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 (ADN) will take between 18 to 24 months to complete, and a Bachelor Degree in Nursing (BSN) 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 (RN) 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.
Recommended Nursing Schools for North Carolina
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
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 bachelor’s 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.
BSN degree holders have options to earn an Advance Practice Register Nursing (APRN) degree and become a Nurse Practitioner (NP), or earn an advanced degree for a career in any number of nursing leadership roles such Nurse Educator or Clinical Nurse Specialist.
North Carolina RN Program Comparisons: ADN vs BSN
Compare RN Programs | ADN | BSN |
---|---|---|
Number of Nursing Programs | 58 | 20 |
Average NCLEX Passing Rate | 86.84% | 87.39% |
NCLEX Passing Rate Range | 22.50% to 98.75% | 52.00% to 98.67% |
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 institution’s 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.
Best Nursing Schools (BSN) in North Carolina
- Western Carolina University
- East Carolina University
- Appalachian State University
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Duke University
- Gardner-Webb University
- University of North Carolina Wilmington
- University of North Carolina at Charlotte
- Barton College
- Pfeiffer University
- Lenoir-Rhyne University
- University of North Carolina at Pembroke
Western Carolina University
Pass Rate
- Highway 107, Cullowhee, NC - 28723-9646
- (828) 227-7100
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 99.33%
- Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, APRN Certificate, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate
View More
University Information
Total Faculty: 544
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $4,367
Book and Supplies: $621
Percent Received Aid: 85%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $5,641
Percent Admitted: 48%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 25%
Graduation Rate: 64%
East Carolina University
Pass Rate
- East 5th Street, Greenville, NC - 27858-4353
- (252) 328-6131
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 97.00%
- Programs: Adult Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
- Award Levels: APRN Certificate, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, BSN to PhD, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate
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University Information
Total Faculty: 1656
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $7,297
Book and Supplies: $1,546
Percent Received Aid: 81%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $7,722
Percent Admitted: 88%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 23%
Graduation Rate: 65%
Appalachian State University
Pass Rate
- 287 Rivers St, Boone, NC - 28608
- (828) 262-2000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 95.33%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor, MSN
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University Information
Total Faculty: 1039
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $7,410
Book and Supplies: $800
Percent Received Aid: 68%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $8,130
Percent Admitted: 80%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 27%
Graduation Rate: 73%
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Pass Rate
- 103 South Bldg Cb 9100, Chapel Hill, NC - 27599
- (919) 962-2211
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 95.33%
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, CNL, Family Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Administration, Nursing Leadership, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, APRN Certificate, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, BSN to PhD, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate, RN to MSN
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University Information
Total Faculty: 4545
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $9,028
Book and Supplies: $1,002
Percent Received Aid: 64%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $15,936
Percent Admitted: 25%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 43%
Graduation Rate: N/A
Duke University
Pass Rate
- 103 Allen Bldg, Durham, NC - 27708
- (919) 684-8111
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 95.33%
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, BSN to PhD, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate
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University Information
Total Faculty: 5495
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,434
Book and Supplies: N/A
Percent Received Aid: 63%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $48,351
Percent Admitted: 8%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 51%
Graduation Rate: 96%
Gardner-Webb University
Pass Rate
- Main St, Boiling Springs, NC - 28017-0997
- (704) 406-2361
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 94.00%
- Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Leadership, Nurse Educator, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, Associate, Bachelor, MSN, Post Master's NP Certificate
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University Information
Total Faculty: 149
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,850
Book and Supplies: N/A
Percent Received Aid: 100%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $20,269
Percent Admitted: 78%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 11%
Graduation Rate: 56%
University of North Carolina Wilmington
Pass Rate
- 601 South College Road, Wilmington, NC - 28403-5963
- (910) 962-3000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 93.67%
- Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor, MSN, Post Master's NP Certificate
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University Information
Total Faculty: 730
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $7,238
Book and Supplies: $1,130
Percent Received Aid: 72%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $6,744
Percent Admitted: 68%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 22%
Graduation Rate: 74%
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Pass Rate
- 9201 University City Blvd, Charlotte, NC - 28223-0001
- (704) 687-2000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 93.33%
