Nursing Programs in Charlotte, NC
With nursing jobs in high demand, those looking for a rewarding healthcare career in the Charlotte area are encouraged to consider registered nursing. With numerous educational pathways available in the region, landing a fantastic RN gig is well within reach.
To get started in nursing or to advance your nursing career, check out our accredited program listings sections below:

2027 Best Nursing Schools in Charlotte
Rankings help prospective nursing students evaluate program quality and make informed decisions. Registerednursing.org has analyzed NCLEX pass rates to create the Best Nursing Schools in Charlotte rankings. Our rankings focus solely on NCLEX performance as the key metric for excellence. For our methodology, see https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/.
Yearly Pass Rate Trends
Pass rates in the Charlotte area have shown a generally upward trend, peaking in 2023 before a slight dip in 2024. This indicates strong and consistent program performance.
- 2021: 92.33%
- 2022: 96%
- 2023: 98.33%
- 2024: 96.5%
Biggest Improvements
Several schools demonstrated notable improvements in pass rates from the earliest to the latest year. Gaston College stands out with a substantial increase.
- Gaston College: improved from 93% to 100% (a 7-point increase)
- Wingate University: improved from 93% to 94% (a 1-point increase)
- Cabarrus College of Health Sciences: improved from 91% to 92% (a 1-point increase)
Consistently High Performing Schools
These Charlotte-area nursing schools have consistently maintained exceptional pass rates across multiple years, with all averaging above 94%.
- Wingate University: 96.75% average pass rate
- Gaston College: 95.5% average pass rate
- Cabarrus College of Health Sciences: 94.25% average pass rate
Belmont Abbey College
Belmont, NC - Private 4-year - belmontabbeycollege.edu
Bachelor's - Bachelor's of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
Belmont Abbey College's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program offers a holistic education grounded in Benedictine values and Catholic health care ethics. The curriculum blends liberal arts, sciences, and nursing theory, with courses in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, and clinical practice. Students gain hands-on experience through clinical rotations, a capstone practicum, and the on-campus CaroMont Health Hospital. Graduates are prepared for careers in acute care, long-term care, ambulatory care, community health, and school nursing. The program requires prerequisite coursework and a minimum GPA of 2.8, with direct admission available for Fall 2025. Accredited by CCNE, this BSN emphasizes compassionate, ethical care and integrates a strong foundation in the liberal arts.
- CCNE accredited
- 2.8 GPA minimum
- Prerequisite courses required
- Capstone required
- CNA I certification required
- Catholic health care ethics focus
- Direct admission in Fall 2025
- CaroMont Health Hospital on campus
- 195,000 job openings yearly
- Benedictine values foundation
Gaston College
Dallas, NC - Public 2-Year - gaston.edu
Associate - Associate Degree Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Associate Degree Nursing program at Gaston College prepares students for a rewarding career as a Registered Nurse. The curriculum emphasizes safety and quality in nursing care, equipping graduates to practice in dynamic healthcare environments. Students gain the skills to assess individual patient needs and improve health outcomes. This nationally accredited program (by ACEN) culminates in an Associate of Applied Science degree. Coursework covers nursing theory, clinical practice, and patient-centered care. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN licensure exam and pursue roles in hospitals, clinics, and community health settings. With dedicated faculty and a supportive learning environment, Gaston College’s nursing program provides a solid foundation for a successful nursing career.
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredited
- Registered Nursing (RN) program
- Program code: A45110RN
Wingate University
Wingate, NC - Private 4-year - wingate.edu
Bachelor's - BS in Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at Wingate University is ranked #4 in NC. This campus-based program combines a broad arts and sciences foundation with hands-on clinical experiences in diverse settings like hospitals, mental health facilities, and community health. Small class sizes and one-on-one instruction are hallmarks. The cohort model starts each fall. Accredited by ACEN, the program prepares students for the NCLEX-RN and careers as registered nurses. Graduates work in cardiac care, pediatrics, public health, and more. The Nursing Honors Program is also available for motivated students.
