Nurses are in high demand in North Carolina. The state offers many nursing degree programs and boasts one of the country's highest average National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) pass rates. As a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state, nurses can earn a multistate license in North Carolina.
These benefits make attending nursing school in North Carolina an attractive option. Learn about the best nursing program in North Carolina, how to earn your registered nurse (RN) license, and typical salary expectations.
The Best Nursing Schools in North Carolina
The best nursing program in North Carolina for you should match your background and career goals. Students can complete an associate degree in nursing (ADN) program faster. However, a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree is more valuable if you plan to become a nurse practitioner (NP) or a nurse manager later in your career.
Our Methodology: We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best nursing schools in North Carolina, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.
How to Choose a Nursing Program in North Carolina
When choosing from the many nursing schools in North Carolina, consider costs (tuition and financial aid), NCLEX-RN pass rates (which can indicate program quality), and the acceptance rate. Application requirements, the logistics of attending, and clinical placement in your home community should also be considered.
Nursing program accreditation ensures that your program is a legitimate investment of your time and money. This guide only lists accredited programs.
Why Become a Nurse in North Carolina
North Carolina is known for its scenic beauty and subtropical climate. In addition to being a technology hub, the state offers a more leisurely lifestyle and lower cost of living than Silicon Valley or the Boston area.
More than 100,000 RNs and NPs work in North Carolina. Because North Carolina is a Nurse Licensure Compact state, graduating from nursing school in North Carolina allows you to apply for a multistate license that includes 37 participating states.
Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in North Carolina
While salaries for RNs are below national averages, the cost of living in North Carolina is also lower, with an index of 96.4. RNs earn an average annual salary of $82,530 in North Carolina, compared to $94,480 nationally.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 16% job growth for RNs in North Carolina from 2022-2023, which is much faster than the 6% job growth for RNs nationwide.
Charlotte is home to Atrium Health, one of the largest health systems in the Southeastern U.S, with more than 40 hospitals throughout the region. The Research Triangle in the Piedmont area, consisting of Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill, is a growing tech hub and home to a number of prestigious hospitals.
| Top Paying Metropolitan Areas | Average Salary for RNs |
|---|---|
| Fayetteville | $75,530 |
| Winston-Salem | $70,640 |
| Charlotte — Concord — Gastonia | $70,420 |
| Raleigh | $70,110 |
| Greenville | $68,390 |
Steps to Becoming a Nurse in North Carolina
Every state has its own RN requirements, but all state boards of nursing require a nursing degree, passing the appropriate national examination, and completing a background check.
If you attended nursing school in North Carolina, apply for licensure by examination.
RN Requirements
To become an RN in North Carolina, you must earn an ADN or a BSN, pass the NCLEX, and complete a criminal background check. You must send an official transcript to the state board of nursing, pay the $75 application fee and the $200 examination fee, and submit your fingerprints for a background check.
You must renew your license every two years by meeting continuing competence requirements, such as 30 hours of or 15 hours of continuing education and completion of a research project as a principal investigator.
APRN Requirements
To become an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), you must earn a graduate degree, either a master of science in nursing (MSN) or doctor of nursing practice (DNP), pass the relevant board certification examination, and have a valid North Carolina or other NLC state RN license.
The state board of nursing requires that NPs work under the supervision of a physician. NPs must renew their approval to practice each year, as well as maintaining board certification.
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