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Author: Ellery Weil, PhD
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Staff Writer
Ellery Weil, PhD, is a writer and content professional who specializes in higher education, nutrition, nursing, and allied health. She has collaborated with registered nurses across the U.S. to pen features on working with children in healthcare, entry-level nursing programs, accelerated BSN programs, and much more. Ellery holds her PhD and master's in history from University College London.
Areas of Expertise
Check Healthcare Education Nursing Advanced Nursing
Healthcare EducationNursingAdvanced Nursing
Editor: Kristin Marino

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Online Nursing Schools in North Carolina: Choosing a Program

From undergraduate certificates to advanced doctorates, North Carolina offers online and hybrid programs for every level of nursing, whether you want to become a registered nurse or build on your existing qualifications. Learn more about online nursing schools in North Carolina and see if one might be right for you.

The following professionals lent their expertise to this article:

A smiling woman with short dark hair, holding a red and transparent umbrella, is photographed outside with green blurred background.
Author: Ellery Weil, PhD
A smiling woman with short dark hair, holding a red and transparent umbrella, is photographed outside with green blurred background.
Ellery Weil, PhD Arrow up right
Staff Writer
Ellery Weil, PhD, is a writer and content professional who specializes in higher education, nutrition, nursing, and allied health. She has collaborated with registered nurses across the U.S. to pen features on working with children in healthcare, entry-level nursing programs, accelerated BSN programs, and much more. Ellery holds her PhD and master's in history from University College London.
Areas of Expertise
Check Healthcare Education Nursing Advanced Nursing
Healthcare EducationNursingAdvanced Nursing
Editor: Kristin Marino

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How NC’s Nursing Programs Work Online

Online nursing programs in North Carolina make it possible to pursue nearly every level of nursing education with added flexibility. As you explore your options, consider these core points:

  1. Degree availability: Online and hybrid formats exist for certificates, associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, master’s programs, and the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).
  2. In-person requirements: Even programs labeled “fully online” typically include in-person clinical rotations, while hybrid programs may require on-campus labs.
  3. Location matters: Choosing a North Carolina–based school can simplify clinical placements and limit required travel.
  4. Program fit: Accreditation, tuition costs, and program length play a major role in selecting the right school and degree level.

The sections below break down North Carolina’s online and hybrid nursing degrees and schools to help you understand your options and plan your next steps with confidence.

Undergraduate Nursing Programs in NC (Online/Hybrid)

Online and hybrid undergraduate nursing programs are generally the first step in your nursing education. These programs are designed for students with no prior nursing experience or education and range from certificate programs, which can be completed in a few months, to full degrees, which can take several years to complete.

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

A certified nursing assistant, or CNA, assists physicians and nurses in hospitals and other clinical settings. Becoming a CNA results in a first-step healthcare career helping patients with activities of daily life (ADLs), such as changing clothing and eating, administering medications, and checking and recording patient vitals.

Example: Carolinas College of Health Sciences

  • Cost: $1,200
  • Length: 2-3 Months
  • Mode: Hybrid

Programs that might interest you:

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

Like CNAs, LPNs, or licensed practical nurses, assist nurses and physicians in various clinical settings. LPNs often specialize in helping with ADLs, moving patients, and handling supply issues, such as ensuring nurse stations have sufficient bandages and other equipment.

Example: Cape Fear Community College

  • Cost: $3,930
  • Length: 12 Months
  • Mode: Hybrid

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)

Associate degrees in nursing support students who want to earn their RN license but aren’t ready to commit to a four-year bachelor’s degree. These programs, commonly offered by community colleges and vocational schools, usually take two years to complete and provide affordable tuition rates.

Example: Carolinas College of Health Sciences

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

A traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing also supports those looking to become RNs. These programs take four years to complete, typically leading to higher starting salaries than an ADN. Plenty of public and private colleges throughout the state offer these programs online and on campus.

Example: North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University

Accelerated BSN (ABSN)

Accelerated BSN programs can help you enter nursing if you already have a bachelor’s degree in another subject but want to change careers. Lasting approximately 18 months, accelerated BSNs build on existing general education knowledge and focus on targeted nursing coursework and clinical experiences.

