Olivia Chen, NP
July 14, 2025
North Carolina’s nurse practitioner programs train RNs for advanced, autonomous practice in settings from major health systems in Raleigh–Durham and Charlotte to rural community clinics. CCNE‑accredited MSN and DNP tracks at institutions like the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Duke University, East Carolina University, and Wake Forest University blend rigorous coursework with extensive clinical rotations. Graduates qualify for national certification and North Carolina APRN licensure with full prescriptive authority.
Durham, NC - Private 4-year - duke.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Duke University's Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner MSN prepares advanced nursing professionals to provide comprehensive, family-centered healthcare for children from newborn to 25 years old. The innovative program emphasizes health equity, evidence-based practice, and holistic patient care across diverse clinical settings. Students develop advanced clinical skills through interactive online learning, hands-on simulation experiences, and extensive clinical placements. With a focus on pediatric physical, behavioral, and mental health, graduates will be positioned for high-demand roles with projected job growth up to 38% and median annual salaries exceeding $129,000.1
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Duke University's Master of Science in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner prepares advanced practice nurses to address critical healthcare needs for patients across the lifespan. Ranked #1 by U.S. News & World Report, this innovative 42-credit hour program offers flexible online learning with extensive clinical experience. Students complete a minimum of 560 clinical hours, positioning them to excel in various healthcare settings. The curriculum emphasizes health equity, preparing graduates to serve diverse populations, especially in underserved communities. With projected job growth of 38% and competitive salaries exceeding $129,480, this program offers an exceptional pathway to a rewarding nursing career.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Duke University's Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) MSN program prepares registered nurses to excel in advanced practice nursing. Ranked #1 nationally, this hybrid program offers distance-based learning and comprehensive clinical experiences. Students develop expertise in treating acutely and critically ill patients across diverse healthcare settings. With only 7% of nurse practitioners certified in this specialty, graduates enter a high-demand field with significant career potential. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 38% job growth for advanced practice registered nurses, with median annual salaries around $129,480.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Duke University's top-ranked Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner MSN program prepares advanced nursing professionals to address critical mental health needs across diverse patient populations. This innovative hybrid program equips students with comprehensive psychopharmacological and psychotherapeutic skills, leveraging cutting-edge distance learning and extensive clinical partnerships. Graduates emerge as skilled mental health experts ready to practice in various settings, from emergency psychiatry to community mental health, with strong job market prospects and potential earnings exceeding $129,480 annually.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Duke University's Women's Health Nurse Practitioner MSN program prepares advanced practice nurses to deliver exceptional, culturally competent care in women's health. With a hybrid learning format and a curriculum focused on reproductive and sexual healthcare, students develop specialized skills to address complex health challenges. The program offers comprehensive training in primary care, addressing critical issues like maternal mortality while providing opportunities for clinical rotations in diverse settings. Graduates can expect strong job prospects, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting 38% growth in advanced practice nursing roles and a median annual salary of $129,480.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Duke University's Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner MSN program prepares nurses to care for children with acute, chronic, and critical illnesses. This hybrid program blends online learning with clinical experience. Graduates are equipped to lead interprofessional teams. The program emphasizes family-centered care and cultural sensitivity. Financial aid and scholarships are available.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Duke University's Family Nurse Practitioner MSN program prepares students for primary care roles across all age groups. Ranked #1 by U.S. News & World Report, this hybrid program combines online coursework with on-campus intensives, allowing students to complete clinicals near home. Specializations in areas like cardiology and oncology are available. The program emphasizes leadership, policy, and health equity, preparing graduates to transform healthcare. Admission is holistic, considering life experiences and academic performance. Financial aid options include merit-based scholarships and federal loans.
Concentration: Cardiology - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Duke University's Family Nurse Practitioner MSN with a Cardiology concentration prepares students for advanced primary care roles. This hybrid program blends online coursework with on-campus intensives, offering flexibility for working professionals. Ranked #1 by U.S. News & World Report, it emphasizes comprehensive care across the lifespan. Students gain hands-on experience through a global clinical network. The program focuses on policy, leadership, and health equity, equipping graduates to transform healthcare. Specializations like Cardiology allow for tailored expertise. Admission considers holistic life experiences alongside academic achievements. Financial aid options are available to support students in this transformative educational journey.
