9 Best Online Nursing Programs in North Carolina

The nursing field offers amazing opportunities for career growth and advancement, but getting the right education to be a certified registered nurse is often necessary to take the next step.

If you have a busy schedule, it's not always easy to find time to pursue a degree.

Nursing programs understand the difficulty of attending classes with a full-time job, which is why many offer flexible online nursing degree programs.

If you are ready to earn an undergraduate or graduate nursing degree, keep reading to find a North Carolina online nursing degree program in your area.

Best Online Nursing Programs in North Carolina

There are a lot of great schools offering North Carolina online nursing degree programs. Here is an overview of online options in the state, including online RN to BSN programs.

1. East Carolina University

East Carolina University in Greenville is home to several online nursing programs designed to meet the needs of busy students.

Nurses interested in earning a bachelor's degree can benefit from a 100% online RN-to-BSN program. This 16-month program lasts four semesters and is CCNE accredited.

The university also offers an online MSN program. Two concentrations in this program, health systems leadership and nursing education, don't require on-campus visits.

2. University of North Carolina, Greensboro

Registered nurses interested in earning their Bachelor of Science in Nursing can take advantage of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro's RN-to-BSN program.

The program is designed for licensed RNs located in North Carolina. It offers a flexible asynchronous learning format so students can study on their own time.

Cohorts start in the spring and fall semesters. The entire program can be completed in one year (including the summer).

3. University of North Carolina, Charlotte

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte offers several nursing programs to meet the needs of students aiming to further their nursing education.

Students interested in earning an undergraduate North Carolina online nursing degree might consider the 100% online, 12-month RN-to-BSN completion program.

At the graduate level, the university offers several 100% online MSN programs, including community/public health nursing, nurse administration, and nurse educator.

The university also offers a 100% online DNP program.

4. Appalachian State University

At Appalachian State University, registered nurses with an ADN, AAS, or diploma in nursing can enroll in the 100% online RN to BSN program.

Students can benefit from an asynchronous learning format and the ability to finish in one year (three semesters), two years (six semesters), or three years (eight semesters).

The program requires students to complete courses focused on nursing research, health assessment, nursing informatics, and more.

RNs interested in this program must be admitted as transfer students.

5. Western Carolina University

Western Carolina University's School of Nursing offers a 100% online RN-to-BSN program that students can complete in just four semesters.

The 30-hour program is completed on a part-time basis with students taking 24 hours of core courses and six hours of upper-division electives.

WCU also offers a 100% online master's nurse educator program, which is designed to prepare students for roles as academic, staff, or patient educators.

The program lasts 18 months and requires 38 to 39 credits for completion.

6. University of North Carolina, Pembroke

The University of North Carolina at Pembroke's RN to BSN is a fully online program for registered nurses aiming to expand their nursing careers.

Students can opt to complete the program in a 12-month accelerated format or choose the self-paced route. All courses are completed in eight-week sessions.

The university also offers a fully online traditional MSN and RN to MSN.

MSN specialty tracks include the nurse educator, clinical nurse leader, and clinical prevention and population health.

7. Winston-Salem State University

The 100% online RN-to-BSN program at Winston-Salem State University prepares students for careers as bedside nurses, nurse recruiters, health coaches, and more.

The program offers two paths to degree attainment. Students can complete their studies in five semesters or as few as three semesters.

The university takes pride in offering a top online nursing program. In fact, it states that all of its program alumni are employed within six months of graduating.

8. Fayetteville State University

Fayetteville State University is home to an RN-to-BSN online program that allows students to complete their upper-division courses online.

To be admitted into the program, students must have completed the University College Core Curriculum or have dual enrollment at a partnering community college.

Fayetteville's 36-credit online MSN program prepares its students for careers as risk management coordinators, nursing directors, patient safety coordinators, and more.

Its flexible four-semester learning path is designed with working professionals in mind.

9. North Carolina Central University

North Carolina Central University offers a variety of fully online programs, including an RN to BSN.

This 30-credit program helps registered nurses with an ADN or diploma in nursing to attain their BSN degree.

Students must complete 22 credits to finish the program, which they can do in just one year.

Earning your RN-to-BSN degree from North Carolina Central University can help you enter a career as a surgical nurse, nurse executive, pediatric nurse, and much more.

Other Online Nursing Programs

Don't see the online school or program you're looking for? Consider the academic options available at these online nursing programs, including the easiest RN to BSN programs online.

Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University offers multiple online nursing programs for students seeking either an undergraduate or graduate degree.

The school offers a one-year online RN-to-BSN program as well as an online RN-to-MSN program for students who want to accelerate their academic journey.

Students who want to earn their MSN can also enroll in specialties like family nurse practitioner, population health, nursing education, and nurse executive leadership.

Walden University

Walden University offers a large selection of online nursing programs for students at every academic level.

Programs include the Bachelor of Science in Nursing RN-to-BSN online completion, which is a CCNE-accredited program that students can complete in 14 months.

The school also offers an MSN program with nine specializations, including nursing informatics and nurse executive.

Students who want to go beyond the MSN can enroll in one of several online DNP programs or PhD in nursing programs.

Types of Nursing Programs Offered Online in North Carolina

Whether you want to earn your bachelor's degree or a graduate degree, there are plenty of North Carolina online nursing degree programs available. These include traditional and self-paced RN to BSN programs.

The key is finding the school offering the program that matches your specific academic needs.

Types of programs you can choose from include:

• RN to BSN
• RN to MSN
• MSN
• DNP
• PhD in nursing

Schools offer graduate-level specialties in areas that include healthcare administration, FNP, executive leadership, nursing education, and nursing informatics.

Program lengths might range from three to eight semesters with varying credit requirements.

The goal of most online nursing programs is to help their students access academic options that best suit their career path via a desired learning format.

Read More: 6-Month RN to BSN Programs

What Are the Educational Requirements for a Nursing Degree?

Schools will have different educational requirements for nurses depending on the degree they desire.

Associate Degree

General requirements include two years of study at a college that rewards applied science or associate degrees.

Online programs often provide accelerated learning options with completion timeframes of about one year.

In addition to studying the nursing curriculum, students typically complete clinical experiences in hospital or community settings.

Bachelor's Degree

Earning a bachelor's degree commonly requires students to complete more classes and spend time completing clinical experiences.

Many BSN programs require students to already have their ADN or diploma in nursing.

Graduate Degrees

Students who want to earn an MSN usually must first complete their BSN. Doctoral degrees typically require earning an MSN first.

Licensing Requirements for Nurses in North Carolina

In North Carolina, individuals wanting to become nurses should meet the following requirements:

Licensure by Examination

Those who want to be licensed by taking an exam need to complete the following steps:

• submit an initial application for licensure by examination
• complete a criminal background check
• complete a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse education program
• pass the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN

Licensure by Endorsement

If you earned your degree and obtained your license in one state, but want to work in a different state, you'll need to obtain a license by endorsement. To do so, follow these steps:

• submit an initial application for licensure by endorsement
• provide a name, location, and year of school of nursing graduation
• provide a state, year, and license number of your license by examination
• provide a state of current license and number, dates of employment, and positions held for last two nursing employers
• detail every U.S. Member Board in which you've ever been licensed
• share your social security number
• provide an original state of license verification (and/or last state practiced)
• complete a criminal background check

Start Your Nursing Degree Online

Don't wait any longer to take your nursing journey to new heights. Explore accredited North Carolina online nursing degree options and get ready to jumpstart the next stage of your career.