Example: UNC Charlotte

Graduate-Level Programs in NC (Online/Hybrid)

The most advanced nursing qualifications, graduate and postgraduate nursing degrees, include master’s, doctorate, and postgraduate certificates. The programs are designed for those with prior nursing degrees and potentially previous nursing experience in a professional setting and may take several years to complete.

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

MSN programs exist for people who already have a BSN and those who earned a bachelor’s degree in an unrelated subject. Depending on previous credentials, these degrees take two to three years to complete. They can employ both online and in-person learning.

Example: UNC Charlotte

DNP and PhD Doctoral Programs

DNP programs take three to five years to complete and support nurses who want to continue in professional practice at the top of the career ladder. PhD in nursing programs usually take four to six years and build the skills needed to transition into research and/or academic positions.

Example: UNC Charlotte

Post-Master’s Certificate Programs

Post-graduate certificates support graduates of MSN programs who want to gain specialized knowledge in a particular nursing area. These North Carolina nursing programs can be found online and on-campus, covering topics such as nurse administration and management, nurse education, forensic nursing, and various nurse practitioner specialty areas.

Example: UNC Charlotte

North Carolina Bridge Programs (Online & Hybrid)

If you’ve already earned some nursing qualifications but want to go to the next level, you might consider a bridge program. Nursing bridge programs are designed to build on your prior qualifications to help you complete your advanced degree quicker while saving time and money.

LPN to RN and LPN to BSN

If you’ve worked as a licensed practical nurse and feel ready to take the next professional step, these bridge programs can help. The LPN to RN leads to an associate degree and takes 18-24 months to complete. The LPN to BSN leads to a bachelor’s degree and takes three to four years to finish.

LPN to RN Example: Cape Fear Community College

RN to BSN

An accelerated RN to BSN program could be the right option if you already have your ADN and RN license but want to upgrade your credentials. Building on knowledge already gained in your associate degree, these North Carolina bridge programs usually take about two years to complete.

Example: UNC Charlotte

  • Cost: $189.48/credit​
  • Length: 2 Years
  • Mode: Online

RN to MSN

Designed for ADN-educated RNs, these bridge programs allow you to skip the BSN and earn a master’s degree in less time than doing both separately. You can usually find these NC nursing programs online or in person, lasting 30-36 months.

Example: UNC Pembroke

BSN to DNP

For BSN graduates looking to earn a professional doctorate as quickly as possible, a BSN to DNP program allows them to bypass a master’s degree and earn a doctoral degree more quickly. These programs can be highly competitive and take several years to complete.

Example: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Direct-Entry MSN

If you already hold a bachelor’s in a non-nursing field and want a career change into nursing, you might be the right candidate for a direct-entry MSN. These advanced, competitive programs are designed to provide master’s-level nursing education to students who haven’t previously studied nursing.

Example: UNC Greensboro

Licensing Information for RNs in North Carolina

There’s more to becoming a nurse in North Carolina than simply graduating from nursing school. Given the high level of responsibility involved in nursing, licensure is a complex process. Read on for a step-by-step guide to becoming a nurse in North Carolina and keeping your license valid throughout your career.

1 – Earn an Accredited Nursing Degree

In North Carolina, all registered nurses must hold an ADN or BSN to meet minimum education requirements. Your nursing degree must come from an accredited school with institutional and programmatic nursing accreditation. Whether your degree is online, in-person, or hybrid, accreditation makes it legitimate and ensures that the state board of nursing will recognize your qualifications.

2 – Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam

One of the most important steps towards earning your North Carolina nursing license is passing the NCLEX-RN. Your nursing program will have explained the details of the NCLEX and what makes it essential. Depending on the program, it may have provided you with study sessions and/or access to prep materials. Either way, developing an independent study routine in the lead-up to your test day can be a good idea.

