Best Nursing Programs in North Carolina (2026)
Compare 177 accredited nursing programs across 40 schools in North Carolina. Find the right fit by degree type, cost, duration, and delivery format.
177
Programs
40
Schools
$73,950
Avg RN Salary
12 mo
Fastest Program
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2023
How to choose a nursing program in North Carolina
North Carolina's community college system is genuinely strong, and most working nurses in the state started at a CC ADN before bridging to BSN online while employed. The Research Triangle and Charlotte metros concentrate the BSN-preferred hospital jobs; rural North Carolina remains ADN-friendly. NLC participation makes a North Carolina license usable in Virginia, Tennessee, and South Carolina — meaningful for nurses living near a border.
Key takeaways
- North Carolina Community College System ADN programs are the highest-value entry route; verify board approval and recent NCLEX-RN pass rate before committing.
- North Carolina is a Nurse Licensure Compact state — particularly useful near the Virginia, Tennessee, or South Carolina borders.
- Atrium, Duke, UNC Health, and Novant publicly track BSN ratios for Magnet — BSN completion is a measured performance metric.
- RN-to-BSN online completion while employed at a Triangle or Charlotte system is the dominant career path.
- For accelerated BSNs, Duke ABSN and UNC ABSN are widely respected but extremely competitive; private alternatives are viable.
Sponsored · Disclosure
- Compact licensure
- Yes — Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) participant.
- Average RN salary
- $73,950 (BLS, May 2023) · how we source this
- Lowest listed tuition
- From $13,500 (community college ADN).
All Nursing Programs in North Carolina
Partner matches load first for your filters; the directory below stays in sync and hides schools already shown in the partner strip. Sort by tuition, duration, or school.
Sponsored · Disclosure
Duke University
The Accelerated BSN program at Duke University is designed for individuals who already hold a bachelor's degree in another field. This 16-month on-campus program requires 120 credits and prepares you…
Vanderbilt University
The Accelerated BSN program at Vanderbilt is a full-time, on-campus course designed for individuals with a prior degree. Over 12 months, you will complete 124 credits, gaining the skills needed for a…
Arizona College of Nursing
Accelerated BSN. On Campus format.
Excelsior University
The ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) program at Excelsior University is delivered 100% online, making it ideal for those seeking flexibility in their education. This 60-credit program can be complet…
Western Governors University
WGU's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Pre-Licensure) program prepares you for a successful nursing career. This 100% online program requires 124 credits and can be completed in about 36 months, provi…
Aspen University
Aspen University’s BSN — Pre-Licensure program offers a pathway for students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. This 120-credit program is fully online and can be completed in 36 months, makin…
National University
National University's BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) program is a comprehensive pre-licensure pathway that prepares you for a successful nursing career. Offered entirely online, this 120-credit…
Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences
BSN (Pre-Licensure Online). Online format.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
The Traditional BSN program at UNC Chapel Hill is a 48-month, on-campus degree designed for students seeking to start their nursing career. With a total of 120 credits, this program prepares you with…
Excelsior University
The BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) completion program at Excelsior University is available 100% online, allowing you to earn your degree on your schedule. This 120-credit program can be finishe…
American Public University System
The BSN program offers a comprehensive curriculum for individuals pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Delivered entirely online, this 36-month program requires 120 credits, allowing you to bal…
Southern New Hampshire University
SNHU's BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) program is a comprehensive online degree designed for those starting their nursing journey. This 120-credit program takes approximately 48 months to comple…
Regis College
The DNP program at Regis College is designed for nurses seeking the highest level of clinical practice. This 33-credit program is delivered entirely online and can be completed in 36 months, allowing…
Johns Hopkins University
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at Johns Hopkins University is offered entirely online, allowing you to balance your studies with professional commitments. This 36-month program requires…
George Washington University
The DNP program at George Washington University is designed for those pursuing the highest level of clinical nursing practice. This 100% online program consists of 36 credits and can be completed in…
University of Cincinnati
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at UC is tailored for nurses seeking the highest level of practice and leadership. This online program requires 36 credits and can be completed in 36 mont…
Drexel University
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at Drexel University focuses on clinical practice and leadership in nursing. Delivered entirely online, this program requires 36 credits and can be comple…
Michigan State University
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at Michigan State University provides a comprehensive online curriculum for advanced nursing practice. This 36-credit program can be completed in 36 month…
