North Carolina’s Top-Rated Nursing Schools and Programs of 2024
If you’ve considered pursuing a nursing career in North Carolina, now is a great time! The national growth rate for registered nurses (RNs) is 6% between 2021-2031. However, North Carolina has a projected registered nurse growth rate of 14% between 2020-2030. With a predicted 6,780 RN job openings in North Carolina annually, this means there will be plenty of job opportunities to choose from.
North Carolina is the perfect destination if you are looking for a place with a low cost of living, beautiful weather, a great job market, and diverse landscapes. There is something for everyone to enjoy. North Carolina has some of the best beaches in the country. The Outer Banks contain a 200-mile stretch of barrier islands off the coast known for its beautiful beaches, lighthouses, and wild horses. Perfect for those who enjoy swimming, surfing, kayaking, fishing, and paddleboarding.
In addition to its beautiful beaches, North Carolina has gorgeous natural landscapes and state parks, including the Appalachian Mountains, the Blue Ridge Mountains, and the Great Smoky Mountains. It is home to several national parks, forests, and waterfalls, which offer plenty of outdoor recreation for those who enjoy hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, or biking.
North Carolina offers an affordable cost of living, with the overall cost of living lower than the national average. The cost of housing is well below the national average, allowing residents to have more disposable income to enjoy a high quality of life.
Residents of North Carolina pay less taxes. The state has a flat income tax rate of 5.25%, which is lower than the national average. The sales tax is 4.75%, and the property tax rate is also below the national average.
Offering a strong and diverse economy, the job market in North Carolina is growing. The unemployment rate for the state is consistently below the national average. In addition to this, many industries are seeing strong job growth. Healthcare in North Caroline is booming. North Carolina is home to multiple major healthcare systems, including Duke University Health System, UNC Health Care, and Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center.
North Carolina is home to some of the country’s most prestigious universities and colleges, making it the perfect place to get your nursing education. Once you’ve completed your nursing education, you can secure a job at one of the best healthcare facilities and programs in the country. North Carolina is known for its excellent hospitals and medical centers, making it a great place to work as a nurse.
The Best Nursing Schools in North Carolina
Learn more about the best nursing schools in North Carolina to help determine which college may be best for you.
Our site has ranked the best nursing schools in North Carolina based on the NCLEX-RN pass rates posted on the North Carolina Board of Nursing website. The schools are categorized into Associate Degree in Nursing programs (ADN) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs.
ADN Programs:
#1 North Carolina ADN Nursing Program
College of The Albemarle
The College of The Albemarle is a public community college with campuses in Elizabeth City, Currituck, Edenton, and Dare, North Carolina. They offer an ADN program and a licensed practical nurse (LPN) to ADN program. Their ADN program teaches students the skills needed to provide nursing care to patients in a variety of settings, preparing graduates for the nurse’s role as a patient care provider and member of an interdisciplinary healthcare team.
Average Tuition
In-State: $2,228
Out-of-State: $7,346
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$2,228 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$7,346 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
100% |
| Program Completion Rate 2022 |
62% |
| Job Placement 2022 |
100% |
| Students Enrolled |
3,151 |
| Institution Type |
Public Community College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
72% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) |
#2 North Carolina ADN Nursing Program
Randolph Community College
Randolph Community College is a public community college in Asheboro, North Carolina. They offer an ADN program where students are able to apply their new skills and knowledge with hands-on scenarios in their state-of-the-art Allied Health Center. Coursework in the program builds upon fundamental concepts of health care and the nursing practice, emphasizing the role as a team member providing safe, individualized care.
Average Tuition
In-State: $2,386
Out-of-State: $8,146
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$2,386 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$8,146 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
100% |
| Program Completion Rate 2021 |
Not given |
| Job Placement 2019-2021 |
Not given |
| Students Enrolled |
2,548 |
| Institution Type |
Public Community College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
84% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the North Carolina Board of Nursing |
#3 North Carolina ADN Nursing Program
Cleveland Community College
Cleveland Community College is a public community college in Shelby, North Carolina. They offer an ADN program with a curriculum that provides knowledge, skills, and strategies to integrate safety and quality into nursing care. The program emphasizes the nurse as a healthcare team member, providing safe, individualized care while employing evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and informatics. They offer a traditional or LPN to ADN pathway, making it easier for more students to get their degree.
