Discover the Top Online RN to MSN Programs in NC
If you’re among the more than 79,000 working RNs in North Carolina and are looking for a change, discover how an RN to MSN bridge program can open doors to career advancement, an increase in salary, and specialized skills that make you more marketable in your field. In this guide from EduMed, you’ll learn about top online programs in the state, get answers to your FAQs, and get a look at your future salary potential.
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Inside Online RN to MSN Degrees in North Carolina
If you hold an RN license but not a BSN degree, a bridge program may be a good option, allowing you to earn an MSN while bypassing some undergraduate courses. This accelerated learning can help you reach your professional goals more quickly.
Most typical online or hybrid RN to MSN degree programs in North Carolina function similarly. All coursework, including homework and lectures, is completed online either at your convenience (asynchronous learning) or during scheduled lecture times (synchronous learning). Clinicals or practicums will need to be completed in person, but the universities are usually flexible about where online students complete their clinical hours. This gives students attending online RN to MSN programs the advantage of convenient class times without traveling to campus.
RN-MSN Pathway – UNC Pembroke
The RN to MSN program offered by the McKenzie-Elliott School of Nursing at UNC Pembroke is available to registered nurses without a BSN. Students should expect to complete 63 credit hours of undergraduate coursework and 25 hours of BSN coursework before applying to the program. Once admitted, the program consists of online courses with in-person practicums. Students can choose from the following specializations: Nurse Educator, Clinical Nurse Leader, and Clinical Prevention and Population Health. Students will earn their BSN degree during this graduate-level program but unlike a traditional BSN, the process will be accelerated.
Duration: 39 credits
Mode: Online courses with in-person clinical hours
Cost: $237.78/credit hour for North Carolina residents
Admissions Requirements: If a student holds a non-BSN or associate’s degree in nursing, they must complete 63 credit hours of undergraduate work and 25 credit hours of RN-BSN coursework before applying to the MSN program. Prospective students should also hold an unencumbered RN license and have at least one year of nursing work experience.
Curriculum: Students will complete 39 credit hours of upper-level nursing courses, including five core MSN classes such as Advanced Nursing Concepts in Theory and Practice, as well as coursework in a designated specialty.
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MSN – Appalachian State University
Appalachian State University’s online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree program prepares RNs for an advanced career in nursing education. Students take online courses in advanced nursing concepts as well as specialized courses focusing on health education. Before graduation, students also complete two in-person practicums that offer real-world experience and a thesis or research project. This program specifically prepares students for roles as nurse educators (vs. nurse practitioners or nurse midwives) and does so in a flexible and affordable format.
Duration: 39 credits
Mode: Online with in-person clinical hours
Cost: $327/credit hour for North Carolina residents
Admissions Requirements: Prospective students do not need a BSN, but they do need a bachelor’s degree in another area along with an associate’s degree in nursing. Other requirements include a grade C or higher in undergraduate statistics and research courses, an unencumbered RN license, and one year of nursing experience.
Curriculum: The curriculum includes a combination of online learning, 120 clinical hours with hands-on experience in areas like health assessments and pharmacology, and a final research project or thesis. The online curriculum includes 24 credit hours in advanced master’s in nursing coursework and 12 credit hours in nursing education concentration classes.
RN to MSN – Queens University of Charlotte
The RN to MSN program at Queens University of Charlotte is CCNE-accredited and consists of eight-week courses that are presented in a flexible, asynchronous online format. The program is designed for students without a BSN degree, offering an accelerated option for motivated, working nurses. The flexible program allows students to choose where they perform their clinical hours as well as their area of specialization. There is no GRE requirement for admission and the program’s faculty has extensive professional experience in and around the Charlotte area, offering opportunities for networking after graduation.
Duration: 42 credit hours
Mode: Online
Cost: $700
Admissions Requirements: In addition to completing an online application and submitting transcripts, students must hold an associate’s degree in nursing and an unencumbered RN license.
Curriculum: The program consists of 14 courses that include classes like Population Health Nursing and Informatics in Healthcare. The classes are asynchronous and prepare students for roles as nurse educators and nursing informatics specialists.
FAQs About Online RN to MSN Programs in North Carolina
If you’re reading this guide to MSN programs, you likely want to learn as much as you can before choosing a school. Investing your time and money into higher education is a big undertaking, so it’s normal to have questions. Below we’ll answer some common ones that prospective students often have.
Will I Earn My Bachelor’s Degree During My RN to MSN Program?
It depends. While researching the many online and on-campus RN to MSN programs in North Carolina, we found some programs that include a BSN and some that don’t. However, most programs seem to take students through the BSN pathway on their way to completing their MSN.
For example, UNC Pembroke requires 25 credits of upper-level nursing coursework in addition to general education and MSN credits. UNC Charlotte requires that all BSN coursework be completed first, and students graduate with their BSN before starting their MSN program. The University of Mount Olive’s MSN is designed for nurses with a BSN but has an option for nurses without a bachelor’s degree.
What Additional Nursing Skills and Knowledge Will I Gain in an RN to MSN Program in North Carolina?
You’ll acquire a lot of knowledge and skills when obtaining an MSN degree, making you more marketable in the healthcare field. You’ll learn about advanced research methods, nursing informatics, management of care and clinics, leadership principles and practice, nursing administration, evaluation of practices and policies, financial management, nursing educational practices and principles, healthcare data implementation, and management. Many programs have specializations so you can choose where to focus your studies.
Can I Get Financial Aid to Help Pay for My RN to MSN Program in North Carolina?
