North Carolina universities support the interests and advancements of nursing practice. Encouraged to strive for success by leading faculty, nurses work to promote knowledge-based practice that extends far beyond bedside care. With a clear path of advancement, many nurses choose to continue their education through an RN to BSN program.
2027 Best Online RN to BSN Programs in North Carolina
Cabarrus College of Health Sciences
Concord, NC - Private 4-year - cabarruscollege.edu
RN to BSN - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Visit Website
Cabarrus College of Health Sciences delivers an online RN to BSN program designed for registered nurses aiming to advance their careers or pursue graduate education. The 100% online curriculum requires no clinical hours, with flexible full-time and part-time options structured in five-week course blocks and fall or spring start dates. Coursework centers on population health, leadership, and evidence-based patient care, while prior diploma or associate degree work and relevant experience may earn college credit. Generous financial aid and loans are available. Atrium Health teammates and alumni benefit from a fast-track application process with no fee, essay, or references required. The program does not specify an ACT or SAT entrance exam requirement, making it an accessible online pathway for working nurses.
- 100% online program
- No clinical required
- Full-time and part-time options
- Five-week course blocks
- Start in fall or spring
- Generous loans and financial aid
- Credits awarded for prior work
- Focus on population health
- Fast-track application for Atrium Health
- No fee, essay or references for fast-track
Western Carolina University
Cullowhee, NC - Public 4-Year - wcu.edu
RN to BSN - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Visit Website
Western Carolina University's online RN to BSN program is tailored for registered nurses seeking career advancement while working. The 100% online curriculum can be completed in four semesters, requiring 24 credit hours of core nursing courses plus 6 elective hours. Students can choose from ten specialization areas to align their degree with personal interests. The coursework emphasizes evidence-based practice, healthcare policy, community health, and nursing leadership, building skills in critical thinking and patient advocacy. Tuition is under $5,000 via NC Promise. Part-time pacing is available. Application deadlines are March 15 for fall and September 15 for spring. Entrance exam requirements are not specified in the program materials. Graduates may work as charge nurses, nurse managers, or clinical educators.
- 3 concentration options
- 4-Semester program
- 30 total credit hours
- Apply by 2026-09-15
- Part-time available
- Starts fall/spring
- 100% online coursework
- Learn while you work
- NC Promise tuition under $5,000
- Information sessions available
Fayetteville State University
Fayetteville, NC - Public 4-Year - uncfsu.edu
RN to BSN - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Visit Website
Fayetteville State University's online RN to BSN program offers registered nurses a flexible path to a bachelor's degree. This HBCU and military-friendly institution does not require ACT or SAT scores for admission. The curriculum builds on existing nursing knowledge, covering health assessment, evidence-based practice, community health, and emergency care. Students develop leadership, communication, and critical thinking skills for supervisory roles. With full-time and part-time options, the program can be completed in as little as one year. Clinical experiences include community health and a senior practicum. The Student Nursing Association provides networking and mentorship opportunities. Graduates qualify for over 80% of nursing positions and are positioned for career advancement.
- Full-time and part-time options
- Online degree completion option
- Learn health assessment, evidence-based practices, community health
- Prepares for supervisory nursing roles
- Student Nursing Association support
- Complete in one year online
- Requires active RN license
- Clinical experiences in community health and practicum
Gardner-Webb University
Boiling Springs, NC - Private 4-year - gardner-webb.edu
RN to BSN - Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Davis RN-BSN)
Online Learning - Visit Website
Gardner-Webb University's Davis RN-BSN program is an online completion track for registered nurses with an associate degree. The curriculum integrates holistic, Christian values with evidence-based practice, leadership, patient safety, informatics, and population-focused care. Courses are delivered asynchronously in eight-week terms, with five start dates per year, allowing most students to graduate in about four semesters. No ACT or SAT is required, and the program has no prerequisites, labs, or synchronous meetings. Graduates can seamlessly advance into Gardner-Webb's MSN or DNP programs. Financial support includes the Davis Foundation Scholarship and FELS program. Career opportunities span hospitals, medical centers, schools, and rehabilitation facilities.
- 4-Semester program
- Complete in as little as 1 year
- 120 total credit hours
- 5 start dates per year
- Starts fall/spring/summer
- Asynchronous online classes
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Financial aid available
- Scholarships available
- Courses offered in 8-week format
Appalachian State University
Boone, NC - Public 4-Year - appstate.edu
RN to BSN - Nursing (RN to BSN)
Online Learning - Visit Website
Appalachian State University offers an online RN to BSN program designed for registered nurses seeking a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The curriculum covers nursing informatics, professional nursing concepts, health assessment, geriatric nursing, community health, leadership, research, and a capstone. Applicants need an associate degree or diploma in nursing, a current unrestricted North Carolina or compact state license, and a 2.5 cumulative GPA. Students receive 30 validated credit hours for prior nursing coursework. The program does not require ACT or SAT entrance exams. Retention requires a minimum C in nursing courses, and only one course may be repeated. This flexible online pathway prepares nurses for advanced roles.
