2023 - Best Nursing Schools in North Carolina

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 access to state-of-the-art classroom and lab space as well as opportunities for hands-on experience through on and off-site clinical partnerships and service learning programs. This regional institution of higher education has a student to faculty ratio of 17:1. Its School of Nursing under the College of Health and Human Sciences provides students with hands-on-experiences through its state-of-the-art laboratory and classroom.

Their nursing department offers a pre-licensure BSN program, an accelerated BSN program (allowing a student with a prior bachelor's degree to obtain a BSN degree) and an RN to BSN program, which is an online program. Their programs are also offered at Biltmore Park Towne Square in Asheville, North Carolina; this location offers only a selection of majors, nursing being one of the few.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing - By building on the prerequisite courses taken prior to program admission, this program prepares students for their roles as registered nurses. Included in this 8-semester program are traditional lecture courses and clinical instructions conducted in various healthcare agencies and institutions in the area. The latter begins as early as the student's first semester in the program. Graduates are eligible to sit in the NCLEX-RN.

Online RN to BSN - With accreditation from CCNE and approval from the North Carolina Board of Nursing, this program is designed for Registered Nurses who would like to obtain a baccalaureate degree in nursing. Because it has a completely online mode of instruction, students can work while concurrently enrolled in the program. This RN to BSN program can be completed in just 4 semesters, leading to a BSN degree. 

Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) - This ABSN program allows students with non-nursing bachelor’s degrees to earn a BSN degree in four continuous semesters. Due to its flexible curriculum format, students can work part-time while being enrolled in the program. Upon program completion, students can sit in the NCLEX-RN licensing exam.

WNC RIBN Program - This program allows dual enrollment to any area community college and in WCU. Upon completion of the first three years in the community college, students can finish their fourth year in WCU through online classes. This provides a seamless transition from an ADN to a BSN degree.

Masters of Science in Nursing - The MSN degree at WCU is available in two tracks—Nurse Educator and Nurse Leadership. Either of the tracks can be completed in 18 months for a full-time study. Students are equipped with both academic and field-based experiences. The program is offered 100% online to cater to working individuals.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (Post-MSN) - Offered completely online, this practice-focused DNP program is geared to prepare graduates for nursing practice at the highest level of their specialty. This 34-credit hours program builds upon the student’s previous theoretical and clinical knowledge.

DNP Nurse Anesthesia- With two tracks available—Nurse Anesthesia and Family Nurse Practitioner, this BSN to DNP program can be completed in 36 months. The 36-month completion requires a full-time study.  

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 is available, allowing students to be dually enrolled in ECU and any local community college for completion of both Associate and Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing - This program prepares students for roles as healthcare providers, coordinators and managers. Composed of general education and professional nursing courses, it can be completed in four years and one summer semester. Clinical experiences are conducted in various community agencies including hospitals, private homes, and clinics.

RN to BSN - Designed for registered nurses to seamlessly pursue a baccalaureate degree in nursing, this online RN to BSN program can be completed in four semesters (16 months). This CCNE-accredited program provides students with a personalized learning experience. Classes are conducted fully online with a supportive online community. An early assurance pathway is also available to ensure a seat in the RN to BSN program upon ADN completion.

Accelerated Second-Degree BSN (ABSN) - This program allows students with non-nursing baccalaureate degrees to obtain a BSN degree in just 12 months. The 12-month completion requires full-time study. Program completers are eligible to sit in the NCLEX-RN licensing exam.

Masters of Science in Nursing - Students in this program are prepared for science and nursing integration, and knowledge application in dynamic environments. Seven tracks for advanced practice roles are available.

Doctor of Nursing Practice - Taught by doctorly-prepared faculty, this program provides personalized mentorship for students. The curriculum is interprofessional, preparing students for the healthcare future. In order to validate didactic learning, the curriculum includes laboratory simulations and standardized patient experiences.

Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD) - This PhD in Nursing program equips students for their roles in advancing the foundation of health care through research and scholarly works. Students are prepared to make a contribution and formulate new nursing theories.

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 has a broad in-depth curriculum molding graduates to apply the educational research and principles in their nursing practice.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) - Established in 2010, this 126-credit hour program is designed to equip future generalist registered nurses.  Graduates of this CCNE-accredited pre-licensure program are eligible to sit in the NCLEX-RN licensing exam and practice as entry-level nurses.

