Nursing Programs in Raleigh, NC

2026 Best Nursing Schools in Raleigh

#1

Meredith College

Raleigh, NC - Private 4-year - meredith.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Meredith College in Raleigh, NC, offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program designed to prepare students for a rewarding career in nursing. The program emphasizes excellence, compassion, and innovation, with a curriculum that includes competency-based learning, 640 clinical hours, and simulation training. Students benefit from personalized attention, strong faculty connections, and opportunities for study abroad. The program prepares graduates for licensure as registered nurses, ready to excel in various healthcare settings. Admission requires specific prerequisite courses with minimum grade requirements. This program is ideal for those seeking a comprehensive nursing education in a supportive environment.

• Competency-based curriculum
• 640 clinical hours
• Simulation training
• Personalized attention
• Study abroad opportunities
• Licensure preparation
• Strong faculty connections
• Active learning strategies
• Evidence-based practice
• Interdisciplinary collaboration

#2

Wake Technical Community College

Raleigh, NC - Public 2-Year - waketech.edu

Associate - Associate Degree Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Wake Technical Community College in Raleigh, NC, offers an Associate Degree Nursing program designed to equip students with the skills for a dynamic nursing career. This campus-based program prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN exam, focusing on safety, quality care, and evidence-based practice. With an estimated in-state tuition of $5,472 for 72 credits, financial aid is available. The curriculum supports diverse healthcare roles, from acute care to community health, fostering teamwork and individualized patient care.

• Campus-based program
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
• 72 total credits
• $5,472 estimated in-state tuition
• Financial aid eligible
• Focus on safety and quality care
• Evidence-based practice emphasis
• Teamwork in healthcare
• Individualized patient care focus
• Diverse healthcare roles preparation

Associate - Associate Degree Nursing – Advanced Placement

Campus Based - Visit Website

Wake Technical Community College in Raleigh, NC, offers an Associate Degree Nursing Advanced Placement program for Licensed Practical Nurses aiming to advance their careers. This campus-based program enhances nursing skills and critical thinking over three semesters, starting with an intensive 10-week summer course. Estimated in-state tuition is $5,472, with financial aid available. Admission requires prior LPN licensure, and students are advised to consult with admissions counselors before applying. Graduates are prepared to take the NCLEX-RN exam.

• For Licensed Practical Nurses
• Campus-based program
• Starts with 10-week summer course
• Three semesters to complete
• Estimated in-state tuition $5,472
• Financial aid eligible
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
• Enhances nursing skills
• Expands critical thinking
• Prior LPN licensure required

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*IPEDS 2024 institutional statistics, NCES, U.S. Department of Education.

Entry-Level ADN & BSN Programs in Raleigh, NC

If you are a recent high school graduate or are interested in changing careers and pursuing nursing, the place to begin is an entry-level training program. In the Raleigh area, these programs include LPN to RN programs, Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs, and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs.

LPN to RN Programs

A licensed practical nurse (LPN) who would like more patient care responsibilities and a higher wage will likely need to earn her RN license and become a registered nurse. LPN to RN programs are designed to help LPNs pass the NCLEX licensing exam and become RNs. The Associate’s Degree in Nursing – Advanced Placement program at Wake Technical Community College is designed for LPNs and builds on the practical nursing foundation and provides more in-depth theoretical knowledge and enhanced technical nursing skills in an accelerated time frame.

ADN Programs

A traditional ADN program usually takes two years to complete and is typically offered at community colleges, technical schools, and some medical centers. Upon completion of an ADN program, students will be prepared to take the NCLEX-RN exam and for their first jobs as nurses. The ADN program at Johnston Community College is one example of a school in the area offering this type of entry-level RN program.

Direct-Entry Accelerated BSN Programs

As more healthcare employers seek nurses with a bachelor’s degree or higher, North Carolina ABSN programs are gaining popularity as the entry-level degree for a career in nursing. BSN programs generally take four years to complete and include general education courses in addition to in-depth nursing theory and practice classes. North Carolina Central University offers a traditional four-year BSN program, as well as an accelerated BSN program that enables students with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree to earn a BSN in 14-15 months of study.

Learn more about North Carolina Accelerated BSN Programs

RN to BSN/MSN Programs in Raleigh, NC

In order to meet the demand for bachelor’s and master’s-educated nurses, many RNs are deciding to go back to school to earn a higher degree. So-called “bridge” programs because they provide a bridge from the ADN to a BSN or MSN, RN to BSN/MSN programs are specially designed with these nurses in mind.

RN to BSN Programs

RN to BSN programs are relatively quick to complete, sometimes in as quickly as one year of full-time study, and many are offered as online programs, providing even more convenience for busy working nurses. In addition to online programs offered by schools outside of North Carolina, North Carolina Central University offers a fully online RN to BSN program that can be completed in two semesters of study.

Learn more about North Carolina RN to BSN Programs

RN to MSN Programs

Aspiring nurse practitioners or other advanced practice nurses may be interested in RN to MSN programs, like the one offered at University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill. The RN to MSN program at UNC – Chapel Hill allows RNs with their ADN to enroll in the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program upon completion of 9 credits of undergraduate nursing courses.

Learn more about North Carolina RN to MSN Programs

APRN & Nurse Practitioner Programs in Raleigh, NC

In the Raleigh area, nurses who wish to pursue careers in advanced practice nursing and become nurse leaders, administrators, nurse practitioners, and educators will need to enroll in an advanced practice nursing degree program. In Raleigh, options include traditional MSN programs, post-master’s certificate programs, and doctoral study programs (Doctor of Nursing Practice and Doctor of Philosophy).

MSN Programs

A traditional MSN program prepares nurses for advanced practice careers, including as nurse practitioners, nurse educators, nurse leaders and more. Many MSN programs are available in online or hybrid formats and let students specialize their studies to prepare for their chosen career. The Duke University School of Nursing offers a MSN program with eight advanced practice nursing majors and three non-clinical majors to choose from.

Learn more about North Carolina Nurse Practitioner Programs

Post-Master's Certificate Programs

Another option for advanced practice nursing study is a post-graduate certificate program. These programs are offered to nurses who have earned their MSN and would like to learn a new specialty. For example, Duke University School of Nursing offers a post-graduate certificate program for Nurse Informatics, which is primarily a distance learning program that requires just two days on campus.

Find out more about North Carolina Post-Master's Certificate Programs.

DNP & Ph.D. Programs

Doctoral study of nursing is the terminal level of study available to nurses. In the Raleigh area, nurses have the choice of advanced practice-based DNP programs and research-focused Ph.D. programs. The University of North Carolina offers both degrees in traditional on-campus formats.

Learn more about North Carolina DNP Programs