Online LPN to BSN Programs in North Carolina: Top Schools
If you’re an experienced practical nurse seeking career advancement, LPN to BSN programs in North Carolina are convenient paths to a new role as a registered nurse. These online and hybrid bridge programs build on your LPN experience, providing the skills needed for advanced patient care. Learn about top-rated programs, coursework, tuition, and salary expectations below.
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Inside Online LPN to BSN Programs in North Carolina
Online LPN to BSN programs in North Carolina give working practical nurses the chance to earn a bachelor’s degree in a flexible and affordable setting. Academic coursework takes place online, with all necessary clinicals occurring in-person. To get a better handle of the programs available in North Carolina, including how they work and how much they cost, check out the schools highlighted below.
Surry Community College/Lees-McRae College
The LPN to BSN program at Surry Community College (SCC) and Lees-McRae College (LMC) offers a supportive, affordable pathway for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Through this unique collaboration, students are dually enrolled and complete coursework both on-campus at SCC and online with LMC. By the end of their second year, students take the NCLEX-RN exam to become Registered Nurses (RNs), allowing them to work while finishing their studies.
The program emphasizes evidence-based practice, leadership, and gerontological and community health nursing. Graduates gain the skills to provide high-quality, culturally sensitive care, collaborate effectively with healthcare teams, and pursue further education or certifications. This flexible program empowers LPNs to elevate their careers, contributing to a healthier, more effective healthcare system.
Duration: 3 years
Mode: hybrid
Cost: $390-$840/credit
Admissions Requirements:
- Submit letter of acceptance to Surry Community College
- Complete Lees-McRae general admission application
- Submit official transcripts for high school (or GED scores) and all colleges attended (if applicable)
- Submit two letters of recommendation
Curriculum:
- Anatomy and Physiology
- General Psychology
- Intro to Sociology
- Developmental Psychology
- Pharmacology
- Microbiology
- Intro to Biochemistry
- Evidence-Based Practice and Research
- Community and Population-Centered Care
Herzing University
The online LPN to BSN program at Herzing University is available to students in a variety of states, including North Carolina. The program is CCNE-accredited and is designed for working LPNs. Core didactic (lecture) courses are delivered 100% online, including real-time and on-demand courses you can take in evenings/nights, weekends, or whenever it’s convenient for you.
Students complete hands-on clinicals and intensives (labs) requiring attendance at a designated Herzing or partner site that students can coordinate with the dedicated clinical-site coordination team. Students can also take advantage of transfer credit, stackable credentials, and adaptive learning technology to finish their degrees faster. Access to extensive virtual services, including academic advising, tutoring, support services, technical support, and library services are included.
Duration: 28 months
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $755/credit
Admissions Requirements:
Curriculum:
- Pharmacology
- Mental Health Nursing
- Family Nursing
- Medical Surgical Nursing I-II
- Nursing Pathophysiology
- Health Assessment
- Advanced Leadership and Nursing
- Nursing Informatics
- Policy, Trends, and Ethics in Nursing
- Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing
Expert Insight
I attended an online graduate nursing program. All of my classes were 100% remote, but I was required to attend on-campus labs two days out of the entire program. I intentionally chose a program within driving distance of my home so I wouldn’t have to fly out of state to attend labs. These are things to consider before choosing an online program.
FAQs for North Carolina LPN to BSN Online Students
Students choosing a degree program have many questions, so we’ve researched the most asked and provided answers below. We’ll discuss nursing skills, program length, program costs, admission requirements, and what to look for in your LPN to BSN program.
What additional nursing skills and knowledge will I gain in an LPN to BSN program in North Carolina?
In an LPN to BSN program, you’ll expand on previous practical nursing experience and existing knowledge of the field with courses like anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, and health assessment. Specialized courses in concentrated areas of nursing allow you to explore various aspects of the field, such as pediatric, geriatric, or mental health care.
The BSN program will also teach you about evidence-based practice, as well as leadership skills and attributes. Through clinical requirements, you’ll gain new skills in real-world practice and graduate well-prepared to meet patients’ needs at a higher level.