Concentration: Endocrinology - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Duke University's Family Nurse Practitioner MSN with a concentration in Endocrinology prepares students for advanced primary care roles, focusing on endocrine health. This hybrid program combines online coursework with on-campus intensives, offering flexibility for working professionals. Ranked #1 by U.S. News & World Report, it emphasizes policy, leadership, and social health contributors. Students gain clinical experience near home, graduating in under three years ready to impact patients of all ages. Specializations allow for tailored expertise, enhancing career opportunities in diverse healthcare settings.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Duke University's Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner MSN program is a top-ranked hybrid program designed to prepare students for the growing demand in mental health care. It combines synchronous and asynchronous learning with practical experiences, ensuring graduates are ready for clinical practice. The program focuses on innovative treatment methods and is led by expert faculty. Admissions consider holistic life experiences alongside academic achievements.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Duke University's Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP) MSN program prepares advanced nursing professionals to provide specialized care for newborns and infants up to two years old. Ranked #5 in Master's Nursing Schools, this hybrid program offers distance-based learning with strategic on-campus intensives. Students gain comprehensive skills in neonatal care across diverse settings like NICUs, special care nurseries, and developmental clinics. With 100% board exam pass rates and employment success, graduates enter a rapidly growing field projected to expand 38% by 2032. The program requires two years of NICU nursing experience and provides expert faculty mentorship, cutting-edge curriculum, and extensive clinical placement support.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Duke University's Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) MSN program offers a transformative educational experience for aspiring advanced practice nurses. Ranked #1 by U.S. News & World Report, this innovative distance-based program prepares students to deliver comprehensive primary care across all age groups. The curriculum emphasizes health equity, policy, and leadership, equipping graduates to create meaningful change in healthcare. Most coursework is completed online with virtual synchronous sessions and strategic on-campus intensives, allowing students to gain clinical experience near home. With optional specializations in areas like cardiology and oncology, students can tailor their expertise. The program offers flexible learning for working professionals, with graduates positioned to enter one of the fastest-growing healthcare fields, potentially earning over $129,480 annually.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Duke University's Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner MSN program stands at the forefront of mental health nursing education. Ranked #1 nationally, this innovative hybrid program prepares advanced practice nurses to address the growing mental health crisis with comprehensive, integrated care. Students develop critical psychopharmacological and psychotherapeutic skills through a flexible distance-based learning model, enabling working professionals to advance their careers. The program offers extensive clinical experiences across diverse settings, from community mental health to emergency psychiatry, with over 2,000 clinical partnerships nationwide. Graduates are equipped to provide compassionate, equitable mental health care, with strong job prospects in a field projected to grow 38% by 2032.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Duke University's Women's Health Nurse Practitioner MSN program prepares skilled professionals to address critical healthcare needs. With a hybrid learning format and a focus on health equity, students gain comprehensive training in reproductive and sexual healthcare across diverse populations. The program offers the least number of credits compared to other nursing schools, enabling faster career entry. Graduates can expect excellent job prospects, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 38% growth in advanced practice registered nursing roles and a median annual salary of $129,480.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Duke University's top-ranked Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) program prepares advanced practice nurses to deliver specialized care in critical healthcare settings. With a comprehensive curriculum and hybrid learning model, students gain expertise in treating acutely and critically ill patients from adolescence to older adulthood. The program stands out with its focus on health equity, global clinical network, and distance-based learning that allows working professionals to advance their careers. Graduates are positioned in high-demand specialties with projected job growth up to 38%, with median annual salaries reaching $129,480.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Duke University's Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner MSN program stands at the forefront of addressing critical healthcare needs. With the aging population expected to reach over 80 million by 2040, this top-ranked program prepares advanced practice nurses to deliver comprehensive care across patient lifespans. Students gain at least 560 clinical hours, ensuring exceptional preparedness for diverse healthcare settings. The flexible, distance-based curriculum supports working professionals while emphasizing health equity and innovative patient-centered care. Graduates can expect robust job prospects, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting 38% growth in advanced practice nursing roles and a median annual salary of $129,480.
