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“If you enter nursing and decide you don’t want to be a nurse, don’t quit school. Commit to graduate and then move in another direction. When employers see that you have graduated with a degree in nursing, it automatically gives light of insight that you as a person may be one of versatility, ethical understanding, hard-working, critically thinking, and of a compassionate nature that all employers are fond of discovering.”
Kathryn A. Walker, MSN, CEO of Revitalist Lifestyle and Wellness
North Carolina boasts top-ranked nursing programs for undergraduate and graduate students, making it a premier destination for aspiring nurses. In 2024, the U.S. News & World Report featured four universities in North Carolina on its list of best nursing schools. For example, the top-ranked University of North Carolina (UNC) Chapel Hill and Duke University offer accredited nursing programs.
Moreover, the state boasts a diverse healthcare landscape, providing nursing students with ample clinical and practical experiences. Whether it’s providing critical care in ICU units or working at premier cancer treatment centers, nursing students in North Carolina can obtain hands-on experience in a wide range of specialties. As a result, North Carolina stands out as an ideal state for those considering nursing school as a promising pathway to a meaningful and fulfilling career in healthcare.
North Carolina is ideal for aspiring nurses due to its wide range of nursing programs, including undergraduate (BSN) and graduate (MSN, DNP, and post-master’s certificate) degree options. Not only does the state have numerous accredited nursing schools, but it also boasts a variety of specialized and competitive programs that help aspiring nurses stand out from their peers.
For example, Duke University’s 16-month bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program is ranked among the top 10 in the country. At the same time, East Carolina University offers a two-year MSN degree program focusing on rural nursing. Additionally, UNC Chapel Hill has a highly-ranked accelerated bachelor of science in nursing (ABSN) program for those with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree and a pathway for military service members.
Despite the demand, admissions to nursing school are competitive and require specific qualifications. For BSN programs, typically, this includes a grade point average of 2.5 or higher in required prerequisite courses. The requirements for MSN, DNP, and post-master’s certificate programs include an accredited bachelor’s degree, a current unencumbered license as a registered nurse, and those with a year or more of work experience.
Pursuing a graduate nursing program is a challenging yet rewarding experience that opens doors to new career opportunities and skill development. Read on to learn more about North Carolina nursing colleges and nurse licensure requirements.
Featured Online Nursing Programs
Meet the Expert: Kathryn A. Walker, MSN
Kathryn Walker, the CEO of Revitalist Lifestyle and Wellness, has been a relentless pioneer in mental health and wellness innovation, leading a team of specialized providers. Her journey commenced with a nine-year tenure at a Level 1 Trauma Center in Tennessee, followed by a master of nursing in anesthesia program at the University of North Carolina-Charlotte. With eight years of practicing anesthesia across various specialties, Walker launched the inaugural Revitalist clinic in Knoxville, Tennessee, in 2018. Today, she stands as a prominent advocate for psychedelic medicine, augmenting her expertise with a second MSN as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner from East Tennessee State University.
In recognition of the urgent need for accessible mental health services, Walker established the Community Change Foundation, a national 501c3 nonprofit that is making a significant difference by offering financial support for veterans, frontline workers, and those financially disadvantaged seeking psychedelic therapies. Moreover, to bridge the gaps in education and training within the field, she founded the American Association of Psychedelics (AAPsychedelics.org), a 501c3 educational nonprofit that is revolutionizing the way healthcare providers across all disciplines are educated and trained. The incorporation of the American Association of Psychedelics by Walker in 2021 is a monumental step towards enhancing psychedelic medicine education and practice.
NursingColleges.com: How has graduating from a nursing program enhanced your career?
Walker: Being a nurse for almost 20 years has given me a greater understanding of such a valuable skill set. While many respect nurses, they don’t always truly understand the vast comprehension of skills required to be a nurse. We are one of the only professions that teach empathetic communication skills from a comprehensive scientific level across the birth-to-death lifespan. Nurses can welcome you through the admissions process while also possessing the skillset to actively intervene in life-saving strategies through advanced skill training in courses such as ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support) and PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support)—but yet revert to holding space for you and your loved one through palliative care medicine as you pass through this life.
