10 Best LPN Programs in North Carolina | Accredited Online LPN Programs 2025

A career in nursing can be one of the most rewarding professions for those who've felt the call to care for others. One of the fastest ways to start your nursing career is to complete a practical nursing degree through an online LPN school.

North Carolina has several accredited online LPN programs to help you on this path. Some offer flexible hybrid options, while others give you hands-on practice with in-person classes. Part-time LPN programs can offer even more flexibility. If you are interested in nursing, then take a look at our list of accredited community colleges in North Carolina to see which one is the best fit for you.

Accredited LPN Programs Online in North Carolina

When you're ready to begin your career, sometimes that means you want to start right away. There are great options for LPN schools online that take anywhere from nine to 15 months, so you can get to work fast.

1. Montgomery Community College

Students at Montgomery Community College (MCC) can complete the LPN diploma program in nine months with a blended schedule. In-person classes will meet three to four days a week, with other classes meeting online. Students in this program will finish with 480 clinical hours working in a clinical setting under the direction of an RN.

Tuition for in-state students is $76 per credit hour, and the LPN diploma program requires 34 semester hours. Outside of class, students can participate in MCC's practical nursing club to promote the nursing profession, participate in fundraisers, and learn more about this career.

2. Mayland Community College

Busy students can take hybrid evening classes at Mayland Community College in Spruce Pine, NC, to complete their LPN degree in one year. This accredited program includes specialized courses like obstetrics and mental health and gives students hands-on experience with cutting-edge healthcare technology. From 2020 to 2023, Mayland had a 100% pass rate on the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX-PN).

In-state students will pay $76 per credit hour up to 16 credit hours. Prospective students must meet minimum requirements, including being over 18 years old, submitting necessary transcripts, and passing entrance exams.

3. Wake Tech Community College

Wake Tech in Raleigh offers an in-person LPN degree that helps students build the skills, knowledge, and teamwork to succeed in this fast-paced career. Graduates are prepared for jobs in hospitals, long term care facilities, clinics, and more.

To complete the 44 credit hours required for the LPN degree, in-state students will pay a total of $3,344 in tuition. This is a competitive program that determines eligibility by a point system, not a waitlist. Higher grades in general education classes will help boost your chances of being admitted.

4. Piedmont Community College

Piedmont's LPN diploma program begins in January of each year, and this three-semester program has an anticipated graduation date in December. Courses focusing on anatomy and math measurement will give students the practical experience to succeed in a real-world setting. Upon completion, graduates will be ready to pursue licensure and are ready to work as entry-level nurses.

This program takes between 43 and 48 credit hours to complete. Tuition for in-state students is $76 per credit hour, plus applicable fees.

5. Cape Fear Community College

This full-time program can be completed in 12 months and will give students all the tools and knowledge they need to become a registered nurse. Over 44 credit hours, students will focus on building the skills needed to work under a registered nurse, licensed physician, or licensed dentist.

Interested students are required to pass the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) before applying. Enrollment runs from January to April, with a start date in the fall. Tuition and fees for full-time residents of the state are about $2,116. Students in healthcare programs will incur an additional $1,000 in expenses.

6. Guilford Technical Community College

Since Guilford Tech's practical nursing program is approved by the North Carolina Board of Nursing, students can be confident that they are well prepared for a job in a hospital, clinic, or other healthcare setting. Additionally, students will get six to nine hours per week of clinical experience in local hospitals or long-term care facilities.

The program takes three semesters to finish, and the estimated total cost for the program is $5,000, including an application fee for NCLEX-PN. Each fall, 30 students are accepted into this program.

7. Wayne Community College

Wayne's LPN program, located on-campus in Goldsboro, aims to build communication skills in students and help them effectively care for diverse clients across age levels. With an average class size of 20 to 28 students and time spent in labs and clinical practice along with the classroom, graduates of Wayne Community College's LPN program will be well-equipped for a nursing career.

Tuition is $76 per semester hour, and the estimated total in-state tuition is $1,283 per semester. Students interested in continuing their education can take advantage of Wayne's associate degree nursing program.

8. ECPI University

ECPI offers an accelerated year-round practical nursing diploma program so you can finish your degree in 15 months. This program focuses on nursing foundations like ethics and safety, patient care, and proper assessment of a patient's physical and emotional well-being. Students will also have the opportunity for hands-on learning through labs and simulations.

There are multiple campus locations across North Carolina, in Charlotte, Greensboro, and Raleigh. The total estimated tuition and fees for the PN program is $9,720 per semester. Tuition reimbursement and military tuition assistance are available.

