Maria Delgado, RN
June 4, 2025
The healthcare system of North Carolina depends heavily on Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) for its operations. The nurses provide patient care directly through physician and registered nurse oversight. LPNs help fill healthcare service gaps across North Carolina’s cities and rural areas because they work in nursing homes as well as clinics and community health centers. Their responsibilities include checking patient vital signs, assisting with daily activities, and maintaining patient comfort.
Albemarle, NC - Public 2-Year - stanly.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Stanly Community College's Practical Nursing program prepares students for a rewarding career as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in just 12 months. This comprehensive program combines general education with practical nursing courses, emphasizing critical thinking, safety, and quality care. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN for licensure. The program is accredited by the North Carolina Board of Nursing and the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (CNEA). With a focus on holistic care, students learn to work in diverse healthcare settings, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, and clinics. Affordable tuition and flexible class schedules make this program accessible to aspiring nurses.
Whiteville, NC - Public 2-Year - sccnc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Southeastern Community College in Whiteville, NC, offers a Practical Nursing diploma program designed to prepare students for entry-level nursing roles. This program equips students with the necessary skills to provide care across the lifespan, under the supervision of registered nurses and other healthcare professionals. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN exam, a crucial step towards becoming a licensed practical nurse. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based clinical practice, ensuring students are well-prepared for the demands of the healthcare industry. With a focus on lifelong learning, the program also facilitates educational advancement for those looking to pursue higher levels of nursing education.
Bolivia, NC - Public 2-Year - brunswickcc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Brunswick Community College's Practical Nursing Diploma program equips students with essential skills for a nursing career. This program focuses on safe, individualized care and teamwork in healthcare settings. Graduates can take the NCLEX-PN exam to become Licensed Practical Nurses. The curriculum covers healthcare domains, nursing practice, and holistic care, preparing students for roles in hospitals, clinics, and more. Admission requires a GPA of 2.5, a TEAS exam score of at least 59, and completion of prerequisite courses. The program is ACEN accredited, ensuring a quality education for aspiring nurses.
Henderson, NC - Public 2-Year - vgcc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Practical Nursing program at Vance-Granville Community College provides comprehensive training for aspiring nurses seeking to enter the healthcare field. Students learn to deliver nursing care across patient lifespans, developing critical skills under registered nurse supervision. The diploma program prepares graduates to take the NCLEX-PN licensure exam, opening doors to employment in hospitals, long-term care facilities, clinics, and physician offices. Tuition costs are typically more affordable compared to four-year nursing programs, making this an accessible pathway into the nursing profession.
Spruce Pine, NC - Public 2-Year - mayland.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Mayland Community College's Practical Nursing Program prepares students for a rewarding career in nursing within a year. This program, located in Spruce Pine, NC, offers a comprehensive curriculum that readies graduates for the NCLEX-PN exam, a crucial step towards becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse. Admission is competitive, requiring a high school diploma or equivalent, placement test scores, and a Nurse Aide I certificate. The program emphasizes hands-on learning and requires health, immunization, and CPR documentation. With a focus on practical skills and patient care, this program is ideal for those seeking a fast-track to a nursing career.
Nursing programs in North Carolina do not provide complete online LPN education because nursing requires direct patient contact. Some educational programs in North Carolina combine online coursework with in-person laboratory and clinical training through hybrid models. Students enrolled in hybrid programs learn theoretical subjects including anatomy and nutrition and pharmacology through digital learning platforms yet must complete their hands-on requirements. Colleges in North Carolina provide classes throughout evenings and weekends which help students who work or care for families. These flexible learning schedules keep the same level of educational standards while fulfilling all clinical hour requirements that traditional formats do.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Brunswick Community College |
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| Halifax Community College |
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| Western Piedmont Community College |
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| Certifying Board | North Carolina Board of Nursing, Department of Health and Human Services |
|---|---|
| Certification | National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) |
| Educational Prerequisite | Graduation from an NC Board-approved practical nursing diploma or associate program with official transcript and School Certification Form |
| Application & Fees | $75 state application fee, $200 NCLEX exam registration, fingerprint-based state and federal background check fees (roughly $35–$50) |
| Processing Time | Authorization to Test issued in about 2 weeks, full licensure generally granted 4–6 weeks after passing NCLEX and clearing background checks |
| License Renewal | Biennial renewal every two years by the last day of your birth month with a $100 renewal fee |
| Continuing Competency | Must meet one of the Board’s options each renewal cycle, typically 30 contact hours of board-approved continuing education or 15 hours plus 640 practice hours, among other pathways |
| Licensure by Endorsement | $75 endorsement fee, verification of current unrestricted LPN license via Nursys or equivalent, fingerprint background check, and proof of recent practice or completion of a Board-approved refresher if inactive. |
North Carolina LPNs experience a promising employment market alongside excellent compensation levels. The average yearly salary of LPNs throughout North Carolina stands at $57,000 while actual compensation depends on their work experience, location, and healthcare facility type. The current job market shows stability with predicted expansion during the next ten years. The recruitment process for employers targets LPNs who demonstrate ability to work in multiple healthcare environments. The employment outlook for new nursing graduates remains promising because they can access diverse work opportunities for professional development and career progression. The healthcare sector of North Carolina demonstrates reliable employment opportunities through nursing careers.
| Salary & Career Outlook | North Carolina | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual LVN Salary | $54,580 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $26.00 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$60,998 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | $54,580 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$49,201 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022–2032) | 3% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~6,910 | ~54,000 |
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| McDowell Technical Community College |
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| Richmond Community College |
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| Rockingham Community College |
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The first level in nursing career advancement begins with obtaining an LPN license. Most LPNs in North Carolina progress to become Registered Nurses (RNs) through bridge programs which allow them to transition from their current status. LPN-to-RN programs usually grant students credit for their existing education and work experience to finish their associate degrees in shorter time periods. Earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree after additional education provides nurses access to leadership roles and administrative and specialized clinical positions. LPNs who do not become RNs can earn additional certifications in IV therapy, wound care, and gerontology to develop their skills and boost their earnings. LPNs who want to advance in their careers choose between supervisory roles in long-term care facilities and clinical instructor positions. The support for employer-sponsored continuing education is high. The nursing education system in North Carolina creates pathways for professional development through lifelong learning opportunities. LPNs who begin their careers have multiple options to develop rewarding nursing positions through their professional growth.
Additional Nursing Programs in North Carolina
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