Online LPN Programs in North Carolina: What You Need to Know
Explore LPN programs in NC (including convenient online options) that can put you on the fast-track to a rewarding career in nursing.
One of the quickest ways to enter the nursing field is as a licensed practical nurse, and most LPN programs in North Carolina can be completed in about a year. To make things as convenient as possible, some programs even offer evening and online classes to give you the flexibility to learn at a time and place that’s most convenient for you.
With so many North Carolina licensed practical nursing programs to choose from, figuring out which school to attend can be difficult. This guide will help you in your search for a quality, affordable North Carolina LPN program. Below you’ll find a list of top-rated accredited schools along with other helpful information about becoming an LPN in North Carolina. Keep reading to get started on your LPN education and career journey.
South Piedmont Community College
Polkton, North Carolina
Public
FAQs About LPN Programs in North Carolina
What skills do you learn in LPN programs in NC?
The bulk of what an LPN student learns in an accredited LPN program in NC involves nursing medical theory and nursing practice. Theoretical topics cover scientific concepts relating to processes of the human body including what happens to the body under the stress of illness or injury. Wake Tech’s LPN program, for example, includes a Health-Illness Concepts class that teaches topics like oxygenation, infection, cellular regulation, and metabolism. Students also learn hands-on skills such as taking vital signs and conducting patient assessments. Finally, nursing practice instruction includes policy and rules-driven topics, such as ethics, professional behaviors, and healthcare delivery systems.
How much do LPN programs cost in North Carolina?
With base tuition rates set by the state legislature, one of the biggest benefits of attending an LPN program in NC is the low cost. North Carolina residents attending one of the many community colleges, like Guilford Technical Community College, can expect to earn their practical nursing diplomas for about $5,000. Students attending community colleges in North Carolina also pay their tuition by the semester and not with a one-time payment for the entire program.
Wake Tech
Total Credits: 36-48
$5,472 (total program tuition for in-state residents)
$19,296 (total program tuition for out-of-state-residents)
Craven Community College
Total Credits: 45
$76/credit (in-state)
$268/credit (out-of-state)
Gaston College
Total Credits: 44
$76/credit (in-state)
$268/credit (out-of-state)
Can I get financial aid to help pay for my LPN program in North Carolina?
There are several types of financial aid available for LPN students in North Carolina, including grants, scholarships, and student loans. Most grants and scholarships are offered by nonprofits and corporations. However, some schools have special scholarships exclusively for their nursing students. Most student loans are funded and/or administered by the federal government. To learn more on financial aid options for LPN programs, check out EduMed’s own LPN scholarships guide and main financial aid guide.
How long do LPN programs in North Carolina take to finish?
Most traditional and online LPN programs in NC consist of 42-45 credit hours. With full-time study, the typical student can graduate in about one year by taking courses year-round during the fall, spring, and summer semesters. Lenoir Community College provides one example of a typical LPN program in NC. Accelerated and part-time learning options aren’t common, though some schools offer courses during evenings and weekends.
Inside Look at Online LPN Programs in NC
There are no fully-online accredited LPN programs in North Carolina, though some schools (like Cape Fear Community College) offer a hybrid curriculum allowing students to take classes on-campus and online. In this type of program, students can take their general education and foundational science courses completely online with nursing courses and clinical experiences completed in-person. Most clinical-related classes are held at medical facilities located close to the school’s campus.
LPN Licensing Information and Requirements in North Carolina
North Carolina is like most other states with regard to LPN licensing. Its general requirements include:
- Graduating from an approved LPN program.
- Passing the NCLEX-PN.
- Passing a criminal background check.
The precise eligibility and licensing requirements are provided by the North Carolina Board of Nursing. Below is a general overview of what it takes to obtain your LPN license in North Carolina.
Education and Training
Before you can earn your license, you must first graduate from an LPN program that’s approved by the North Carolina Board of Nursing. Programs that are accredited by either the ACEN or NLN CNEA are likely also NC Board of Nursing approved. You can check current LPN program state approval status by visiting this North Carolina Board of Nursing website.