Greenville, NC - Public 4-Year - ecu.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
East Carolina University's Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program prepares advanced practice nurses to deliver comprehensive mental health services across patient lifespans. This hybrid MSN concentration equips students with 550 clinical supervision hours, enabling certification through the American Nurses Credentialing Center. The program uniquely addresses North Carolina's critical psychiatric provider shortage by training skilled professionals focused on direct patient care and mental health expertise.
Concentration: Neonatal Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
East Carolina University's Master of Science in Nursing Neonatal Nurse Practitioner concentration prepares advanced nursing professionals to provide specialized care for high-risk infants. This online-friendly program develops culturally sensitive practitioners who can navigate complex medical and pharmacological practices. Graduates become eligible for national certification, positioning themselves at the forefront of neonatal healthcare. The program offers flexible full-time and part-time study options, requiring 42 semester hours for completion, and ranks #1 nationally in 2025 for Neonatal Nurse Practitioner education.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
East Carolina University's Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMH NP) program prepares nurses for advanced practice in psychiatric and mental health services. Graduates earn a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Post Masters Certificate, with eligibility to sit for the PMH NP certification exam by the ANCC. The program is primarily online but includes on-campus intensives and 550 clinical hours tailored to students' locations and goals. Admission is competitive, with a focus on applicants from North Carolina planning to work in mental health settings. The program emphasizes self-awareness, communication skills, and professional maturity, requiring essays and references.
Online Learning - Visit Website
East Carolina University's Post-Master's Certificate in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner prepares advanced practice nurses to deliver comprehensive, evidence-based care in acute settings. The online program equips nurses with advanced diagnostic and clinical skills, focusing on complex adult and older adult healthcare needs. Designed for certified nurse practitioners, this 20-semester hour curriculum blends theoretical knowledge with hands-on clinical experience. Graduates gain expertise in managing acute and critical health conditions, preparing them to excel in dynamic healthcare environments and sit for professional certification exams.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
East Carolina University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Family Nurse Practitioner program offers a comprehensive 70-semester-hour curriculum designed for nurses seeking advanced practice roles. This hybrid program combines online learning with clinical experiences, preparing professionals to deliver high-quality primary care. Students complete 840 clinical practice hours and a three-semester DNP project, focusing on comprehensive health promotion and care for patients across diverse settings. The program emphasizes community-oriented primary care and serves rural and underserved populations in Eastern North Carolina.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
East Carolina University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner prepares advanced practice nurses to serve diverse patient populations. The 61-semester-hour curriculum focuses on comprehensive healthcare for adolescents through elderly patients, emphasizing rural and underserved communities. Students complete 720 clinical practice hours and a three-semester DNP project, developing skills to work in community clinics, health departments, and long-term care settings. Graduates are eligible for national certification and prepared to deliver high-quality, interprofessional healthcare.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
East Carolina University's hybrid Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP) program prepares nurses for advanced practice roles. This 61-semester-hour curriculum includes 720 clinical practice hours and a DNP project. Focused on adolescents to the elderly, graduates work in diverse settings like clinics and long-term care. The program supports rural and underserved populations in North Carolina. Online coursework with in-person clinical rotations in NC. Requires active RN licensure in NC or a compact state. Graduates are eligible for ANCC or AANP certification. Assistance with clinical placements and student support services available.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
East Carolina University's BSN to DNP – Family Nurse Practitioner program offers a unique hybrid learning experience, blending online coursework with hands-on clinical practice. This program prepares nurses for advanced practice roles, focusing on family care across the lifespan. Students benefit from interprofessional study abroad opportunities, like the Belize program, enhancing clinical skills in diverse settings. The curriculum is designed for working professionals, offering flexibility without compromising on quality. Admission requires a BSN degree, RN licensure, and meeting specific GPA criteria. Financial aid options are available to eligible students, making this advanced education accessible.
