Nursing Programs in Charlotte, NC

Entry Level ADN & BSN Programs in Charlotte, NC

If you don't already have an RN license, entry-level programs are a great way to enter the field. Options in the Charlotte area include the Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) and the traditional Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN). These programs typically require a high school diploma or GED and a minimum GPA for enrollment.

LPN to RN Programs

Licensed practical nurses are well-versed in providing high-quality patient care and improving patient comfort and well-being. Many LPNs decide to expand their skills by moving into careers as registered nurses, and LPN to RN bridge programs provide LPNs with a direct pathway to RN licensure. As one example, the LPN to RN program at Sampson Community College offers a hybrid online/on-campus LPN to RN program that allows students to complete some coursework online and return to campus for certain activities such as orientation and testing. Applicants to this program must have a valid LPN license and two years of work experience as a practical nurse.

ADN Programs

The quickest route to an RN license is through an ADN program. At just two years in length, students can begin working before those enrolled in 4-year degrees have even completed their education. For example, Gaston College offers a 71 program-hour ADN program, which includes courses like Family Health Concepts, Anatomy & Physiology, and more.

Direct-Entry BSN Programs

With many employers preferring a 4-year nursing degree, the traditional BSN pathway is an excellent choice for aspiring RNs. Wingate University offers a BSN pathway that can be completed in 8 consecutive fall and spring semesters. Courses include Science-Based Nursing, Pharmacology for Nursing, Nursing Leadership, and more.

Charlotte RN Program NCLEX-RN Pass Rates

Top Ranked Accredited Nursing Programs in Charlotte

Listed below are the top nursing schools in Charlotte based on our RegisteredNursing.org RN program rankings for North Carolina out of 83 other accredited programs offered in the state:

• Cabarrus College of Health Sciences - #20
• Carolinas College of Health Sciences - #6
• Central Piedmont Community College - #2
• Wingate University - #13

RN to BSN/MSN Programs in Charlotte, NC

Bridge programs provide a unique opportunity for RNs who have already completed an ADN or diploma program to earn their BSN or Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. These programs give the RN credit for many of the courses they have already completed, thereby shortening the length of the program considerably.

RN to BSN Programs

This pathway leads to the most popular undergrad nursing degree: the BSN. Cabarrus College of Health Sciences, for example, offers an online RN to BSN program that can be completed in four semesters and one summer of full-time study (part-time options are also available). Of the total 122 hours of baccalaureate coursework, up to 61 credit hours are awarded from the ADN or diploma program previously completed.

Learn more about North Carolina RN to BSN Programs.

RN to MSN Programs

Like the RN to BSN pathway, the RN to MSN bridge option allows licensed RNs to earn a master's degree in nursing in a fraction of the time. The University of North Carolina at Charlotte offers an online RN to MSN program for nurses with an associate's degree in nursing. Graduates end up earning both a BSN and MSN degree throughout the program.

Learn more about North Carolina RN to MSN Programs.

APRN & Nurse Practitioner Programs in Charlotte, NC

RNs interested in more advanced practice, including various nurse practitioner specialties, have a few options. The traditional MSN degree, the post-master's certificate, or the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) pathways are all possibilities, depending on a nurse's ultimate goals.

MSN Programs

Traditional MSN programs require an active RN license and a BSN degree. They typically require two years of study, with part- and full-time options widely available, and students can usually specialize in a number of nurse practitioner specialties. Queens University of Charlotte offers online MSN pathways with the following specialties: Clinical Nurse Leader, Nurse Administrator, and Nurse Educator.

Learn more about North Carolina Nurse Practitioner Programs.

Post-Master's Certificate Programs

RNs who hold an MSN but who wish to change specialties can opt to take a post-master's certificate program instead of pursuing an additional degree. This tends to be a much more cost-effective option. The University of North Carolina at Charlotte offers numerous graduate certificate pathways, including Nurse Educator, Nurse Administrator, Adult-Gerontology NP, and APRN Family Nurse Practitioner.

Find out more about North Carolina Post-Master's Certificate Programs.

DNP Programs

Doctoral programs are the most prestigious nursing degrees an RN can hold. They poise nurses for clinical practice at the highest levels. The University of North Carolina at Charlotte offers a dual DNP pathway with Western Carolina University, allowing students to access faculty at both universities. It requires an MSN in an advanced nursing specialty and can be completed in as little as five semesters.

Find out more about North Carolina DNP Programs.