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.
2025 Best Online RN to BSN Programs in North Carolina
Looking for the best online RN to BSN programs in North Carolina? RegisteredNursing.org has done the research for you. We rank programs to help you find the right fit for your career goals. Our list focuses on quality, flexibility, and affordability. Start advancing your nursing career today with a program that suits your needs. Learn more about how we rank programs here.
Western Carolina University
Cullowhee, NC - Public 4-Year - wcu.edu
Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Visit Website
Western Carolina University offers an online RN to BSN program tailored for registered nurses seeking to advance their careers without sacrificing their current roles. This program stands out for its affordability, with tuition as low as $500 per semester under the NC Promise initiative, and its flexibility, allowing completion in just four semesters. It's designed to deepen nursing expertise, foster leadership qualities, and lay a solid foundation for future graduate studies. The curriculum is entirely online, catering to the busy schedules of working nurses. Admission criteria include a valid nursing license, a minimum 2.5 GPA, and prerequisite credits, offering a straightforward route for professional advancement.
- 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
Winston-Salem State University
Winston-Salem, NC - Public 4-Year - wssu.edu
Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Visit Website
Winston-Salem State University's online RN to BSN program stands out for its commitment to health equity and social justice, offering registered nurses a comprehensive curriculum that prepares them for leadership roles in diverse healthcare settings. Recognized as the #1 online RN to BSN program and the top historically black nursing school, it allows students to graduate in just three semesters. The program is not only affordable but also boasts a 100% job placement rate within six months post-graduation. With CCNE accreditation, state-of-the-art virtual learning environments, and a faculty of experienced nursing professionals, graduates are well-equipped for advanced nursing positions. Highlights include its flexibility, affordability, and focus on preparing nurses to address health disparities.
- 100% Online Flexible Program
- #2 Most Affordable RN to BSN
- Complete in 3-5 Semesters
- 100% Job Placement within 6 Months
- CCNE Accredited Nursing Program
- Focuses on Health Equity
- State-of-the-Art Virtual Learning
- Experienced Nursing Faculty
Fayetteville State University
Fayetteville, NC - Public 4-Year - uncfsu.edu
Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Visit Website
Fayetteville State University's online RN to BSN program is designed for registered nurses seeking to elevate their nursing practice through advanced education. This program stands out for its flexibility, allowing nurses to balance studies with professional commitments, typically completing the program in just 2.5 semesters full-time. It emphasizes a science-based nursing curriculum with a strong focus on community health, evidence-based practices, and leadership development. A key advantage is the absence of a time limit on transfer courses, facilitating a smoother transition for students. An active RN license is required, ensuring all participants are prepared to engage with the program's rigorous content.
- 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
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Charlotte, NC - Public 4-Year - charlotte.edu
Bachelor's - RN to BSN Completion Program
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte provides an exceptional RN to BSN Completion Program entirely online, catering to registered nurses aiming to elevate their qualifications without interrupting their professional commitments. This program stands out for its flexibility, allowing nurses to seamlessly integrate their studies with work schedules, thanks to the absence of mandatory campus visits. With a curriculum that spans 31 nursing credit hours, it emphasizes enhancing clinical judgment, health assessment, and community health nursing skills. Notably, the program acknowledges prior learning with up to 39 credits, offering a fast-track to degree completion in just three semesters. Ideal for those seeking to broaden their expertise in professional nursing concepts while maintaining their career trajectory.
- 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
University of North Carolina Wilmington
Wilmington, NC - Public 4-Year - uncw.edu
Bachelor's - Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of North Carolina Wilmington offers an RN to BSN online program tailored for registered nurses seeking career advancement without sacrificing their current roles. This CCNE-accredited program stands out for its affordability, with in-state tuition totaling just $6,334.20, and its flexibility, allowing completion in as little as 12 months. Prospective students must hold an associate's degree in nursing, possess an unencumbered RN license, and have a minimum GPA of 2.4. The curriculum delves into essential topics such as healthcare policy, community health, and leadership, equipping graduates for a variety of advanced nursing positions.
- 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
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.
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
2025 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:
Belmont, NC
Belmont Abbey College
- Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Online 8-week accelerated format
- 30 prior learning credits
- CCNE accredited program
- No out-of-state tuition
- Catholic healthcare ethics focus
- Flexible payment options
- Minimum 2.0 GPA required
- Current RN license needed
Buies Creek, NC
Campbell University
- Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- 100% Online Degree
- 8-Week Accelerated Terms
- Smaller Class Sizes (20 or Less)
- Rolling Admissions
- Asynchronous Classes
- Doctoral-Prepared Nursing Faculty
- 129 Total Credit Hours
- GPA Requirement: 2.0
Charlotte, NC
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
- Bachelor's - RN to BSN Completion Program
Online Learning - Website
- 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
Cullowhee, NC
Western Carolina University
- Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- 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
Durham, NC
North Carolina Central University
- Bachelor's - Nursing, RN-BSN Option
Campus Based - Website
- Online and campus options
- 22 nursing course credits
- Last 30 hours at NCCU
- Professional nursing competencies
- Designed for licensed RNs
Fayetteville, NC
Fayetteville State University
- Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- 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
Methodist University
- Bachelor's - RN-to-BSN
Online Learning - Website
- 100% online degree completion
- As little as one year
- CCNE accredited program
- Tuition $435 per credit
- Military discount available
- Designed for working nurses
- Multiple career advancement paths
Greensboro, NC
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
- Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- 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
Hickory, NC
Lenoir-Rhyne University
- Bachelor's - RN to B.S. in Nursing
Online Learning - Website
- Fully online program
- 32 total credit hours
- Rolling admission
- Current RN license required
- Minimum 2.5 GPA needed
- Reduced tuition rates
- Financial aid available
Pembroke, NC
University of North Carolina at Pembroke
- Bachelor's - RN-BSN
Online Learning - Website
- Fully online program
- 8-week course sessions
- Flexible completion timeline
- CCNE nationally accredited
- Part-time and accelerated options
Raleigh, NC
William Peace University
- Bachelor's - RN to BSN Program
Online Learning - Website
- Fully online program
- Complete in 12 months
- Multiple start dates
- Workplace clinical experiences
- Transfer up to 90 credits
- Partnerships with top healthcare providers
- Tuition discounts available
- Flexible part-time options
Rocky Mount, NC
North Carolina Wesleyan University
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)
Online Learning - Website
- 100% online program
- Complete in 12 months
- Multiple start dates
- Flexible clinical experiences
- Affordable tuition
- Financial aid available
- Accredited by CCNE
- Advanced nursing roles
Salisbury, NC
Catawba College
- Bachelor's - RN to BSN Nursing
Online Learning - Website
- 100% Online Program
- 8-Week Course Structure
- Three Annual Start Dates
- Minimum 120 Credit Hours
- CCNE Accredited Program
- Affordable Credit Rates
- Full-Time Work Compatible
- Transfer Credit Friendly
Wilmington, NC
University of North Carolina Wilmington
- Bachelor's - Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Online Learning - Website
- 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
Wilson, NC
Barton College
- Bachelor's - 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
- Bachelor's - 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
- Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- 100% Online Flexible Program
- #2 Most Affordable RN to BSN
- Complete in 3-5 Semesters
- 100% Job Placement within 6 Months
- CCNE Accredited Nursing Program
- Focuses on Health Equity
- State-of-the-Art Virtual Learning
- Experienced Nursing Faculty