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 offers an online RN-to-BSN program designed for registered nurses seeking career advancement or graduate education foundation. The program is 100% online with no clinical requirements, featuring flexible full-time and part-time options in five-week course blocks. Students can start in fall or spring semesters. The curriculum focuses on population health, leadership, and service while developing evidence-based patient care skills. Generous financial aid and loans are available, with credits awarded for prior diploma/associate degree work and related experience. Atrium Health teammates and alumni benefit from a fast-track application with no fee, essay, or references required.
- 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 designed for registered nurses seeking to advance their career. The 100% online curriculum lets you earn a BSN in four semesters while working. You'll complete 24 credit hours of core nursing courses and 6 hours of electives, with options to specialize in one of ten areas like accounting or sport management. The program covers evidence-based practice, healthcare policy, community health, and nursing leadership, building skills in critical thinking and patient advocacy. With NC Promise, tuition is under $5,000. Faculty are dedicated to your success, and part-time pacing fits your life. Graduates pursue roles as charge nurses, nurse managers, or clinical educators. Deadlines: March 15 (fall) and September 15 (spring).
- 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 RN to BSN program is designed for registered nurses seeking to advance their careers. This online degree completion option builds on your existing nursing foundation, covering health assessment, evidence-based practices, community health, and emergency care. The curriculum emphasizes communication, leadership, and critical thinking skills, preparing you for supervisory roles and broader job opportunities. With full-time and part-time plans available, you can complete the program in as little as one year while working. Clinical experiences in community health and a senior practicum provide hands-on learning in diverse settings. The program also offers support through a strong Student Nursing Association, fostering networking and mentorship. As a BSN graduate, you'll be eligible for over 80% of nursing positions and better 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's Davis RN-BSN program helps registered nurses with an associate degree earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing fully online. The curriculum blends holistic, Christian values with clinical competence, therapeutic relationships, evidence-based practice, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Courses run in eight-week terms with five start dates each year, and most RNs finish in four semesters. You'll study leadership, patient safety, informatics, and population-focused care, while enjoying benefits like no prerequisites, no labs, and no synchronous meetings. Graduates work in hospitals, medical centers, schools, and rehab facilities, and can move seamlessly into Gardner-Webb's MSN or DNP programs. Financial support includes the Davis Foundation Scholarship and the FELS program.
- 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's RN to BSN program provides registered nurses an opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The curriculum includes nursing informatics, professional nursing concepts, health assessment, nursing care of older adults, community health nursing, leadership and management, nursing research, and a professional nursing synthesis capstone. Admission requires 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 hours of validated credit for prior nursing courses and clinical competencies. The program has GPA and grade requirements for retention and graduation, and only one course may be repeated. This pathway builds on prior nursing education to prepare graduates for advanced professional roles in healthcare settings.
- 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