Getting A License In North Carolina
To become a registered nurse in North Carolina, you need to:
- Take and pass the NCLEX-RN
- Complete a criminal background check
- Become a certified Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner This is not required for all nursing positions but helps immensely when applying for a job in North Carolina.
While it isnt yet required, many North Carolina employers are beginning to only accept nurses that have earned a BSN. So, to maximize your chances of finding a job as a nurse in North Carolina, earning a BSN is a smart decision to make.
Whats Other Programs Are Available After I Complete My Elmsn Degree
You will have the academic foundation necessary to pursue APRN specialty certification or doctoral-level study after graduation. At La Roche University, we offer you the opportunity to return after your MSN and complete certification coursework for the following specialties: Clinical Nurse Leader, Nursing Administration, and Nursing Education.
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. Its 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.
Learn more about this years top online nursing programs in North Carolina below and get answers to common questions from prospective students just like you.
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Nurse’s In North Carolina Compared To Median Income Averages
+71% Above State Median Income
+50% Above National Median Income
Nurse’s in North carolina take home an average 29.00 per hour. Annual earnings for Nurse’sworking in the State of North carolina average $61,234 which is 71% above the state median income and 50% above the national median income for all occupations. Employment fora Nurse makes up just of the working population in North carolina and is limited due to the specific qualifications required along withthe schooling involved in this career path. The increasing demand for qualified Nurses coupled with the educational barrier to enter the field is met with asteady supply of eager college graduates anxious to make a long-lasting impact in the lives of others in and around North carolina.
The Test Of Essential Academic Skills

Students applying for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, Accelerated BSN option, are required to take the Test of Essential Academic Skills . The TEAS is a standardized test required to apply to both the Traditional and Accelerated BSN options at NCCU. The department of Nursing continuously receives many applications each year, making for a very competitive admission process. The faculty in department of Nursing approved the use of the TEAS test to help determine an applicants entry-level skills and abilities suited for success in the program. The Test of Essential Academic Skills measures basic essential skills in the academic content area of reading, mathematics, science, English and language usage. For more information regarding TEAS, students can visit atitesting.com.
The NCCU Department of Nursings policy is that students can take TEAS a maximum of two times within an application cycle. Students must allow at least 30 days between attempts.
Students should take the TEAS test at least once by November of application year.
Students are encouraged to inquire about the TEAS Test Prep Online course at Durham Technical Community College for test preparation prior to first attempt of the TEAS test.
COVID-19 Protocol
Due to COVID-19, TEAS tests are being administered remotely and online by the NCCU Testing Center, with remote proctoring services.
Note: this protocol is subject to change per the departments discretion.
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Choosing The Best Cna Programs In North Carolina
Beginning a career as an NC Nurse Aide I requires completion of a state-approved training program, which can usually be completed in just a few weeks. After completing training, students must pass their state’s certification exam to become registered with the state. For additional details on admissions requirements for Nurse Aide I training programs in North Carolina, please visit our CNA Training Programs Admissions page.
- Program Length: Nurse Aide I training program length can vary, with some taking as little as 3 to 4 weeks to complete. In North Carolina, training programs are offered in many community colleges, vocational schools as well as a number of medical facilities and nursing homes. Nurse Aide I training programs in North Carolina consist of at least 75 hours of training, including at least 16 hours of hands-on clinical training in a long-term care facility.
- Program Cost: The cost of a Nurse Aide I training program varies depending on the school chosen. Financial aid or flexible payment plans may be an option. When researching training programs, be sure to add in the cost of mandatory fees, course materials, uniform/supplies, exam costs, etc. in addition to tuition in order to get a full financial picture.
The Stephanie Bloom Nursing Scholarship
Donations for the Stephanie Bloom Nursing Scholarship Fund can be made online.
These majors are also available as a post graduate certificate for students who have already completed their MSN degree or doctorate and are interested in pursuing additional education in an alternate specialization area.
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Since I Dont Have Any Nursing In My Previous Work Experience Will I Be Able To Work As An Rn Upon Graduation
Graduates must sit for the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing licensure exam. Upon successful completion of the exam you will receive your license to practice as a registered nurse.
In addition to our 100%-degree completion rate, 100% of respondents to our MSN alumni surveys over the past three years report that they were working in a degree-related job within six months of graduation. Thats because were connected to employers throughout the region, thanks to faculty who are active, respected practitioners and a network of affiliated health care organizations weve built over the years.