RN to BSN - This program is tailored for Registered Nurses with a Diploma in Nursing or ADN degree who would like to pursue a BSN degree. Delivered in an online distance education format, it is guided by the core content of The Essentials of Bachelor's Education in Nursing.  Various online strategies are used in lesson delivery including case study analyses, scholarly papers, and projects.

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) - Designed for registered nurses, this MSN program with concentration in nursing education is geared to prepare them for their roles as nurse educators in various settings. With an online distance mode of instruction, the program takes 24 months of completion for a part-time study.  Program graduates of this CCNE-accredited program can sit in the Certified Nurse Educator exam.

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 Simulation Learning Environment (EISLE) to equip students with practical learning experiences. The EISLE has 22 full body mannequins and 12 human patient simulators. UNC offers a bachelor's degree. Unique to their program is the RN to MSN option that they offer, in addition to various other graduate and doctoral options. UNC's BSN program originated in 1950, and was the first baccalaureate nursing program in North Carolina. They were also the first to offer an MSN program in North Carolina, in 1955.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing - This BSN program has three options of study—the traditional BSN track, Accelerated Track, and the Military Pathway. The traditional track is a pre-licensure program designed for students with no prior undergraduate degree. The accelerated track is a four-semester option for students with a non-nursing baccalaureate degree. Meanwhile, the latter is for Armed Forces Veterans who would like to obtain a BSN degree. Students are immersed in clinical instruction as early as the first semester in the program. An intensive capstone is also included in their final year.

MSN Health Care Leadership and Administration - Designed to equip students with the competencies for developing, implementing and measuring innovation impacts in care delivery, this program can be completed in full-time or part-time options. The full-time option allows a five-semester completion, while the latter requires three years to complete. Curriculum delivery is through on-campus immersion and online sessions with synchronous and asynchronous learning components.

MSN to DNP - Two entry options are offered in the MSN to DNP program. The first one is for the master’s prepared Advanced Practice Registered Nurses, and the other is for BSN-prepared nurses who possess a master’s degree in a health-related MHA, MBA, or MPH program. Curriculum delivery is through on-campus immersions as well as online coursework. Students can take the program either in part-time or full-time study.

BSN to DNP Healthcare Leadership and Administration - With fully-online coursework, this program equips students with the knowledge and skills needed for leadership positions in health care settings. Part-time and full-time study options are available with asynchronous and synchronous learning components.

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; in fact, aside from the ABSN degree students, they graduated their last BSN students in 1983. This non-profit educational institution is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC).  Its School of Nursing is composed of scholars and clinicians who aim to produce transformational leaders in nursing. Moreover, its ABSN and MSN programs are CCNE-accredited.

Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing - This 16-month second degree program is designed for students who have a non-nursing undergraduate degree. It requires a full-time campus-based study with 800 hours of clinical hours. In terms of hands-on experiences, students have the opportunity to learn in the sole accredited healthcare simulation education facility in North Carolina. Program graduates can sit in the NCLEX-RN licensing exam.

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) - With distance-based mode of instruction, this program has 11 majors. Eight of which are advanced practice while three are non-clinical majors. The online delivery allows for limited on-campus sessions, requiring only 4-to-5-day intensives.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) - This program is designed for advanced practice nursing master’s degree holders or post-BSN students. Because of the flexible schedule, students can be employed while enrolled in the program. Moreover, it is taught by faculty with a wide array of experiences in leadership, clinical practice, and patient safety.

PhD Program in Nursing - By building on prior knowledge and skills, this program prepares students for contributing new knowledge in the areas of care systems and chronic illness. Only a small number of qualified students are admitted in order for them to work closely with faculty member/s. Curriculum is a blend of mentored experiences and formal coursework.

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 DNP program with concentrations in Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and leadership.

Its Hunt School of Nursing offers comprehensive nursing programs which allows a seamless progression. Service learning is embedded in the curriculum through the university’s partnership with community healthcare facilities. Moreover, its nursing programs are student-centered which are tailored to the national competencies of nursing practice. Aside from its baccalaureate, masters and doctoral programs, the university also offers dual degree, nursing certificates and post-doctoral certificates.

Associate of Science in Nursing - Designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills to become a Registered Nurse (RN), this on-campus program can be completed in two years or five semesters. Moreover, an Advanced Placement Program option is offered which allows program completion in just three semesters. Graduates can sit in the NCLEX-RN.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) - With required 129 hours, this traditional pre-licensure baccalaureate program can be completed in four years. Program graduates are fully-equipped to sit in the NCLEX-RN and fulfill the roles as registered nurses.

Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) - This fast-track program combines a student's previous courses in his/her baccalaureate degree with the curriculum’s nursing core. Hands-on experiences are given emphasis through simulations and preceptorships at community clinical sites. It is a full-time, face-to-face program, and is approved by the North Carolina Board of Nursing.

Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Davis RN–BSN)- Offered online, this program is designed for registered nurses who would like to obtain a BSN degree. With the university’s articulation agreement, students who completed an ADN degree in NC community college may earn a BSN in Gardner-Webb University in as little as 1 year.

Master of Science in Nursing -This program allows direct entry for BSN students in the university who graduated within the previous year. The Nursing Administration and Nursing Education tracks require a project or thesis before completion.

Doctor of Nursing Practice - This DNP program is composed of an online coursework and a practicum experience in chosen healthcare facility. Students can choose among three areas of concentration—Post-MSN, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.

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 a desirable option for the working nurse. Its School of Nursing (SON) under the College of Health and Human Services has CCNE-accredited programs. Moreover, the SON offers a Simulation Learning Center (SLC) which utilizes low, medium and high-fidelity human patient simulators. This center provides a realistic environment for optimum learning experience.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) - Two entry points are available at UNCW to obtain a BSN degree. The pre-licensure option is designed for students with no prior baccalaureate degree, and are seeking to take the NCLEX-RN licensing exam. Meanwhile, the second entry track is through the RN-BSN option. This option allows registered nurses with a nursing diploma or associate degree to obtain a BSN degree through online delivery. The said option can be completed in as few as 12 months. The BSN program aims to produce generalist nurses who can provide a family-centered professional nursing care to fit the ever-changing healthcare delivery system.

Master’s of Science in Nursing - The MSN has two tracks of specialization- the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and the Nurse Educator. The former track is offered primarily online with a curriculum composed of clinical education and advanced theory. Program graduates can sit in the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) certification exam for FNPs. Meanwhile, the Nurse Educator program, which can be completed in as few as 12 months prepares nurses to influence the field of education through nursing. The program is offered completely online.

Doctor of Nursing Practice - With program completion of five to 14 semesters, this DNP program is a practice-focused doctoral degree designed for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). The said program completion varies on the option of study taken—either part-time or full time.

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 produce generalist nurses who can function in various care settings, this program can be completed in four years. Upon program completion, graduates can sit in the NCLEX-RN licensing exam. The curriculum includes liberal arts, sciences, and generalist nursing education. An RN to BSN pathway is also available. For both the Upper Division and RN to BSN programs, the BSN degree requires at least 120 credit hours.

Master of Science in Nursing - This program is geared towards producing graduates who are fully-equipped for advanced practice in clinical nursing, or Systems/Populations nursing. For the former, focuses are: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Practitioner (AGACNP). Both are two-year programs. Meanwhile, the Systems/Population concentration includes, Nurse Administrator, Community/Public Health Nursing, and Nurse Educator.

Graduate/ Post Graduate APRN Certificates - UNC Charlotte’s School of Nursing offers two types of certificates—the graduate certificate and the post graduate certificate. The available graduate certificates are Nurse Administration, Nursing Educator, and Applied Nursing Informatics which is the latest addition to the tracks. For the post-graduate, APRN certificates offered are Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner Across the Lifespan.

Doctor of Nursing Practice - This terminal practice degree in Nursing prepares students for the highest clinical level by building on the student's prior knowledge. Students are also trained to provide leadership in dynamic healthcare systems. The program also places emphasis on evidence-based practice gained from research findings. Two specializations are offered for the DNP program—the BSN to DNP: Nurse Anesthesia Across the Lifespan and the Post-Master's DNP.

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 and Christian faith. Moreover, its MSN and DNP programs are CCNE-accredited. In terms of student involvement, the university has societies and organizations such as the Mu Alpha, Honor Society of Nursing, and Sigma Theta Tau International.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing - In order to obtain a BSN degree, two pathways are offered at LR. The RN to BSN route can be completed in around three to four semesters for students who possess an associate degree in nursing. Meanwhile, the other option is through the Regionally Increasing Baccalaureate prepared Nurses (RIBN). This pathway allows dual enrollment at LU and another area community college.