9. Forsyth Tech Community College

You can finish your degree in one year with day, evening, and weekend classes at Forsyth Tech in Winston-Salem. Courses will prioritize evidence-based care, interdisciplinary collaboration, and individual care for every patient throughout their lifespan. Graduates will walk away with the nursing skills, medical knowledge, and hands-on experiences that will help them to succeed in their future careers.

North Carolina residents will pay $76 per credit hour plus fees, which takes about 40 credit hours to complete. High school seniors may be eligible for credit for high school classes.

10. Brunswick Community College

Students can get their LPN diploma at Brunswick Community College in just one year. This immersive, accredited program combines interdisciplinary teamwork with innovative, hands-on practice. Education programs will prepare you to take the NCLEX-PN exam and complete your certification as a nurse.

This program takes four semesters to complete, and costs vary per semester. But the total program cost per semester averages to about $2,077. That includes required fees like a criminal background check and immunizations, along with books, lab kits, and other materials.

Our Selection Criteria

When selecting the best online accredited LPN programs in the state, we had a few key factors we wanted to prioritize:

• Flexibility: We prioritized online LPN programs in North Carolina to offer maximum flexibility. Online classes and hybrid programs mean you can complete much of the work on your schedule.
• Accreditation: All of the above LPN online classes are fully accredited, so the coursework is designed to ensure you are getting a high-quality education and are prepared to work in a nursing practice.
• Hands-on learning: While some of the above online courses for your LPN degree are hybrid, all of them include quality hands-on learning, clinical work, and, in some cases, simulations. The more you can learn by doing, the better nursing care you will be ready to provide.

What Can I Expect From a Licensed Practical Nurse Program in North Carolina?

Online accredited LPN programs give you the best of both worlds: the flexibility of digital learning with the personal attention of in-person class time. Your classes will focus on the basics of nursing, anatomy, and physiology, but you will also work to increase your critical thinking skills so you're prepared for future employment opportunities.

The best LPN programs have strict education requirements you must meet before applying. Most also have prerequisites, require you to pass an entrance exam, and require you to take the NCLEX-PN exam before graduation to complete your licensure. The time it takes to complete all of this varies; accelerated programs can take as little as six months, but part-time LPN programs allow you to complete the coursework on your own time.

A major benefit of many online accredited LPN programs is a lower cost than on-campus programs. If you are interested in financial aid, take a look at the cheapest online colleges that accept FAFSA.

Fast-Track LPN Programs in North Carolina

Taking LPN online classes can be a fast, flexible, and often low-cost way to get your career started. Accelerate your education and get to work quickly with fast-track LPN programs online is definitely an option if you enroll in programs that take nine to 12 months to complete. If you want to get your degree even quicker, you may want to look outside the state for an accredited 6-month LPN program.

The following schools from our list offer a 9-month LPN program:

• Montgomery Community College
• Wake Tech Community College
• Piedmont Community College
• Guilford Technical Community College
• Forsyth Tech Community College
• Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute

The following schools from our list offer a 12-month LPN program:

• Mayland Community College
• Cape Fear Community College
• Brunswick Community College

Read More: What Is The Fastest Way To Become an LPN

FAQs About Accredited Online LPN Programs in North Carolina

If you still have questions about nursing school and how to find the best online accredited LPN programs, take a look at our FAQs below for more information.

What Is the Easiest LPN School To Get Into in North Carolina?

Many LPN programs have similar requirements for admission: transcripts, prerequisite classes, and completion of the Test of Academic Skills (TEAS). Check your school's requirements to see what existing skills you already have to make admission as smooth as possible.

What Courses Are Typically in an Online LPN Program?

Most programs have a few required LPN classes, as well as prerequisites including a high school diploma or GED. Once you are in the program, you'll be taking classes on nursing methodology, anatomy and physiology, psychology, and measurements. Expect to also do a lot of hands-on learning after you've finished the online courses for your LPN program.

How Long Does It Take To Become an LPN in North Carolina?

With there being around 1,600 LPN job openings in North Carolina, according to NC Careers, you may want to know how quickly you can become licensed. Accelerated online LPN programs in North Carolina mean you can get your diploma in as little as nine months. Other programs are structured for 12 to 15 months.

Explore Online Healthcare and LPN Programs

Nursing students have a lot to learn before they are ready to provide top-notch patient care. But with some of the best LPN programs in the state, you can walk into your first rotation with confidence. When you're ready to get started, reach out to one of the accredited colleges featured on Learn.org and find the right program for you.