University of Texas at Arlington
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at UTA is designed for advanced practice nurses aiming to lead in clinical practice, policy, and education. This 36-credit, fully online program can be co…
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at UNC is designed for advanced practice nurses and is delivered in a hybrid format over 36 months. This program requires 36 credits and focuses on clinic…
Sacred Heart University
The DNP program at Sacred Heart University is a 100% online degree designed for nursing professionals seeking leadership roles. Over 36 months, you will complete 36 credits, focusing on clinical expe…
Capella University
The DNP program at Capella University prepares you for the highest level of nursing practice. This 36-credit, 100% online degree can be completed in 42 months, focusing on advanced practice, leadersh…
Liberty University
The DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) program at Liberty University prepares you for leadership roles in nursing practice. Offered entirely online, this 36-credit program can be completed in 36 months…
Chamberlain University
The DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) program at Chamberlain University is delivered entirely online and focuses on advanced clinical and leadership skills. Completing 36 credits in 36 months, this pr…
Maryville University
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at Maryville University provides a rigorous online education for nurses aiming to achieve the highest level of clinical practice. Completing 36 credits ov…
Walden University
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at Walden University prepares you for the highest level of nursing practice. This 42-credit program is delivered 100% online, allowing you to earn your de…
Vanderbilt University
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) at Vanderbilt is a hybrid program that focuses on advanced clinical practice. Over 36 months, you will earn 36 credits, preparing you for leadership roles in nurs…
Simmons University
The DNP program at Simmons University is a 100% online Doctor of Nursing Practice degree requiring 36 credits, designed to be completed in 36 months. This program is tailored for advanced practice nu…
Gonzaga University
Gonzaga University's DNP program is designed for nursing professionals seeking the highest level of clinical practice. Offered entirely online, this 36-credit program can be completed in 36 months, p…
Duke University
Duke's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program is a hybrid offering designed for practicing nurses seeking to enhance their leadership skills. This 36-month program requires 36 credits and prepares…
Grand Canyon University
GCU’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program is offered 100% online, providing a flexible pathway for advanced practice nurses. This 30-credit program can be completed in 36 months, preparing you f…
University of Pennsylvania
The DNP program at the University of Pennsylvania is delivered entirely online and takes 36 months to complete. With 36 credits, this program is designed for nurses seeking the highest level of clini…
Purdue University Global
The DNP in Executive Leadership program at Purdue University Global is designed for advanced practice nurses seeking leadership roles. This 30-credit program is delivered entirely online and can be c…
Liberty University
Liberty University's MSN (Master of Science in Nursing) program is designed for nurses looking to advance their careers with a master's degree. This 100% online program consists of 36 credits and can…
Duke University
The MSN in Acute Care Nurse Practitioner at Duke University offers a hybrid delivery format that combines online coursework with on-campus clinical training. Over 30 months, you will complete 46 cred…
University of Texas at Arlington
The MSN in Administration program offers a comprehensive curriculum aimed at preparing nurses for leadership roles in healthcare settings. Delivered entirely online, this 36-credit program can be com…
University of Texas at Arlington
The MSN in Education program prepares you to become a nursing educator in academic or clinical settings. This fully online program requires 36 credits and can be completed in 24 months, offering flex…
Regis College
The MSN — Family Nurse Practitioner program prepares you for advanced practice nursing roles with a focus on family care. Offered 100% online, this 48-credit program can be completed in 30 months, pr…
George Washington University
The MSN — Family Nurse Practitioner program at George Washington University prepares you for advanced practice in family-focused healthcare. This 100% online program consists of 50 credits and can be…
Simmons University
The MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner program is a 100% online degree consisting of 48 credits, designed to be completed in 36 months. This program is ideal for registered nurses looking to advance the…
Walden University
Walden University's MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner program prepares you for advanced practice in primary care. This 50-credit program is delivered 100% online, allowing you to complete your degree i…
Indiana State University
The MSN — Family Nurse Practitioner program at Indiana State University is an online degree that prepares you for advanced practice nursing. Over 36 months, you will earn 46 credits, gaining the know…
Johns Hopkins University
The MSN — Family Nurse Practitioner program at Johns Hopkins University offers a fully online curriculum that prepares you to provide comprehensive healthcare. This 24-month program requires 43 credi…
Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences
MSN — Family Nurse Practitioner. Online format.