Master of Science in Nursing - This MSN program is offered in two tracks of concentrations—nursing education and nursing administration with 39 and 33 credit hours, respectively. This allows customization to fit the student’s goals, preparing them for roles as nurse educators or nurse administrators. Moreover, to ensure flexibility, the program is offered fully online and can be completed on a part-time or full-time study.

Doctor of Nursing Practice - With an aim to develop doctorly-prepared nurses, this DNP program is offered in two tracks. The BSN to DNP track builds on student’s baccalaureate nursing skills, preparing them for their roles as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP). The other track, the Post-Master’s DNP program builds on the skills acquired from the student’s MSN degree. To offer flexibility, most of the coursework is done in a highly-interactive online class

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 under the College of Health Sciences offers a traditional pre-licensure BSN program, an RN to BSN program, and MSN programs. They also partner with local community colleges in the RIBN program.

Traditional Prelicensure BSN Program - With two phases, this program can be completed in 4 academic years. The first phase is the 58-semester lower-division work inclusive of nursing prerequisites and liberal arts. The second phase is the 62-semester upper-division work which places emphasis in the nursing major. The said phase is taken during the student’s junior and senior years in the department. Upon completion of the first and second phase, students are conferred a BSN degree and are eligible to sit in the NCLEX-RN licensing exam.

RN to BSN Program - With all nursing courses offered completely online, this completion option is designed for RNs who would like to obtain a BSN degree. The curriculum builds on the RNs competencies earned from his/her previous degree. Sessions are eight-week long and can be completed in 12 months or two years for an accelerated and part-time plan of study, respectively.

Graduate MSN Programs - Tailored for RNs with a baccalaureate degree, this MSN program is delivered in a blended format—majority of online coursework with face-to-face sessions.  Available tracks are: Clinical Nurse Leader, Nurse Educator, and Clinical Prevention and Population Health. Program can be completed in as few as two years through an individualized plan of study for full-time students. A part-time study plan is available as well.

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 North Carolina Community College System. Students in this program will benefit from in-classroom learning with state-of-the art technology, and opportunity for clinical training in various healthcare sites in the Charlotte and Carolinas area. Its nursing program received an approval from the NC Board of Nursing and an accreditation from ACEN. In terms of student engagement, CPCC has an Association of Nursing Students.

Christa A. Overcash Associate Degree in Nursing - This program prepares students to practice in a dynamic environment with safe and quality nursing care. Evidence-based practice is also not undermined. Graduates can sit in the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). Upon successful performance of the said exam, they can practice as entry-level registered nurses in various healthcare settings. An Association in General Education Nursing is also offered for students who want to begin their ADN degree study and a BSN degree through the Uniform Articulation Agreement. It consists of at least 60 semester hours of credits.

Nurse Aide Program - With curriculum designed to equip students towards working with a licensed healthcare professional’s supervision, this Nurse Aide Program serves as a preparation for the NC competency exam. Valuable hands-on experiences are conducted in the classroom and laboratory with opportunity to learn from field-experienced instructors. Hence, students are equipped to function as Certified Nurse Aides (CNAs), with the ability to provide nursing care and services for people of all ages.

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 Human Services programs are rigorous with selective admission. Class size is small to encourage engagement and provide hands-on instruction.

LPN TO RN - This program allows Licensed Practice Nurses (LPNs) to become Registered Nurses (RNs) in just two months. Classes are in hybrid format through a combination of online and in-class instruction. A clinical component is also included in the curriculum. Admission is selective, with minimum requirements subject to annual changes. Program graduates are eligible to practice as RNs after successfully passing the NCLEX-RN licensing exam.

Associate Degree Nursing - This program is designed to fully-equip students for nursing care provision throughout their lifespan and in various healthcare settings. It received an accreditation from ACEN with Continuing Accreditation as the most recent decision. Safety and quality are given emphasis in nursing care. Program graduates can sit in the NCLEX-RN licensing exam and enter the healthcare workforce as registered nurses.

Practical Nursing - With twelve-month completion on a full-time study plan, this practical nursing program equips students with the competencies needed for direct client care provision under an RN’s supervision. Upon completion of this diploma course, students are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN.

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 and inclusive education.

Associate Degree Nursing Program - With 5-6 semesters of coursework, this ADN program immerses students with real-world nursing. Hands-on experience is conducted in the Atrium Health facilities such as the Carolinas Medical Center, and other healthcare centers in the Charlotte area, as well.  Nursing Fundamentals and Behavioral Health are among the nursing courses included in the curriculum. Classes are in small groups for better communication and connections with the faculty. Program admission is extremely competitive. However, once a student is admitted in the program, he/she will receive a conditional admission to the RN-BSN program. This allows the student to take the BSN curriculum upper-level general education courses while also being enrolled in the ADN program.

