Thomas Reed, RN
June 19, 2025
The RN to BSN programs of North Carolina state offer pre-registered nurses a system for enhancing their nursing education with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Working nurses benefit from these programs because they help improve clinical knowledge as well as leadership skills and create professional advancement opportunities. The healthcare system of North Carolina relies on nurses who have completed their BSN degree because it helps hospitals reach Magnet status or other quality standards.
Cullowhee, NC - Public 4-Year - wcu.edu
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Western Carolina University's RN to BSN program is delivered entirely online, allowing registered nurses to advance their careers in just four semesters with a flexible part-time schedule. Tailored for working professionals, it emphasizes leadership development and preparation for graduate studies, with no entrance exam required. The program features reduced tuition at $500 per semester through NC Promise, a 2.5 GPA minimum, and 30 credit hours, requiring a current nursing license and prerequisite credits. Admission occurs twice yearly, making it an accessible and efficient option for professional growth in nursing.
Fayetteville, NC - Public 4-Year - uncfsu.edu
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Fayetteville State University's online RN to BSN program, designed for registered nurses, provides a flexible and accelerated path to a bachelor's degree, typically completed in 2.5 semesters full-time. As an HBCU, it emphasizes a science-based curriculum with a focus on community health, evidence-based practices, and leadership development, enhancing career opportunities without requiring an ACT or SAT exam for admission. Active RN licensure is mandatory, and the program supports working nurses with no time limits on transfer courses.
Winston-Salem, NC - Public 4-Year - wssu.edu
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Winston-Salem State University's online RN to BSN program is designed for registered nurses seeking career advancement without entrance exams like ACT or SAT. As a top-ranked and historically black institution, it offers a flexible, 100% online curriculum that can be completed in three to five semesters. Emphasizing health equity and social justice, the program features innovative virtual learning environments and experienced faculty, leading to high job placement rates. It is CCNE-accredited and noted for affordability, preparing graduates for leadership roles in nursing.
Pembroke, NC - Public 4-Year - uncp.edu
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The University of North Carolina at Pembroke's RN-BSN program is fully online and nationally accredited by CCNE, ranked 5th in the southern US by Best Value Schools. It offers flexible 8-week course sessions, allowing completion in as little as 12 months or up to two years part-time. This program enhances nursing knowledge and skills, preparing registered nurses for advanced career opportunities and graduate education. As a bachelor's level program, it does not require ACT or SAT entrance exams, making it accessible and military-friendly.
Wilmington, NC - Public 4-Year - uncw.edu
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University of North Carolina Wilmington offers an online RN to BSN program, accredited by CCNE and designed for working registered nurses seeking career advancement. With a flexible schedule, it can be completed in as few as 12 months at a total tuition of $6,334.20 for in-state students. The curriculum emphasizes healthcare policy, community health, leadership, and research, requiring 30 credit hours. Admission necessitates an associate's degree in nursing, a current unencumbered RN license, and a minimum 2.4 GPA. No entrance exam like ACT or SAT is required, making it accessible for busy professionals aiming to enhance their nursing skills and opportunities.
North Carolina provides many RN to BSN programs with online delivery which enables full-time working nurses to choose flexible study options. Students enrolled in 100% online programs at public universities can watch lectures and finish assignments at any time because of their flexible scheduling. Students who want in-person contact along with online learning can choose hybrid programs that include some classroom sessions. The availability of evening and weekend courses is scarce in programs with fully online delivery. The program structure includes accelerated courses which enable students to finish their program at a faster pace.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| University of North Carolina Wilmington |
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| University of North Carolina at Charlotte |
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| Western Carolina University |
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| Certifying Board | North Carolina Board of Nursing |
|---|---|
| Certification | Graduates of a Board‑approved BSN program must pass the NCLEX‑RN exam and complete a fingerprint‑based criminal background check |
| License Renewal Period | Licenses expire on the last day of the birth month and must be renewed every two years |
| Continuing Education | Fulfill continuing competence each biennium by maintaining national certification or completing at least 30 contact hours of CE |
| License Application Fee | $75 application fee, $200 NCLEX registration fee, and $38 criminal background check fee |
| Clinical Hours | Completion of all clinical practice requirements in pediatrics, maternity, geriatrics, adult health, and mental health as mandated by 21 NCAC 36 .0321 |
| Application Processing Time | Allow up to 10 business days for Authorization to Test and roughly four weeks after exam for official results and licensure |
| License by Endorsement | Nurses licensed elsewhere may apply by endorsement via NURSYS or direct board verification with a $30 verification fee per license type |
BSN graduates in North Carolina earn higher salaries and have access to more career opportunities. BSN-prepared nurses earn higher salaries compared to their ADN counterparts although salary depends on their experience level, location, and specific nursing specialty. The annual salary range for RNs in North Carolina starts at seventy thousand dollars and extends to seventy-five thousand dollars while BSN-educated nurses tend to earn the highest amount within this range. The wages in Charlotte and Raleigh tend to be higher because these cities need more specialized nursing roles alongside increased demand. The employment prospects for BSN-trained nurses remain strong because the population keeps expanding and healthcare services become more accessible.
| Salary & Career Outlook | North Carolina | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual BSN Salary | $69,800 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $33.54 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$80,000 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | $63,000 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$48,000 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022-2032) | 10% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~5,000 | ~54,000 |
| 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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| Belmont Abbey College |
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After obtaining their BSN degree nurses in North Carolina gain access to various career advancement possibilities. The BSN degree enables nurses to qualify for leadership roles such as charge nurse, unit coordinator or case manager which often require or prefer a bachelor’s degree. Nurses with a BSN may seek specialized certifications in oncology, critical care or emergency care, meaning higher salaries and greater professional standing. The BSN provides students with a path to further nursing education including master’s and doctoral programs, which are required for nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist and nurse educator roles. The educational preparation of BSN grads allows them to be involved in quality improvement work, research studies, and hospital committee work. These healthcare experiences strengthen their ability to impact both delivery and policy aspects of healthcare. The BSN creates extensive possibilities for nurses to advance their careers both inside and outside clinical settings.
Additional Nursing Programs in North Carolina
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