How To Become a Nurse in North Carolina 2025

There are a few things required to become a nurse in North Carolina. If you are interested in working in healthcare as a registered nurse (RN), you need to complete nursing education and obtain a nursing license. Continue reading to learn how to become a nurse and start your nursing career.

What Does an RN Do?

A certified registered nurse has various tasks based on the healthcare facility. Some of the most common responsibilities include:

• assessing patient health
• updating patient records
• educating patients
• supervising licensed practical nurses (LPNs) or nurse aides
• conducting diagnostic tests

Nurses may work within specific fields, such as surgical care or maternal medicine. In many cases, registered nurses work alongside other healthcare professionals and collaborate to provide the best care for patients.

How Long Does It Take To Become a Nurse in North Carolina?

The length of a nursing program depends on the type of program, as well as each student's prior education. Students without prior college coursework can typically complete a nursing program in two years, although accelerated programs can be finished sooner.

There are alternative routes to RN licensure, however, that offer 12-month or 18-month timelines. Choosing from 12-month accelerated nursing programs is the fastest route to obtaining RN licensure.

4 Steps To Become a Registered Nurse in North Carolina

You can become a nurse within one or two years, depending on your prior education. There are four key steps that you should take to start your career as an RN, including completing a nursing program and applying for licensure.

Step 1: Earn a High School Diploma or an Equivalent

You need to have a high school diploma or an equivalent (like a GED) to enter an approved nursing education program. School of nursing coursework builds on what you learned in your previous education, and you will rely on prior study skills when you are in your nursing program. The GPA from your diploma/GED may also be a consideration for the admissions office of your nursing school.

Step 2: Complete a State-Approved Nursing Program

Your nursing program should be approved by the North Carolina Board of Nursing (NCBON). Approved RN programs include associate degree options as well as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), either of which prepare you for nursing care and future RN endorsement. RN programs include nursing coursework, as well as on-campus labs and hands-on clinical practice in clinical settings.

Step 3: Take the NCLEX-RN Exam

Once you have completed the educational requirements for nurses, you should take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Your nursing program should prepare you for your exam, and you need to earn a qualifying score on the exam to gain a North Carolina Nursing License. You can review recent NCLEX pass rates for programs that you are considering to get an idea of which ones offer better preparation.

Step 4: Obtain an RN License

Once you have taken the NCLEX, you can apply for an RN license through the NCBON. The state board of nursing does offer a temporary license that you can apply for if you are waiting to complete one of your RN requirements, which is valid for up to six months. Applying for licensure requires the submission of your transcripts, NCLEX score, and a criminal background check submission.

Top Nursing Degree Programs in North Carolina

There are numerous RN tracks available to North Carolina students, including both traditional and online nursing programs. We'll discuss five of the best RN programs in the state below, each of which is approved by the NCBON.

1. Davidson-Davie Community College

Davidson-Davie Community College offers two tracks for an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in nursing degree. The traditional program is available at the Davidson campus and takes five semesters to complete, while the LPN-entry option can be completed in one year through a hybrid format. Nursing courses include concepts such as holistic healthcare, developmental psychology, family health, and healthcare systems.

• Estimated tuition cost: $76 per credit (in-state); $268 per credit (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)

2. Cape Fear Community College

Cape Fear Community College (CFCC) offers an on-campus Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) that prepares students for RN licensure. The traditional program can be completed in five semesters and offers start dates in both the fall and summer semesters. There are also LPN-entry programs, which can be completed in as few as two semesters.

• Estimated tuition cost: $76 per credit (in-state); $268 per credit (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: SACSCOC, ACEN

3. Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, or AB Tech, offers an on-campus ADN program that can be completed in five months of full-time study. The program prepares students for nursing practice through the development of professional nursing skills and competencies. Students utilize evidence-based concepts and focus on quality patient care, informatics, teamwork, and ethical practices.

• Estimated tuition cost: $76 per credit (in-state); $268 per credit (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: SACSCOC, Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (CNEA)

4. Western Carolina University

Western Carolina University (WCU) offers a traditional BSN, an Accelerated BSN (or ABSN), and an online RN-to-BSN. The Cullowhee-based BSN program offers two start dates per year and can be completed in eight semesters or less (full-time enrollment). The four-semester ABSN program is based in Asheville and is designed for students who have previously completed a bachelor's degree in a field other than nursing.

• Estimated tuition cost: $195 per credit (in-state, fees included); $362 per credit (out-of-state, fees included)
• Accreditation: SACSCOC, Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

5. Appalachian State University

Appalachian State University offers two BSN programs: a traditional BSN and an RN-to-BSN. The traditional program is offered at the Boone campus and includes coursework in pharmacology, leadership, mental health nursing, and human physiology. The RN-to-BSN program can be completed online in one to three years and includes courses such as nursing research, informatics, health assessment, and care of older adults.

• Estimated tuition cost: $205 to $342 per credit (in-state); $1,105 per credit (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: SACSCOC, CCNE

Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in North Carolina

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there were around 106,000 registered nurses in North Carolina as of 2022, with a current median salary of $81,860 in the state. BLS projects that RN positions will grow by 16% in the state by 2032, adding an average of almost 8,000 RN jobs per year. Close to 200,000 RN positions are expected to be added on average each year across the United States overall.

FAQs About How To Become a Nurse in North Carolina

As you begin your search for the right nursing program, you may have some key questions. What is the best laptop for nursing students, and how often do I need to be on campus? The top FAQs about NC nursing programs are answered below.

How Much Does a Nursing Degree Cost in North Carolina?

Nursing degree costs depend on a few factors, including the hourly tuition rate and credit hours required. You can ask your candidate schools for total cost estimates, and fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to reduce your costs. Check out nursing programs from online colleges that accept FAFSA.

What Are the Prerequisites for a Nursing Degree?

Prerequisites vary by program but can include general education courses or specific classes from a high school program. You can also fulfill many prerequisite requirements by completing self-paced nursing prerequisites online. Ask your schools what prerequisites you need to complete.

What Is the Fastest Way To Become a Nurse?

The fastest way to become a nurse is through an accelerated program, whether at the associate or bachelor's degree level. If you already have a bachelor's degree, an ABSN program is your fastest option. If you don't have a previous degree, look for accelerated associate degree programs.

What Is the Easiest Nursing Degree?

If you are looking to find the easiest nursing degree, consider what features are going to make your program easiest for you. For example, you may benefit most by choosing a program with classes online or clinical sessions on weekends. Your availability and scheduling needs are important factors in determining which program is easiest for you.

Find a Nursing Degree

You can discover a variety of great nursing programs on Learn.org, including accelerated and affordable options. Contact the schools that offer the programs you are interested in.