DNP is the terminal nursing degree, you must have graduated from an accredited program to practice as an APRN.
The programs listed in our rankings are all accredited and meet the peer review standards. Find more information about how accreditation impacts your program decision as you consider some of the reasons to choose an accredited online RN-to-DNP program:
- Ensures the education meets national standards
- Validates the students’ educational preparation
- Necessary to practice as an APRN
- May be required to receive federal aid
- Most employers only hire graduates from an accredited program
- Better employment and advancement opportunities
Frequently Asked Questions About Lenoir
What Type of School is Lenoir-Rhyne University? 4-year, Private not-for-profitWhat Awards are Offered: Bachelors degree Postbaccalaureate certificate Masters degreeWhat is the Campus Setting? City: SmallIs There Campus Housing? YesWhat is the Student Population? 2557How Many Undergraduate Students Are There? 1699What is the Lenoir-Rhyne University Graduation Rate? 43%What is the Transfer Out Rate: NACohort Year: Fall 2011What is the net cost to attend Lenoir-Rhyne University? $19,380Largest Program:
* Cohort Year represents the year for which students began their studies and applies to Graduation and Transfer Out Rates at Lenoir-Rhyne University.** Net Price is Average Net Price for 2016-2017 generated for full-time beginning Lenoir-Rhyne University undergraduate students who were awarded grant or scholarship aid from federal, state or local governments, or the institution. For public institutions only students paying the in-state or in-district rate are included. For institutions that charge students by program, net price is generated for the institutions largest program.NA Graduation rate, transfer-out rate, and the net price are not applicable to institutions that do not have full-time, first-time degree-seeking undergraduate students in the applicable cohort year or the financial aid year.
TAGS: Lenoir-Rhyne University
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