- ACEN accredited
- Starts fall
- Cohort-based structure
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Small class sizes
- One-on-one instruction
- Diverse clinical experiences
- Nursing Honors Program available
Carolinas College of Health Sciences
Charlotte, NC - Public 4-Year - carolinascollege.edu
Associate - Associate Degree Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
Carolinas College of Health Sciences offers an on-campus Associate Degree in Nursing in Charlotte, North Carolina. The curriculum is built in three levels, moving students from foundational courses to advanced nursing practice, and totals 71 credit hours over five semesters. Coursework blends nursing theory with sciences and humanities, and clinical experiences begin by the third week of the first nursing course. Students rotate through Carolinas Medical Center, gaining hands-on care on medical-surgical, cardiac, cancer, orthopedic, obstetrics, pediatrics, and intensive care units, plus behavioral health at the CMC-Randolph facility. The program prepares graduates for the RN licensure examination and entry-level practice as registered nurses across diverse patient populations. It is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission and fully approved by the North Carolina Board of Nursing.
- National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission accredited
- 5-Semester program
- 71 total credit hours
- Prepares for RN licensure examination
- Clinical rotations at Carolinas Medical Center
- Behavioral health clinical at CMC-Randolph facility
- Three curriculum levels, lower to higher
- 38 nursing credits, 33 general education
- Outcomes based on NLN core competencies
- Clinical experiences begin by third week
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Charlotte, NC - Public 4-Year - charlotte.edu
Bachelor's - Nursing, B.S.N.
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at UNC Charlotte is a four-year, full-time on-campus program designed to launch your career as a Registered Nurse. With 120 credit hours, the curriculum blends classroom instruction, hands-on clinical experiences, and state-of-the-art simulation training. You will develop skills in patient care across diverse healthcare settings, from hospitals to community clinics. The program also provides a strong foundation for advanced nursing studies and leadership roles. Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX exam, the key to licensure. An optional Nursing Honors Program offers opportunities for deeper scholarship and leadership development. You'll learn from expert faculty in the School of Nursing, part of the College of Health and Human Services, and benefit from a supportive campus environment. Whether you aim to work directly with patients or pursue graduate education, this BSN equips you with the knowledge, compassion, and clinical competence to thrive.
- 4-Year program
- 120 total credit hours
- Prepares for NCLEX
- Combines classroom, clinical, simulation
- Foundation for advanced studies and leadership
- Nursing Honors Program available
- On-campus program delivery
Bachelor's - Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) option at UNC Charlotte is a fast-paced, campus-based program for students who already hold a degree in another discipline. The curriculum combines liberal arts, sciences, and generalist nursing education, delivered through high-fidelity simulation in a state-of-the-art Learning Resource Center. Students complete the program in just four semesters (Fall, Spring, Summer, Fall) and are prepared to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam. The program features dedicated student success tutors and automatic eligibility for a competitive scholarship. Graduates enter the nursing profession ready to make an immediate impact in healthcare settings. Prerequisite science courses require a B or above, and CNA I certification is needed before enrollment. This option offers an efficient path to becoming a Registered Nurse for career changers.
- 4-Semester program
- 1 start dates per year
- Starts fall
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Scholarships available
- High-fidelity simulation learning resource center
- Dedicated student success tutors
- Designed for students with prior degree
- CNA I certification required before enrollment
Entry Level ADN & BSN Programs in Charlotte, NC
If you don't already have an RN license, entry-level programs are a great way to enter the field. Options in the Charlotte area include the Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) and the traditional Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN). These programs typically require a high school diploma or GED and a minimum GPA for enrollment.
LPN to RN Programs
Licensed practical nurses are well-versed in providing high-quality patient care and improving patient comfort and well-being. Many LPNs decide to expand their skills by moving into careers as registered nurses, and LPN to RN bridge programs provide LPNs with a direct pathway to RN licensure. As one example, the LPN to RN program at Sampson Community College offers a hybrid online/on-campus LPN to RN program that allows students to complete some coursework online and return to campus for certain activities such as orientation and testing. Applicants to this program must have a valid LPN license and two years of work experience as a practical nurse.
