North Carolina Nursing Schools and Programs
Selecting then applying to nursing schools in North Carolina can be a time consuming task. For those just getting started in Nursing, we suggest that you focus on your near term North Carolina education goals and licensing requirements. The first question to ask yourself is: Do I want to begin my career as a Nursing Assistant, Practical Nurse, or North Carolina Registered Nurse?
North Carolina Registered Nurse programs generally lead to an Associate Degree in Nursing or Bachelor Degree in Nursing which typically last 2 to 4 years.
Finding the best Nurse Practitioner school in North Carolina before you become a Registered Nurse, for example, may bog down the school selection and application process. Furthermore, many four year undergraduate colleges routinely accept transfer credits for prerequisites often called pre-nursing courses.
While earning an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN, ASN) or Bachelor Degree in Nursing (BDN, BSN) is an important milestone for nurses, many North Carolina nursing school students gain meaningful work experience and an income upon completion of a shorter Certified Nursing Assistant or Licensed Practical Nursing program in the state of North Carolina.
To help students search for the best nursing school in North Carolina, we have outlined some key questions to ask. Below on this page you will find the following:
- How do I become a nurse in North Carolina?
- Is North Carolina a nursing compact state?
- How long is nursing school in North Carolina?
- How much does nursing school in North Carolina cost?
- Is it hard to get into a North Carolina nursing school?
- List of nursing schools in North Carolina.
How do I become a nurse in North Carolina?
If you want to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in the state of North Carolina, you will need to complete a Practical Nurse training program. Practical Nursing programs generally last 1 to 1.5 years. Upon completion of your North Carolina practical nursing program, you will have to pass the nationwide NCLEX-PN exam. After you pass the NCLEX-PN exam, you will apply for a Practical Nurse license from the North Carolina Board of Nursing.
If you want to become a Registered Nurse (RN) in the state of North Carolina, you will need to complete a Registered Nurse training program. Registered Nurse programs generally last 2 to 4 years. Upon completion of your North Carolina registered nursing program, you will have to pass the nationwide NCLEX-RN exam. After you pass the NCLEX-RN exam, you will apply for a Registered Nurse license from the North Carolina Board of Nursing.
Is North Carolina a nursing compact state?
Yes, North Carolina is part of the nursing license compact. North Carolina recently enacted the Enhanced Nursing Licensure Compact (eNLC) agreement which allows nurses to practice in all but a handful of states. This means that a North Carolina Licensed Practical Nurse or a North Carolina Registered Nurse can now apply for a multi-state nursing license.
How long is nursing school in North Carolina?
The amount of time you spend in a North Carolina nursing school will vary based upon the career path you choose. You can become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in as little as 6 to 12 weeks. Become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in 1 to 1.5 years, a North Carolina Registered Nurse (RN) in 2 to 4 years, or stay in nursing school longer to become a Nurse Practitioner in 6 to 8 years.
Above on this page we created a tabular image which summarizes how long nursing school is in North Carolina. That image includes the number of nurses employed in the state of North Carolina, along with the average wages earned at each education level.
Notice that in the state of North Carolina, far greater numbers are employed as a Registered Nurse (RN) compared to a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). Notice also that a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in North Carolina earns far more in wages compared to a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).
Use the nursing program acronyms CNA, LPN, ASN, BSN, MSN, DNP, and PhD to help identify which North Carolina nursing schools offer the length of program you desire.
How much does nursing school in North Carolina cost?
Tuition for a nursing school in North Carolina will cost between $2,000 to $3,000 per year for state residents seeking a two year Associate degree, an ADN or ASN, for example. The larger public four year colleges and universities in North Carolina cost more between $5,000 to $9,000 per year for state residents seeking their Bachelor Degree in Nursing, a BDN or BSN.
To help reduce the cost of nursing school in North Carolina, a student can generally take their pre-nursing courses at a smaller two year college. Then, transfer those credits into the larger four year college or university of your choice. Each college has their own method of awarding transfer credits for pre-nursing coursework. You will need to plan ahead and question the receiving school before you start your first pre-nursing class.
