2022 - Best Nursing Schools in North Carolina

Overview of Nursing Schools in North Carolina

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

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

School of Nursing

99.33% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  Highway 107, Cullowhee, NC - 28723-9646
• 
  (828) 227-7100

Nurse Admin: Terrica Durbin, DNP, PhD, CRNA, APRN

Title: Director

• 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

Located in Cullowhee, Western Carolina University (WCU) is a four-year public university which aims to incorporate research, service, engagement, and teaching in its learning opportunities. The school offers nationally ranked, accredited, affordable undergraduate and graduate programs at WCU’s main campus in Cullowhee, NC, at Asheville instructional site, and online. Students have

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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

College of Nursing

97.00% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  East 5th Street, Greenville, NC - 27858-4353
• 
  (252) 328-6131

Nurse Admin: Sylvia T. Brown, EdD, RN, CNE

Title: Dean And Professor

• 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

East Carolina University (ECU) has been in existence since 1908, when it broke ground as a teachers training institution. ECU is a SACSCOC-accredited university in Greenville. Its College of Nursing prepares students for informed treatment option articulation and direct expert care provision. In partnership with several colleges, an RIBN program

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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

Department of Nursing

95.33% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  287 Rivers St, Boone, NC - 28608
• 
  (828) 262-2000

Nurse Admin: Kathleen M. Rayman, PhD, RN

Title: Department Chairperson

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 95.33%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Bachelor, MSN

Located in Boone, Appalachian State University is a premier public educational institution in the state. This undergraduate university values inclusion and holistic growth. It was founded in 1899, and currently holds an accreditation from the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Its Department of Nursing

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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

School of Nursing

95.33% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  103 South Bldg Cb 9100, Chapel Hill, NC - 27599
• 
  (919) 962-2211

Nurse Admin: Margaret C. Wilmoth, Interim Dean

Title: Phd, Mss, Rn, Faan

• 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

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The school is the nation’s first public university. Its School of Nursing which was established in 1950, offers a variety of programs to cater to students of various nursing career stages. It houses the Education Innovation

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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

School of Nursing

95.33% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  103 Allen Bldg, Durham, NC - 27708
• 
  (919) 684-8111

Nurse Admin: Vincent Guilamo Ramos, PhD, MPH, LCSW, RN, ANP-BC, PMHNP-BC, AAHIVS, FAAN

Title: Dean

• 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

Duke University is located in Durham, North Carolina. The Duke University School of Nursing (DUSON) is unique in that their only BSN program is an accelerated BSN (ABSN) - it is designed for adult learners with a prior bachelors degree.  DUSON's primary focus is on educating nurses to advanced degrees;

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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

Hunt School of Nursing

94.00% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  Main St, Boiling Springs, NC - 28017-0997
• 
  (704) 406-2361

Nurse Admin: Tracy Arnold, DNP, RN

Title: Dean, Hunt School Of Nursing

• 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

Gardner-Webb University is located in Boiling Springs, North Carolina. The Hunt School of Nursing has had an ASN program since 1965 and has expanded to include a traditional BSN program, an accelerated BSN program, an RN to BSN program, an MSN program, with concentrations in education and administration, and a

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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

School of Nursing

93.67% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  601 South College Road, Wilmington, NC - 28403-5963
• 
  (910) 962-3000

Nurse Admin: Linda Haddad, PhD, RN, FAAN

Title: Director

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 93.67%
• Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Bachelor, MSN, Post Master's NP Certificate

Named after its location, University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) is a SACSCOC-accredited four-year public educational institution. They offer a prelicensure BSN program and an RN to BSN program.  The RN to BSN program is offered online.  The RN to BSN program has six start-times throughout the year, making it

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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

School of Nursing

93.33% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  9201 University City Blvd, Charlotte, NC - 28223-0001
• 
  (704) 687-2000

Nurse Admin: Dena A. Evans, EdD, MPH, RN, CNE, CNL

Title: Director

• 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

University of North Carolina (UNC) at Charlotte is a four-year public urban research university. Its School of Nursing under the College of Health and Human Services produces graduates who are equipped to practice in various health care settings. Bachelor of Science in Nursing- Upper Division Nursing Major - Designed to

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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

School of Nursing

93.00% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  200 E. ACC Drive, Wilson, NC - 27893-7000
• 
  (252) 399-6300

Nurse Admin: Sharon Isenhour Shephard, PhD, RN

Title: Professor And Dean

• 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

Nursing Department

92.67% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  48380 US Hwy 52N, Misenheimer, NC - 28109-0960
• 
  (704) 463-1360

Nurse Admin: Martha H. Bramlett, PhD, RN

Title: Chair

• 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

School of Nursing

91.67% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  625 7th Avenue NE, Hickory, NC - 28601
• 
  (828) 328-1741

Nurse Admin: Kerry C. Thompson, PhD, RN

Title: Chair

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 91.67%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Bachelor, MSN

With its main campus located in Hickory, Lenoir-Rhyne University is a co-educational, liberal arts university. This private educational institution has a student to faculty ratio of 13:1. Its School of Nursing, which started in 1910, is the state’s oldest nursing program. Its nursing programs are grounded on the liberal arts

