Online RN to MSN Programs in North Carolina: Inside Top Schools
If you’re a registered nurse in North Carolina and looking for a change, discover how an RN to MSN bridge program can open doors to career advancement, an increased salary, and specialized skills. Use this EduMed guide to explore top online RN to MSN programs in NC, get answers to FAQs, and review your future salary potential.
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Online RN to MSN Degrees in NC: How They Work
If you’re a registered nurse (RN) who hasn’t yet earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), an RN-to-MSN bridge program can be an efficient path forward. These accelerated programs allow you to move directly toward a Master of Science in Nursing while bypassing some traditional undergraduate coursework. Many online and hybrid RN-to-MSN programs in North Carolina follow this flexible format, helping working nurses advance their education without stepping away from their careers.
In most programs, the academic structure includes:
- Online coursework, including lectures, assignments, and discussions
- Asynchronous classes you can complete on your own schedule
- Synchronous sessions with scheduled virtual lectures or discussions
- In-person clinicals or practicums, typically completed at approved healthcare sites near your home
Because universities often allow students to complete clinical hours locally, online RN-to-MSN programs offer the convenience of remote learning while still providing the hands-on experience required for advanced nursing practice.
RN-MSN Pathway – UNC Pembroke
The RN to MSN program offered by the McKenzie-Elliott School of Nursing at UNC Pembroke is available to registered nurses without a BSN. Students should expect to complete 63 credit hours of undergraduate coursework and 25 hours of BSN coursework before applying to the program.
Once admitted, the program consists of online courses with in-person practicums. Students can choose from the following specializations: Nurse Educator, Clinical Nurse Leader, and Clinical Prevention and Population Health. Students will earn their BSN degree in this graduate-level program, with an accelerated timeline.
Duration: 39 credits
Mode: Online courses with in-person clinical hours
Cost: In State: $237.78/credit hour/ Out of State: $1,038.09 per credit hour
Admissions Requirements: If a student holds a non-BSN or associate’s degree in nursing, they must complete 63 credit hours of undergraduate work and 25 credit hours of RN-BSN coursework before applying to the MSN program. Prospective students should also hold an unencumbered RN license and have at least one year of nursing work experience.
Curriculum: Students will complete 39 credit hours of upper-level nursing courses, including five core MSN classes such as Advanced Nursing Concepts in Theory and Practice, as well as coursework in a designated specialty.
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MSN – Appalachian State University
Appalachian State University’s online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree program prepares RNs for an advanced career in nursing education. Students take online courses in advanced nursing concepts and specialized health education courses.
Before graduation, students complete two in-person practica that provide real-world experience and a thesis or research project. This program prepares students for roles as nurse educators (as opposed to nurse practitioners or nurse midwives) in a flexible, affordable format.
Duration: 39 credits
Mode: Online with in-person clinical hours
Cost: $337/credit hour for North Carolina residents
Admissions Requirements: Prospective students do not need a BSN, but they do need a bachelor’s degree in another area, along with an associate’s degree in nursing. Other requirements include a grade C or higher in undergraduate statistics and research courses, an unencumbered RN license, and one year of nursing experience.
Curriculum: The curriculum comprises online learning, 120 clinical hours with hands-on experience in areas such as health assessments and pharmacology, and a final research project or thesis. The online curriculum includes 24 credit hours in advanced master’s in nursing coursework and 12 credit hours in nursing education concentration classes.
RN to MSN – Queens University of Charlotte
The RN-to-MSN program at Queens University of Charlotte is CCNE-accredited and consists of eight-week courses delivered in a flexible, asynchronous online format. The program is designed for students without a BSN and offers an accelerated option for motivated working nurses. The flexible program allows students to choose where to complete their clinical hours and their area of specialization.
There is no GRE requirement for admission, and the program’s faculty has extensive professional experience in and around the Charlotte area, providing networking opportunities after graduation.
