Best 2-Year Nursing Programs in North Carolina (ASN & ADN Online)

Anyone interested in becoming a registered nurse (RN) can complete the educational requirements for nurses through 2-year nursing programs. Traditional 2-year nursing programs lead to an associate degree, but there are also some accelerated nursing programs for qualifying students.

Continue reading to learn more about how to become a nurse in North Carolina.

What Is a 2-Year Nursing Program?

The traditional two-year nursing program is often referred to as an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), although some of these programs actually lead to a similarly titled degree. ADN is sometimes used interchangeably with Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) and Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AASN). While all of these programs prepare a student to become a nurse, they do have some differences.

Associate of Science in Nursing

ASN and AASN degrees are more practice-oriented than actual ADN degrees, and often include more health sciences coursework than more general programs. ASN students might take physiology II in place of a communications course, for example, and might spend more time developing skills in their course labs. Online ASN programs that are state-approved are no more or less eligible for RN licensure; they are simply more healthcare-focused than online ADN programs.

Associate Degree in Nursing

Many schools refer to their nursing programs as ADN programs, although only some of those programs are for actual ADN degrees. ADN degree programs are more likely to have a few general education courses that are helpful to nurses but less science or practice oriented, such as a communications class or a social sciences course. ADN programs give students a broader knowledge base for professional nursing care.

Are There Online 2-Year Nursing Degrees in North Carolina?

Most North Carolina registered nursing programs are offered as two-year, full-time degree programs. Nursing students who want to study part-time may prefer to pursue a three-year option, but these are less common than full-time nursing programs.

There are several institutions that offer accredited online nursing degree programs with local practicum options, but all nursing programs do require in-person components. A nursing career requires certain competencies and skills that are developed through practice, so all RN programs nationwide involve some amount of clinical and hands-on training.

Best 2-Year ASN and ADN Programs in North Carolina

Dozens of schools across North Carolina offer two-year nursing programs, some of which have hybrid or flexible formats. Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and students who already have a baccalaureate degree can alternatively complete accelerated RN programs to become RNs more quickly. Ten of the best RN programs are discussed below, all of which are accredited by the North Carolina Board of Nursing (NCBN).

1. Piedmont Community College

Piedmont Community College offers an AASN at both of its campuses, including a traditional program and an evening and weekend program. Both programs are full-time and include classes such as developmental psychology, holistic health, and physiology I. Around half of the required classes can be taken on-campus or online, enabling students to create a hybrid format throughout the program.

• Estimated tuition cost: $76 (in-state) or $268 (out-of-state) per credit
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. Davidson-Davie Community College

Davidson-David Community College offers two RN preparation programs: a traditional AASN and an accelerated LPN-entry option. The traditional program can be completed in two years of full-time enrollment, while the LPN-entry program takes two semesters to complete. Traditional students can complete general education coursework online, and students in the accelerated program complete all coursework online (excluding hands-on requirements).

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

3. Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College (AB Tech) has a traditional RN program as well as accelerated options for existing LPNs and paramedics. The traditional program can be completed in two years and enables students to complete general education courses, such as English and psychology, through online or on-campus formats. Students can also enroll in the Western Carolina University collaboration program to earn their AASN, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

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

4. Carolinas College of Health Sciences

Carolinas College of Health Sciences collaborates with Atrium Health to provide nursing students with a wide variety of facilities for gaining clinical experiences around Charlotte. Students can earn an ADN in two years through the traditional RN program, which includes coursework in human growth, physiology, and microbiology.

Students can also start in the general studies program to complete general education requirements before transitioning into the ADN program and nursing coursework.

• Estimated tuition cost: $368 per credit
• Accreditation: SACSCOC, ACEN

5. Guilford Technical Community College

Guilford Technical Community College (GTCC) has an ADN option with several start dates each year. The traditional program consists of 66 credits and begins in spring and fall semesters, while the LPN-entry program consists of four classes that are completed over three semesters.

Students learn about holistic healthcare, health informatics, and teamwork, and can complete general education courses online or on campus.

