Best RN Programs in North Carolina for 2024

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.

Cabarrus College of Health Sciences is located within Carolinas Healthcare System.  The school educates a variety of healthcare professionals, from nurses to pharmacy technicians to occupational therapists.  The Louise Harkey School of Nursing offers an ADN program and a BSN program; the BSN program is specifically an RN to BSN program, allowing for a seamless transition to a bachelor's degree for its ADN graduates.

Gaston College is located in Dallas, North Carolina.  They offer a variety of nursing options - a practical nursing program, an ADN program, an LPN to ADN program and an RN to BSN program.  The RN to BSN program is a pathway program that is designed in conjunction with various local universities, which makes the program more affordable to the student.

Sampson Community College is located in Clinton, North Carolina.  SCC offers several options for its nursing students; they offer a traditional ADN program.  They also offer an advanced placement option for LPNs into their ADN program.  Unique to their program is the LPN to RN program that is offered online.

Forsyth Technical Community College is a public educational institution in Winston-Salem offering vocational instruction, two-year programs, and college transfers, among others. This SACSCOC-accredited college was founded in 1960 and was initially called Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Industrial Education Center. The College’s Associate Degree in Nursing and Practical Nursing diploma programs under its Paul M. Wiles School of Nursing are accredited by the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA).

Associate Degree Nursing - This traditional 5-semester ADN program equips students with the knowledge, strategies, and skills needed for provision of nursing care to clients across their lifespan. Aside from lecture, mode of instruction includes skills lab and clinical practice. Students also have the option to be dually enrolled in an ADN and BSN program through the ADN/BSN Dual Enrollment Option (RIBN). For Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), an LPN to ADN transition option is also available allowing them to obtain an ADN degree in just 3 semesters. Program graduates can sit in the NCLEX-RN licensing exam.

Practical Nursing Diploma - By building on the domains of healthcare, the holistic individual, and nursing practice, students are equipped with the competencies needed for safe, quality, evidence-based, and individualized nursing care. Program graduates can sit in the NCLEX-PN and practice as Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) after passing the said exam. Forsyth provides an opportunity for students to enroll in the BSN program while concurrently enrolled in the LPN program through the LPN to BSN Dual Enrollment Option (RIBN).

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.

Mitchell Community College is a two-year public, learning-center institution in Statesville. With more than 150 years of service to Iredell County, the college now holds an accreditation from SACSCOC to award diplomas, degrees, and certificates. The college’s teaching philosophy is firmly grounded on contextual teaching and learning. Its Associate Degree Nursing and Paramedic to RN Bridge Program are both accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) - This program places emphasis on the nurse’s roles as part of an interdisciplinary team who are capable of providing safe and individualized care. A concept-based model is used in delivering the curriculum; hence, students are expected to have electronic mobile devices and reliable internet connectivity. Admission is competitive because of lesser space availability compared to the number of applicants. A Paramedic to Associate Degree Nursing A.A.S Degree is also offered. Upon program completion, graduates are eligible to sit in the NCLEX-RN licensing exam.

Paramedic to RN Bridge Program - This Paramedic to RN Bridge Program is delivered not purely online mode.  It has an in-person component. Students have the opportunity to learn from the state-of-the-art facility of the college, the Mitchell Community College Center for Simulation Education (CSE). The center includes facilities and equipment for interprofessional education such as high-fidelity adult, and newborn manikins.  Admission requirements upon enrollment include a current CPR certification from the American Heart Association at the BLS Provider level, among others. Program graduates are eligible to sit in the NCLEX-RN licensing exam.

Western Piedmont Community College (WPCC) in Morganton is one of the members of the North Carolina Community College System. WPCC is SACSCOC-accredited to award associate degrees. Moreover, its Associate Degree Nursing is accredited by Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). The Western Piedmont Foundation, Incorporated is a non-profit fund-raising organization that provides support and funding for the college.

 Associate Degree Nursing – This ADN program is designed to fully-equip students with the competencies needed for safe, quality, evidence-based and individualized nursing care. Program graduates can sit in the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). Aside from this program’s ACEN accreditation, it is also approved by the North Carolina Board of Nursing. Admission is competitive, with students required to complete and submit the requirements prior to being considered for admission. Moreover, a co-admission program allows seamless transfer for students from WPCC to the Appalachian State University. To be eligible for this Aspire Appalachian pathway program, a student must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better and must have completed any of the following: Associate in Arts (AA), Associate in Science (AS), or an approved Associated in Applied Science (AAS) degree.

Central Carolina Community College (CCCC) has multiple locations in various counties in North Carolina - Chatham County, Harnett County and Lee County.  The Louise L. Tuller School of Nursing offers a practical nursing program and an RN program.  CCCC also has an articulation agreement with the University of North Carolina, which allows students an affordable way to earn their BSN after graduation.

Brunswick Community College is located in Bolivia, North Carolina.  BCC offers a practical nursing program and an ADN program.  Their ADN program requires that its students complete a certified nursing aide (CNA) certification or have their LPN prior to enrollment in the program.