In traditional medicine, nurses have always been viewed as the weaker profession compared to their physician cohorts, and to this day, that viewpoint holds true for most. However, thoroughly understanding the start-to-finish field of comprehensive health that all nurses learn is not only a unique set of skills but also an advanced capability that greatly impacts the interconnectedness that psychedelic medicines provide.
While my specialty degrees in anesthesia and psychiatry are one of a unique path, I fall back on my base training as a nurse to fully expand my knowledge, skills, and understanding that being a nurse not only strengthens my skillset as a provider but provides a level of trust, safety, and compassion that is greatly needed in healthcare. While I may be biased, I believe nurses are the gold standard practitioners for psychedelic medicine.
NursingColleges.com What is one piece of advice you would give to a prospective nursing student?
Walker: For those looking to become nurses, my biggest piece of advice would be to stay humble. While nursing school is difficult on many levels—the body, brain, and healthcare system are much more difficult—it takes time to truly understand your superpower, and many nurses never completely comprehend the skills they possess.
The nursing field gives you base training that allows many life paths to open up. If you enter nursing and decide you don’t want to be a nurse, don’t quit school. Commit to graduate and then move in another direction. When employers see that you have graduated with a degree in nursing, it automatically gives light of insight that you as a person may be one of versatility, ethical understanding, hard work, critical thinking, and compassion that all employers are fond of discovering.
Accredited Undergraduate Nursing Programs in North Carolina
University of North Carolina Pembroke (Online)
The McKenzie-Elliott School of Nursing at the University of North Carolina Pembroke offers a renowned online RN-BSN completion option for registered nurses seeking to further their education. This program allows students to build upon their existing competencies in nursing, enhancing their knowledge, skills, and attitudes for expanded career opportunities, more significant personal and professional satisfaction, and a solid foundation for graduate nursing education.
One of the features that sets UNC Pembroke apart is its effectiveness and seamless transition between semesters, with courses offered entirely online in eight-week-long sessions. In addition, with three application deadlines available throughout the year, UNC Pembroke provides a flexible and accessible route to a highly-regarded BSN program.
- Location: Pembroke, NC
- Duration: One to two years
- Accreditation: Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
University of North Carolina Charlotte (On-campus)
The University of North Carolina Charlotte offers a prestigious and comprehensive bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program that equips graduates for generalist practice in nursing. The four-year curriculum focuses on developing critical thinking and clinical reasoning skills essential to providing patient-centered care. In addition, the on-campus program ensures graduates are well-equipped to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) and become registered nurses.
UNC Charlotte also offers an RN-to-BSN completion program tailored to meet the needs of associate degree or diploma-prepared registered nurses (RNs) seeking to advance their careers in nursing. The RN-to-BSN completion program is designed further to enhance the student’s knowledge and nursing skills, promoting professional growth and development in various healthcare settings.
- Location: Charlotte, NC
- Duration: One to four years
- Accreditation: Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
North Carolina Central University (On-campus & Online)
North Carolina Central University’s BSN program is a comprehensive program designed to prepare nursing students for the ever-changing healthcare industry. Through critical thinking, decision-making, communication, leadership, and advanced procedures, students will gain a comprehensive skill set, making them ideal candidates for various healthcare settings.
In addition to the traditional on-campus program, NCCU’s online RN-to-BSN program is perfect for nurses with associate’s degrees or diplomas in nursing. With the option to complete the program in just one year if all general education courses are completed, the online RN-to-BSN program is an excellent option for those looking to further their nursing education while maintaining their work schedule.
