[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Featured Online MSN Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]The Best Nursing Schools in North Carolina[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The best nursing program in North Carolina for you should match your background and career goals. Students can complete an [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/adn/”]associate degree in nursing[/hen-ui-link] (ADN) program faster. However, a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/bsn/”]bachelor of science in nursing[/hen-ui-link] (BSN) degree is more valuable if you plan to [hen-ui-link href=”/nurse-practitioner/how-to-become-a-np/”]become a nurse practitioner[/hen-ui-link] (NP) or a nurse manager later in your career.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Our Methodology[/hen-ui-text]: We use a [hen-ui-link href=”/methodology/”]data-driven methodology[/hen-ui-link] 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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Choose a Nursing Program in North Carolina[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]When choosing from the many nursing schools in North Carolina, consider costs (tuition and financial aid), [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nclex/things-to-know-about-the-nclex-exam/”]NCLEX-RN pass rates[/hen-ui-link] (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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/resources//what-is-accreditation/”]Nursing program accreditation[/hen-ui-link] ensures that your program is a legitimate investment of your time and money. This guide only lists accredited programs.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Why Become a Nurse in North Carolina[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in North Carolina[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While salaries for RNs are below national averages, the cost of living in North Carolina is also lower, with an [hen-ui-link href=”https://meric.mo.gov/data/cost-living-data-series” target=”_blank”]index of 96.4[/hen-ui-link]. RNs earn an [hen-ui-link href=”/state/north-carolina//rn-salary/”]average annual salary of $82,530[/hen-ui-link] in North Carolina, compared to $94,480 nationally.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a [hen-ui-link href=”https://projectionscentral.org/” target=”_blank”] 16% job growth[/hen-ui-link] for RNs in North Carolina from 2022-2023, which is much faster than the 6% job growth for RNs nationwide.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-table][hen-ui-table-caption]Highest-Paying Cities for Nurses in North Carolina[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Top Paying Metropolitan Areas[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Average Salary for RNs[/hen-ui-table-head][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-body][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Fayetteville[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$75,530[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Winston-Salem[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$70,640[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Charlotte — Concord — Gastonia[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$70,420[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Raleigh[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$70,110[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Greenville[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$68,390[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-body][/hen-ui-table]Source: BLS[hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Steps to Becoming a Nurse in North Carolina[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/registered-nursing/rn-licensing-requirements-by-state/”]Every state has its own RN requirements[/hen-ui-link], but all [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//what-is-the-role-of-the-state-board-of-nursing/”]state boards of nursing[/hen-ui-link] require a nursing degree, passing the appropriate national examination, and completing a background check.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you attended nursing school in North Carolina, apply for licensure by examination.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-secondary” border=”shadow” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]RN Requirements[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To [hen-ui-link href=”/registered-nursing/”]become an RN[/hen-ui-link] 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 [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.ncbon.com/” target=”_blank”]state board of nursing[/hen-ui-link], pay the $75 application fee and the $200 examination fee, and submit your fingerprints for a background check.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You must renew your license every two years by meeting continuing competence requirements, such as 30 hours of [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//nurses-continuing-education-guide/”]continuing education for nurses[/hen-ui-link] or 15 hours of continuing education and completion of a research project as a principal investigator.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-secondary” border=”shadow” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]APRN Requirements[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To become an[hen-ui-link href=”/careers/advanced-practice-nursing/”] advanced practice registered nurse[/hen-ui-link] (APRN), you must earn a graduate degree, either a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/msn/”]master of science in nursing[/hen-ui-link] (MSN) or [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/dnp//”]doctor of nursing practice[/hen-ui-link] (DNP), pass the relevant board certification examination, and have a valid North Carolina or other NLC state RN license.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]The Best Nurse Practitioner Programs in North Carolina[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Other Nursing Programs Resources[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-grid columns=”1″ columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”][hen-ui-article-card title=”Average RN Salary in North Carolina” href=”/state/north-carolina//rn-salary/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][hen-ui-article-card title=”The Best RN-to-MSN Programs” href=”/degrees/msn/best-online-rn-to-msn-programs/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in North Carolina[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]How long does it take to become an RN in North Carolina?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]It typically takes 2-4 years to complete an RN program in North Carolina, depending on the degree. For full-time students, earning an ADN typically takes two years, while a BSN takes four. Part-time study extends this timeline.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]How much money do nurses make in North Carolina?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]RNs in North Carolina earn an annual average salary of $82,530. However, RN salaries can vary depending on location, education, and previous experience.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]How much does nursing school cost in North Carolina?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//how-much-does-nursing-school-cost/”]cost of nursing school[/hen-ui-link] in North Carolina varies depending on the program and institution. ADN programs can cost $6,000-$40,000, while BSN programs range from $40,000-$200,000. More advanced degrees vary in tuition cost based on the previous degree earned:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]BSN-to-MSN: $20,000-$180,000[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]BSN-to-DNP: $25,000-$250,000[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]MSN-to-DNP: $17,000-$170,000[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Is North Carolina a good state for nurses?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to the [hen-ui-link href=”https://wallethub.com/edu/best-states-for-nurses/4041″ target=”_blank”]personal finance group WalletHub[/hen-ui-link], North Carolina is the 34th best state for nurses, while ranking 24th for opportunity and competition.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Even though nursing salaries in the state are lower than the national average, North Carolina also has a lower cost of living. Nurses can also benefit from North Carolina’s involvement in the NLC, providing nurses who earned their degree in another state with an easier licensing process.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Does North Carolina have a nursing shortage?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.mercer.us/content/dam/mercer/assets/content-images/north-america/united-states/us-healthcare-news/us-2021-healthcare-labor-market-whitepaper.pdf” target=”_blank”]Workforce strategy and analytics firm Mercer[/hen-ui-link] recently reported that North Carolina will be among the five worst states for nursing shortages from 2021-2026. They also estimate that national demand for nurses could increase by 5%, leaving North Carolina with a shortage of 13,000 nurses.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Find Nursing Programs in Other States[/hen-ui-heading]