Best Nursing Schools in North Carolina

Catawba College's BSN Pre-Licensure Nursing program offers exceptional nursing education with consistently perfect NCLEX pass rates of 100% in recent years. Located in Salisbury, NC, the program provides robust clinical training and comprehensive preparation for nursing careers. Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA for admission, with potential SAT/ACT entrance exam requirements. The curriculum emphasizes holistic patient care, leadership development, and evidence-based practice. Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), the program features experienced faculty, strategic hospital partnerships, and hands-on clinical experiences. Graduates emerge thoroughly prepared to address diverse healthcare challenges and excel in professional nursing settings, benefiting from a supportive and rigorous academic environment.

• Accredited by CCNE.
• Experienced faculty.
• Clinical partnerships with top hospitals.
• 3.0 GPA admission requirement.
• Comprehensive coursework.
• Hands-on clinical experiences.
• Focus on holistic patient care.
• Leadership and quality improvement training.
• Supportive learning environment.
• Prepares for diverse healthcare needs.

Craven Community College's Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program provides a comprehensive 5-semester pathway to becoming a registered nurse, boasting an impressive recent NCLEX pass rate that climbed to 95% in 2024. Students benefit from cutting-edge simulation labs that replicate authentic hospital environments, ensuring graduates are thoroughly prepared for professional healthcare challenges. The program uniquely combines personalized instruction with hands-on training, emphasizing critical thinking, communication technologies, and practical patient care skills. With flexible spring and fall admission windows, students can strategically plan their educational journey. Admission requires a Nurse Aide certificate, positioning graduates for immediate entry into diverse healthcare settings and creating seamless opportunities for future advanced degree pursuits in nursing.

• 5-semester program
• Eligible for RN exam
• Hands-on training
• State-of-the-art simulation labs
• Flexible application windows
• Seamless transfer options
• Critical thinking focus
• Communication skills development
• Technology in patient care
• Diverse healthcare career paths

Duke University's Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing delivers an exceptional pathway for aspiring nurses seeking rapid professional entry. With a consistently strong NCLEX pass rate ranging from 88-94% between 2021-2024, the program demonstrates superior student preparation. This intensive campus-based curriculum strategically targets students with prior college experience, offering a comprehensive approach to nursing education. Located in Durham, the program provides robust clinical training and hands-on learning opportunities. As a military-friendly institution with a hospital on campus, Duke ensures students receive comprehensive healthcare exposure. While entrance exam requirements are not explicitly detailed, the program emphasizes academic excellence and professional development for career transitions into nursing.

• Accelerated nursing program.
• Campus-based in Durham, NC.
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
• Intensive curriculum for career changers.
• Requires prior college experience.

Gardner-Webb's Associate of Science in Nursing provides an accelerated pathway to becoming a registered nurse, featuring a robust 2-year program with strategic partnerships with local healthcare agencies. The curriculum balances 72 total credit hours, including 42 specialized nursing credits, with a strong emphasis on evidence-based practices and collaborative patient care. Notably, the program's NCLEX pass rates have demonstrated consistent strength, ranging from 75-100% across recent years. Advanced placement options for Licensed Practical Nurses and potential seamless transitions to BSN programs enhance the program's flexibility. Students benefit from a supportive learning environment that integrates Christian values with comprehensive clinical training and diverse career preparation strategies.

• 2-year program
• On-campus learning
• 72 credit hours
• 42 nursing credits
• Christian values integration
• Real-world clinical hours
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN
• Financial aid available
• Focus on compassionate care
• Evidence-based practices

Gardner-Webb University's BSN program distinguishes itself with a holistic approach integrating Christian values and rigorous nursing education. With consistently impressive NCLEX pass rates reaching 100% in recent years (2024), students benefit from a comprehensive 4-year curriculum featuring 120 total credit hours and 60 dedicated nursing credits. The program emphasizes hands-on learning through 120 clinical experience hours, preparing graduates for immediate professional practice. Unique advantages include seamless transitions into advanced nursing degrees and scholarship opportunities like the Hunt Sisters Scholarship. Entrance requirements include standard college admission tests, with a strong focus on developing compassionate, competent healthcare professionals rooted in Christian ethical principles.

• 4-year program
• On-campus learning
• 120 credit hours
• 60 nursing credits
• 120-hour clinical experience
• NCLEX-RN eligible
• Christian values focus
• Seamless MSN/DNP transition
• Hunt Sisters Scholarship
• Forgivable loans available

Guilford Technical Community College's Associate Degree Nursing program boasts consistently strong NCLEX pass rates, ranging from 88% to 97% between 2021-2024, demonstrating remarkable student success. Located in Jamestown, NC, this program provides comprehensive nursing education focused on developing skilled RNs prepared for diverse healthcare environments. Students receive hands-on training designed to cultivate critical clinical skills and patient care competencies. The program's curriculum emphasizes practical experience, enabling students to develop comprehensive nursing care strategies across multiple healthcare settings. Graduates are well-positioned to take the NCLEX-RN examination and launch successful nursing careers. With an estimated total cost of $8,000, the program offers an affordable pathway to professional nursing certification. The college's commitment to high-quality education is evident through its approval by the North Carolina Board of Nursing.

• Approved by NC Board of Nursing.
• Prepares for RN licensure.
• Hands-on practical experience.
• Financial aid available.
• Estimated cost $8,000.
• Various healthcare settings.
• Comprehensive care training.
• Admission criteria apply.
• NCLEX-RN eligibility post-graduation.
• High-quality education.