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: APRN Certificate, Bachelor, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate, RN to MSN
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University Information
Total Faculty: 1136
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $7,188
Book and Supplies: $1,000
Percent Received Aid: 74%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $7,347
Percent Admitted: 80%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 25%
Graduation Rate: 65%
Barton College
Pass Rate
- 200 E. ACC Drive, Wilson, NC - 27893-7000
- (252) 399-6300
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 93.00%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor, MSN
University Information
Total Faculty: 65
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $500
Book and Supplies: N/A
Percent Received Aid: 100%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $21,762
Percent Admitted: 42%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 17%
Graduation Rate: 52%
Pfeiffer University
Pass Rate
- 48380 US Hwy 52N, Misenheimer, NC - 28109-0960
- (704) 463-1360
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 92.67%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor
University Information
Total Faculty: 88
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,500
Book and Supplies: N/A
Percent Received Aid: 100%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $24,617
Percent Admitted: 76%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 13%
Graduation Rate: 43%
Lenoir-Rhyne University
Pass Rate
- 625 7th Avenue NE, Hickory, NC - 28601
- (828) 328-1741
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 91.67%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor, MSN
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University Information
Total Faculty: 140
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,360
Book and Supplies: N/A
Percent Received Aid: 100%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $29,998
Percent Admitted: 77%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 10%
Graduation Rate: 45%
University of North Carolina at Pembroke
Pass Rate
- One University Drive, Pembroke, NC - 28372-1510
- (910) 521-6000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 91.33%
- Programs: CNL, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor, MSN
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University Information
Total Faculty: 315
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $3,495
Book and Supplies: $1,000
Percent Received Aid: 92%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $5,831
Percent Admitted: 91%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 20%
Graduation Rate: 42%
Best Nursing Schools (ADN) in North Carolina
- Alamance Community College
- Central Piedmont Community College
- Cape Fear Community College
- Carolinas College of Health Sciences
- Beaufort County Community College
- Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute
- Wake Technical Community College
- College of the Albemarle
- Randolph Community College
- Wayne Community College
- Stanly Community College
Alamance Community College
Pass Rate
- 1247 Jimmie Kerr Road, Graham, NC - 27253-8000
- (336) 578-2002
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 98.30%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
University Information
Total Faculty: 113
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $2,492
Book and Supplies: $4,456
Percent Received Aid: 69%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,015
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 27%
Central Piedmont Community College
Pass Rate
- 1201 Elizabeth Avenue, Charlotte, NC - 28204
- (704) 330-2722
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 98.00%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
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University Information
Total Faculty: 376
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $2,792
Book and Supplies: $1,870
Percent Received Aid: 70%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $3,679
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 21%
Cape Fear Community College
Pass Rate
- 411 North Front Street, Wilmington, NC - 28401-3910
- (910) 362-7000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 97.30%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
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University Information
Total Faculty: 267
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $2,748
Book and Supplies: $1,600
Percent Received Aid: 53%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $2,514
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 26%
Carolinas College of Health Sciences
Pass Rate
- 2110 Water Ridge Parkway, Charlotte, NC - 28217
- (704) 355-5043
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 97.30%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
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University Information
Total Faculty: 27
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,635
Book and Supplies: N/A
Percent Received Aid: N/A
Average Grant or Scholarship: $264,235
Percent Admitted: 32%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 83%
Graduation Rate: N/A
Beaufort County Community College
Pass Rate
- 5337 US Highway 264 East, Washington, NC - 27889
- (252) 946-6194
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 97.00%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
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University Information
Total Faculty: 49
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $2,518
Book and Supplies: $1,930
Percent Received Aid: 78%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $6,612
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 43%
Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute
Pass Rate
- 2855 Hickory Boulevard, Hudson, NC - 28638
- (828) 726-2200
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 96.70%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
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University Information
Total Faculty: 94
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $2,537
Book and Supplies: $1,900
Percent Received Aid: 82%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $6,219
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 36%
Wake Technical Community College
Pass Rate
- 9101 Fayetteville Road, Raleigh, NC - 27603-5696