ADN Programs
The quickest route to an RN license is through an ADN program. At just two years in length, students can begin working before those enrolled in 4-year degrees have even completed their education. For example, Gaston College offers a 71 program-hour ADN program, which includes courses like Family Health Concepts, Anatomy & Physiology, and more.
Direct-Entry Accelerated BSN Programs
With many employers preferring a 4-year nursing degree, the traditional BSN pathway is an excellent choice for aspiring RNs. Wingate University offers a BSN pathway that can be completed in 8 consecutive fall and spring semesters. Courses include Science-Based Nursing, Pharmacology for Nursing, Nursing Leadership, and more. Learn more about the selection of NC ABSN offerings.
RN to BSN/MSN Programs in Charlotte, NC
Bridge programs provide a unique opportunity for RNs who have already completed an ADN or diploma program to earn their BSN or Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. These programs give the RN credit for many of the courses they have already completed, thereby shortening the length of the program considerably.
RN to BSN Programs
This pathway leads to the most popular undergrad nursing degree: the BSN. Cabarrus College of Health Sciences, for example, offers an online RN to BSN program that can be completed in four semesters and one summer of full-time study (part-time options are also available). Of the total 122 hours of baccalaureate coursework, up to 61 credit hours are awarded from the ADN or diploma program previously completed.
Learn more about North Carolina RN to BSN Programs.
RN to MSN Programs
Like the RN to BSN pathway, the RN to MSN bridge option allows licensed RNs to earn a master's degree in nursing in a fraction of the time. The University of North Carolina at Charlotte offers an online RN to MSN program for nurses with an associate's degree in nursing. Graduates end up earning both a BSN and MSN degree throughout the program.
Learn more about North Carolina RN to MSN Programs.
List of RN to BSN/MSN Programs
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
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
APRN & Nurse Practitioner Programs in Charlotte, NC
RNs interested in more advanced practice, including various nurse practitioner specialties, have a few options. The traditional MSN degree, the post-master's certificate, or the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) pathways are all possibilities, depending on a nurse's ultimate goals.
MSN Programs
Traditional MSN programs require an active RN license and a BSN degree. They typically require two years of study, with part- and full-time options widely available, and students can usually specialize in a number of nurse practitioner specialties. Queens University of Charlotte offers online MSN pathways with the following specialties: Clinical Nurse Leader, Nurse Administrator, and Nurse Educator.
Learn more about North Carolina Nurse Practitioner Programs.
Post-Master's Certificate Programs
RNs who hold an MSN but who wish to change specialties can opt to take a post-master's certificate program instead of pursuing an additional degree. This tends to be a much more cost-effective option. The University of North Carolina at Charlotte offers numerous graduate certificate pathways, including Nurse Educator, Nurse Administrator, Adult-Gerontology NP, and APRN Family Nurse Practitioner.
Find out more about North Carolina Post-Master's Certificate Programs.
DNP Programs
Doctoral programs are the most prestigious nursing degrees an RN can hold. They poise nurses for clinical practice at the highest levels. The University of North Carolina at Charlotte offers a dual DNP pathway with Western Carolina University, allowing students to access faculty at both universities. It requires an MSN in an advanced nursing specialty and can be completed in as little as five semesters.
Find out more about North Carolina DNP Programs.
List of APRN (MSN, DNP, & NP) Programs in Charlotte
Charlotte, NC
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
- BSN to MSN - Adult Psychiatric Mental Health
Campus Based - Website
- MSN concentration available.
- Adult Psychiatric Mental Health focus.
- Campus-based program.
- Accredited by CCNE.
- Part of College of Health and Human Services.
- Requires BSN and RN license.
- Includes clinical practice components.
- Designed for working nurses.
- BSN to MSN - Community/Public Health Nursing, M.S.N.
Online Learning - Website
- 38 credit hours
- 100% online delivery
- Spring, summer, fall admission
- NC resident: $309.59/credit
- Non-resident: $1,186.59/credit
- RN licensure required
- Bachelor's degree required
- 3.0 GPA preferred
- BSN to MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner Across the Lifespan, M.S.N.