As a La Roche University graduate, you will have access to the opportunities you need to build a lifelong career in nursingand the skills you need to make a difference in the lives of patients
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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Financial Aid Opportunities For Nursing Students In North Carolina
Even though nurses earn ample salaries in North Carolina, you dont want to spend years paying back student loans. In addition to finding an affordable program, its important that you line up as much financial aid as possible. Since grants and scholarships dont 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
Bsn Program Admission Requirements In North Carolina
While requirements for each BSN program may vary, the following is a sample of the types of admission requirements you’re liable to face:
- Completion of all pre-requisite courses with a grade of C or better
- Overall GPA of 2.8 or higher
- Submission of one-page essay on the nursing profession
- Clear criminal background check and drug screen
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Top 10 Nursing Schools In North Carolina
Many of the schools in North Carolina are considered among the best in the nation, and their nursing programs are no exception.
On that note, here are the top nursing schools in North Carolina ranked in no particular order.
Annual In-State Tuition: $7,950 | NCLEX Pass Rate: 97.06%
Traditional: Yes
Accelerated: No
Bridge: Yes
Appalachian State University offers one of the most unique settings for a North Carolina school. Tucked into the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Appalachian State will situate you in a rural setting surrounded by nature. Of course, nursing students will be most interested in their BSN programs. In-state students can benefit from the low tuition rate, and the option of an online, or bridge program is ideal for non-traditional students or current RNs. With its high NCLEX pass rate, this school should be on most nursing students lists.
Annual In-State Tuition: $3,509.50 per credit hour | NCLEX Pass Rate: 94.44%
Traditional: Yes
Accelerated: No
Bridge: Yes
Annual In-State Tuition: $23,716 | NCLEX Pass Rate: 87.36%
Traditional: Yes
Accelerated: No
Bridge: Yes
Annual In-State Tuition: $8,211.08 | NCLEX Pass Rate: 97.67%
Traditional: Yes
Accelerated: Yes
Bridge: Yes
Annual Tuition: $60,489 | NCLEX Pass Rate: 89.11%
Traditional: Yes
Accelerated: Yes
Bridge: No
Annual In-State Tuition: $5,694 | NCLEX Pass Rate: 79.69%
Traditional: Yes
Accelerated: Yes
Bridge: No
Annual In-State Tuition: $7,406 | NCLEX Pass Rate: 93.27%
Traditional: Yes
Accelerated: No
Accelerated Bachelor Of Science In Nursing

With teaching methods that meld the best of both time-tested and innovative approaches committed, caring faculty rich opportunities for student research and a curricular dedication to interprofessional education, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Nursing offers an undergraduate nursing program without peer.
Carolina Nursings ABSN program is a four-semester option for students who already have a bachelors degree in another subject and would like to obtain their nursing degree faster.
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North Carolina Nursing Job Outlook And Salary Information
The fact that there is a growing nursing shortage as well as a shortage of nursing faculty is evidence enough that a career in nursing is an excellent path. Nurses in North Carolina can pretty much write their own ticket for jobs, whether you are a recent graduate or a veteran nurse. Hospitals are offering incredible incentives including sign on bonuses, flexible hours and tuition reimbursement. It is a great time to start or advance you career in nursing.
Bsn Programs In North Carolina
A Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing is the next step up beyond an ADN and is great for those who have the time and resources for a longer program. This traditional 4-year degree opens the door to more advanced nursing careers and higher salaries. Many schools also offer shorter RN to BSN programs for those who already hold a nursing license but want to advance to higher nursing positions.
North Carolina boasts over 25 pre-licensure BSN programs, and more than 20 RN to BSN programs.
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Adn Program Admission Requirements In North Carolina
Each school and program will have its own variation of admission requirements, but in general, you can expect to see things like:
- Submit high school and any post-secondary transcripts
- Achieve minimum English, Math, and Reading competencies on SAT or ACT exams
- Achieve and maintain a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA
- Completion of one unit of high school biology and one unit of high school chemistry with a grade of C or higher
Bsn Programs Jacksonville Fl
In comparison to an Associate of Science in Nursing degree, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing is costly, lengthy, and difficult. If you could begin practicing as a registered nurse in just two years, why should you invest the extra time and money to pursue a BSN degree? There are many good reasons to choose the BSN route to nursing. A key reason is the current drive by healthcare agencies and employers to boost the educational preparation of the registered nursing workforce. Studies show that nurses educated at the baccalaureate level have better patient outcomes, are better prepared to lead out in holistic care, and adapt to the complexities in the health care system. Apart from the benefit to the health care system, the BSN will provide personal and professional rewards. It will give you a competitive edge over nurses with an associate degree, broaden your career options, and help you become an overall better nurse.