Gonzaga University
Gonzaga University's MSN — Family Nurse Practitioner program prepares you for advanced practice nursing roles. This fully online program consists of 45 credits and can be completed in 30 months, maki…
University of Cincinnati
The MSN in Family Nurse Practitioner at UC is designed for registered nurses seeking advanced practice roles. Offered 100% online, this program requires 48 credits and can be completed in 36 months,…
Duke University
Duke's MSN in Family Nurse Practitioner is a hybrid program that blends online learning with on-campus experiences. This 30-month program requires 46 credits and prepares you to provide comprehensive…
Vanderbilt University
Vanderbilt's MSN in Family Nurse Practitioner is a hybrid program that combines online learning with on-campus experiences. Over 30 months, you will earn 47 credits and be prepared for advanced pract…
Maryville University
Maryville University's MSN in Family Nurse Practitioner prepares you for an advanced role in healthcare with a comprehensive 100% online curriculum. This 48-credit program can be completed in 30 mont…
Drexel University
Drexel's MSN in Family Nurse Practitioner prepares you for advanced practice nursing with a focus on family care. This 100% online program consists of 45 credits and can be finished in 30 months, per…
National University
The MSN — Family Nurse Practitioner program at National University equips you with advanced clinical skills and knowledge. This 48-credit program is delivered 100% online and can be completed in 30 m…
Michigan State University
The MSN — Family Nurse Practitioner program at Michigan State University is a fully online course designed for registered nurses looking to specialize in family healthcare. This 45-credit program can…
Grand Canyon University
MSN — Family Nurse Practitioner. Online format.
University of Pennsylvania
The MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner program offers a 100% online format, allowing you to earn your degree in just 24 months. With 43 credits, this program is tailored for registered nurses seeking to…
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
The MSN — Family Nurse Practitioner program combines online and on-campus learning, enabling you to complete your degree in 30 months. With 46 credits required, this program prepares you for advanced…
Sacred Heart University
The online MSN — Family Nurse Practitioner program is designed for registered nurses aiming for advanced practice roles. Over 30 months, you'll complete 46 credits, gaining the skills necessary to pr…
Grand Canyon University
The MSN in Health Care Quality & Patient Safety at GCU is delivered entirely online and focuses on improving healthcare outcomes. This 36-credit program can be completed in 24 months, making it a gre…
Arizona State University
The MSN in Health Systems Administration program at Arizona State University prepares you for leadership roles in nursing and healthcare management. This fully online program spans 30 credits and can…
University of Texas at Arlington
The MSN in Informatics program focuses on the integration of technology in nursing practice, preparing you for a vital role in healthcare data management. This 36-credit program is offered online and…
Western Governors University
WGU's MSN in Leadership & Management prepares you to take on leadership roles in healthcare settings. Offered entirely online, this program requires 36 credits and can be completed in 24 months, prov…
University of Michigan — Flint
The MSN — Nurse Educator program prepares you for a vital role in nursing education. This 100% online program consists of 36 credits and can be completed in 24 months, making it an ideal choice for t…
University of Cincinnati
If you aspire to shape the future of nursing, the MSN in Nurse Educator program at the University of Cincinnati is perfect for you. This fully online program requires 36 credits and can be completed…
Grand Canyon University
GCU’s MSN in Nurse Educator program is a 100% online degree designed for nurses who aspire to teach and mentor future healthcare professionals. This 36-credit program can be completed in 24 months, o…
Chamberlain University
Chamberlain’s MSN — Nurse Educator program is a 100% online pathway for nurses aiming to teach the next generation. This 36-credit program can be completed in 24 months, equipping you with the skills…
Capella University
The MSN — Nurse Educator program prepares you to become an effective nursing educator. Offered entirely online, this 45-credit program can be completed in 30 months, equipping you with the skills to…
Walden University
The MSN - Nurse Educator program at Walden University equips you with the skills to teach future generations of nurses. This 42-credit degree can be completed in 30 months, entirely online, making it…
Chamberlain University
The MSN — Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program is fully online and designed for registered nurses looking to specialize. With 47 credits and a duration of 36 months, this program prepares you to provide…