Is it hard to get into a North Carolina nursing school?
We list the quoted acceptance rate provided by each North Carolina nursing school. A college acceptance rate is calculated by dividing the number of accepted students by the number of total applicants. Reviewing the list of nursing schools in North Carolina provided below, we can see the acceptance rates range from about 50% to 100% or Open. SAT and ACT scores are displayed on each individual nursing school page.
If you are having trouble getting accepted into a North Carolina nursing school due to a below average GPA, SAT, or ACT score, here are two strategies which might help: 1) take your pre-nursing courses at your local community college then reapply later as a transfer student with an above average GPA, and, 2) get your Nursing Assistant or Practical Nurse license to help you gain experience and stand out from other college applicants.
List Of Nursing Schools In North Carolina
Below is our complete list of accredited nursing schools in North Carolina. In general, these schools offer campus based CNA, LPN, ASN, BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD, and more nursing programs approved by the North Carolina Board Of Nursing.
Click the name of any North Carolina nursing school below to view the cost to attend, SAT and ACT scores, college or university characteristics, student body profile, satellite map of the surrounding area, and to view any additional nursing program information we have available in our database.
Barton College
400 Atlantic Christian College, PO Box 5000,
Wilson,
NC
27893
800-345-4973
Barton College is a Private not-for-profit institution with a campus in Wilson, North Carolina. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the North Carolina Board of Nursing. The Wilson, North Carolina campus for Barton College is located in a Town setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 1,265. In-state tuition and fees were $34,400 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: BSN
- Tuition Cost $34,400
- Room and Board $11,100
- Acceptance Rate 95%
Cabarrus College of Health Sciences
401 Medical Park Drive,
Concord,
NC
28025
704-403-1555
Cabarrus College of Health Sciences is a Private not-for-profit institution with a campus in Concord, North Carolina. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the North Carolina Board of Nursing. The Concord, North Carolina campus for Cabarrus College of Health Sciences is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 528. In-state tuition and fees were $15,560 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: ASN, RN-to-BSN
- Tuition Cost $15,560
- Acceptance Rate 45%
- ACT Score 20-24
Cape Fear Community College
411 North Front Street,
Wilmington,
NC
28401
910-362-7000
Cape Fear Community College is a Public institution with a campus in Wilmington, North Carolina. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the North Carolina Board of Nursing. The Wilmington, North Carolina campus for Cape Fear Community College is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 14,170. In-state tuition and fees were $2,748 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: LPN, ASN, LPN-to-RN
- Tuition Cost $2,748
- Acceptance Rate Open
Carolinas College of Health Sciences
1200 Blythe Boulevard, PO Box 32861,
Charlotte,
NC
28232
704-355-5043
Carolinas College of Health Sciences is a Public institution with a campus in Charlotte, North Carolina. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the North Carolina Board of Nursing. The Charlotte, North Carolina campus for Carolinas College of Health Sciences is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 409. In-state tuition and fees were $16,179 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: ASN
- Tuition Cost $16,179
- Acceptance Rate 71%
Carolinas HealthCare System
701 B Forest Point Circle, Charlotte, NC 28273
Carolinas HealthCare System is a institution with a campus in Charlotte, North Carolina. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the North Carolina Board of Nursing. …
Catawba Valley Community College
2550 Highway 70 SE,
Hickory,
NC
28602
828-327-7000
Catawba Valley Community College is a Public institution with a campus in Hickory, North Carolina. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the North Carolina Board of Nursing. The Hickory, North Carolina campus for Catawba Valley Community College is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 4,172. In-state tuition and fees were $2,367 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: ASN
- Tuition Cost $2,367
- Acceptance Rate Open
College of the Albemarle
PO Box 2327, 1208 North Road Street,
Elizabeth City,
NC
27906
252-335-0821
College of the Albemarle is a Public institution with a campus in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the North Carolina Board of Nursing. The Elizabeth City, North Carolina campus for College of the Albemarle is located in a Town setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 2,314. In-state tuition and fees were $2,260 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: LPN, ASN, LPN-to-RN