How long does it take to complete an LPN to BSN program in North Carolina?
On average, LPN to BSN programs in North Carolina take three years to complete. However, depending on your individual circumstances, this timeframe may vary. For instance, a program that offers credit for your LPN experience may take less time to complete. Likewise, studying full-time and choosing a school that provides consecutive, year-round semesters shortens time to graduation.
How much do LPN to BSN programs in North Carolina cost and can I get financial aid?
Tuition rates vary by school and are subject to change each year, but financial aid is always available. In general, your residential status has the most significant potential to affect your estimated cost of tuition.
For example, at most schools, North Carolina residents pay a per-credit or flat semester rates that are lower than out-of-state students. Many online programs charge the same amount regardless of resident status. Be sure to check with your specific program for details.
Students in LPN to BSN programs are eligible for financial aid to help pay for their education costs. This may include:
- Federal financial aid
- Needs-based and merit scholarships offered by individual schools
- Scholarships offered by professional organizations, such as The North Carolina Nurses Association
- Tuition assistance programs offered by employers
The state of North Carolina’s Nurse Scholars Program awards merit-based scholarships to students who commit to working as nurses or nurse educators in the state.
What are the admissions requirements for LPN to BSN programs in North Carolina?
Each individual school has specific admission requirements; most programs have the following in common:
- Provide proof of high school graduation or equivalent
- Submit standardized test scores, such as from the SAT, ACT, or Health Education Systems, Inc. assessment
- Hold an active, unencumbered LPN license in North Carolina
- Complete drug, background, and fingerprint screenings
- Pass proficiency examinations to earn credits for previous work as an LPN
LPN to BSN students in North Carolina may also be required to provide letters of recommendation. For an example of typical minimum admission requirements, refer to SCC/LMC’s LPN to BSN program application procedures.
What should I look for in an LPN to BSN program in North Carolina?
It’s imperative that you enroll in a program approved by the North Carolina Board of Nursing and accredited by either the CCNE or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). The North Carolina Board of Nursing sets statewide requirements for licensure and maintains a list of programs that meet their criteria. Programs accredited by CCNE or ACEN have been evaluated and found to comply with industry-wide educational requirements.
You should also research a school’s NCLEX-RN pass rate for first-time test takers. While high pass rates are not a guarantee of success, they’re a good indication that a school prepares students well through coursework, clinical experience, and instructor mentorship. Refer to your state board of nursing for pass rates.
Expert Insight
A program’s NCLEX pass rate identifies the percentage of nursing graduates who passed the exam that year. Remember to look at more than the score though. Pay attention to how many students graduated from the program. A score of 100% in a graduating class of 15 students is good. But a score of 90% out of 100 students is even better.
Salary & Career Comparison: LPN vs. BSN
North Carolina is currently home to more than 106,000 jobs for registered nurses, and that number is increasing every year. In fact, registered nurses can expect job growth of 16.4% between 2022 and 2032, resulting in 7,930 job openings each year. To put that in perspective, RNs nationwide anticipate an average job growth of 5.6%. Although LPNs are growing at a slightly slower pace in North Carolina, at 10% through 2032, they still represent a significant segment of healthcare workers who can find new job opportunities each year.
There is a notable difference in salary between LPNs and RNs in North Carolina. Licensed practical nurses can expect to earn a median annual wage of $58,590, but that increases by over $20,000 to $79,580 for registered nurses. To learn more about potential earnings as an RN and the job market outlook upon graduation, take a look at the numbers below.
| Occupation | Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | North Carolina | $47,130 | $58,590 | $70,160 |
| Registered Nurses | North Carolina | $62,980 | $79,580 | $104,190 |
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 | United States | 3,172,500 | 3,349,900 | 177,400 | 5.60% | 193,100 |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | United States | 655,000 | 689,900 | 34,900 | 5.30% | 54,400 |
| Registered Nurses | North Carolina | 106,190 | 123,650 | 17,460 | 16.40% | 7,930 |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | North Carolina | 16,650 | 18,320 | 1,670 | 10.00% | 1,490 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