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How To Find The Best Nursing Training Near Jacksonville North Carolina
Searching for the right nursing college near Jacksonville NC may feel like a challenging endeavor, especially if you have no idea what to search for in a good degree program. As you may presently know, for you to practice as a registered nurse, you must acquire the appropriate education and training to become licensed. So it is vitally important that you study and determine the qualifications of each program you are considering before enrolling in your ultimate selection. Regrettably, too many future students base their determination exclusively on the price of tuition and the proximity of the school. Selecting the least costly program or the one that is local to your residence is no doubt not the most reliable way to decide on a nursing program. There are many key additional aspects to check out before you decide where to attend classes. But before we explore that checklist, let’s first look at what the function of a registered nurse is in our medical care system, together with the nursing degree choices that are available.
Msn Programs In North Carolina
To reach one of the highest and most respected areas of nursing, a Master’s of Science in Nursing degree is your ideal educational choice. An MSN is for those who want to go into more advanced nursing careers such as Clinical Nurse Specialist, Certified Nurse Midwife, or Nurse Practitioner, among others. Nurses holding this advanced degree also have the potential to earn much more money.
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.
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How To Choose A Nursing Program In North Carolina
When choosing from the many nursing schools in North Carolina, consider costs , NCLEX-RN pass rates , and the acceptance rate. Application requirements, the logistics of attending, and clinical placement in your home community should also be considered.
Nursing program accreditation ensures that your program is a legitimate investment of your time and money. This guide only lists accredited programs.
North Carolina Lpn To Rn/bsn Programs

With the nationwide shortage of nurses wreaking havoc on healthcare, North Carolina is doing its part to encourage nursing advancement by offering a host of LPN to RN bridge programs. These programs allow LPNs to receive the additional training and education necessary to become RNs and have better career prospects, the ability to enter niche nursing areas, and earn higher paychecks. North Carolina RNs earn an average of $18,820 more annually than LPNs in the state do.
Looking for more information on the LPN to RN educational pathway? Learn more about taking and passing the NCLEX-RN examination and check out the North Carolina Board of Nursing for information on licensing and available organizations and associations for registered nurses in the state.
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What It Means To Be A Carolina Nurse
From day one, the Carolina nurse is carefully trained to lead applying the knowledge, skill and understanding gained at UNC to effectively advocate for the care, safety and well-being of the patient.
They are team-oriented, patient-centered professionals who are highly sought-after in whatever field of nursing they choose to pursue.
Retaking A Math Or Science Course
Pre-Nursing students who are struggling with a Math or Science course should talk with their advisor before deciding whether to withdraw from it as well as if they have intentions to repeat a Math or Science course.
A retake course is a course that was passed with a C or better on the first attempt, but the student chooses to take it again to improve the grade. This is usually in an attempt to achieve a more competitive Math/Science GPA for the nursing admissions process.
Students are only allowed to retake 1 Math/Science prerequisite course to be calculated in the nursing GPA at an accredited institution.
This criteria also applies to any student wishing to transfer required Math/Science courses from a university/institution other than NCCU. Therefore, a course taken at another university that transfers in as equivalent will be counted as an attempt.
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Jacksonville Nc Lpn Schools And Training Programs
Contact multiple schools to find out more about their LPN training programs
Find LVN Certification Classes in Jacksonville, NC
Its fairly simple to become a Licensed Practical Nurse in Jacksonville, NC by completing a state approved education program and then passing the NCLEX-PN exam. The coursework can be completed in approximately one year if attending school full-time. Many students nowadays prefer online learning over a traditional classroom setting. Some schools offer online LPN programs for Jacksonville students, although the clinical skills portion of the curriculum must be completed at a local training site. LVN schools usually partner with local hospitals and health clinics to deliver the hands-on training required for practical nursing.
What are the Prerequisites to Become an LPN?
LPN training has prerequisites: you must be at least 18 years of age, have a high school diploma or GED, and complete a basic academic skills test before enrollment. Most LPN courses take approximately one year to complete if attending full-time.
What Does LPN Training Include?
Best Rn Programs In North Carolina
Selecting the best nursing school in North Carolina can be difficult. To make the process easier first look for a school that supports students towards licensure and beyond. A great way to measure this is through NCLEX-RN “pass rates.” We have ranked the top 20 nursing schools in North Carolina by analyzing current and historical NCLEX-RN “pass rates”, meaning the percentage of graduates who pass the exam, out of the 82 RN programs in the state. Programs reviewed include schools that offer an Associate in Nursing , BSN, or Direct-Entry MSN Degree.
For more information on our top nursing school rankings, see our Methodology Page .
- Phone: 403-1555
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