Nursing: RN-BSN Program - Conducted in a flexible online format, this CCNE-accredited program allows RNs to obtain a BSN degree in as few as 12 to 18 months. The fully online delivery of instruction is designed for RNs to work full-time while studying for the degree. The curriculum covers higher-level general education and nursing courses, preparing students for the ever-changing healthcare needs. Students can also avail in the loan agreement and educational assistance program.

Nurse Aide: CNA Program - With mode of instruction done through an online asynchronous format, students are credentialed in as few as 2-3 months. This Nurse Aide Certification Program allows students to conduct their labs and clinical education in either weekends or evenings, depending on chosen schedule. In order to complete the program, a total of 150 learning hours is required. Students can also avail of full-time scholarships through the Todd and Janelle Collins Nurse Aide Scholars Program.

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 an ADN to PN option; this is available for students who are not successful with their studies in the ADN program.

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 care. For students to have seamless transfer after ADN completion, CCCTI has articulation agreements with several universities and colleges.

 Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) - This program prepares students for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) and for their roles as registered nurses. Students are trained to provide individualized care which are grounded on evidence-based, safe, and quality nursing care. After passing the NCLEX-RN, they can work in a variety of settings in the global health care systems. A PN to ADN Transition Option is also available. This Practical Nursing to Associate Degree in Nursing Transition Program is designed for practical nurses. Upon program completion, students are also eligible to sit in the NCLEX-RN licensing exam.

Practical Nursing Diploma - Safety and quality nursing care is integrated in teaching the necessary knowledge and skills. Program graduates can sit in the NCLEX-PN licensing exam and work in various healthcare settings such as clinics, hospitals, rehabilitation facilities and long-term care centers.

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 Mann Smith School of Nursing supports the 7 core values in the NLN Outcomes and Competency Model. Simulation learning experiences are also conducted in the college’s state-of-the-art simulation learning lab.

Associate Degree Nursing Program - This program is designed to equip students with the competencies needed for safety and quality integration in nursing care. Clinicals are done in different sites, including outside of Wake County. Meanwhile, an advanced placement option is available for Licensed Professional Nurses (LPNs) seeking an Associate Degree in Nursing. The said advanced placement program opens in the summer semester, annually. Program graduates can sit in the NCLEX-RN licensing exam and practice as entry-level RNs after passing the said exam. This ADN program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc.

Practical Nursing Diploma - With 44 total credit units, this Practical Nursing Diploma program is offered in the Perry Health Sciences Campus on a day-only schedule. Emphasis is placed on evidence-based clinical practice in health care provision. Program graduates are prepared to take the NCLEX-PN and for entry-level nursing positions.

Nurse Aide I - This 168-contact hour class composed of theory and clinical experience prepares students for the test for the North Carolina Nurse Aide I Registry list.  Class lectures and labs are given focus in the first 100 hours. Meanwhile, the last 68 hours are subdivided into written and skills final exam, clinical prep and orientation, clinical rotation, and mock competency. A hybrid of online and in-person sessions are also offered with 40 hours of instruction conducted online. This option is best suited for students with excellent computer and time management skills.

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 to ADN option is ACEN-accredited as well with continuing accreditation as the most recent decision.

Associate Degree Nursing - This program equips students with the skills needed for nursing care provision in various health care settings. Graduates can sit in the NCLEX-RN licensing exam and can find employment opportunities in clinics, hospitals, community agencies, and long-term care facilities, among others. Moreover, graduates of this program are expected to demonstrate the competencies identified by the National Academy of Medicine, National League of Nursing and the Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN).

Practical Nursing - By incorporating nursing theory and practice, general education, and sciences, students in this program are equipped for their roles as entry-level LPNs.  With its foundation on collaborative learning, the curriculum is progressive, flexible, and sensitive to the ever-changing needs of the individual and the community, Program graduates can take the NCLEX-PN licensing exam. Moreover, students with a previous enrollment in the ADN or PN program are eligible for the advanced placement in the PN program. LPNs can also pursue an ADN degree and meet the requirements for the NCLEX-RN and become registered nurses through the LPN-ADN option program. The said LPN-ADN option provides career and professional advancements.

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 them) at Randolph Community College

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.