- (919) 866-5000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 96.70%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
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University Information
Total Faculty: 600
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $2,768
Book and Supplies: $1,800
Percent Received Aid: 62%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $5,320
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 28%
College of the Albemarle
Pass Rate
- 1208 N Road St, Elizabeth City, NC - 27906-2327
- (252) 335-0821
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 96.30%
- Programs: Practical Nursing, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
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University Information
Total Faculty: 79
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $2,228
Book and Supplies: $1,121
Percent Received Aid: 64%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $6,028
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 40%
Randolph Community College
Pass Rate
- 629 Industrial Park Ave, Asheboro, NC - 27205
- (336) 633-0200
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 96.30%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
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University Information
Total Faculty: 84
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $2,416
Book and Supplies: $8,146
Percent Received Aid: 74%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $7,352
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 36%
Wayne Community College
Pass Rate
- 3000 Wayne Memorial Dr, Goldsboro, NC - 27534-8002
- (919) 735-5151
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 96.30%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
University Information
Total Faculty: 122
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $2,524
Book and Supplies: $1,600
Percent Received Aid: 73%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $5,558
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 48%
Stanly Community College
Pass Rate
- 141 College Drive, Albemarle, NC - 28001
- (704) 982-0121
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 96.00%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
University Information
Total Faculty: 78
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $2,794
Book and Supplies: $1,364
Percent Received Aid: 66%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $5,619
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 39%
Additional Listings of North Carolina Nursing Programs
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Become an Advance Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in North Carolina
RNs who wish to become advanced practice registered nurses will want to pursue any number of avenues to earn Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. Earning a Master of Science in Nursing consists of graduate-level coursework and clinical practice for those nurses who wish to direct patient roles such as a nurse practitioner. You can also pursue indirect patient roles such as teaching or leadership roles, or become involved in policy, state-wide health initiatives or community engagement. There are many clinical and non-clinical avenues that an RN with MSN can pursue.
Become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) in North Carolina
Learn how to become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) and research schools in North Carolina offering the following high paying nurse practitioner specialties:
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
- Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
Learn about Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Degree.
Online NP Programs Liked by North Carolina Nurses
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
North Carolina RN Licensing Requirements
North Carolina State Board of Nursing
4516 Lake Boone Trail
Raleigh, NC 27607
(919) 782-3211
Fees:
Initial licensing fee, RN: $75
License renewal (every two years), RN: $92
Continuing Education Requirements:
All nurses: 30 contact hours every renewal period
Before licensure can be obtained, a registered nurse must complete an approved nursing program in North Carolina or a professional nursing program that has been approved by the board in one of the other states. Coursework completed online will be accepted as long as the program is accredited.
RN Licensure by Exams
Candidates who are applying for licensure by examination will need to pass a background check and NCLEX exam. In-state candidates will be required to have prints done through Live Scan. The application for licensure will cost $75. After this step, the candidate will apply for the licensing exam through Pearson VUE and pay the $200 testing fee. When authorization to test has been received, the candidate can schedule the computer-adapted exam. Candidates will be fully licensed when the credential has been verified online.
RN Licensure by Endorsement
Nurses who obtained licensure in one of the other 50 states can obtain licensure in North Carolina by endorsement. The fee for license by endorsement is $150. Candidates will be allowed to work under a temporary license while paperwork is being processed. A notarized copy of the license and official verification will also be required.
RN License for Nurses Educated Abroad
Candidates who completed their education in a foreign country are required to have their education evaluated by either the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools or Josef Silny & Associates. International candidates will be required to take an English proficiency exam unless they completed their education in one of the following nations/ territories: Australia, Canada (with the exception of Quebec), Guam, Ireland, the Mariana Islands, New Zealand, Samoa, The United Kingdom, or the Virgin Islands. The accepted exams are the IELTS and the TOEFL. This requirement must be met before the candidate can be authorized to take the NCLEX. They must also submit a criminal background check and submit a social security number before licensure can be issued.
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.
North Carolina Registered Nursing Salaries
The Charlotte metropolitan area has the largest amount of registered nurses across the state. Registered nurses in the Durham metropolitan area make a higher hourly mean wage and annual median wage than nurses in any other party of North Carolina.