Best Nursing Schools in North Carolina

Catherine Burger, MSOL, RN, NEA-BC, LNC
Last Updated On Nov 15, 2024
Expert Verified: Catherine Burger, MSOL, RN, NEA-BC, LNC
8 Min Read
North Carolina

As you may know, the United States is experiencing a rapidly growing nursing shortage. This shortage presents challenges across the healthcare field, yet it also offers promising opportunities for those in North Carolina interested in a nursing career. North Carolina, specifically, is projected to see a 12% growth in nursing positions over the next decade. If you're considering how to start this rewarding path, explore the sections below for more information.

Jump to:

For RN bridge programs visit:

Cities in North Carolina

Best RN Programs in North Carolina

Selecting the best nursing school in North Carolina can be difficult. To make the process easier first look for a school that supports students towards licensure and beyond. A great way to measure this is through NCLEX-RN "pass rates." We have ranked the top 20 nursing schools in North Carolina by analyzing current and historical NCLEX-RN "pass rates", meaning the percentage of graduates who pass the exam, out of the 83 RN programs in the state. Programs reviewed include schools that offer an Associate in Nursing (ADN/ASN), BSN, or Direct-Entry MSN Degree.

For more information on our top nursing school rankings, see our Methodology Page (https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/).

1.

28 Schenck Pkwy, Ste 309, Asheville, NC 28803

Score: 99.03

Western Carolina University in Asheville, North Carolina offers students a traditional pre-licensure BSN program where clinical placements begin in the first semester. This competitive program offers admission twice yearly in the Spring and Fall semesters. Over the 8-semester long program, students take courses such as Nursing Ethics & Health Policy, Concepts of Adult Nursing, and more.

Program Details

  • Programs: BSN
  • Phone: (828) 654-6499
2.

1201 Elizabeth Ave, Charlotte, NC 28204

Score: 98.02

Central Piedmont Community College's ADN curriculum provides knowledge, skills, and strategies necessary to integrate safety and quality into nursing care, to practice in a dynamic environment, and to meet individual needs which impact health, quality of life, and achievement of potential.

Program Details

  • Programs: Associate in Nursing
  • Phone: (704) 330-6496
3.

629 Industrial Park Ave, Asheboro, NC 27205

Score: 97.50

Randolph Community College in Asheboro, North Carolina is home to an accomplished nursing program. Nursing students learn to manage a community's diverse health care needs, including those of vulnerable or marginalized patients, with caring effectiveness.

Program Details

  • Programs: Associate in Nursing
  • Phone: (336) 633-0200
4.

1001 E 5th St, Greenville, NC 27858

Score: 97.42

East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina is home to multiple quality nursing programs, including several BSN options. Students can choose between the traditional BSN, the accelerated 2nd degree BSN, or the Regionally Increasing Baccalaureate Nurse program (RIBN). The RIBN works in tandem with several local community colleges and allows students to earn both an ADN and BSN.

Program Details

  • Programs: BSN, Accelerated BSN
  • Phone: (252) 744-6433
5.

411 N Front St, Wilmington, NC 28401

Score: 97.35

Cape Fear Community College is home to a top of the line ADN degree program for aspiring RNs. CFCC provides high-quality education to individuals in the community seeking work as entry-level nurses and promotes the transition of the licensed practical nurse into the role of the registered nurse. The school has prepared over 1300 nursing graduates for rewarding healthcare careers.

Program Details

  • Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to ADN
  • Phone: (910) 362-7000
6.

2110 Water Ridge Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28217

Score: 96.95

Graduates from Carolinas College of Health Sciences are experienced generalists with knowledge in many specialty areas. The curriculum is designed to give students experience in several different nursing environments. CCHS believes this enables students to experience many different areas before they decide on an area of specialty.

Program Details

  • Programs: Associate in Nursing, BSN
  • Phone: (704) 355-5043
7.

9101 Fayetteville Rd, Raleigh, NC 27603

Score: 96.52

Wake Technical Community College in Raleigh, North Carolina serves nursing students through 2 nursing programs: the traditional ADN and the Advanced Placement LPN to ADN pathway to registered nursing. Wake Tech graduates are welcomed to the profession due to their motivation for continued professional development and their adherence to ethical nursing principles.

Program Details

  • Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to ADN
  • Phone: (919) 866-5000
8.