Methodist University's BSN program boasts an impressive track record, with NCLEX pass rates ranging from 87% to 100% in recent years. Located in Fayetteville, this comprehensive nursing program requires SAT or ACT entrance exams and provides a robust four-year curriculum emphasizing patient-centered care and evidence-based practice. The program distinguishes itself through interdisciplinary teamwork training, state-of-the-art facilities, and a competitive 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Prospective students benefit from financial aid opportunities and scholarships, with applications accepted from November to January for fall enrollment. Unique admission requirements include science prerequisites current within five years, ensuring students enter with recent, relevant scientific knowledge. The program prepares graduates comprehensively for professional nursing roles, with direct eligibility to take the NCLEX-RN examination.

• Four-year BSN program.
• On-campus, face-to-face learning.
• Eligible for NCLEX-RN exam.
• Focus on patient-centered care.
• Interdisciplinary teamwork emphasis.
• Evidence-based practice training.
• Financial aid available.
• Scholarships offered.
• Science prerequisites five-year limit.
• Fall enrollment only.

North Carolina Central University's Traditional BSN program provides a comprehensive nursing education with a robust 94% NCLEX pass rate in recent years. Students must meet a competitive 3.2 GPA requirement and complete prerequisite courses. The program uniquely emphasizes critical thinking and leadership skills, preparing graduates for diverse healthcare environments. Clinical rotations at premier facilities ensure hands-on learning experiences. As a Historically Black College and University (HBCU), the program offers a supportive academic environment. Prospective students should anticipate additional expenses for uniforms, exams, and certifications. Admission requires a strong academic background and commitment to professional nursing practice. The full-time campus program accommodates both first-time and second-degree nursing students seeking comprehensive healthcare training.

• Full-time campus program
• Minimum 3.2 GPA required
• Competitive admission process
• Clinical rotations at top facilities
• Hands-on nursing experience
• Rigorous academic curriculum
• Options for first and second-degree seekers
• Focus on critical thinking and leadership
• Preparation for diverse healthcare settings
• Additional costs for exams and certifications

North Carolina Central University's Accelerated BSN offers an intensive 14-15 month pathway for students holding a prior bachelor's degree. With a competitive admissions process, students must maintain a minimum 3.2 GPA and complete prerequisite courses. The program requires the TEAS entrance exam and mandates additional requirements like background checks, drug screening, and CPR certification. The curriculum provides comprehensive nursing preparation, focusing on critical thinking and hands-on clinical experiences across various healthcare settings. While no online options exist, the full-time cohort model ensures immersive learning. Additional expenses include tuition, uniforms, and clinical materials. Students should expect a rigorous academic journey preparing them for immediate professional nursing opportunities.

• 14-15 month duration.
• Minimum 3.2 GPA required.
• Campus-based program.
• Hands-on clinical experience.
• TEAS exam required.
• Full-time cohort model.
• No online options available.
• Prior bachelor's degree needed.
• Competitive admissions process.
• Mandatory orientation session.

Richmond Community College's Associate Degree Nursing program delivers comprehensive healthcare training with an impressive NCLEX pass rate climbing to 92% in 2024. Located in Hamlet, NC, this campus-based program strategically prepares students for registered nursing roles through rigorous coursework emphasizing patient safety, evidence-based practice, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The affordable $10,972 program cost makes nursing education accessible, while its curriculum ensures graduates are well-equipped to navigate complex healthcare environments. Students benefit from early application encouragement and a structured pathway to professional nursing certification. Clinical experiences and focused training provide robust preparation for successful NCLEX-RN examination and immediate healthcare workforce integration.

• Campus-based program
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
• Focus on safety and quality care
• Affordable at $10,972
• Separate admissions application
• Early application submission encouraged
• Dynamic healthcare environment training
• Evidence-based practice emphasis
• Vast employment opportunities
• Interdisciplinary team focus

Robeson Community College's Associate Degree Nursing program stands out with an impressive NCLEX pass rate averaging 91.5% between 2021-2024. Located in Lumberton, the program offers a comprehensive nursing education with a robust curriculum emphasizing patient safety, quality care, and evidence-based practices. Students undergo a competitive admission process requiring a 3.0 GPA and minimum TEAS score of 50. The program's strength lies in its hands-on clinical training, preparing graduates for diverse healthcare roles. With a strong focus on interdisciplinary collaboration and holistic patient care, students receive comprehensive preparation for the NCLEX-RN examination. The campus-based program provides direct mentorship, ensuring students develop critical clinical skills and professional competencies essential for successful nursing careers.

• NLN CNEA accredited program.
• Competitive admission process.
• 3.0 GPA requirement.
• Minimum TEAS score of 50.
• Focus on safety and quality care.
• Evidence-based practice emphasis.
• Hands-on clinical experience.
• Prepares for RN licensure.
• Average RN salary $73,550.
• Financial aid available.

Southeastern Community College's Associate Degree Nursing program offers a robust two-year pathway to becoming a registered nurse in Whiteville, NC. With an impressive NCLEX pass rate consistently ranging from 68% to 100% between 2021-2024, the program demonstrates strong student preparation. The campus-based curriculum integrates comprehensive nursing theory with hands-on clinical experiences, equipping students with essential skills for diverse healthcare environments. Students should note the program's focus on adult learning principles and practical skill development. While specific entrance exam requirements aren't detailed, prospective students must meet the college's admission criteria. Graduates are well-positioned for entry-level nursing roles in hospitals, clinics, and other medical facilities, making this an attractive option for those seeking a solid foundation in nursing.

• Campus-based program.
• Focuses on adult learning.
• Prepares for RN roles.
• Blends theory and practice.
• Various healthcare employment opportunities.