- 120 total credit hours
- 2.5 GPA minimum
- Prerequisite courses required
- Opportunity for RNs to earn BSN
- Requires current unrestricted nursing license
- 30 hours validated credit for prior nursing
- Requires Associate Degree or nursing diploma
- Minimum grade of C in nursing courses
- Only one course may be repeated
Fast & Affordable Program Options
If you’re looking for a way to advance in the nursing field, going back to school is a great option. RN to BSN programs are fast-tracked bridge programs designed for nurses who are already licensed and have a few years of experience. Where you’d normally need to invest in several years of schooling when enrolled in a traditional BSN program, an RN to BSN program can usually be completed much faster, saving you both time and money.
Quickest Online RN to BSN Degree Options
By design, RN to BSN programs are meant to be fast-tracked options, still, there are some that are faster than others. In most cases, you can expect your BSN programs to take less than two years to complete, but you can find some that can be completed in an even much shorter amount of time. Here are a few of the fastest RN to BSN programs available in North Carolina.
| School | Degree Name | Length |
| University of North Carolina Wilmington | Online RN to BSN | 1 Year |
| Durham Technical College | RN to BSN | Less than 1 year |
Learn more about the Fastest RN to BSN Programs.
Do 6-month RN to BSN Programs Exist?
Yes! These programs are sometimes hard to find but students based in North Carolina can take advantage of the incredibly timely RN to BSN program offered by Durham Technical College which can be completed in less than a year (possibly in six months). Regardless of if you decide to choose this program, you can be sure that most schools in North Carolina offer very fast RN to BSN programs that can be completed in as little as a year.
Affordable Online RN to BSN Options
Another important factor for many nursing students in North Carolina is affordability. Fortunately, North Carolina hosts some of the cheapest RN to BSN programs in the country. Keep in mind, the amount you will end up paying for your education will be based on many factors including residency, books, and cost of living in the area where your school is based. Here are a few of the most affordable options for RN to BSN programs in North Carolina:
| School | Degree Name | Tuition Cost |
| Fayetteville State University | Online RN to BSN | $41.67 per credit (Resident) $208.34 per credit (Non-Resident) |
| University of North Carolina Pembroke | Online RN to BSN | $1,000 per year (Resident) $5,000 per year (Non-Resident) |
Learn more about the cheapest RN to BSN Degrees.
See Related Articles
Admissions Requirements for Accredited RN to BSN Programs
Having already run the gamut of admissions processes in order to enter their chosen Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) program and later apply for jobs, many RNs are already familiar with the criteria that universities require in order to be admitted to an RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing, or ‘BSN’ program. While requirements do vary, you’ll likely encounter the following admissions requirements when applying to complete your accredited BSN degree:
- Complete nursing application
- All pre-requisites must have a “C” grade or better
- Provide evidence of a cumulative GPA of 2.8 or higher
- Provide evidence of “satisfactory” feedback on health screenings
- Provide up-to-date immunization records
- Submit to a criminal background check and drug screening check
- Submit an original typed personal statement
- Attend an interview with faculty and admissions staff
Classes & Courses: What is the Curriculum Like?
RN to BSN programming is specifically created by experienced faculty after listening to the feedback given by nurses and healthcare administration. Often the courses build sequentially, creating tight communities of students that expand the personal and professional network of nurses in the state. Universities such as East Carolina University offer such courses as the following to ensure that gaps in knowledge, skills, and experience are filled before degree completion.