287 Rivers St, Boone, NC 28608

Score: 96.37

Located in Boone, Appalachian State University serves nursing students with multiple quality programs. Its traditional BSN, for example, consists of 2 years of general education and prerequisites, followed by 2 years of core nursing content. The curriculum includes courses in pediatrics, adult health, leadership, and more.

Program Details

  • Programs: BSN
  • Phone: (828) 262-3113
9.

630 S Main St, Dobson, NC 27017

Score: 96.16

Surry Community College offers an ADN program that builds upon the domains of healthcare, nursing practice, and the holistic individual. The goal of the program is to help students successfully pass the NCLEX-RN exam and find employment in the vast global healthcare system.

Program Details

  • Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to ADN
  • Phone: (336) 386-8121
10.

2855 Hickory Blvd, Hudson, NC 28638

Score: 95.90

Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute of Hudson, North Carolina gives its nursing graduates a strong foundation in patient care and community advocacy. The school's ADN program focuses on training nurses as important members of the interdisciplinary healthcare team, emphasizing holistic care, evidence-based practice, and safety.

Program Details

  • Programs: Associate in Nursing
  • Phone: (828) 726-2200
11.

307 Trent Dr, Durham, NC 27708

Score: 95.85

Duke University in Durham, North Carolina offers one of the state's most prestigious and unique nursing programs. The accelerated BSN (ABSN) is designed for those who already hold a non-nursing bachelor's degree and who wish to enter the field. The full-time program can be completed in just 16 months of study. Students enrolled in the ABSN program can complete their clinical hours locally or abroad through the school's immersion experience program.

Program Details

  • Programs: Accelerated BSN
  • Phone: (919) 684-4248
12.

1247 Jimmie Kerr Rd, Graham, NC 27253

Score: 95.76

Situated in Graham, Alamance Community College offers both a traditional ADN and an LPN to ADN to educate the next generation of registered nurses. Students can enroll in the ADN's daytime or evening option for maximum flexibility. Coursework includes topics such as Pharmacology, Holistic Health Concepts, and more.

Program Details

  • Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to RN
  • Phone: (336) 578-2002
13.

315 E. Wilson St, Wingate, NC 28174

Score: 95.72

Wingate University's BSN degree program strives to train competent, skilled, and compassionate nursing generalists. The competitive-entry program admits just 40 students at a time, creating an intimate environment for students to learn and practice the art of nursing.

Program Details

  • Programs: BSN
  • Phone: (704) 233-8000
14.

143 Main St., Buies Creek, NC 27506

Score: 95.39

Campbell University's Catherine W. Wood School of Nursing is committed to providing students with an exceptional BSN education in a Christian environment. With caring faculty and access to academic support, Campbell nursing grads leave the BSN program armed with a degree as well as the confidence needed to find success in the healthcare industry.

Program Details

  • Programs: BSN
  • Phone: (800) 334-4111
15.

1001 Burkemont Ave, Morganton, NC 28655

Score: 95.26

Morganton’s Western Piedmont Community College offers an Associate Degree in Nursing with a curriculum based on knowledge, skills, and strategies to integrate safety into quality nursing care. Graduates of the program will be able to communicate effectively, make skilled judgments, and educate families and patients to promote optimal health.

Program Details

  • Programs: Associate in Nursing
  • Phone: (828) 438-6000
16.

133 James Sprunt Dr, Kenansville, NC 28349

Score: 95.15

Located in Kenansville, James Sprunt Community College is home to a nursing program that culminates in an associate's degree in nursing (ADN). Enrolled students complete 71 total semester credit hours and complete clinical experiences to become skilled, safety-driven entry-level nurses.

Program Details

  • Programs: Associate in Nursing
  • Phone: (910) 296-2400
17.

1208 N Road St, Elizabeth City, NC 27909

Score: 94.88

College of The Albemarle in Elizabeth City is home to a renowned nursing department that offers both an ADN as well as an LPN to ADN bridge program. Experienced nurse educators guide students to theoretical and clinical models of thought and research that spark lifelong patient advocacy and professional development.

Program Details

  • Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to ADN
  • Phone: (252) 335-0821
18.

UNC Chapel Hill Carrington Hall, CB#7460, Chapel Hill, NC 27599

Score: 94.66

The University of North Carolina (UNC) - Chapel Hill campus fosters strong BSN graduates. The school offers both a traditional BSN in addition to a 4-semester accelerated BSN pathway designed for those who already hold a non-nursing bachelor's degree. Nurses from UNC are proud of their alma mater and use the skills gained there to propel them forward in professional arenas.