Chapel Hill, NC - Public 4-Year - unc.edu
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of North Carolina's Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program prepares advanced nursing professionals to deliver comprehensive healthcare for adult and elderly populations. Students gain specialized skills in preventive care, chronic disease management, and patient assessment through a rigorous online curriculum. The program equips nurses with advanced clinical expertise, enabling them to provide high-quality, patient-centered care across diverse healthcare settings, from primary care clinics to community health centers.
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of North Carolina's Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program prepares advanced nursing professionals to provide comprehensive mental healthcare across diverse populations. This specialized graduate-level track equips nurses with advanced clinical skills, diagnostic capabilities, and evidence-based treatment strategies for addressing complex mental health challenges. Students learn to assess, diagnose, and manage psychiatric conditions while developing expertise in patient-centered care, pharmacological interventions, and holistic mental wellness approaches.
Concentration: Oncology - Online Learning - Visit Website
UNC's Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program with Oncology concentration prepares advanced practice nurses to deliver specialized healthcare for adult and elderly patients with complex cancer-related needs. The master's level program equips students with advanced clinical skills, comprehensive oncology knowledge, and expertise in primary care management. Graduates can provide holistic patient care, conduct assessments, develop treatment plans, and support patients through cancer diagnosis and treatment trajectories.
Online Learning - Visit Website
The Family Nurse Practitioner program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill prepares nurses for advanced practice in family care. This online program blends rigorous academics with practical skills, focusing on comprehensive patient care. Ideal for working professionals, it offers flexibility without sacrificing quality. Admissions require a BSN and RN license, with costs competitive for a top-tier institution. Graduates emerge ready to lead in diverse healthcare settings, equipped with the latest in patient-centered care techniques.
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Visit Website
The Family Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers MSN or DNP-prepared APRNs the chance to specialize in a new population area. This program, available both online and in-person, prepares graduates for national certification exams and practice approval in North Carolina. It's ideal for nurses seeking career expansion or role change, with a focus on advanced practice registered nursing. The curriculum is designed to meet the needs of working professionals, emphasizing practical skills and knowledge for immediate application in the healthcare field.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of North Carolina's Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate provides advanced clinical training for experienced nurses seeking specialized expertise in acute care settings. This hybrid program prepares professionals to deliver comprehensive, high-quality healthcare to adult and geriatric patients experiencing complex medical conditions. Graduates develop advanced assessment, diagnostic, and treatment skills essential for managing critical and rapidly changing patient health scenarios in intensive care, emergency departments, and specialized medical units.
Greensboro, NC - Public 4-Year - ncat.edu
Concentration: Emerging Technological Innovations, Health Equity and Social Justice - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
North Carolina A&T State University's BSN to DNP Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program prepares advanced practice nurses to address critical mental health needs across diverse populations. This comprehensive 70-credit hybrid program equips students with comprehensive clinical skills through 1,040 clinical hours, including direct patient interactions. Graduates become skilled nurse practitioners capable of serving adolescents, adults, elders, and families in various healthcare settings. Students can specialize in Emerging Technological Innovations or Health Equity and Social Justice, enhancing their professional versatility and impact.
Concentration: Health Equity and Social Justice - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
North Carolina A&T State University's BSN to DNP Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program prepares advanced practice nurses to address complex mental health needs across diverse populations. The comprehensive 70-credit curriculum develops expert clinicians capable of serving adolescents, adults, elders, and families in various healthcare settings. With a focus on health equity and social justice, students gain advanced clinical skills through 1,040 clinical hours, preparing them for professional certification and impactful community healthcare roles.