- Tuition Cost $2,260
- Acceptance Rate Open
Davidson County Community College
PO Box 1287,
Lexington,
NC
27293
336-249-8186
Davidson County Community College is a Public institution with a campus in Lexington, North Carolina. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the North Carolina Board of Nursing. The Lexington, North Carolina campus for Davidson County Community College is located in a Rural setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 3,921. In-state tuition and fees were $1,978 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: LPN, ASN, LPN-to-RN
- Tuition Cost $1,978
- Acceptance Rate Open
Duke University
307 Trent Drive,
Durham,
NC
27710
919-684-2813
Duke University is a Private not-for-profit institution with a campus in Durham, North Carolina. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the North Carolina Board of Nursing. The Durham, North Carolina campus for Duke University is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 18,023. In-state tuition and fees were $62,688 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: BSN, Accelerated BSN, MSN, Certified Nurse Midwife, Nurse Practitioner
- Tuition Cost $62,688
- Room and Board $16,651
- Acceptance Rate 6%
- ACT Score 34-35
Durham Regional Hospital
2828 Croasdaile Dr Suite 200,
Durham,
NC
27705
919-536-7200
Durham Regional Hospital is a institution with a campus in Durham, North Carolina. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the North Carolina Board of Nursing. …
East Carolina University
Health Sciences Bldg Room 4205,
Greenville,
NC
27858
252-328-6131
East Carolina University is a Public institution with a campus in Greenville, North Carolina. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the North Carolina Board of Nursing. The Greenville, North Carolina campus for East Carolina University is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 27,151. In-state tuition and fees were $7,325 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: BSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN, RN-to-MSN, Accelerated MSN, DNP, DNAP, PhD, Certified Nurse Midwife
- Tuition Cost $7,325
- Room and Board $10,816
- Acceptance Rate 92%
Fayetteville State University
1200 Murchison Road,
Fayetteville,
NC
28301
910-672-1111
Fayetteville State University is a Public institution with a campus in Fayetteville, North Carolina. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the North Carolina Board of Nursing. The Fayetteville, North Carolina campus for Fayetteville State University is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 6,787. In-state tuition and fees were $3,906 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: BSN, RN-to-BSN
- Tuition Cost $3,906
- Room and Board $9,440
- Acceptance Rate 81%
- ACT Score 14-19
Fayetteville Technical Community College
PO Box 35236,
Fayetteville,
NC
28303
910-678-8400
Fayetteville Technical Community College is a Public institution with a campus in Fayetteville, North Carolina. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the North Carolina Board of Nursing. The Fayetteville, North Carolina campus for Fayetteville Technical Community College is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 10,233. In-state tuition and fees were $2,564 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: ASN, LPN-to-RN
- Tuition Cost $2,564
- Acceptance Rate Open
Gardner Webb University
PO Box 997,
Boiling Springs,
NC
28017
704-406-2361
Gardner Webb University is a Private not-for-profit institution with a campus in Boiling Springs, North Carolina. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the North Carolina Board of Nursing. The Boiling Springs, North Carolina campus for Gardner Webb University is located in a Town setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 3,144. In-state tuition and fees were $32,200 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: ASN, BSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN, RN-to-MSN, Post-MSN, DNP, PhD
- Tuition Cost $32,200
- Room and Board $10,770
- Acceptance Rate 75%
- ACT Score 20-25
Lees-McRae College
191 Main Street,
Banner Elk,
NC
28604
828-898-5241
Lees-McRae College is a Private not-for-profit institution with a campus in Banner Elk, North Carolina. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the North Carolina Board of Nursing. The Banner Elk, North Carolina campus for Lees-McRae College is located in a Rural setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 855. In-state tuition and fees were $28,840 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: RN-to-BSN
- Tuition Cost $28,840
- Room and Board $12,200
- Acceptance Rate 61%
Lenoir-Rhyne University
625 7th Avenue NE,
Hickory,
NC
28601
828-328-1741