Duration: 42 credit hours
Mode: Online
Cost: $721 per credit hour
Admissions Requirements: In addition to completing an online application and submitting transcripts, students must hold an associate’s degree in nursing and an unencumbered RN license.
Curriculum: The program comprises 14 courses, including Population Health Nursing and Healthcare Informatics. The classes are asynchronous and prepare students for roles as nurse educators and nursing informatics specialists.
FAQs About Online RN to MSN Programs in North Carolina
If you’re reading this guide to MSN programs, you likely want to learn as much as you can before choosing a school. Investing your time and money into higher education is a big undertaking, so it’s normal to have questions. Below, we’ll answer some common ones that prospective students often have.
Will I earn my bachelor’s degree during my RN to MSN program?
Earning a bachelor’s degree during an online RN-to-MSN program is entirely possible, but it depends on the program you choose. While researching the many online and on-campus RN-to-MSN programs in North Carolina, we found some that include a BSN and others that don’t. However, most programs appear to require students to complete the BSN pathway before earning their MSN.
For example, UNC Pembroke requires 25 credits of upper-level nursing coursework in addition to general education and MSN credits. UNC Charlotte requires that all BSN coursework be completed first, and students graduate with their BSN before starting their MSN program. The University of Mount Olive’s MSN is designed for nurses with a BSN but has an option for nurses without a bachelor’s degree.
What additional nursing skills and knowledge will I gain in an RN to MSN program in North Carolina?
You’ll acquire a lot of knowledge and skills when obtaining an MSN degree, making you more marketable in the healthcare field. You’ll learn about advanced research methods, nursing informatics, management of care and clinics, leadership principles and practice, nursing administration, evaluation of practices and policies, financial management, nursing educational practices and principles, healthcare data implementation, and management. Many programs have specializations, so you can choose where to focus your studies.
Can I get financial aid to help pay for my RN to MSN program in North Carolina?
Yes, you may be eligible for financial aid opportunities if you know where to look. For example, the North Carolina Nurses Association sponsors several scholarships. Always check the school you’ll attend for scholarships, as well as state-specific scholarships or scholarships from businesses.
Once you complete the FAFSA, you may find you qualify for grants, which, like nursing scholarships, do not need to be paid back. Some schools offer work-study programs that allow you to work in exchange for your tuition. And, of course, student loans are available as well.
Do employers in North Carolina accept graduates from online RN to MSN programs?
For the most part, an online degree is treated the same as an in-person degree if it is an accredited program. Most online degrees have the same requirements as on-campus degrees, which means you will receive the quality education and experience needed to pass the NCLEX-RN and obtain a license.
How do I go from being an RN to an MSN nurse in North Carolina?
Those who are licensed in states that belong to the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), such as North Carolina, can obtain a multi-state license that allows them to practice in participating states and in North Carolina. To obtain a license to work in one of these states, you must:
- Graduate from a board-approved education program
- Pass the NCLEX exam
- Hold an active license
- Submit a federal background check
- Have no legal convictions
North Carolina RN vs. MSN Salary & Career Comparison
| Occupation ↕ | Area ↕ | 10th Percentile ↕ | Median ↕ | 90th Percentile ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurses | North Carolina | $62,980 | $79,580 | $104,190 |
| Nurse Practitioners | North Carolina | $96,630 | $121,450 | $145,600 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Occupation ↕ | Area ↕ | Curr. Jobs ↕ | Proj. Jobs ↕ | New Jobs ↕ | Growth % ↕ | Avg. Ann. Openings ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurses | North Carolina | 106,190 | 123,650 | 17,460 | 16.40% | 7,930 |
| Nurse Practitioners | North Carolina | 8,200 | 12,750 | 4,550 | 55.50% | 920 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Best Online RN to MSN Programs in North Carolina
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 72% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Appalachian State University
- App State's RN to MSN Bridge program offers flexible online coursework combined with 120 clinical practicum hours, allowing practical experience in your community while advancing your education.
