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.

2026 Best Online RN to BSN Programs in North Carolina

RegisteredNursing.org has carefully evaluated and ranked the best online RN to BSN programs in North Carolina to help nursing professionals advance their careers efficiently. These virtual nursing education programs offer registered nurses a flexible pathway to complete their bachelor's degree without disrupting their current work schedules. Online RN to BSN programs provide critical opportunities for nurses to enhance their clinical knowledge, expand career opportunities, and increase potential earning power through distance learning formats that accommodate busy healthcare professionals. North Carolina's top programs focus on delivering high-quality education that meets rigorous academic standards while providing convenient, accessible learning experiences for working nurses. By pursuing an online BSN, nurses can seamlessly transition from associate's degree preparation to more comprehensive professional training. Learn about our comprehensive ranking methodology.
#1

Fayetteville State University

Fayetteville, NC - Public 4-Year - uncfsu.edu

RN to BSN - RN to BSN

Online Learning - Visit Website

Fayetteville State University's comprehensive online RN to BSN program provides registered nurses a strategic pathway to career advancement. As a historically Black university (HBCU), the program offers a unique learning environment that supports diverse nursing professionals. Students benefit from a flexible curriculum designed for working nurses, completing upper-division courses without interrupting current employment. The program emphasizes critical thinking, evidence-based practices, and community health, preparing nurses for expanded professional roles. With no time limit on transfer courses and a science-based approach, nurses can enhance their clinical knowledge and leadership skills in approximately 2.5 semesters. Military-friendly and dedicated to professional development, this online program requires an active RN license for enrollment.

  • Online degree completion program
  • 2.5 semesters full-time
  • Active RN license required
  • Expands nursing career opportunities
  • No time limit on transfer courses
  • Science-based nursing curriculum
  • Community health focus
#2

Western Carolina University

Cullowhee, NC - Public 4-Year - wcu.edu

RN to BSN - RN to BSN

Online Learning - Visit Website

Western Carolina University offers a dynamic online RN to BSN program tailored for working healthcare professionals seeking career advancement. This comprehensive 4-semester track provides flexibility with 100% online coursework and reduced tuition through NC Promise. Students enhance nursing leadership skills while preparing for potential graduate studies. The program requires a current nursing license, minimum 2.5 GPA, and completion of prerequisite credits. With admission opportunities twice yearly, nurses can seamlessly balance professional responsibilities and academic growth. Highlights include part-time scheduling, 30 total credit hours, and a focus on developing advanced professional competencies in a fully digital learning environment.

  • 100% Online Program
  • 4 Semester Completion
  • Reduced Tuition $500/Semester
  • 2.5 GPA Minimum Requirement
  • 30 Total Credit Hours
  • Part-Time Flexible Schedule
  • Prepare for Graduate Study
  • Enhance Leadership Skills
  • Admission Twice Yearly
#3

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Charlotte, NC - Public 4-Year - charlotte.edu

RN to BSN - Bachelor of Science in Nursing: RN-to-BSN

Online Learning - Visit Website

UNC Charlotte's fully online RN to BSN Completion Program provides registered nurses a dynamic educational pathway tailored for working professionals. With no campus visits required, nurses can complete the program flexibly while advancing their clinical expertise. The comprehensive curriculum spans 31 nursing credit hours, offering opportunities for 39 prior learning credits. Students explore professional nursing concepts, health assessment techniques, and community health nursing principles. Designed for career progression, the program accommodates busy healthcare professionals with a three-semester completion plan. Military-friendly and structured to enhance clinical judgment skills, this program represents an accessible route for nurses seeking bachelor's level educational advancement.

  • 100% Online Program
  • 31 Total Nursing Credit Hours
  • No Campus Visits Required
  • Flexible for Working Nurses
  • 39 Prior Learning Credits
  • 3-Semester Completion Plan
  • Covers Professional Nursing Skills
#4

University of North Carolina Wilmington

Wilmington, NC - Public 4-Year - uncw.edu

RN to BSN - Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Online Learning - Visit Website

UNC Wilmington's innovative online RN to BSN program offers registered nurses a strategic accelerated pathway to degree completion. Meticulously designed for working healthcare professionals, the CCNE-accredited curriculum can be finished in just 12 months with an affordable in-state tuition of $6,334.20. Students benefit from a flexible online format that accommodates busy nursing schedules while exploring critical domains like healthcare policy, community health, and nursing leadership. Applicants must possess an associate's nursing degree, current unencumbered RN license, and maintain a minimum 2.4 GPA. The program emphasizes comprehensive skill development, enabling nurses to expand their professional opportunities and prepare for advanced healthcare roles across diverse clinical settings.

  • Online program format
  • 12-month completion possible
  • Total tuition $6,334.20
  • CCNE accredited program
  • 30 credit hours required
  • Multiple nursing career paths
  • Minimum 2.4 GPA required
  • Current RN license needed
  • Flexible course schedule
#5

University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Greensboro, NC - Public 4-Year - uncg.edu

RN to BSN - RN to BSN

Online Learning - Visit Website

UNC Greensboro's online RN to BSN program delivers a comprehensive educational pathway for licensed registered nurses seeking career advancement. Tailored for working professionals, the asynchronous curriculum allows flexible learning while developing advanced nursing competencies. Students explore evidence-based practice, interdisciplinary collaboration, and professional nursing standards without traditional classroom constraints. The program uniquely supports North Carolina RNs by offering a streamlined one-year completion track. With no foreign language requirements and a focus on preparing nurses for evolving healthcare environments, graduates can leverage projected job growth and competitive salary potential. Military-friendly policies enhance accessibility for diverse nursing professionals seeking bachelor's degree completion.

  • Fully online asynchronous courses
  • Complete in one year
  • Requires active NC nursing license
  • Accredited nursing program
  • No foreign language requirement
  • Projected 7% job growth
  • Median RN salary $75,330
  • Prepares for interdisciplinary healthcare
  • Online-only cohort model
*Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2024, National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education.

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.

SchoolDegree NameLength
University of North Carolina WilmingtonOnline RN to BSN1 Year
Durham Technical CollegeRN to BSNLess 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:

SchoolDegree NameTuition Cost
Fayetteville State UniversityOnline RN to BSN$41.67 per credit (Resident)

$208.34 per credit (Non-Resident)

University of North Carolina PembrokeOnline RN to BSN$1,000 per year (Resident)

$5,000 per year (Non-Resident)

Learn more about the cheapest RN to BSN Degrees.

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:

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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

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

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

Wilson, NC

Barton College

  • RN to BSN - RN-BSN

    Online Learning - Website

    • Completely online program
    • 1-year completion design
    • Multiple annual entry points
    • $328 per semester hour
    • 35 transfer credits for ADN
    • CCNE accredited program
    • Minimum 2.0 GPA required
    • 32 semester hours total

Winston-Salem, NC

Carolina University

  • RN to BSN - RN to BS Nursing

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online RN to BS Nursing
    • Flexible degree completion
    • Professional advancement pathway
    • Designed for working nurses
    • Enhances clinical leadership skills

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
*Data extracted from: NCES IPEDS 2024 public dataset.