Top Online and Campus BSN Nursing Programs in North Carolina

Aside from these perks, you can also look forward to job stability and opportunities for growth. The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ O*Net database projects that jobs for North Carolina registered nurses will expand by an impressive 12% between 2020 and 2030, which is twice the national average. With opportunities to work in urban and rural settings abounding, it’s a great time to consider whether a career as a registered nurse in North Carolina makes sense for you.

Keep reading, because throughout this page, you’ll find all the necessary information to make an informed and confident decision. To get started, take a look at our rankings for the top online BSN programs in North Carolina.

Main Benefits of BSN Programs in North Carolina

Earning your BSN in North Carolina offers many benefits, which is why so many students choose to pursue this popular degree each year at one of the state’s many noteworthy universities. If you need more convincing about why BSN programs in North Carolina can help you succeed, review our list of top benefits below.

Access to Strong Professional Network

When it comes time to find a job, one of the most important resources available to new graduates and experienced veterans alike is their professional network. Attending one of the best North Carolina BSN programs provides access to experienced professors, helpful mentors, and BSN alumni working in healthcare settings in North Carolina and beyond.

Broad Range of Clinical Opportunities

Given the vast number of healthcare facilities, research labs, hospitals, medical centers, long-term care facilities, clinics, physicians’ offices, and other healthcare settings, you can choose from a variety of clinical opportunities. If your interest lies in mental health nursing, for instance, you could potentially complete a clinical rotation at Broughton Hospital in Morgantown.

Wide Array of Prestigious Nursing Schools

North Carolina is home to a larger-than-average number of four-year colleges and universities based on its size, providing you with an extensive number of prestigious nursing schools and programs to choose from. Whether you want the small private college experience provided by Elon University or the large state school environment offered by UNC-Chapel Hill, North Carolina offers many options.

Program Checklist: What to Look for in a North Carolina BSN Program

Deciding where to complete your BSN is a big commitment, so you want to make sure you consider all essential factors before choosing a school. Once you narrow down choices based on program location and cost, you can use this checklist to ensure you make a great choice.

Accreditation

If you pursue a non-accredited BSN program, it can result in issues with transferring credits, seeking licensure, and finding a job. The primary programmatic accrediting agencies for nursing are the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accrediting Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Attending a school with CCNE or ACEN accreditation ensures you receive a quality education and helps prospective employers feel confident in the rigor of your academic background.

Format That Fits Your Needs

With many programs available either online or in person, take time to consider which format of a BSN program in North Carolina best fits your needs. If you enjoy face-to-face interaction, you may find that a campus-based version works best. Conversely, some learners may need the flexibility provided by an online BSN.

Student Support Resources

Earning a BSN can challenge you at many different levels, making it essential that you have the student support resources needed not only to survive, but thrive. When looking at prospective BSN programs in North Carolina, carefully review whether each offers adequate academic counseling, career guidance, financial aid support, and mental health services.

Types of BSN Programs in North Carolina

The type of BSN you choose to attend will depend on several factors, including whether you have previous nursing education or experience, if you already completed general education courses, and how you plan to use the degree after graduating. We review the most common types of BSN programs in North Carolina below.

FAQs About BSN Programs in North Carolina

After reviewing the broad spectrum of BSN programs in North Carolina available, you probably still have a few questions about what to expect before deciding which program is right for you. In this section, we answer some of our readers’ most pressing questions so you can know what to expect.

Are there online or part-time options available for BSN programs in North Carolina?

Yes, both of these options exist at several schools in North Carolina, providing the flexibility you need to balance academics, work, and personal obligations. For instance, Winston-Salem State University provides part-time learning options for BSN learners.

While not all BSN programs can exist entirely online, those designed for students who previously completed nursing clinicals typically allow this option. Some examples include Western Carolina University and North Carolina Central University, among others.

Can I transfer credits from another institution?

The short answer: It depends. If you complete part of your BSN and decide to move to another college or university, you can typically transfer at least a portion of your credits. That said, it can depend on how well the curriculum at your former school aligns with the curricular requirements of the new school.

If your previous school does not hold proper institutional and/or programmatic accreditation, this will also lessen the likelihood of your credits transferring successfully.

Do online BSN programs in North Carolina require clinical experience?

Because online BSN programs cannot provide in-person clinical coursework, these programs require applicants to possess existing clinical experience.

At Appalachian State University, for instance, the online RN to BSN program requires applicants to have already completed an associate degree in nursing or a diploma in nursing from an accredited institution and hold a current and unrestricted registered nurse license. This is also true for students considering an online RN to BSN from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke.

What are my career prospects after finishing my BSN in North Carolina?

As we noted earlier, the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ O*Net database projects that jobs for North Carolina registered nurses will expand by 12% between 2020 and 2030, which is twice the national average.

Registered nurses also earn above-average salaries, with those in North Carolina receiving median salaries of $77,420. Given the ongoing need for qualified nursing professionals throughout the state, your career prospects look great after finishing a BSN program in North Carolina.

Career & Salary Outlook for NC BSN Nurses

After all of your hard work studying to become a registered nurse, you want to ensure it was worth the time and effort. The data below can help you determine if it is. When it comes to salaries, registered nurses in North Carolina make between $62,980 and $104,190, with the average salary being $79,580. If you work in Asheville, you’ll make between $59,270 and $110,840, and the average here is $79,580. Similarly, in the Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia area, the average salary for registered nurses is $81,190. The range is $64,240 to $103,130. When it comes to job opportunities, the future is bright for RNs. Around the country, there'll be an 5.60% increase in jobs in the coming years, which means 193,100 created positions. In North Carolina, there will be tremendous growth of 16.40%, amounting to 7,930 new jobs added annually. For more details about salary and job growth, review the tables below.