Program Details

  • Programs: BSN, Accelerated BSN
  • Phone: (919) 966-4260
19.

2100 Silas Creek Pkwy, Winston-Salem, NC 27103

Score: 94.48

Forsyth Technical Community College in Winston-Salem North Carolina produces nursing graduates from its esteemed ADN, LPN to RN, and ADN/BSN Dual Enrollment programs. Forsyth Tech grads are well prepared with a solid nursing foundation delivered through multiple teaching methodologies, including lecture, labs, and clinical experiences.

Program Details

  • Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to RN
  • Phone: (336) 723-0371
20.

401 Medical Park Drive, Concord, NC 28025

Score: 93.99

Cabarrus College of Health Sciences was founded in 1942 with the mandate to support the field of health care both locally and statewide. Located in Concord, North Carolina, CCHS's ADN program graduates are welcomed into the ranks of professional nurses.

Program Details

  • Programs: Associate in Nursing
  • Phone: (704) 403-1555

North Carolina Nursing RN Programs – Diploma, ADN, and BSN Degrees

If you're thinking about a career in nursing, you might be wondering where to start. The degree you'll need as a registered nurse depends on your background and future goals. Many new nurses choose an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), a nursing diploma, or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) because these options provide an affordable and relatively quick entry into the field. Explore the differences between these options and other nursing pathways in the sections below.

Comparing RN Diploma vs. LPN-to-RN vs. ADN Programs

An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is the quickest path to becoming an entry-level nurse, typically taking about two years to complete. Another option is the RN diploma, often offered through specialized nursing schools and hospitals, which usually takes 1-2 years. The primary difference between an ADN and an RN diploma is that the ADN includes additional general education courses, whereas the diploma focuses solely on foundational nursing education. For current Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), the LPN to RN bridge program is a great choice, allowing them to earn either an ADN or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

Common admissions requirements for ADN and diploma programs in North Carolina include:

  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Minimum GPA, typically 2.5 or higher
  • Some programs require scores from the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) or HESI Admission Assessment

For further admissions requirements and more information, check out our page on ADN degree programs.

More information on RN diplomas, LPN to RN, and ADN programs:

ProgramEstimated TuitionEstimated CreditsOnline Availability
ADN$6,000 – $15,00060-72 creditsLimited online courses, primarily on-campus
LPN to RN$4,000 – $10,00030-45 creditsOften hybrid; some online courses
RN Diploma$5,000 – $12,00040-60 creditsRarely online; primarily on-campus

ADN, LPN to RN, and nursing diploma programs require hands-on clinical training hours under supervision in order to be eligible for RN licensure. These will need to be completed in person, even if you opt for an online or hybrid program. Not sure if you’re ready for an RN career? Consider an LPN or CNA program in North Carolina.

Comparing Traditional BSN vs. RN-to-BSN vs. ABSN Programs

If you're aiming higher, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is often the top choice for entry-level nursing education. This four-year degree provides the comprehensive knowledge and skills essential for success as a registered nurse and can serve as a solid foundation if you choose to pursue a graduate degree, such as becoming a nurse practitioner, in the future. Additionally, bridge options like the RN-to-BSN or an accelerated BSN program offer flexible, expedited routes to a BSN for those who qualify.

Admissions requirements for BSN programs in North Carolina typically include:

  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Minimum GPA of 2.5-3.0
  • Completion of prerequisite courses

For more information on BSN admissions requirements and more, see our BSN degrees page.

Several alternative pathways are also available to qualified students who want to pursue a BSN. Compare your options below:

ProgramLengthEstimated TuitionEntrance Level
Traditional BSN4 years (120-126 credits)$20,000 – $50,000First-time college students
RN to BSN1-2 years (30-35 credits)$10,000 – $20,000Licensed RNs with an ADN
ABSN12-18 months (50-60 credits)$25,000 – $40,000Non-nursing bachelor’s degree holders

RN to BSN

North Carolina RN to BSN are an ideal option for working nurses looking for the fastest path to earning a BSN. If you have an associate degree in nursing and an RN license, these programs can help you complete your BSN in as little as two years.