Professional Nursing Examination
The license by examination process includes taking the NCLEX-PN and is how new LPNs become licensed in North Carolina. To take this exam, you’ll first register with Pearson VUE, the test’s administrator, at least two weeks before finishing your LPN program. The current registration cost is $200.
Application with NC Board of Nursing
The LPN license application process starts with by signing up on the Nurse Gateway and providing your background information, and by paying the $75 application fee. You’ll then verify the completion of your LPN program by submitting copies of your official transcript or completing the electronic school verification process.
Passing a Criminal History Check
The last major component of the licensing process is the criminal background check. This consists of passing both the state-based and FBI criminal history checks. If you’re a North Carolina resident, you can usually complete this by submitting with electronic fingerprint scans through the Live Scan process at your local sheriff’s office. If you reside outside of North Carolina, you’ll be mailed a fingerprint card and will need to make arrangements with your local law enforcement agency or department to complete the fingerprinting process.
License Renewal & Continuing Education
LPNs in North Carolina must apply for a license renewal every two years with a deadline of the last day of the applicant’s birth month. The application process is completed online and includes paying a $100 renewal fee. During the renewal process, LPNs certify they’ve completed North Carolina’s continuing competence requirements over the past two years. Requirements can be met in multiple ways, but most LPNs do it by completing either 30 contact hours of continued education or 15 contact hours of continued education plus 640 hours of active practice.
Salary and Job Outlook for LPNs in North Carolina
Becoming an LPN in North Carolina requires formal education and passing the necessary examinations. But what can students expect once these requirements are fulfilled? Fortunately, the job outlook is promising for LPNs in North Carolina. Nationwide, the growth rate for LPNs is projected at 5.3% from 2022 to 2032, but in North Carolina, the rate is 10%. This translates to 1,490 annual job openings for graduates of LPN programs in North Carolina.
LPNs in North Carolina can expect a median annual wage of $58,590. The top 90th percentile earns $70,160, while the lower 10th percentile earns about $47,130. Those working in densely populated areas of North Carolina are likely to see higher pay. For example, the median annual wage in the Durham-Chapel Hill area is $61,470, in the Asheville area it is $61,860, and in the Charlotte area it is $60,430. Check out the information below to see what to expect in your area of North Carolina.
Job Outlook for Licensed Practical Nurses in North Carolina
| Area | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % | Avg. Ann. Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 655,000 | 689,900 | 34,900 | 5.30% | 54,400 |
| North Carolina | 16,650 | 18,320 | 1,670 | 10.00% | 1,490 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Annual Earnings for Licensed Practical Nurses in North Carolina
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | $47,130 | $58,590 | $70,160 |
| Asheville, NC | $47,130 | $61,860 | $72,000 |
| Burlington, NC | $50,120 | $60,020 | $69,840 |
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC | $49,020 | $60,430 | $71,430 |
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC | $46,990 | $61,470 | $71,690 |
| Fayetteville, NC | $46,670 | $57,820 | $69,100 |
| Goldsboro, NC | $41,310 | $55,470 | $62,050 |
| Greensboro-High Point, NC | $49,630 | $59,240 | $65,050 |
| Greenville, NC | $47,980 | $55,280 | $61,820 |
| Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC | $46,860 | $58,090 | $64,450 |
| Jacksonville, NC | $44,400 | $52,790 | $68,240 |
| New Bern, NC | $42,820 | $53,610 | $60,160 |
| Raleigh, NC | $49,920 | $60,360 | $72,830 |
| Rocky Mount, NC | $47,510 | $58,590 | $65,250 |
| Wilmington, NC | $46,190 | $55,160 | $65,490 |
| Winston-Salem, NC | $47,770 | $59,260 | $67,650 |
Source: Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
North Carolina LPN Student and Professional Resources
National Association of Licensed Practical Nurses – NC Chapter