Average Tuition
In-State: $2,602
Out-of-State: $8,746
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$2,602 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$8,746 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
100% |
| Program Completion Rate 2021 |
Not given |
| Job Placement 2021 |
Not given |
| Students Enrolled |
2,425 |
| Institution Type |
Public community college |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
68% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the ACEN |
BSN Programs:
#1 North Carolina BSN Nursing Program
South College Asheville
South College Asheville is a private college in Asheville, North Carolina. They offer a BSN program that is designed to promote a strong academic and clinical foundation. The first two years at South College include education and core prerequisite courses that provide the liberal arts framework for more advanced portions of the nursing program. In the last two years, students will begin their core nursing classes, having hands-on learning opportunities in the skills and simulation laboratories. In addition to that, students will have opportunities to practice their nursing skills on real patients in their clinical rotations, which take place at various healthcare facilities.
Average Tuition
In-State: $19,050
Out-of-State: $19,050
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$19,050 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$19,050 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate |
100% |
| Admission Rate |
Not given |
| Retention Rate |
60% |
| Students Enrolled |
303 |
| Institution Type |
Private college |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) |
#2 North Carolina BSN Nursing Program
Catawba College
Catawba College is a private college in Salisbury, North Carolina. They offer a BSN program with a curriculum that is based on the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) and supported by the Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN) qualities. The nursing program aims to prepare competent and diverse nurse professionals who can meet the healthcare needs of a culturally diverse society. The program emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach that blends the knowledge and competencies of liberal studies and evidence-based practice healthcare models to embrace nursing education, nursing practice, critical thinking, scholarship, and service. Additionally, students are given hands-on learning opportunities in their simulation and skills labs.
Average Tuition
In-State: $32,380
Out-of-State: $32,380
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$32,380 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$32,380 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate |
100% |
| Admission Rate |
66.99% |
| Retention Rate |
68% |
| Students Enrolled |
1,207 |
| Institution Type |
Private University |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
27% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the CCNE |
#3 North Carolina BSN Nursing Program
Methodist University
Methodist University is a private university in Fayetteville, North Carolina. They offer a BSN program that teaches students to provide competent patient-centered care, work within interdisciplinary teams, employ evidence-based practice, apply quality improvement, utilize informatics, and function in an environment of integrated processes within a global community. Graduates are prepared for entry-level RN positions in various healthcare settings.
Average Tuition
In-State: $38,138
Out-of-State: $38,138
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$38,138 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$38,138 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
100% |
| Admission Rate |
76% |
| Retention Rate |
62% |
| Students Enrolled |
1,916 |
| Institution Type |
Private University |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
38% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the CCNE |
How to Choose a Nursing Program in North Carolina
When choosing a nursing program in North Carolina, you will want to look at the NCLEX-RN pass rates, admission and retention rates, and job placement rates. Programs with a high NCLEX-RN pass rate provide their students with the tools and support to succeed and prepare them well to be RNs. You may also want to consider the cost of the program and scholarship opportunities, as a BSN program usually takes longer to complete. However, most ADN programs require you to meet your general education requirements before entering the program, so make sure you know what is required before entering the program.
Accreditation is important when choosing a nursing program. Some schools may transfer credits earned while receiving your RN, and some employers may only hire nurses who have completed their degrees through an accredited program. Currently, 61 ADN and 37 BSN programs in North Carolina are fully accredited.
Why Become a Nurse in North Carolina
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 6% growth in nursing employment nationwide, and North Carolina estimates a nursing growth of 14% from 2020-2030. This means there will be plenty of jobs to choose from.
North Carolina has excellent colleges to choose from to earn your nursing degree. Upon graduation, graduates will have opportunities to work in one of the best healthcare facilities in the country. North Carolina is known for its excellent hospitals and medical centers.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that RNs in North Carolina earn an average annual salary of $77,420. While this is below the national average, the cost of living in North Carolina is also below the national average, which allows your dollar to stretch further.
Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in North Carolina
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average mean wage for an RN in North Carolina is $77,420, and it employs 104,320 nurses. North Carolina also employs 8,040 advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who make an average wage of $114,450.
The projected nationwide employment growth rate for registered nurses between 2021 and 2031 is 6%, with an anticipated 203,200 yearly job openings. Many of these job openings are expected due to workers retiring or transferring to different occupations.
| Top Paying Cities in North Carolina for RNs |
| Greensboro-High Point, NC |
$80,260 |
| Winston-Salem, NC |
$80,230 |
| Fayetteville, NC |
$79,670 |
Citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, at https://data.bls.gov/oes/#/home (visited February 25, 2022).
Steps to Becoming a Nurse in North Carolina
To become an RN and advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), candidates must complete a program approved by the North Carolina Board of Nursing. Upon completing an approved nursing program, candidates must pass the NCLEX-RN exam.
After gaining experience as an RN, some nurses return to school to obtain their APRN.
After you have completed an APRN program, you will need to take the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) exam or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) exam.