Yes, you may be eligible for financial aid opportunities if you know where to look. For example, the North Carolina Nurses Association sponsors a number of scholarships. Always check the school you’ll attend for scholarships, as well as state-specific scholarships or scholarships from businesses. Once you complete the FAFSA, you may find you qualify for grants which, like nursing scholarships, do not need to be paid back. Some schools offer work-study programs that allow you to work in exchange for your tuition. And, of course, student loans are available as well.
Do Employers in North Carolina Accept Graduates from Online RN to MSN Programs?
For the most part, an online degree is treated the same as an in-person degree if it is an accredited program. Most online degrees have the same requirements as on-campus degrees, which means you will receive the quality education and experience needed to pass the NCLEX-RN and obtain a license.
How Do I Go from Being an RN to an MSN Nurse in North Carolina?
North Carolina is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). If you are a resident of one of the NLC member states, you can obtain a multi-state license that allows you to practice in the participating states, as well as in North Carolina. To obtain a license to work in one of these states, you must:
- Graduate from a board-approved education program
- Pass the NCLEX exam
- Hold an active license
- Submit a federal background check
- Have no legal convictions
North Carolina RN vs. MSN Salary & Career Comparison
| Occupation ↕ | Area ↕ | 10th Percentile ↕ | Median ↕ | 90th Percentile ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurses | North Carolina | $62,980 | $79,580 | $104,190 |
| Nurse Practitioners | North Carolina | $96,630 | $121,450 | $145,600 |
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 | North Carolina | 106,190 | 123,650 | 17,460 | 16.40% | 7,930 |
| Nurse Practitioners | North Carolina | 8,200 | 12,750 | 4,550 | 55.50% | 920 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Best Online RN to MSN Bridge Programs in NC
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 72% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Appalachian State University
- App State's RN to MSN Bridge program offers flexible online coursework combined with 120 clinical practicum hours, allowing practical experience in your community while advancing your education.
- The program's strong focus on nursing education prepares graduates to effectively teach using simulation and implement staff development strategies in diverse clinical and academic settings.
- App State’s online MSN program is recognized by U.S. News and World Report as a top-44% national program, reflecting the quality and reputation that can enhance career prospects.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 72% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 64% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 9/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Queens University of Charlotte
- Queens University of Charlotte’s RN to MSN Bridge program offers a competitive tuition rate with no application fees, reducing upfront financial barriers for prospective students.
- The program allows students to complete clinical practicums locally without campus residency, providing flexibility for working nurses to gain hands-on experience near their own communities.
- Specialized MSN tracks such as Clinical Nurse Leader and Nurse Administrator equip graduates with targeted leadership skills, positioning them for advanced roles in healthcare management and clinical expertise.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 64% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 9/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 66% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected East Carolina University
- East Carolina University’s RN to MSN Bridge program offers an accelerated path to a master's degree without requiring a BSN, enabling RNs to advance quickly while balancing work.
- The program delivers coursework 100% online with minimal campus visits, allowing working nurses flexibility and convenience in completing their MSN.
- Students benefit from specialized curriculum combining nursing education theory with practical teaching practicum experiences, preparing them uniquely for nurse educator roles in clinical and academic settings.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 66% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 57% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected University of North Carolina at Greensboro
- The RN to MSN Bridge program at UNCG offers a direct admission pathway allowing registered nurses without a BSN to advance to a master's degree without first obtaining a bachelor's in nursing.
- It provides an accelerated option that enables students to simultaneously earn an RN license and a graduate degree, saving time and financial resources.
- The program emphasizes the development of leadership skills and prepares graduates to become healthcare leaders, supported by expert faculty and innovative curriculum design.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 57% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 49% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Gardner-Webb University
- The RN to MSN Bridge program offers an accelerated 8-week term format allowing students to complete the MSN degree in as little as one year, providing flexibility to balance work and personal commitments.
- Gardner-Webb University guarantees seamless and automatic admission from their Davis RN-to-BSN program into the MSN program for qualified graduates, eliminating the need for a separate application process and minimizing transfer barriers.
- Students in the MSN program benefit from expert faculty with professional healthcare experience and practical, local clinical placements, ensuring high-quality education combined with real-world application.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 49% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 43% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 14/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected University of North Carolina at Pembroke
- The RN to MSN Pathway at UNC Pembroke offers a seamless blend of undergraduate and graduate coursework, allowing students to earn both degrees with combined credit, reducing total study time.
- The program is delivered 100% online, providing flexible access for working registered nurses to advance their education without relocating or interrupting their careers.
- Students can specialize in cutting-edge areas like Nurse Educator, Clinical Prevention, and Population Health, aligning rigorously with current healthcare demands and expanding career opportunities.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 43% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 14/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online College Rankings” for the ‘25-’26 school year.
One: Create a list of eligible schools & programs
To be eligible for ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on data pulled from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), which was self-reported by the schools themselves:
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
- At least one online component in a program within the ranking-subject area.
- The existence of academic and career counseling on campus and/or online.
Two: Assign weightings to eligible schools & programs
After creating the list of eligible schools, EduMed data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of metrics, which were all self-reported by the school themselves to the U.S. Department of Education and IPEDS.
The metrics are listed below in order of most- to least-heavily weighted*.
- Tuition – Average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time.
- Online Programs – Number of online programs, either partially- or fully-online, in the relevant subject area.
- Avg. Aid Amount – Average amount of institutional grant aid awarded to full-time, first-time undergraduates.
- Students w/ Aid – Percent of full-time, first-time students undergraduates awarded institutional aid.
- Online Enrollment – Percent of undergraduate students taking at least one distance education class.
- Graduation Rate – Percent of full-time, first-time receiving an award in 6 years.
- Student/Faculty Ratio – The number of students per faculty member.
*Metrics #2-5 and #6-7 were equally weighted.
About Our Data
EduMed’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2025
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