- Location: Durham, NC
- Duration: One to four years
- Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
Fayetteville State University (Online & Hybrid)
Fayetteville State University offers an innovative way for students to become nurses with their accelerated bachelor of science in nursing (ABSN) track. This program is specifically designed for individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree in another field but wish to pursue a career in nursing. The ABSN track features a hybrid, accelerated, sequential curriculum that reduces the time to degree. Blending high-quality clinical experiences with face-to-face and online didactic learning, students gain the necessary skills and knowledge to enter the nursing profession with confidence.
In addition to the ABSN program, the Fayette State University School of Nursing offers a comprehensive Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) training program, designed to equip healthcare professionals (HCPs) with the necessary skills to conduct forensic examinations for clients who have been victims of violence or sexual assault. To qualify, applicants must hold an active and unencumbered RN license and be willing to enroll in the RN-to-BSN program.
- Location: Fayetteville, NC
- Duration: One to two years
- Accreditation: Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
University of North Carolina Wilmington (Online & Hybrid)
The University of North Carolina Wilmington is a top-tier institution highly regarded for its undergraduate nursing programs. Offering both online and hybrid options, the bachelor of science in nursing program prepares students as generalists with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to practice family-centered, professional nursing in various healthcare delivery systems.
With a pre-licensure option available, students preparing for the registered nurse licensure exam can rest assured that they will receive a rigorous education that will equip them to enter the professional nursing field easily. Additionally, the RN-to-BSN program caters to RNs with an associate’s degree or nursing diploma, which students can complete in as little as 12 months.
Thanks to continuous admissions and multiple start dates throughout the year, students can enjoy maximum flexibility while earning their professional nursing degree. In addition, both programs prepare graduates for the NCLEX exam, and recent graduates boast a 97 percent pass rate.
- Location: Wilmington, NC
- Duration: One to four years
- Accreditation: Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Accredited Graduate Nursing Programs in North Carolina
Duke University (Online & Hybrid)
Aspirants searching for top graduate nursing programs should consider Duke University. In 2023, Duke University’s School of Nursing was ranked #2 in the United States by the U.S. News & World Report. With a range of specializations, including adult-gerontology, family nurse practitioner, and nursing education, students learn from an accomplished faculty well-versed in the field.
Although the program is offered mainly online, students must attend campus for two- to five-day intensives. These intensives provide face-to-face interactions, simulations, and hands-on activities that enrich students’ learning experiences.
Upon completing this 42- to 49-credit program, graduates have exceptional clinical experience that equips them for success. The MSN degree program exceeds the requirements of national credentialing organizations with its comprehensive clinical experience requirements. In addition, specialty certificates are available in sought-after areas such as cardiology, endocrinology, and orthopedics.
- Location: Durham, NC
- Duration: Two years
- Accreditation: Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
University of North Carolina Chapel Hill (Online, Hybrid & On-campus)
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers a prestigious School of Nursing ranked #8 on the U.S. News & World Report’s list of best nursing schools. Their graduate nursing programs include a master of science, doctorate of nursing, PhD, and graduate certificates in online, hybrid, and on-campus programs. The MSN-level specializations include healthcare leadership and administration, nurse practitioner options, and general studies. The doctoral-level programs have BSN-to-DNP and MSN-to-DNP options in hybrid and online formats, while the PhD and pre- and post-doc fellowship programs are available on campus.
The specialization options available are adult-gerontology, family, psychiatric, and pediatric care. The BSN-to-DNP program requires applicants to have a wealth of experience and qualifications demonstrating their academic excellence, including a GPA of 3.0 or higher, an accredited BSN degree, an active RN license, and at least one year of RN experience.
- Location: Chapel Hill, NC
- Duration: Two to five years
- Accreditation: Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Winston-Salem State University (Online & Hybrid)
Winston-Salem State University offers online and hybrid graduate nursing programs tailored to meet the needs of busy professionals seeking advanced education in the nursing field. The doctor of nursing practice (DNP) program is designed to equip nurses with the clinical and professional competencies required for advanced practice. As a Historically Black College and University (HBCU), Winston-Salem State University is committed to providing a culturally responsive learning environment that prepares graduates to be healthcare leaders.