Maintaining your nursing license requires meeting specific requirements. To become a nurse in North Carolina, you must complete the following requirements:
RN Requirements
These are the steps to take to become an RN in North Carolina:
- Enroll in an Associate Degree in Nursing Program (ADN) OR a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program (BSN).
- An ADN program usually takes two years, while a BSN program usually takes four years to complete. Courses can be taken in person or online. However, both programs may offer a part-time track that will take longer.
- After completing your chosen nursing program, you will be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam. In addition, you must submit your transcripts, proof of graduation, proof of primary residence, and complete a fingerprint and criminal background check to the state board of nursing to receive your license.
- Once you have been issued your first North Carolina nursing license, you must renew it every two years before the last day of your birth month. Before license renewal, applicants must complete the following:
- Complete a self-assessment of practice, including professional responsibility, knowledge-based practice, legal and ethical practice, and collaborating with others.
- Develop a plan for continued learning by selecting and implementing a learning activity option from the following:
- Complete a national certification or re-certification related to the nurse’s practice role by a national credentialing body
- Complete 30 contact hours of continuing education
- Complete a board-approved refresher course
- Complete a minimum of two semester hours of post-licensure academic education related to nursing practice
- Complete 15 contact hours of a continuing education activity related to the nurse’s practice and completion of a nursing project as principal or co-principal investigator, including a statement of the problem, project objectives, methods, and a summary of findings
- Complete 15 contact hours of continuing education activity related to the nurse’s practice and authoring or co-authoring a published nursing-related article, paper, book, or book chapter
- Complete 15 contact hours of continuing education activity related to the nurse’s practice and designing, developing, and conducting an educational presentation or presentations totaling a minimum of five contact hours for nurses or other health professionals
- Complete 15 contact hours of continuing education activity related to the nurse’s practice and 640 hours of active practice within the previous two years.
APRN Requirements
These are the steps to become an APRN in North Carolina:
- Candidates must hold an active RN license to practice in North Carolina.
- RNs must have earned their BSN before entering an APRN program.
- RNs must enter an accredited nursing program to earn their Master of Science in Nursing or Doctor of Nursing Practice.
- Once an APRN program has successfully been completed, you will be required to pass the certification exam and hold and maintain current certification as a nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, or nurse anesthetist from one of the following national organizations:
- American Nurses Credentialing Center
- National Certification Corporation for the Obstetric
- Gynecologic
- Neonatal Nursing Specialties
- Pediatric Nursing Certification Board
- American Association of Nurse Anesthetists
- American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
- Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation
- American Association of Critical-Care Nurses.
- North Carolina APRN licenses must be renewed every two years and is due before the last day of your birth month. All APRNs must maintain national certification or earn 50 contact hours of continuing education every two years. At least 20 hours of the required 50 hours must be those hours for which approval has been granted by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or Accreditation Council on Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), or other national credentialing bodies. The remaining 30 hours must be CEs at the advanced practice level, included as part of the total 50 contact hours. One contact hour of CE is required for those APRNs who prescribe controlled substances.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in North Carolina
Is North Carolina a good place for nurses to work?
North Carolina is a great place to work and is known for its excellent hospitals and medical centers. With a 14% growth rate predicted for the state, plenty of job opportunities are available to RNs.
Is North Carolina a compact state for nursing?
Yes, North Carolina is a compact state for nursing. This means that nurses who practice nursing in North Carolina can also choose to practice nursing in other compact states and vice versa.
What are the requirements for RNs in North Carolina?
After completing an accredited nursing program, you must successfully pass the NCLEX-RN exam. Once you have been issued your North Carolina RN license, you must renew it every two years. Before renewal, you must complete one of the following:
- Complete a national certification or re-certification related to the nurse’s practice role by a national credentialing body
- Complete 30 contact hours of continuing education
- Complete a board-approved refresher course
- Complete a minimum of two semester hours of post-licensure academic education related to nursing practice
- Complete 15 contact hours of a continuing education activity related to the nurse’s practice and completion of a nursing project as principal or co-principal investigator including a statement of the problem, project objectives, methods, and a summary of findings
- Complete 15 contact hours of continuing education activity related to the nurse’s practice and authoring or co-authoring a published nursing-related article, paper, book, or book chapter
- Complete 15 contact hours of continuing education activity related to the nurse’s practice and designing, developing, and conducting an educational presentation or presentations totaling a minimum of five contact hours for nurses or other health professionals
- Complete 15 contact hours of continuing education activity related to the nurse’s practice and 640 hours of active practice within the previous two years
How much does a North Carolina RN license cost?
The cost to take the NCLEX-RN exam in North Carlina is $75. Licensing by endorsement costs $150. If you are renewing your North Carolina RN license, the fee is $100.