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner Across the Lifespan - Campus Based - Website
- 46 credit hours
- On campus delivery
- Fall-only admissions
- Board certification eligibility
- Primary care focus
- Family practice settings
- Leadership development
- Clinical training included
- BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing
Concentration: Community/Public Health Nursing - Online Learning - Website
- Online distance education program.
- Community/Public Health Nursing concentration.
- Prepares for leadership roles.
- Hands-on clinical experiences included.
- Flexible application deadlines each semester.
- Part of UNC Charlotte School of Nursing.
- Focus on assessing communities and populations.
- Develops culturally sensitive nursing services.
- BSN to MSN - Nurse Administration, MSN
Online Learning - Website
- 100% online delivery
- 36 credit hours required
- 27-month part-time completion
- Admission in spring, summer, fall
- Requires RN licensure
- 3.0 GPA preferred
- One year nursing practice recommended
- 360 clinical hours required
- BSN to MSN - Nurse Educator, M.S.N.
Online Learning - Website
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
- No entrance exam required
- $309 per credit
- 39 Credit Hours program
- 39 total credit hours
- 13 total courses
- Apply by 2026-08-01
- Full-time and part-time options
- BSN to MSN - Nursing, M.S.N. - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Concentration: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner - Campus Based - Website
- 47 credit hours
- On campus delivery
- Fall only admission
- October 1 priority deadline
- January 1 final deadline
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Master of Science in Nursing
- Partnership with Atrium Health
- MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Nurse Anesthesia Across the Lifespan - Campus Based - Website
- 2 concentration options
- 89 total credit hours
- Starts summer
- Offered in partnership with Atrium Health
- Clinical experiences at Atrium Health facilities
- On-campus delivery
- Early Entry option for undergraduates
- Priority deadline June 10
- MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Online Learning - Website
- CCNE accredited
- 42 total credit hours
- Starts fall
- 3.5 GPA minimum
- 3 letters of recommendation (minimum)
- 1000 clinical hours
- Capstone required
- Synchronous immersion sessions
Comprehensive List of Nursing Schools Near Charlotte, NC
Belmont, NC
Belmont Abbey College
- Bachelor's - Bachelor's of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- CCNE accredited
- 2.8 GPA minimum
- Prerequisite courses required
- Capstone required
- CNA I certification required
- Catholic health care ethics focus
- Direct admission in Fall 2025
- CaroMont Health Hospital on campus
Charlotte, NC
Carolinas College of Health Sciences
- Associate - Associate Degree Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission accredited
- 5-Semester program
- 71 total credit hours
- Prepares for RN licensure examination
- Clinical rotations at Carolinas Medical Center
- Behavioral health clinical at CMC-Randolph facility
- Three curriculum levels, lower to higher
- 38 nursing credits, 33 general education
Queens University of Charlotte
- Bachelor's - Accelerated Bachelor's in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TEAS
- 3-Semester program
- 61 total credit hours
- Apply by 2026-04-17
- Starts spring/summer
- 2.7 GPA minimum
- Prerequisite courses required
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
- Bachelor's - Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- 4-Semester program
- 1 start dates per year
- Starts fall
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Scholarships available
- High-fidelity simulation learning resource center
- Dedicated student success tutors
- Bachelor's - Nursing, B.S.N.
Campus Based - Website
- 4-Year program
- 120 total credit hours
- Prepares for NCLEX
- Combines classroom, clinical, simulation
- Foundation for advanced studies and leadership
- Nursing Honors Program available
- On-campus program delivery
Concord, NC
Cabarrus College of Health Sciences
- Associate - Associate of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- 2-Year program
- Full-time and part-time options
- 90% licensure pass rate
- 94% job placement rate
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Financial aid available
- Scholarships available
- 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- 4-Year program
- 90% job placement rate
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Financial aid available
- Scholarships available
- Direct admission into nursing program
- 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio
- Affiliated with Atrium Health
Dallas, NC
Gaston College
- Associate - Associate Degree Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredited
- Registered Nursing (RN) program
- Program code: A45110RN
Wingate, NC
Wingate University
- Bachelor's - BS in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- ACEN accredited
- Starts fall
- Cohort-based structure
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Ranked #4 in NC
- Small class sizes
- One-on-one instruction
- Diverse clinical experiences