- NURS 4905 – Nursing in a Global Society
- NURS 4906 – Community Health Nursing
- NURS 4907 – Nursing Leadership and Finance
2026 List of RN to BSN Programs in North Carolina
Check out the best RN to BSN programs in North Carolina by taking a look at the listings below:
Find RN to BSN Programs By City:
Browse Our List of Programs
Asheville, NC
Galen Health Institutes-Asheville
- RN to BSN - Online RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- 12-16 months full-time
- Online class mode
- Six start times per year
- No application fee
- No essays required
- Active RN license required
- Official college transcript required
- CCNE-accredited program
Belmont, NC
Belmont Abbey College
- RN to BSN - RN to BSN
Online & Campus Based - Website
- CCNE accredited
- $349 per credit
- 16-Month program
- 122 total credit hours
- 2.0 GPA minimum
- Prerequisite courses required
- Capstone required
- Financial aid available
Boiling Springs, NC
Gardner-Webb University
- RN to BSN - Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Davis RN-BSN)
Online Learning - Website
- 4-Semester program
- Complete in as little as 1 year
- 120 total credit hours
- 5 start dates per year
- Starts fall/spring/summer
- Asynchronous online classes
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Financial aid available
Boone, NC
Appalachian State University
- RN to BSN - Nursing (RN to BSN)
Online Learning - Website
- 120 total credit hours
- 2.5 GPA minimum
- Prerequisite courses required
- Opportunity for RNs to earn BSN
- Requires current unrestricted nursing license
- 30 hours validated credit for prior nursing
- Requires Associate Degree or nursing diploma
- Minimum grade of C in nursing courses
Buies Creek, NC
Campbell University
- RN to BSN - Nursing, B.S.N. RN to BSN AOE Online Only
Online Learning - Website
- Requires active NC nursing license
- Offered by Adult and Online Education
- BSN completion for associate degree RNs
Charlotte, NC
Carolinas College of Health Sciences
- Nursing-RN-BSN
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
- RN to BSN - Bachelor of Science in Nursing: RN-to-BSN
Online Learning - Website
- 12-Month program
- 31 total credit hours
- 2 start dates per year
- Starts fall/spring
- 2.0 GPA minimum
- 100% online format
- No campus visits required
- Designed for working professionals
Concord, NC
Cabarrus College of Health Sciences
- RN to BSN - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- 100% online program
- No clinical required
- Full-time and part-time options
- Five-week course blocks
- Start in fall or spring
- Generous loans and financial aid
- Credits awarded for prior work
- Focus on population health
Cullowhee, NC
Western Carolina University
- RN to BSN - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- 3 concentration options
- 4-Semester program
- 30 total credit hours
- Apply by 2026-09-15
- Part-time available
- Starts fall/spring
- 100% online coursework
- Learn while you work
Durham, NC
North Carolina Central University
- RN to BSN - Nursing, RN-BSN Option
Campus Based - Website
- Prerequisite courses required
- Online option available
- Designed for RNs licensed in NC
- 22 credits of nursing courses
- Last 30 hours at NCCU
- Develops critical thinking and leadership skills
Fayetteville, NC
Fayetteville State University
- RN to BSN - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- Full-time and part-time options
- Online degree completion option
- Learn health assessment, evidence-based practices, community health
- Prepares for supervisory nursing roles
- Student Nursing Association support
- Complete in one year online
- Requires active RN license
- Clinical experiences in community health and practicum
Methodist University
- RN to BSN - RN-to-BSN
Online Learning - Website
- CCNE accredited
- $55,180 total program tuition
- $445 per credit
- 1-Year program
- Complete in as little as one year
- Military benefits accepted
- Financial aid available
- Scholarships available
Greensboro, NC
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
- RN to BSN - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
- 1-Year program
- Part-time available
- 2 start dates per year
- Starts fall/spring
- Asynchronous online classes
- Cohort-based structure
- No foreign language required
Hickory, NC
Lenoir-Rhyne University
- RN to BSN - RN to B.S. in Nursing
Online Learning - Website
- 30 total credit hours
- Rolling admissions
- Starts fall/spring/summer
- 2.5 GPA minimum
- Financial aid available
- Designed for working RNs
- Requires current RN license
- Reduced tuition rate
Pembroke, NC
University of North Carolina at Pembroke
- RN to BSN - RN-BSN
Online Learning - Website
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
- 12-Month program
- Full-time and part-time options
- 2.5 GPA minimum
- Common Careers Nursing Manager, *$93,946 Nursing Shift Supervisor, *$82,890 Utilization Management Nurse, *$78,568 Nurse Case Manager, *$78,063 Nurse Coordinator, *$76,308 Nurse Unit Manager, *$66,587 *Reflects annual median salary
- Prerequisite courses required
- Capstone required
- 100% online format
Raleigh, NC
William Peace University
- RN to BSN - RN to BSN Program
Online Learning - Website
- 12-Month program
- Full-time and part-time options
- Asynchronous online classes
- Transfer up to 90 credits
- Clinical partnerships with WakeMed, Duke, UNC
- Discounted tuition for Wake Tech graduates
- Employer discounts for select healthcare systems
- One-on-one advising and coaching
Rocky Mount, NC
North Carolina Wesleyan University
- RN to BSN - Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)
Online Learning - Website
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
- $260 per credit
- 12-Month program
- Full-time and part-time options
- 3 start dates per year
- Starts spring/summer/fall
- Financial aid available
- Scholarships available
Salisbury, NC
Catawba College
- RN to BSN - RN to BSN Nursing
Online Learning - Website
- CCNE accredited
- 1-Year program
- Complete in about one year
- 120 total credit hours
- Full-time and part-time options
- 3 start dates per year
- Financial aid available
- Scholarships available
Wilmington, NC
University of North Carolina Wilmington
- RN to BSN - Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Online Learning - Website
- CCNE accredited
- $6,334 total program tuition
- 12-Month program
- 30 total credit hours
- 10 total courses
- Apply by 2026-06-06
- 2.4 GPA minimum
- Capstone required
Winston-Salem, NC
Winston-Salem State University
- RN to BSN - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- CCNE accredited
- 3 start dates per year
- Starts fall/spring/summer
- Designed for working nurses
- Flexible online and evening courses
- Clinical opportunities available
- Career paths: Nurse Manager, Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Curriculum includes leadership and health policy