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 12-month Practical Nursing program prepares students for the NCLEX-PN exam and licensure as LPNs. It combines general education with hands-on nursing courses, focusing on critical thinking, safety, and holistic care in diverse settings like hospitals and clinics. Accredited by the NC Board of Nursing and CNEA, it requires the TEAS entrance exam, CPR certification, background checks, and offers affordable tuition with flexible schedules for accessibility.
Whiteville, NC - Public 2-Year - sccnc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Southeastern Community College in Whiteville, NC, provides a campus-based Practical Nursing diploma program that readies students for entry-level roles under RN supervision. Emphasizing evidence-based clinical practice, it prepares graduates for the NCLEX-PN exam and fosters lifelong learning, supporting advancement in nursing education without requiring entrance exams.
Bolivia, NC - Public 2-Year - brunswickcc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Brunswick Community College's Practical Nursing Diploma program in Supply, NC, is a campus-based, ACEN-accredited offering that prepares students for the NCLEX-PN exam. It requires a TEAS entrance exam score of at least 59, a 2.5 GPA, and completion of prerequisites like Anatomy & Physiology. The 43-46 credit curriculum emphasizes holistic care, pharmacology, and evidence-based practice, training graduates for roles in diverse healthcare settings through interdisciplinary teamwork and nursing informatics.
Henderson, NC - Public 2-Year - vgcc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Vance-Granville Community College's Practical Nursing diploma program offers a hands-on education for those entering nursing. Students gain skills in patient care across various ages under RN supervision, preparing for the NCLEX-PN exam. This affordable program leads to roles in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities, providing a solid foundation for an entry-level nursing career without requiring an ACT or SAT, as it's not a bachelor's level program.
Spruce Pine, NC - Public 2-Year - mayland.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Mayland Community College's Practical Nursing Program in Spruce Pine, NC, is a one-year campus-based course that prepares students for the NCLEX-PN exam and a career as a Licensed Practical Nurse. Admission is competitive, requiring a high school diploma or equivalent, placement test scores, and a Nurse Aide I certificate. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning, practical nursing skills, and patient care, with mandatory health, immunization, and CPR documentation. This fast-track program is ideal for those seeking to enter the nursing field quickly, focusing on comprehensive training without a specified concentration.
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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