Best North Carolina RN to BSN Programs

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.

2020 - Best Online RN to BSN Programs in North Carolina

Those who hold an associate's degree in nursing or a nursing diploma and an active RN license are eligible to enroll in an RN to BSN program. These programs have seen a sharp rise in popularity as many hospital and healthcare systems move to hire more BSN-educated RNs. With online options, nurses are able to complete their bachelor's degree while continuing to work or handle other obligations, making it a convenient way to advance a nursing career. To help students choose the perfect program, we have ranked the top online RN to BSN programs in the state of North Carolina. Take a look at our rankings below and find a great program today.

For more information on our top nursing school rankings, visit our Methodology Page (https://www.registerednursing.org/rankings-methodology/).

^#1

Winston-Salem State University

Winston-Salem, NC

Practicing nurses with active licenses can develop their skills and advance their careers by registering for the RN to BSN online program at Winston-Salem State University in North Carolina. The contemporary, highly regarded curriculum readies nurses to become leaders in their healthcare field. The affordable RN-to-BSN online offering allows students who transfer in the maximum allowed credits to earn their degree in a year (with full-time study). Community and adult health courses require practicums.

• RN to BSN Online/Hybrid

Tuition & Fees:

• $$$$$

Quick Facts

• Historically Black College or University
• Public 4-Year
• Full or part-time options available

^#2

University of North Carolina-Wilmington

Wilmington, NC

Experienced professional nurses can do so much more for their patients when they have a bachelor’s degree in nursing. That’s why so many hospitals are seeking out RNs with BSNs. To become part of this coveted pool, RNs can return to school at the University of North Carolina-Wilmington for their one-year online RN to BSN program. Clinicals can be completed at students’ places of employment in most cases. The curriculum covers healthcare management as well as gerontology, community health, and patient education.

• RN to BSN Online/Hybrid

Tuition & Fees:

• $$$$$

Quick Facts:

• Public 4-Year
• Courses are 7 weeks in length
• 6 enrollment periods annually

^#3

Western Carolina University

Cullowhee, NC

Staff nurses can have a more immediate impact on the quality of patient care when they earn their bachelor’s degrees. Western Carolina University’s online-only, RN to BSN program allows learners to take on greater roles caring for patients in less time. Instead of practicums, students complete community health projects. The RN to BSN online curriculum has a heavy focus on leadership and cross-team communication in the healthcare setting. Full-time students may earn their BSN in 4 semesters.

• RN to BSN Online/Hybrid

Tuition & Fees:

• $$$$$

Quick Facts:

• Public 4-Year
• Some grad programs offered online
• Reduced tuition prices for NC residents

^#4

Fayetteville State University

Fayetteville, NC

Fayetteville State University offers a fully online RN to BSN program for nurses looking to advance their careers. Enrolled students can complete the program in just 2.5 semesters of full-time study, or 5 semesters of part-time study. The program curriculum focuses on evidence-based practice, issues and trends in nursing, community health, and the application of nursing skills. Some clinical courses are required.

• RN to BSN Online/Hybrid

Tuition & Fees:

• $$$$$

Quick Facts:

• Historically Black College or University
• Public 4-Year
• Fall and Spring admission dates

^#5

Cabarrus College of Health Sciences

Concord, NC

Career colleges can enable students to advance their career trajectories quickly without the admission hassles associated with more traditional colleges. Cabarrus College of Health Sciences’ online RN to BSN option gives working Registered Nurses the opportunity to get ahead on their schedules. Students can complete their BSN in 18 months with full-time study. Loan forgiveness programs allow alumni of Cabarrus College or its partner schools to enroll in the bridge RN to BSN online program for very low costs.

• RN to BSN Online/Hybrid

Tuition & Fees:

• $$$$$

Quick Facts:

• Private Non-Profit 4-Year
• Convenient enrollment process
• Loan forgiveness options

Admissions Requirements for North Carolina 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 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 original typed personal statement
• Attend an interview with faculty and admissions staff

RN to BSN Classes & Courses

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

Online RN to BSN Programs in North Carolina

The North Carolina Board of Nursing has worked tirelessly to bring excellent education options to nurses in the state, in partnership with state officials and universities. There are approximately 25 universities through which an RN could flexibly continue his or her education; most are affordable for the working professional and accommodating of the demands of a full-time nursing position - many programs are offered entirely online for additional flexibility.

Featured Online School

Capitalizing on RNs' diverse workplace experiences and skillsets, Gardner-Webb University works with students to affect the global patient community upon BSN graduation. Students participate in valuable service learning and patient-care opportunities as well as rigorous coursework designed to inform their perspectives and broaden their horizons.

Admissions and Program Length

At North Carolina A&T University, RNs can complete their BSN degree through three semesters of full-time courses taking place over as little as 1 year. Transfer credits are granted to students who hold an ADN, or who show significant experience as an RN. Offered online in an asynchronus fashion, students learn effectively due to the collaborative faculty atmosphere and reduced class sizes. In order to graduate, students are required to complete all 31 credits toward their BSN degree. Please note that the program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

Tuition and Cost of Attendance

Tuition and rates vary from school to school. Additionally, fees may fluctuate so it is best to check with the school of choice for current rates. For example, University of Mount Olive will run online RN to BSN students about $450 per credit hour - this does not include any additional costs such as course materials or other fees.

Does an RN to BSN Increase My Salary?

As our patient population ages, we need nurses to learn more and do more in their role. To this end, there are a number of federal policymakers and nursing profession leaders who have indicated that it would be beneficial for nurses and patients if each nurse had their BSN before being allowed to practice. Some industry observers have noted that the number of RN to BSN programs that have flourished is an indication that society is trying to overcome the credential gap as quickly as possible. Nurses with a BSN might find that they are offered jobs such as nursing education coordinator, nursing home staff nurse or pediatric home care nurse before their ADN counterparts, simply due to their credentials.

RN to BSN Salary Comparison in North Carolina

Nurses in the state earn wages that are roughly on par with national averages, however, it is difficult to distinguish who earns what - that is, there is no data directly collected about the salary differences between ADN and BSN degrees. We can then assume that ADN prepared RNs enter the field as the lowest salary earners (about $43,000 per year) and may not ever advance past approximately $55,000. By contrast, BSN holders are likely to enter the field around $50,000 with more possibilities for advancement. BSN prepared nurses may also pursue a master's degree and flex their earning potential up to about $80,000 per year over the course of their career.

2021 List of RN to BSN Programs in North Carolina

Benefits for being a BSN nurse in North Carolina include a wage of approximately $70,000 per year, preferential skills when applying to jobs, and a career that can move forward quickly. ore than 15 different RN to BSN programs are offered within North Carolina. Nurses looking to move their careers into different aspects of health care are encouraged to become a BSN or greater degree nurse, as these qualifications can lead you into the future of what nursing is headed toward. If management/leadership roles, supervisory positions or outside health care organizations interest you as career options, a BSN degree is what is needed.

Find RN to BSN Programs By City:

• Charlotte RN to BSN Programs
• Raleigh RN to BSN Programs

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