Lenoir-Rhyne University is a Private not-for-profit institution with a campus in Hickory, North Carolina. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the North Carolina Board of Nursing. The Hickory, North Carolina campus for Lenoir-Rhyne University is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 2,354. In-state tuition and fees were $43,000 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: ASN
- Tuition Cost $43,000
- Room and Board $12,900
- Acceptance Rate 83%
Mitchell Community College
500 W Broad Street,
Statesville,
NC
28677
704-878-3200
Mitchell Community College is a Public institution with a campus in Statesville, North Carolina. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the North Carolina Board of Nursing. The Statesville, North Carolina campus for Mitchell Community College is located in a Suburb setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 3,456. In-state tuition and fees were $2,651 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: ASN
- Tuition Cost $2,651
- Acceptance Rate Open
North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University
Noble Hall, 1601 East Market Street,
Greensboro,
NC
27411
336-334-7500
North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University is a Public institution with a campus in Greensboro, North Carolina. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the North Carolina Board of Nursing. The Greensboro, North Carolina campus for North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 13,487. In-state tuition and fees were $6,733 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: BSN, RN-to-BSN, Accelerated BSN
- Tuition Cost $6,733
- Room and Board $9,179
- Acceptance Rate 56%
- ACT Score 17-23
North Carolina Central University
1801 Fayetteville Street,
Durham,
NC
27707
919-530-6100
North Carolina Central University is a Public institution with a campus in Durham, North Carolina. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the North Carolina Board of Nursing. The Durham, North Carolina campus for North Carolina Central University is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 7,553. In-state tuition and fees were $6,599 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: BSN
- Tuition Cost $6,599
- Room and Board $11,864
- Acceptance Rate 84%
- ACT Score 15-23
Queens University of Charlotte
1900 Selwyn Ave,
Charlotte,
NC
28274
704-337-2200
Queens University of Charlotte is a Private not-for-profit institution with a campus in Charlotte, North Carolina. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the North Carolina Board of Nursing. The Charlotte, North Carolina campus for Queens University of Charlotte is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 1,873. In-state tuition and fees were $40,830 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: ASN, BSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN, RN-to-MSN
- Tuition Cost $40,830
- Room and Board $14,026
- Acceptance Rate 71%
- ACT Score 22-29
Randolph Community College
629 Industrial Park Drive,
Asheboro,
NC
27203
336-633-0200
Randolph Community College is a Public institution with a campus in Asheboro, North Carolina. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the North Carolina Board of Nursing. The Asheboro, North Carolina campus for Randolph Community College is located in a Town setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 2,469. In-state tuition and fees were $2,416 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: ASN
- Tuition Cost $2,416
- Acceptance Rate Open
Rowan-Cabarrus Community College
1333 Jake Alexander Blvd S,
Salisbury,
NC
28146
704-216-7222
Rowan-Cabarrus Community College is a Public institution with a campus in Salisbury, North Carolina. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the North Carolina Board of Nursing. The Salisbury, North Carolina campus for Rowan-Cabarrus Community College is located in a Suburb setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 6,754. In-state tuition and fees were $2,024 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: ASN
- Tuition Cost $2,024
- Acceptance Rate Open
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
250 E Franklin Street,
Chapel Hill,
NC
27514
919-962-2211
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is a Public institution with a campus in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the North Carolina Board of Nursing. The Chapel Hill, North Carolina campus for University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 31,705. In-state tuition and fees were $8,989 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: BSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN, RN-to-MSN, DNP, PhD
- Tuition Cost $8,989
- Room and Board $12,254
- Acceptance Rate 17%
- ACT Score 30-34
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
9201 University City Blvd,
Charlotte,
NC
28223
704-687-2000
University of North Carolina at Charlotte is a Public institution with a campus in Charlotte, North Carolina. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the North Carolina Board of Nursing. The Charlotte, North Carolina campus for University of North Carolina at Charlotte is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 29,551. In-state tuition and fees were $7,214 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: BSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN, RN-to-MSN, Nurse Anesthetist, Nurse Practitioner