The BSN to DNP curriculum includes a rigorous course of study that blends face-to-face instruction with online coursework. The family nurse practitioner area of specialization emphasizes clinical practice, with graduates eligible to sit for the AANP and ANCC certification exams. With synchronous and asynchronous delivery, the DNP courses enable students to complete the program entirely online, making it a convenient option for those balancing work and family responsibilities.
- Location: Winston-Salem, NC
- Duration: Two to five years
- Accreditation: Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
University of North Carolina (UNC) Greensboro (Online & Hybrid)
The University of North Carolina (UNC) Greensboro School of Nursing offers many graduate nursing programs. With its online and hybrid MSN program boasting a concentration in nursing leadership, a dual degree MSN/MBA in health management, DNP, PhD, and post-master’s certificates in various specialty areas, there is something for everyone looking to further their education in the nursing field.
In addition, UNC Greensboro also offers a unique Veterans Access Program (VAP) for nurses, which recognizes military veterans and active reservists with military nurse training and gives them a pathway toward a bachelor’s degree.
Pursuing a graduate nursing program may be the perfect next step for those seeking to advance their careers in nursing and specialize in areas such as family nurse practitioner, adult-gerontology primary care, or certified nurse anesthetist. The master of science in nursing (MSN), doctor of nursing practice (DNP), and post-master’s certificate programs provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in their fields. Entering the DNP program requires meeting requirements such as a minimum 3.2 GPA, application completion, an interview with the graduate nursing faculty, and submitting three academic and professional references.
- Location: Greensboro, NC
- Duration: Two to five years
- Accreditation: Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
East Carolina University (On-campus)
The East Carolina University College of Nursing’s MSN program is designed to develop clinical scholars who can apply nursing science and art in dynamic environments. Graduates of this on-campus program are equipped with the skills to articulate the unique contributions of nursing and to excel in advanced roles such as nurse administrators, neonatal nurse practitioners, nurse educators, clinical nurse specialists, nurse midwives, and psychiatric/mental health nurse practitioners.
The program has strict admission requirements, including a baccalaureate degree in nursing from a regionally accredited program, a minimum nursing major GPA of 3.0, and a license to practice as a registered nurse in North Carolina or an NCSBN-compact state. The College of Nursing is committed to providing quality graduate nursing education that equips students for a rewarding career in the nursing field.
- Location: Greenville, NC
- Duration: Two to five years
- Accreditation: Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Nursing School Accreditation
Nursing accreditation plays a crucial role in maintaining high standards of quality nursing care. To ensure that nursing schools comply with the set standards, two kinds of accreditation are provided: programmatic and institutional. The former type of accreditation focuses on specific nursing degree programs, while the latter evaluates the entire institution based on nursing-educational organization standards.
Two reputable organizations are responsible for accrediting nursing schools:
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
By earning accreditation from these institutions, nursing schools earn the validation they need to continue training competent nurses who will deliver quality care.
By comparison, institutional accreditation examines entire institutions at an organizational level. Recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), the following regional accrediting organizations evaluate colleges and universities for excellence and high education standards:
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Ultimately, accreditation serves as a crucial enabler for academic institutions to validate their commitment to providing a top-tier education to their students.
As students explore the vast world of online and hybrid education programs, they must consider the importance of researching state authorization. The National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) governs regulations surrounding student residency and professional program eligibility. Without proper verification of a school’s NC-SARA status, students may be unable to access the credentials and state licensing tests necessary to advance their careers. Therefore, it is critical for prospective students to carefully consider NC-SARA’s guidelines as they conduct their due diligence when selecting an online or hybrid program.
How Much Do Nurses in North Carolina Make?
The nursing profession in North Carolina presents an appealing opportunity for those seeking high salaries. With an annual median of $86,070 for registered nurses nationwide, North Carolina fell just short of the national average nursing salary of $79,580, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in May 2023. However, for those looking to specialize, nurse practitioners with their certification can earn significantly higher-end salaries early on in their careers. For instance, the 10th percentile of nurse midwives in North Carolina is $95,000, a considerable increase compared to the $87,320 of the 10th percentile nationwide.
