| #1 | Montgomery Community College | Troy, NC | ~$14,000/yr (est.) | Triad commuters needing hybrid flexibility | |
Montgomery Community College in Troy offers a nine-month hybrid Practical Nursing diploma that blends online coursework with in-person classes 3–4 days per week. The program requires no entrance exam and includes 480 clinical hours, making it one of the most accessible options for Triad commuters. Students gain direct patient care skills and are eligible for NCLEX-PN licensure upon completion. - Nine-month hybrid diploma program (34 credits, 480 clinical hours)
- In-person classes 3 to 4 days per week combined with online coursework
- No entrance exam required for admission
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN licensure and employment in diverse healthcare settings
- Direct patient care skills: medication administration, ambulation, and nutritional care
- Works under RN supervision; input into nursing care plans
- Blended day option; covers care across the lifespan
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| #2 | Stanly Community College | Albemarle, NC | ~$6,000/yr (est.) | LPN-to-RN bridge with flexible scheduling | |
Stanly Community College’s Practical Nursing program is a 12-month, NLN CNEA-accredited diploma delivered at the Crutchfield Education Center in Locust. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, safety, and holistic care, with clinical rotations at local facilities. It offers a built-in LPN-to-ADN advanced standing bridge for graduates and a flexible schedule that supports part-time or full-time work, including weekends. - 12-month diploma program (45 credits) preparing for NCLEX-PN licensure
- NLN CNEA accreditation and North Carolina Board of Nursing approval
- Classes at Crutchfield Education Center; clinicals at local healthcare facilities
- Strong focus on critical thinking, safety, and holistic patient care
- Requires TEAS score of 58.7+, Nurse Aide I certification or 240 hours patient care
- LPN-to-ADN advanced standing bridge option available for career advancement
- Designed for part-time or full-time work with flexible scheduling, including weekends
- Success coach assigned for student support
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| #3 | Richmond Community College | Hamlet, NC | $2,000 – $7,000/yr | Learners who thrive in small cohorts | |
Richmond Community College in Hamlet admits a small cohort of 20 students each fall to its Practical Nursing diploma program. The competitive, point-based admission process prioritizes candidates with strong academics and prerequisites. Graduates are prepared for the NCLEX-PN exam and find employment in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and clinics, with a total program cost of roughly $6,279. - Limited to 20 students per fall cohort for personalized instruction
- Competitive admissions using a point system; requires 2.5 GPA and prerequisites
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN licensure with holistic, evidence-based nursing practice
- Clinical experiences in class, lab, and healthcare settings
- Career opportunities in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, clinics, and physician offices
- Physical exam and CPR certification required for clinicals
- Total program cost approximately $6,278.55
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| #4 | Vance-Granville Community College | Henderson, NC | $3,000/yr (net price) | | |
Vance-Granville Community College’s Practical Nursing diploma prepares students for entry-level LPN roles across the lifespan. Note that this program is being phased out and is only available to continuing students through Fall 2025, so new applicants should confirm current availability. Graduates are eligible for the NCLEX-PN and can work in hospitals, long-term care, and home health settings. - Diploma program preparing for LPN careers and NCLEX-PN eligibility
- Phased out effective Fall 2025; available only to continuing students at that time
- Covers nursing care across the lifespan, with focus on assessment and implementation
- Employment in hospitals, clinics, long-term care, and home health settings
- Emphasizes high-quality, accessible nursing education for diverse healthcare needs
- No ACT/SAT required for admission
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| #5 | Brunswick Community College | Bolivia, NC | ~$9,000/yr (est.) | | |
Brunswick Community College’s Practical Nursing diploma is ACEN-accredited and requires a TEAS score of 59 or higher for admission. The 43-46 credit curriculum covers safe, individualized nursing care, pharmacology, and evidence-based practice. Graduates can pursue the NCLEX-PN and find roles in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, clinics, and home health agencies. - ACEN-accredited diploma program, eligible for NCLEX-PN
- 43-46 credit curriculum covering safe, individualized nursing care and pharmacology
- Holistic patient care focus with interdisciplinary team collaboration
- Requires TEAS exam score of 59 or higher and minimum 2.5 GPA
- Anatomy & Physiology and state-approved NA program prerequisites
- Employment settings include hospitals, rehab centers, home health, and clinics
- Nursing courses require exam average of 80 or higher; TEAS scores valid for 3 years
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| #6 | Southeastern Community College | Whiteville, NC | $9,000/yr | | |
Southeastern Community College in Whiteville offers a campus-based Practical Nursing diploma that emphasizes evidence-based clinical practice and lifelong learning. The program prepares students for the NCLEX-PN exam and entry-level LPN roles under RN supervision, with a student-friendly environment that supports educational advancement. - Diploma program preparing for entry-level LPN roles under RN supervision
- Emphasis on evidence-based clinical practice and lifelong learning
- Curriculum covers assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation across the lifespan
- No entrance exam required for admission
- Graduates eligible to take the NCLEX-PN licensure exam
- Career opportunities in hospitals, physician offices, clinics, and long-term care facilities
- Student-friendly learning environment with supportive faculty
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| #7 | Mayland Community College | Spruce Pine, NC | $6,000/yr | | |
Mayland Community College’s Practical Nursing Program is a one-year, three-semester diploma located in Spruce Pine. Admission is competitive, using a point system and requiring Nurse Aide I certification, a minimum 2.0 GPA, and an entrance exam. Small class sizes and hands-on clinical experiences prepare graduates for the NCLEX-PN in a supportive, Blue Ridge setting. - One-year, three-semester diploma program for NCLEX-PN preparation
- Limited enrollment with competitive, point-based admission system
- Requires Nurse Aide I certification, minimum 2.0 GPA, and entrance exam
- Hands-on learning focus with clinical experiences at local healthcare facilities
- CPR certification, background check, drug screen, and health/immunization documentation required
- Small class sizes for personalized instruction
- Located in Spruce Pine, NC, serving the Blue Ridge region
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