Accelerated BSN (ABSN)

If you already hold a bachelor's degree in another field and are interested in becoming a nurse, you can build on your existing education through a North Carolina ABSN programs, allowing you to earn your BSN in as little as one to two years.

Advanced Practice RN & Nurse Practitioner Programs

If you're ready to advance your nursing education, pursuing a graduate degree could be the perfect next step. Graduate nursing degrees come in various forms, such as a Master's of Science in Nursing (MSN), a Nurse Practitioner (NP) program, a bridge program to enter advanced practice or even a doctorate degree such as a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). These programs typically require applicants to hold at least a BSN or MSN, possess an active, unencumbered RN license, and meet each program’s specific entry criteria.

Earning a graduate-level degree in nursing opens the door to numerous Advanced Practice Registered Nursing (APRN) roles, leadership roles, and even careers in academia or research. Read more about APRN pathways in North Carolina:

Getting an RN License in North Carolina

If your goal is to practice as a professional nurse in North Carolina, you'll need to obtain a nursing license. The licensure process starts with passing the NCLEX-RN exam, followed by submitting an application and fee to the North Carolina Board of Nursing. After receiving your license, it's your responsibility to maintain it by completing any required continuing education.

Requirements for RN Licensure in North Carolina

  • Completion of an accredited RN program (ADN or BSN)
  • Passing the NCLEX-RN exam
  • Application to the North Carolina Board of Nursing
  • Renewal: 36 hours of CE every three years for license maintenance

Why Choose an Accredited RN Program?

RN program accreditation is an essential factor when choosing an RN program. If a program is not accredited, it indicates that the state board has not approved the school's curriculum, meaning graduates will not be eligible for licensure. In the U.S., accreditation is handled by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Continued List of All RN Programs in North Carolina

Here is a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs.