Concentration: Emerging Technological Innovations - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
North Carolina A&T State University's BSN to DNP Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program prepares advanced practice nurses to address complex mental health needs across diverse populations. The comprehensive 70-credit hybrid program focuses on developing skilled practitioners who can serve adolescents, adults, elders, and families. Students complete 1,040 clinical hours, including direct patient interactions, and must pass the AANC Board Certification Examination. With an optional concentration in Emerging Technological Innovations, graduates are equipped to collaborate in various healthcare settings and contribute to underserved communities.
Concentration: Emerging Technological Innovations, Health Equity and Social Justice - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The BSN to DNP Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program at North Carolina A&T State University prepares nurses for advanced practice with a focus on adolescents, adults, elders, and families. This hybrid program blends online coursework with practical clinical hours, requiring 1,040 hours in total. Students can specialize in Emerging Technological Innovations or Health Equity and Social Justice. Graduates are equipped to work in diverse settings, from clinics to long-term care, and must pass the AANC certification exam. Active RN licensure in North Carolina or a compact state is required. The program emphasizes commitment to underserved populations and interprofessional collaboration.
Concentration: Health Equity and Social Justice - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
North Carolina A&T State University's BSN to DNP Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program prepares advanced practice nurses to serve diverse patient populations across clinical and community settings. Spanning 70 credit hours, the hybrid program requires 1,040 clinical hours and leads to board certification. Students can specialize in Health Equity and Social Justice, focusing on underserved communities. The curriculum emphasizes interprofessional collaboration, technological innovations, and comprehensive mental health care for adolescents, adults, elders, and families.
Concentration: Emerging Technological Innovations - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
North Carolina A&T State University's BSN to DNP Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program prepares advanced practice nurses to serve diverse patient populations, including adolescents, adults, and elders. The comprehensive 70-credit hybrid program emphasizes clinical expertise, requiring 1,040 clinical hours and a quality improvement project. Students can specialize in Emerging Technological Innovations, enhancing their technological skills while addressing critical mental health needs. Graduates are prepared to work across various healthcare settings and must pass the AANC board certification examination to practice.
Boiling Springs, NC - Private 4-year - gardner-webb.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Gardner-Webb University offers Post-Doctoral Nursing Certificates for registered nurses holding a doctoral degree in nursing. The program provides two specialized tracks: Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). Each track prepares students for national certification exams in their respective fields. The Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate requires 40 credit hours, while the PMHNP Program requires 42 credit hours. Both programs are designed to enhance clinical expertise and knowledge, enabling graduates to excel in advanced nursing roles. Admission requires a doctoral degree from a regionally accredited institution with a nationally accredited nursing program. Detailed course information is available in the Academic Catalog.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Gardner-Webb University in Boiling Springs, NC, offers Post-Doctoral Nursing Certificates for registered nurses with a doctoral degree. The program provides two specialized tracks: Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Each track prepares students for national certification exams through comprehensive coursework and clinical experience. The Family Nurse Practitioner track requires 40 credit hours, while the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner track requires 42 credit hours. This program is designed for nurses aiming to advance their careers in specialized nursing fields. Admission requires a doctoral degree in nursing from an accredited institution. Detailed course information is available in the Academic Catalog.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Gardner-Webb University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Family Nurse Practitioner program is designed for experienced nurses seeking advanced clinical leadership roles. This flexible 79-credit hour program allows students to continue working while completing coursework primarily online with occasional on-campus intensives. Participants develop critical skills in primary care across patient lifespans, emphasizing evidence-based practice, wellness promotion, and disease prevention. The program offers both 3-year and 4-year study plans, enabling professionals to balance education with personal responsibilities while advancing their healthcare expertise.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Gardner-Webb University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner prepares experienced nurses to become advanced clinical leaders in mental health care. This comprehensive 81-credit hour program offers a blended learning format with online coursework and periodic on-campus intensives, allowing professionals to advance their careers while maintaining work and personal commitments. Students develop expert skills in psychiatric assessment, mental health diagnosis, and holistic treatment planning across patient lifespans. The program emphasizes evidence-based practice, leadership development, and transformative healthcare interventions within a supportive, faith-based educational environment.