Sandhills Community College is located in Pinehurst, North Carolina.  They offer an ADN program.  They have very specific requirements for their nursing program and everything must be completed according to their stages.  In addition, they require that their students obtain their certified nurses aide (CNA) certification prior to enrollment in the program.

Lenoir Community College is located in Kinston, North Carolina.  LCC offers a practical nursing program, an ADN program and they also offer an advanced placement option for LPNs.  They offer a traditional program and also an evening program, making it easier for the working nurse to further their education.

James Sprunt Community College is located in Kenansville, North Carolina.  They offer both a practical nursing degree and an associate's RN degree.  Students are accepted into the ADN program based on a points system; students can earn more points based on having a prior bachelor's degree or healthcare experience, such as working as an LPN, paramedic, nurses aide, or a surgical tech.

Johnston Community College (JCC) in Smithfield is an institution offering life-long educational opportunities. JCC is one of the members of the North Carolina Community College System. The college has several campuses and centers in the country including the Johnston County Workforce Development Center, Cleveland Center, and the Howell Woods Environmental Learning Center.

Associate Degree Nursing - This program builds on the student’s current knowledge and skills to equip them for safe, quality, evidence-based and individualized nursing care. It received an accreditation from ACEN. Program graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). Upon passing the licensing exam, they can work in various health care settings.

Nurse Aide Certification - This program is designed to prepare students for their roles are Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) or Nurse Aide I. With classes offered in days, evenings, and Friday and Saturdays, it can be completed in 12-16 weeks. This Nurse Aide I Course consists of a State Approved Basic Personal Care Course of 160 hours. The training curriculum provides insight on patient care which is beneficial for students planning to pursue a career in health sciences, sonography, or nursing. Moreover, this certification program provides eligibility to sit in the North Carolina State Certification Exam for the Nurse Aide Registry.

Practical Nursing - JCC’s Practical Nursing Program has an approval from the North Carolina Board of Nursing (NCBON).  By building upon healthcare domains and nursing practice, students are fully-equipped to not only provide safe and quality nursing care, but individualized and evidence-based as well. Program graduates can sit in the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN) and practice as Licensed Practical Nurse (LPNs).

Located in Dobson, Surry Community College (SCC) is a two-year public comprehensive educational institution serving the Surry and Yadkin counties since 1964. With an open-door admissions policy, this college does not believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. In terms of accreditation, it received an accreditation from the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award diplomas, certificates, and associate degrees.

Associate Degree Nursing (LPN-ADN) - With a total of 48 credit hours to graduate, this degree program equips students with the competencies needed to provide safe and quality nursing care. It is designed for Licensed Practical Nurses (ADN) who would like to obtain an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). Evidence-based practice, informatics, quality improvement, and individualized care are given emphasis in the curriculum. Classes are held on-campus. Program graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN licensing exam.

Nursing: LPN-BSN RIBN Collaborative - Surry Community College in collaboration with Lees-McRae College (LMC) offers a dual enrollment program for students taking on-campus SCC classes and online LMC sessions. Upon completing the second year of the program, students can sit in the NCLEX-RN licensing exam and practice as RNs while also continuing online nursing courses at LMC. This collaborative program allows for an affordable and accessible path towards obtaining an LPN and BSN degree.

Workforce Certificate Programs - SCC also offers Nurse Aide (CNA) Level I and II workforce certificate programs. The former is a 188-hour course. Completion of the certificate program and the certification exam provides eligibility to be listed in the North Carolina Division of Health Service Regulation Nurse Aide I Registry. Meanwhile, the Nurse Aide (CNA) Level II is a 192-hour on campus course. Upon completion of level II, students will be listed with the North Carolina Board of Nursing. Moreover, a Nurse Aide Refresher program is also available designed to provide review for the core content in the Nurse Aide I. The said review program requires at least 40-hour completion.

Robeson Community College is located in Lumberton, North Carolina.  RCC offers an 2 ADN options - a general ADN option and a premajor nursing option.  The premajor option allows the student to take university credits in preparation for a BSN degree after graduation from RCC, which will transfer to a variety of North Carolina universities.

Carteret Community College is located in Morehead City, North Carolina.  CCC offers a practical nursing program and an RN program.  They use a "points system" in deciding who gets in to their program and students with prior healthcare experience, such as LPNs, respiratory therapists, paramedics, and CNAs get extra points.

Wilkes Community College is located in Wilkesboro, North Carolina.  They offer an ADN program.  Unique to their program is that students must complete their certified nursing assistant (CNA) certification prior to enrollment in the program.  They also offer a dual enrollment option with Lenoir-Rhyne University, through the Hickory Collaborative RIBN, which allows students to simultaneously earn their ADN and BSN degrees.

Edgecombe Community College is located in Tarboro, North Carolina.  They offer a practical nursing program, an ADN program and an advanced placement option for LPNs.  ECC serves over 13,000 students on its 2 campuses; they received a national award in 2013 for preparing their students to be successful in the workplace.