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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

School of Nursing

91.33% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  One University Drive, Pembroke, NC - 28372-1510
• 
  (910) 521-6000

Nurse Admin: Cherry M. Beasley, PhD, MS, RN

Title: Interim Chair

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 91.33%
• Programs: CNL, Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Bachelor, MSN

University of North Carolina at Pembroke is located in Pembroke, North Carolina.  UNC Pembroke was founded in 1887 as the Croatan Normal School and educated American Indian teachers. Presently, UNCP caters to a diverse student body. The university’s curriculum is founded in the liberal arts. UNCP’s McKenzie-Elliott School of Nursing

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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

98.30% 3-Year
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

98.00% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  1201 Elizabeth Avenue, Charlotte, NC - 28204
• 
  (704) 330-2722

Nurse Admin: Christina Burns,

Title: Program Chair

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 98.00%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Associate

Founded in 1963, Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) is a two-year public college in Charlotte. The college now has multiple campuses and even received an accreditation from SACSCOC to award diplomas, associate degrees, and certificates. The college’s nursing program holds the record of being the oldest nursing program in the

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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

97.30% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  411 North Front Street, Wilmington, NC - 28401-3910
• 
  (910) 362-7000

Nurse Admin: Brenda Hollan,

Title: ADN Program Director

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 97.30%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Associate

Located in Wilmington, Cape Fear Community College (CFCC) is a comprehensive community college offering technical/vocational curricula, college transfer/university parallel studies, and continuing education programs. It is one the 58 members of the North Carolina Community College System. CFCC received an accreditation from SACSCOC to award associate degrees. Its Health and

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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

Bachelor Degree Nursing

97.30% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  2110 Water Ridge Parkway, Charlotte, NC - 28217
• 
  (704) 355-5043

Nurse Admin: Tracy Hayes, MSN, RN

Title: Chair

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 97.30%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Associate

Carolinas College of Health Science is a SACSCOC-accredited public college located in Charlotte. It is owned by Atrium Health, and most of its graduates find employment in the said institution. This non-profit educational institution provides one-on-one faculty attention with modern education for the evolving healthcare environment. It also fosters diversity

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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

97.00% 3-Year
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

Beaufort County Community College is located in Washington, North Carolina.  They offer an associate's degree program.  They also offer an advanced placement option for LPNs.  Students who enter the program under the advanced placement option must have been employed as an LPN within the past 12 months.  They also offer

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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

96.70% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  2855 Hickory Boulevard, Hudson, NC - 28638
• 
  (828) 726-2200

Nurse Admin: April Cline,

Title: Director of Nursing Program

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 96.70%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Associate

With Campuses in Hudson and Boone, Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute (CCCTI) is a higher education institution accredited by SACSCOC. Its ADN program in the Watauga Campus is ACEN-accredited with initial accreditation as the most recent decision. Its nursing curriculum equips students with safe, quality evidence-based, and individualized nursing

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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

96.70% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  9101 Fayetteville Road, Raleigh, NC - 27603-5696
• 
  (919) 866-5000

Nurse Admin: Lauree King,

Title: Professor Nursing, Associate Degree Nursing

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 96.70%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Associate

Wake Technical Community College in Raleigh is the state’s largest community college. This two-year public college has six campuses and multiple community sites, among others. It is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award diplomas, certificates, and associate degrees. Its Martha

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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

96.30% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  1208 N Road St, Elizabeth City, NC - 27906-2327
• 
  (252) 335-0821

Nurse Admin: Christopher Robertson,

Title: Instructor, Simulation; Director, Health Sciences and Wellness Programs Admissions/Advisement

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 96.30%
• Programs: Practical Nursing, Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Associate

College of the Albemarle (COA), located in Elizabeth City, is the state’s first community college. With more than 60 years of academic service, this college now has four campuses across seven counties. COA received an accreditation from SACSCOC to award associate degrees. In terms of accreditation, its ADN and LPN

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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

96.30% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  629 Industrial Park Ave, Asheboro, NC - 27205
• 
  (336) 633-0200

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 96.30%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Associate

Randolph Community College is located in Asheboro, North Carolina.  They offer a ADN program.  They also offer an RN to BSN Outreach Option, which is offered in conjunction with Winston-Salem University.  This allows students to be a student of Winston-Salem University, but take their classes (at least a portion of

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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

96.30% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  3000 Wayne Memorial Dr, Goldsboro, NC - 27534-8002
• 
  (919) 735-5151

Nurse Admin: Billy Tart,

Title: Nursing Department Chair

• 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

96.00% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  141 College Drive, Albemarle, NC - 28001
• 
  (704) 982-0121

Nurse Admin: Chassity Speight-Washburn,

Title: Nursing Director

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 96.00%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Associate

Stanly Community College is located in Albemarle, North Carolina.  They offer Annie Ruth Kelley Associate Degree nursing program.  They also offer a Nursing - Returning LPN program, which is a program that allows an LPN to earn their RN in two semesters.

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

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.

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.