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Gardner-Webb University's Post-Baccalaureate Family Nurse Practitioner program is designed for nurses aiming to specialize in family care. This hybrid program blends online coursework with occasional on-campus sessions, offering flexibility for working professionals. It focuses on acute and chronic illness management, wellness promotion, and evidence-based practice integration. The 79-credit hour curriculum is available in 3-year or 4-year study plans. Admission is streamlined for graduates of specific nursing programs, with waived application fees. Financial assistance options, like the Forgivable Education Loans for Service, are available. This program prepares nurses for leadership roles in primary care, emphasizing a Christian worldview.
To accommodate working nurses and those in remote areas, many North Carolina programs use a hybrid model: didactic lectures and discussions are delivered online through asynchronous modules and live webinars, complemented by on‑campus intensives for simulation labs and skills workshops. Clinical rotations are arranged locally at approved healthcare sites, allowing students to complete patient‑care hours close to home. A few schools offer fully online didactic phases with short, in‑person immersion experiences for hands‑on assessments.
School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
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Duke University
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University of North Carolina Wilmington |
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Western Carolina University |
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Certifying Board | North Carolina Board of Nursing – Advanced Practice Licensure Section |
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Certification | Active NC RN license and current national NP credential (e.g., AANP or ANCC) with primary-source verification |
License Renewal Period | Annual renewal of NP Approval to Practice by the last day of your birth month |
Continuing Education | Maintain national certification or complete 50 contact hours every two years (minimum 20 advanced practice hours), prescribers must include 1 hour on controlled-substance prescribing |
License Application Fee | $25 NP Registration fee plus $100 per supervising physician for initial Approval to Practice |
Clinical Hours | Official graduate transcripts documenting the clinical practicum hours required by an accredited NP program |
Processing Time | Applications reviewed at Joint BON/Medical Board meetings, submit at least 45 days before the next meeting and allow about 4–6 weeks for approval |
Endorsement | Out-of-state APRNs must hold (or concurrently apply for) NC RN licensure (single-state or compact) and provide verification of national NP certification and transcripts |
Nurse practitioners in North Carolina earn an average annual salary of about $120,000, with entry‑level positions starting near $90,000 and experienced practitioners in metropolitan areas earning up to $150,000 or more. Employers often offer sign‑on bonuses, loan repayment assistance, and comprehensive benefits packages to attract and retain qualified NPs. Advanced certifications, specialty roles, and leadership or educator positions can further increase earning potential.
Salary & Career Outlook | North Carolina | USA |
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Avg Annual NP Salary | $112,430 | $62,340 |
Avg Hourly Wage | $54.03 | $29.97 |
90th Percentile Salary | >$128,000 | $80,510 |
Median Salary | $112,430 | $62,340 |
10th Percentile Salary | <$95,000 | $47,960 |
Projected Job Growth (2022–2032) | ~45% | 3% |
Annual Job Openings | ~2,900 | ~54,000 |
Data from Indeed.com and Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
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Western Carolina University |
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Winston-Salem State University |
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University of North Carolina at Greensboro |
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Many NP graduates pursue a Doctor of Nursing Practice to deepen clinical expertise and qualify for leadership, academic, or executive roles. Post‑master’s certificate programs enable practitioners to add new specialties, such as acute care or women’s health, without completing another full degree. Those interested in research or teaching may enroll in PhD programs, while others transition into roles in healthcare administration, informatics, policy development, or telehealth leadership.
Learn more about Nurse Practitioner specialities.
Additional Nursing Programs in North Carolina
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Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
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Concentration: Oncology - Online Learning - Website
Online Learning - Website
Online Learning - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website
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Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Across the Lifespan - Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner Across the Lifespan - Campus Based - Website
Online Learning - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) - Online & Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Cardiology - Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Endocrinology - Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Emerging Technological Innovations - Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Emerging Technological Innovations, Health Equity and Social Justice - Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Health Equity and Social Justice - Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Adult/Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Neonatal Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Online Learning - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) - Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) - Online Learning - Website
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website