The tables below show the granular salary figures and the number of employed licensed practical nurses (LPNs), registered nurses (RNs), and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) in the United States and North Carolina. All data is sourced from May 2023 figures from the BLS’s Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics—the latest data available as of May 2024.
Licensed Practical Nurse Salaries
| United States | North Carolina | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 630,250 | 16,430 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $60,790 | $57,760 |
| 10th percentile | $45,670 | $47,130 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $59,730 | $58,590 |
| 90th percentile | $77,870 | $70,160 |
Registered Nurse Salaries
| United States | North Carolina | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 3,175,390 | 104,380 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $94,480 | $82,530 |
| 10th percentile | $63,720 | $62,980 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $86,070 | $79,580 |
| 90th percentile | $132,680 | $104,190 |
Nurse Anesthetist Salaries
| United States | North Carolina | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 47,810 | 2,6,80 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $214,200 | $222,560 |
| 10th percentile | $139,980 | $174,260 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $212,650 | $221,520 |
| 90th percentile | >$239,200 per year | >$239,200 per year |
Nurse Midwife Salaries
| United States | North Carolina | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 6,960 | 300 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $131,570 | $118,660 |
| 10th percentile | $87,320 | $95,000 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $129,650 | $120,100 |
| 90th percentile | $177,530 | $139,850 |
Nurse Practitioner Salaries
| United States | North Carolina | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 280,140 | 7,640 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $128,490 | $121,590 |
| 10th percentile | $94,530 | $96,360 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $126,260 | $121,450 |
| 90th percentile | $168,030 | $145,600 |
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Licensure in North Carolina
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina LPN applicants must:
|
North Carolina LPNs are required to renew their license every year. To be eligible, they must complete one of the following continuing competence activities:
Renewals cost $100. |
Registered Nurse (RN) Licensure in North Carolina
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Board of Nursing | To apply for a license as an RN in North Carolina applicants must:
| Registered nurses in North Carolina are required to renew their license every year. To be eligible, they must complete one of the following continuing competence activities:
Renewals cost $100. |
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Licensure in North Carolina
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
|
In North Carolina, a CNS is licensed as an APRN. The eligibility requirements are:
|
In order to renew an APRN license in North Carolina, continued competency requirements must be met. Those requirements are any one of the following:
|
Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) Licenses in North Carolina
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
|
In North Carolina, CNM licensing requirements are:
|
In order to renew an CNM license in North Carolina, a candidate must meet the requirements of the Certificate Maintenance Program of the American College of Nurse-Midwives. The fee to renew is $50 plus a $5 administrative fee. |
Nurse Practitioner (NP) Licensure in North Carolina
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
|
In North Carolina, an NP is licensed as an APRN. To be eligible for an NP license in the state of North Carolina, applicants must:
|
In order to renew an APRN license in North Carolina, continued competency requirements must be met. Those requirements are any one of the following:
To renew, APRNs must submit an application and pay the $50 fee. |
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CNRA) Licensure in North Carolina
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
|
In North Carolina, the requirements for a CRNA license are:
|
In order to renew a license in North Carolina, CRNAs must provide proof of current certification with the NBCRNA. Renewals are required every two years and cost $25. |
Rachel Drummond, MEd
WriterAt NursingColleges.com, Rachel Drummond has applied her extensive experience in education and mindfulness to elucidate the importance of self-care for nursing students since 2022. Through her writings, she underscores the role of mental and physical well-being in fostering resilient and compassionate healthcare professionals.
Rachel is a writer, educator, and coach from Oregon. She has a master’s degree in education (MEd) and has over 15 years of experience teaching English, public speaking, and mindfulness to international audiences in the United States, Japan, and Spain. She writes about the mind-body benefits of contemplative movement practices like yoga on her blog, inviting people to prioritize their unique version of well-being and empowering everyone to live healthier and more balanced lives.