- Tuition Cost $7,214
- Room and Board $12,896
- Acceptance Rate 80%
- ACT Score 20-27
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
1400 Spring Garden Street,
Greensboro,
NC
27412
336-334-5000
University of North Carolina at Greensboro is a Public institution with a campus in Greensboro, North Carolina. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the North Carolina Board of Nursing. The Greensboro, North Carolina campus for University of North Carolina at Greensboro is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 17,978. In-state tuition and fees were $7,498 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: BSN, RN-to-BSN, Accelerated BSN, Nurse Anesthetist, Nurse Practitioner
- Tuition Cost $7,498
- Room and Board $9,924
- Acceptance Rate 92%
- ACT Score 22-27
University of North Carolina at Pembroke
,
Pembroke,
NC
28372
910-521-6000
University of North Carolina at Pembroke is a Public institution with a campus in Pembroke, North Carolina. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the North Carolina Board of Nursing. The Pembroke, North Carolina campus for University of North Carolina at Pembroke is located in a Town setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 7,666. In-state tuition and fees were $3,495 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: BSN, DNP, PhD
- Tuition Cost $3,495
- Room and Board $11,052
- Acceptance Rate 90%
University of North Carolina Wilmington
601 S College Road,
Wilmington,
NC
28403
910-962-3000
University of North Carolina Wilmington is a Public institution with a campus in Wilmington, North Carolina. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the North Carolina Board of Nursing. The Wilmington, North Carolina campus for University of North Carolina Wilmington is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 17,843. In-state tuition and fees were $7,238 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: BSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN, RN-to-MSN, Nurse Practitioner
- Tuition Cost $7,238
- Room and Board $12,120
- Acceptance Rate 69%
- ACT Score 24-29
Wayne Community College
3000 Wayne Memorial Drive,
Goldsboro,
NC
27534
919-735-5151
Wayne Community College is a Public institution with a campus in Goldsboro, North Carolina. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the North Carolina Board of Nursing. The Goldsboro, North Carolina campus for Wayne Community College is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 2,732. In-state tuition and fees were $2,524 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: LPN, ASN
- Tuition Cost $2,524
- Acceptance Rate Open
Western Carolina University
176 Central Dr,
Cullowhee,
NC
28723
828-227-7211
Western Carolina University is a Public institution with a campus in Cullowhee, North Carolina. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the North Carolina Board of Nursing. The Cullowhee, North Carolina campus for Western Carolina University is located in a Town setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 11,635. In-state tuition and fees were $4,453 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: BSN
- Tuition Cost $4,453
- Room and Board $11,173
- Acceptance Rate 85%
- ACT Score 19-26
Western Piedmont Community College
1001 Burkemont Avenue,
Morganton,
NC
28655
828-438-6000
Western Piedmont Community College is a Public institution with a campus in Morganton, North Carolina. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the North Carolina Board of Nursing. The Morganton, North Carolina campus for Western Piedmont Community College is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 1,749. In-state tuition and fees were $2,641 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: ASN
- Tuition Cost $2,641
- Acceptance Rate Open
The nursing program acronyms CNA, LPN, ASN, BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD, etcetera used in our list of North Carolina nursing schools may differ from the actual title published by the college or university.
Nursing schools in North Carolina and other states, for example, may follow their own traditional degree naming convention, or, attempt to follow a newer naming convention trending nationwide.
Last updated: August 1, 2024
References:
- North Carolina Nursing License Requirements. State of North Carolina, Board of Nursing. Retrieved August 1, 2024.
- North Carolina State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates. U.S. Bureau Of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics. Retrieved August 1, 2024.
- Tuition And Characteristics Of North Carolina Colleges. U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics. Retrieved August 1, 2024.
- North Carolina Nurse Licensure Compact Status. NCSBN, National Council of State Boards of Nursing. Retrieved August 1, 2024.