3 – Apply for State Licensure

After you’ve passed the NCLEX, it’s time to apply for your North Carolina nursing license. Each state has different nursing license requirements and procedures, and in North Carolina, the relevant authority is the North Carolina Board of Nursing or NCBN. They have multiple paths to licensure, and which is the best fit for you will depend on your education and experiences, so check their website for further details.

4 – Maintain and Renew Licensure

Even after earning your license, you’ll need to maintain it in good standing and renew it before it expires. In North Carolina, all nursing licenses come with an expiry date, and you must renew your nursing license within 90 days of the expiration date to maintain it. Remember, if you let your license lapse, you must repeat the entire initial licensure process, which can be expensive and lengthy.

5 – Pursue Specialty Certifications (Optional)

Even once you’ve been established as a nurse in North Carolina, your nursing education and qualifications may still have room to grow. You may pursue specializations, such as nurse midwifery, nurse leadership, and more.

How you go about this will vary from specialization to specialization, but it may involve more education, whether a certification or another full degree, such as an MSN or DNP.

Registered Nurses

Area ↕︎ 10th Percentile ↕︎ Median ↕︎ 90th Percentile ↕︎
North Carolina $67,660 $84,350 $110,220
Asheville, NC $65,100 $81,590 $118,330
Burlington, NC $67,710 $84,180 $124,050
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC $69,680 $90,620 $110,020
Fayetteville, NC $63,730 $83,060 $123,090
Goldsboro, NC $68,950 $82,740 $104,720
Greensboro-High Point, NC $66,400 $82,860 $122,560
Greenville, NC $67,540 $81,670 $127,330
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC $66,020 $80,060 $100,990
Jacksonville, NC $66,760 $84,750 $122,430
Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC $66,360 $81,520 $100,790
Raleigh-Cary, NC $72,460 $84,830 $110,220
Rocky Mount, NC $65,350 $82,300 $103,720
Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC $63,750 $89,450 $114,610
Wilmington, NC $67,510 $80,970 $103,250
Winston-Salem, NC $71,550 $86,120 $105,490

Source: Registered Nurses, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2025

Data does not reflect school-specific information.

Registered Nurses

Area ↕︎ Curr. Jobs ↕︎ Proj. Jobs ↕︎ New Jobs ↕︎ Growth % ↕︎ Avg. Ann. Openings ↕︎
United States 3,391,000 3,557,100 166,100 4.9% 189,100
North Carolina 111,380 122,580 11,210 10.1% 6,930

Source: Projections Central, 2024-2034

North Carolina’s Leading Online Nursing Programs

About the Ranking
1
1

Blue Ridge Community College

Best for: hospital-connected students
Online Enrollment 100%
Avg. Net Price $8,273
2
2

Craven Community College

Best for: community college students
Online Enrollment 100%
Avg. Net Price $3,596
3
3

University of Mount Olive

Best for: career-focused students
Online Enrollment 88%
Avg. Net Price $18,853
4
4

Wingate University

Best for: small class seekers
Online Enrollment 53%
Avg. Net Price $21,282
5
5

Robeson Community College

Best for: clinical-first learners
Online Enrollment 76%
Avg. Net Price $2,989
6
6

North Carolina A & T State University

Best for: returning adult learners
Online Enrollment 67%
Avg. Net Price $10,097
7
7

Fayetteville Technical Community College

Best for: first-generation students
Online Enrollment 92%
Avg. Net Price $2,638
8
8

Methodist University

Best for: career advancers
Online Enrollment 54%
Avg. Net Price $26,334
9
9

Lenoir Community College

Best for: credential upgraders
Online Enrollment 83%
Avg. Net Price $7,539
10
10

Vance-Granville Community College

Best for: in-state tuition seekers
Online Enrollment 87%
Avg. Net Price $4,810

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Ellery Weil, PhD AUTHOR

Ellery Weil, PhD, is a writer and content professional who specializes in higher education, nutrition, nursing, and allied health. She has collaborated with registered nurses across the U.S. to pen features on working with children in healthcare, entry-level nursing programs, accelerated BSN programs, and much more. Ellery holds her PhD and master's in history from University College London.

Read More About Ellery Weil
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