Your Guide to the Best Online RN to BSN Programs in NC

North Carolina RN to BSN Programs: A Comparison

Online RN to BSN programs can make earning your degree convenient. But it’s still important to understand what you’re signing up for. Generally, these programs have coursework that you can take completely online, so there’s enough flexibility to integrate your studies into your busy schedule.

However, in some cases, programs may require that students come on campus. For example, some programs are delivered on a hybrid basis. You will be required to complete coursework both online and in person. In other cases, classes are entirely virtual, but there is a clinical component you need to finish at a healthcare facility.

Also, schools may differ in how long you have to graduate. Since many schools aim to maximize flexibility, you may be able to complete a program on a part-time basis, which is great if you’re concerned about their juggling your professional and personal responsibilities with your education.

Quick Guide: FAQs for RN to BSN Students

It’s natural to still have questions about RN to BSN programs as there is a lot for prospective students to know. To help you further explore this path, read on to discover answers to some of the frequently asked questions about curriculum, timeframes, financial aid, and more.

What additional nursing skills and knowledge will I gain in an RN to BSN program in North Carolina?

An RN to BSN program in North Carolina can help prepare you for career advancement opportunities in numerous ways, particularly management, leadership, research, or teaching roles. For example, if you want to become an administrator, having a bachelor’s degree will prepare you for a management position at a variety of healthcare facilities. This is because the curriculum is made up of classes that focus on developing leadership, teamwork, and high-level communication skills managers need.

Getting your BSN degree could be invaluable if you plan on pursuing a graduate program to specialize in a specific nursing area. This is because these programs build on the knowledge you already have, so your clinical skills increase, making you a good candidate for a graduate-level degree.

In North Carolina, how long does completing an RN to BSN program take?

Completing an RN to BSN program can take anywhere from a year to four years, depending on the program, schedule, and whether or not you’ve already completed any prerequisites. The North Carolina Board of Nursing estimates it takes four years to earn your BSN degree.

However, several RN to BSN programs in North Carolina that are strictly online can be finished in a year if you enroll as a full-time student. Others estimate it would take two years to complete an online program for part-time students. For example, the University of North Carolina at Pembroke offers accelerated online courses in eight-week-long sessions—meaning you can complete them in just 12 months. The program could take about two years to finish if you choose a self-paced, part-time learning option.

Can I get financial aid to help pay for my RN to BSN program in North Carolina?

Yes, there are several places you can get financial aid for an RN to BSN program. As you look at your options, a good way to start is by checking in with the schools you’re interested in attending. Generally, colleges and universities will have scholarships and grants available for students, and, in some cases, they are specifically offered to nursing students. Similarly, some employers may offer scholarships to help promote the profession.

Also, The Great 100 Nurses offers a scholarship to nursing students across the state. Each year, nursing schools statewide are randomly selected as scholarship recipients. The school then selects a student based on certain criteria.

What jobs can I qualify for with a BSN?

When you complete an RN to BSN program in North Carolina, you can qualify for a variety of jobs that may not be open to you with a nursing diploma or associate degree. Some of these positions are clinical in nature, such as emergency room roles, labor and delivery nurses, and plastic surgery jobs. Also, you’ll be able to pursue some non-nursing careers for nurses, such as nurse educator, health researcher, pharmaceutical sales representative, and health writer positions.

If you’re interested in starting your own business, a bachelor’s degree can help you do it. If you want to become a nurse consultant, you’re also expected to have at least a bachelor’s-level education to attract clientele.

What should I look for in an RN to BSN degree program in North Carolina?

One way to find quality RN to BSN programs in North Carolina is to look for a program’s average NCLEX-RN pass rate. Some programs, such as Appalachian State University, list their pass rates on the website. The North Carolina Board of Nursing also publishes yearly reports listing a program’s average pass rate.

Nursing school accreditation is also important. Look to see if the nursing program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

You might also want to check if the nursing program is approved by the state Board of Nursing. You can access a list of nursing programs on the board’s website.

North Carolina’s RN vs. BSN Job and Pay Outlook

Going back to school is a huge investment of time and money, so you likely want to ensure that you'll make a good return on your investment. The good news is, these RN to BSN degrees are entirely worth your time and money.

In terms of salary, your earning potential will increase when you get a bachelor's degree. In North Carolina, nurses who have an associate degree make $72,996 per year. When you complete a bachelor's degree, the average salary goes up to $75,423 annually.

That's not all, as having a bachelor's degree in nursing opens up several opportunities. You can pursue jobs that you don't currently qualify for. If you want to remain involved in direct patient care, some of the options for jobs include labor and delivery, medical-surgical, plastic surgery, and emergency room nurse positions. However, you can have an impact in other ways as well. If you're interested in non-nursing careers for nurses, some of the positions you can qualify for with a bachelor's degree include nurse recruiter, pharmaceutical sales representative, and insurance specialist roles.

Best Online RN to BSN Schools in North Carolina

There are several RN to BSN programs to choose from in North Carolina, and while they all offer the opportunity to earn a bachelor’s degree, they’re not all the same. As a result, it’s important to be sure to shop around. We have compiled the following list of the best options around the state so you can make an informed decision. Review the rankings below to get an idea of what these schools have to offer and how they provide the services and education that students want most, so take a look at the methodology for how we picked these schools. Read below to see which schools made their way onto our list as the top choices for students like you.