RankedSchoolProgramScoreWebsite
21.
Dallas, NC 28034 | Phone: (704) 922-6200
Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to RN
93.88
22.
Albemarle, NC 28001 | Phone: (704) 982-0121
Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to ADN
93.59
23.
Goldsboro, NC 27534 | Phone: (919) 735-5151
Programs: Associate in Nursing
93.49
24.
Wilmington, NC 28403 | Phone: (910) 962-3000
Programs: BSN
92.88
25.
Bolivia, NC 28422 | Phone: (800) 754-1050
Programs: Associate in Nursing
92.77
26.
Charlotte, NC 28223 | Phone: (704) 687-8622
Programs: BSN, RN to BSN, RN to MSN
92.59
27.
Statesville, NC 28677 | Phone: (704) 878-3200
Programs: Associate in Nursing
92.40
28.
Boiling Springs, NC 28017 | Phone: (704) 406-4000
Programs: Associate in Nursing, BSN
92.25
29.
Lumberton, NC 28360 | Phone: (910) 272-3700
Programs: Associate in Nursing
92.07
30.
Monroe, NC 28110 | Phone: (704) 290-5100
Programs: Associate in Nursing
91.93
31.
Hamlet, NC 28345 | Phone: (910) 410-1700
Programs: Associate in Nursing
91.77
32.
Clinton, NC 28328 | Phone: (910) 592-8081
Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to ADN
91.74
33.
Smithfield, NC 27577 | Phone: (919) 934-3051
Programs: Associate in Nursing
91.57
34.
Morehead City, NC 28557 | Phone: (252) 222-6000
Programs: Associate in Nursing
91.56
35.
Fayetteville, NC 28301 | Phone: (910) 672-1111
Programs: BSN
91.39
36.
Raleigh, NC 27613 | Phone: (919) 283-5748
Programs: Associate in Nursing
91.25
37.
Hickory, NC 28601 | Phone: (828) 328-1741
Programs: BSN, RN to BSN
90.89
38.
Shelby, NC 28150 | Phone: (704) 669-4073
Programs: Associate in Nursing, BSN
90.65
39.
Weyers Cave, NC 24486 | Phone: (540) 234-9261
Programs: Associate in Nursing
90.38
40.
Washington, NC 27889 | Phone: (252) 946-6194
Programs: Associate in Nursing
90.02
41.
Wilson, NC 27893 | Phone: (800) 345-4973
Programs: BSN
89.47
42.
Pembroke, NC 28372 | Phone: (910) 521-6000
Programs: BSN
89.47
43.
Charlotte, NC 28274 | Phone: (704) 337-2314
Programs: BSN, RN to BSN
89.38
44.
Pinehurst, NC 28374 | Phone: (910) 692-6185
Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to ADN
89.20
45.
Greensboro, NC 27412 | Phone: (336) 334-5000
Programs: BSN, RN to BSN, MSN
89.11
46.
Durham, NC 27705 | Phone: (919) 470-7348
Programs: Diploma
88.98
47.
Kinston, NC 28504 | Phone: (252) 527-6223
Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to ADN
88.92
48.
Roxboro, NC 27573 | Phone: (336) 599-1181
Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to ADN
88.79
49.
Salisbury, NC 28146 | Phone: (704) 216-7222
Programs: Associate in Nursing
88.55
50.
Spruce Pine, NC 28777 | Phone: (828) 765-7351
Programs: Associate in Nursing
88.53
51.
Fayetteville, NC 28311 | Phone: (910) 630-7000
Programs: BSN
88.33
52.
Pittsboro, NC 27312 | Phone: (919) 775-5401
Programs: Associate in Nursing
88.27
53.
Asheville, NC 28801 | Phone: (828) 398-7900
Programs: Associate in Nursing
87.93
54.
Charlotte, NC 28273 | Phone: (980) 939-6241
Programs: BSN
87.92
55.
Wilkesboro, NC 28697 | Phone: (336) 838-6100
Programs: Associate in Nursing
87.69
56.
Winston-Salem, NC 27110 | Phone: (336) 750-2000
Programs: BSN, MSN
87.69
57.
Jacksonville, NC 28546 | Phone: (910) 455-1221
Programs: Associate in Nursing
87.45
58.
Charlotte, NC 28246 | Phone: (186) 689-2381 x9
Programs: BSN
87.41
59.
Fayetteville, NC 28303 | Phone: (910) 678-8400
Programs: Associate in Nursing
87.23
60.
Hickory, NC 28602 | Phone: (828) 327-7000
Programs: Associate in Nursing
86.77
61.
Greensboro, NC 27401 | Phone: (336) 274-2664
Programs: BSN
86.57
62.
Wentworth, NC 27375 | Phone: (336) 342-4261
Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to ADN
86.29
63.
Rocky Mount, NC 27801 | Phone: (252) 823-5166
Programs: Associate in Nursing
85.81
64.
Ahoskie, NC 27910 | Phone: (252) 862-1200
Programs: Associate in Nursing
85.80
65.
Jamestown, NC 27282 | Phone: (336) 334-4822
Programs: Associate in Nursing
85.46
66.
Dublin, NC 28332 | Phone: (910) 879-5500
Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to RN
85.34
67.
New Bern, NC 28562 | Phone: (252) 638-7200
Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to ADN
84.62
68.
Asheville, NC 28803 | Phone: (828) 398-2500
Programs: Associate in Nursing
84.47
69.
Rocky Mount, NC 27804 | Phone: (252) 443-4011
Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to ADN
84.31
70.
Thomasville, NC 27360 | Phone: (336) 249-8186
Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to ADN
83.97
71.
Durham, NC 27703 | Phone: (919) 536-7200
Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to ADN
83.86
72.
Misenheimer, NC 28109 | Phone: (800) 338-2060
Programs: BSN
83.31
73.
Winterville, NC 28590 | Phone: (252) 493-7200
Programs: Associate in Nursing
83.21
74.
Whiteville, NC 28472 | Phone: (910) 642-7141
Programs: Associate in Nursing
83.10
75.
Wilson, NC 27893 | Phone: (252) 291-1195
Programs: Associate in Nursing
82.49
76.
Durham, NC 27701 | Phone: (919) 530-6100
Programs: BSN
82.03
77.
Weldon, NC 27890 | Phone: (252) 536-4221
Programs: Associate in Nursing
81.57
78.
Henderson, NC 27536 | Phone: (252) 492-2061
Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to ADN
80.57
79.
Sylva, NC 28779 | Phone: (828) 339-4000
Programs: Associate in Nursing
75.00
80.
Mars Hill, NC 28754 | Phone: (866) 642-4968
Programs: BSN
69.89
81.
Banner Elk, NC 28604 | Phone: (828) 898-5241
Programs: BSN
65.86
82.
Salisbury, NC 28144 | Phone: 1800
Programs: BSN
60.96
83.
Laurinburg, NC 28352 | Phone: (910) 277-5555
Programs: BSN
-

Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.