- The program's strong focus on nursing education prepares graduates to effectively teach using simulation and implement staff development strategies in diverse clinical and academic settings.
- App State’s online MSN program is recognized by U.S. News and World Report as a top-44% national program, reflecting the quality and reputation that can enhance career prospects.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 72% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 64% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 9/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Queens University of Charlotte
- Queens University of Charlotte’s RN to MSN Bridge program offers a competitive tuition rate with no application fees, reducing upfront financial barriers for prospective students.
- The program allows students to complete clinical practicums locally without campus residency, providing flexibility for working nurses to gain hands-on experience near their own communities.
- Specialized MSN tracks such as Clinical Nurse Leader and Nurse Administrator equip graduates with targeted leadership skills, positioning them for advanced roles in healthcare management and clinical expertise.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 64% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 9/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 66% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected East Carolina University
- East Carolina University’s RN to MSN Bridge program offers an accelerated path to a master's degree without requiring a BSN, enabling RNs to advance quickly while balancing work.
- The program delivers coursework 100% online with minimal campus visits, allowing working nurses flexibility and convenience in completing their MSN.
- Students benefit from specialized curriculum combining nursing education theory with practical teaching practicum experiences, preparing them uniquely for nurse educator roles in clinical and academic settings.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 66% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 57% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected University of North Carolina at Greensboro
- The RN to MSN Bridge program at UNCG offers a direct admission pathway allowing registered nurses without a BSN to advance to a master's degree without first obtaining a bachelor's in nursing.
- It provides an accelerated option that enables students to simultaneously earn an RN license and a graduate degree, saving time and financial resources.
- The program emphasizes the development of leadership skills and prepares graduates to become healthcare leaders, supported by expert faculty and innovative curriculum design.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 57% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 49% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Gardner-Webb University
- The RN to MSN Bridge program offers an accelerated 8-week term format allowing students to complete the MSN degree in as little as one year, providing flexibility to balance work and personal commitments.
- Gardner-Webb University guarantees seamless and automatic admission from their Davis RN-to-BSN program into the MSN program for qualified graduates, eliminating the need for a separate application process and minimizing transfer barriers.
- Students in the MSN program benefit from expert faculty with professional healthcare experience and practical, local clinical placements, ensuring high-quality education combined with real-world application.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 49% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 43% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 14/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected University of North Carolina at Pembroke
- The RN to MSN Pathway at UNC Pembroke offers a seamless blend of undergraduate and graduate coursework, allowing students to earn both degrees with combined credit, reducing total study time.
- The program is delivered 100% online, providing flexible access for working registered nurses to advance their education without relocating or interrupting their careers.
- Students can specialize in cutting-edge areas like Nurse Educator, Clinical Prevention, and Population Health, aligning rigorously with current healthcare demands and expanding career opportunities.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 43% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 14/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online Bridge Graduate Program Rankings” for the ‘25-’26 school year.
One: Create a list of eligible schools & programs
To be eligible for ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on data pulled from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), which was self-reported by the schools themselves:
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
- At least one online component in a program within the ranking-subject area.
- The existence of academic and career counseling on campus and/or online.
Two: Assign weightings to eligible schools & programs
After creating the list of eligible schools, EduMed data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of metrics, which were all self-reported by the school themselves to the U.S. Department of Education and IPEDS.
The metrics are listed below in order of most- to least-heavily weighted*.
- Online Programs – Number of online programs, either partially- or fully-online, in the relevant subject area.
- Tuition – Average in-state tuition for graduate students studying full-time.
- Online Enrollment – Percent of graduate students taking at least one distance education class.
- Student/Faculty Ratio – The number of students per faculty member.
- Graduation Rate – Percent of full-time, first-time receiving an award in 6 years.
*Metrics #1-2 were equally weighted.
About Our Data
EduMed’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2025
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