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

6. Sampson Community College

Sampson Community College has three RN programs, including a traditional two-year ADN program and a hybrid LPN-entry option. Students can also enroll in the Associate in General Education (AGE) nursing program, which is designed to prepare students for RN licensure as well as entry into a BSN program at a partnering school within the University of North Carolina (UNC) system. Students can take many general education courses online in all programs, and can earn licensure in one to two years.

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

7. South College

South College offers an accelerated BSN (ABSN) program at the Asheville campus, which is open to students who have previously completed a bachelor's degree. Students complete lab work on campus and coursework online, and develop hands-on skills through clinical practicum experiences at local healthcare facilities.

The program emphasizes holistic care, evidence-based practices, nursing leadership, research, and collaboration in healthcare.

• Estimated tuition cost: $349 to $698 per credit (depends on course load)
• Accreditation: SACSCOC, ACEN

8. Cape Fear Community College

Cape Fear Community College (CFCC) has a traditional two-year ADN program that includes coursework in complex health, holistic health, and family health concepts. There is also an LPN-entry option, which enables students to complete their program through a mix of in-person and online components. Students can begin either program in the spring or fall semester each year and are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN upon graduating.

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

9. University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill

University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, typically referred to as UNC or Carolina, offers a four-semester accelerated BSN program for students with a non-nursing bachelor's degree. With a recent NCLEX pass rate of 98%, the program includes coursework in reproductive health, public health, pathophysiology, and family-centered care. UNC nursing students can apply for several dozen in-house scholarships that are funded by donors.

• Estimated tuition cost: $292 (in-state) or $1,798 (out-of-state) per credit
• Accreditation: SACSCOC, ACEN

10. Fayetteville Technical Community College

Fayetteville Technical Community College (FTCC) offers a two-year ADN program that prepares students for professional nursing and the NCLEX-RN exam. Classes include both nursing and general education courses, such as psychology and biology, and students develop skills through real-world practice. General education courses are offered both on-campus and online, and students can begin in both spring and fall semesters.

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

How We Rank Schools

When choosing the schools for our rankings, our team searches through several dozen institutions and programs offered throughout the state. We consider criteria such as cost, reputation, program length, and accreditation, to make sure that the featured programs are the best options available.

• Accreditation: Each of the schools featured has been accredited at the institutional level, and all of the RN programs are approved by the North Carolina Board of Nursing for nurse preparation.
• Program length: All of the RN programs can be completed in two years or less of full-time study, and students who qualify for accelerated programs can obtain licensure in around one year.
• Program reputation: The programs utilize experienced faculty and evidence-based competencies so that nursing students develop effective and safe skills for patient care in different types of settings.

FAQs About 2-Year Nursing Programs in North Carolina

Registered nursing programs vary by school and format, but there are some characteristics that are shared by many schools. The FAQs below discuss some of the key considerations that you may have in deciding what program is best for you.

How Can I Become a Nurse in 2 Years in North Carolina?

Traditional RN programs are usually structured as two years of full-time study, although some schools offer part-time options that take longer. If you have a previous bachelor's degree or an LPN license, you can become an RN more quickly through an accelerated program.

What Is the Fastest RN Program in North Carolina?

The fastest RN program for high school graduates is the traditional two-year program. Some students may choose to complete a one-year LPN program and then a one-year LPN-entry option for their RN license, so that they can work as an LPN while completing the RN program.

What Is the Easiest Nursing Program To Get Into in North Carolina?

The easiest nursing programs to get into typically have less strict admissions requirements, such as a lower GPA or entrance exam score. In addition, some schools have specific prerequisite requirements, while others do not.

How Much Does a 2-Year Nursing Program Cost?

The cost of an RN program depends on your school's tuition rate and applicable fees. NC community colleges typically charge less than $100 per credit, meaning an RN degree of 66 credit hours costs less than $7,000 in tuition at those institutions. Private universities and schools are more expensive, and you will also have applicable program and school fees.

What Are the Prerequisites for a 2-Year Nursing Program?

RN program prerequisites depend on your school, but they can include classes like mathematics and composition. Some programs require coursework that you likely covered in your high school program, but other programs may require you to complete other classes (e.g., biology or anatomy).

Discover Nursing Programs

Explore more of the top nursing programs in North Carolina and nearby states on Learn.org, and reach out to the schools that offer programs you are interested in.