Vanderbilt University
The MSN in Nurse-Midwifery at Vanderbilt University is a hybrid program designed for those interested in women's health and midwifery. Spanning 36 months and 55 credits, this program prepares you for…
University of Pennsylvania
The MSN - Nursing Administration program is a 100% online degree that can be completed in 24 months with 36 credits. This program is ideal for nurses looking to take on leadership roles in healthcare…
Regis College
The MSN — Nursing Administration program equips you with the leadership skills needed for administrative roles in healthcare settings. This 36-credit, fully online program can be completed in 24 mont…
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
The MSN — Nursing Administration program is a hybrid format that can be completed in 24 months. Requiring 36 credits, it focuses on leadership and management skills for nurses aiming to move into adm…
Maryville University
The MSN in Nursing Administration at Maryville University is designed for nurses looking to step into leadership roles. Offered entirely online, this 36-credit program can be completed in 24 months,…
Drexel University
Drexel's MSN in Nursing Administration prepares you for leadership roles within healthcare organizations. This 100% online program includes 36 credits and can be completed in 24 months, making it ide…
National University
The MSN — Nursing Administration program at National University is designed for RNs looking to move into leadership positions. This 36-credit online program can be completed in 24 months, providing t…
Herzing University
Herzing University's MSN in Nursing Administration prepares you for leadership roles in healthcare. This 100% online program requires 36 credits and can be completed in 24 months, making it a flexibl…
George Washington University
The MSN — Nursing Administration program at GWU is tailored for nurses looking to move into leadership roles. Offered entirely online, this 36-credit program can be completed in 24 months, equipping…
University of Michigan — Flint
Our MSN — Nursing Administration program equips you with the skills needed for leadership roles in healthcare. Offered entirely online, this 36-credit program can be completed in 24 months, providing…
Penn State World Campus
The MSN in Nursing Administration program is designed for those seeking leadership roles in nursing. Offered 100% online, you can complete this 33-credit program in 24 months, equipping you with the…
University of Tennessee at Knoxville
The MSN — Nursing Administration program is designed for nurses looking to take on leadership roles. This fully online program can be completed in 24 months, requiring 36 credits, making it a conveni…
Gonzaga University
The MSN — Nursing Administration program at Gonzaga University equips you with essential skills for leadership roles in healthcare. This 100% online program requires 36 credits and can be completed i…
Western Governors University
The MSN in Nursing Education at WGU is tailored for nurses aiming to become educators in the field. This fully online program consists of 36 credits and can be completed in 24 months, allowing you to…
Florida State University
The MSN — Nursing Education program at FSU is tailored for those aspiring to teach the next generation of nurses. Offered fully online, this 36-credit program can be completed in 24 months, providing…
Simmons University
Simmons University's MSN - Nursing Education program is a 100% online degree requiring 36 credits and can be completed in 24 months. This program is perfect for nurses who aspire to teach and mentor…
Drexel University
The MSN in Nursing Education at Drexel University equips you with the skills to educate future nurses. Offered entirely online, this program consists of 36 credits and can be completed in 24 months,…
University of Phoenix
The MSN in Nursing Education program prepares you to become an educator in the nursing field, focusing on teaching and curriculum development. This fully online program requires 36 credits and can be…
National University
The MSN — Nursing Education program at National University prepares you to take on roles in academic settings. This 36-credit program is entirely online and can be completed in 24 months, offering a…
Showing 100 of 177 programs from our directory. View all programs in North Carolina
Explore Nursing in North Carolina
Programs by Degree Type
61
MSN Programs
25
DNP Programs
12
BSN Programs
2
ADN Programs
Nursing Schools in North Carolina
40 accredited institutions offering nursing programs.
| School | Programs | Degree Types | NCLEX Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duke University | 4 | BSNDNPMSN | 95.0% | View |
| ECPI University | 2 | BSNADN | 79.2% | View |
| Vanderbilt University | 4 | BSNDNPMSN | 97.0% | View |
| Arizona College of Nursing | 1 | BSN | 88.3% | View |
| Excelsior University | 2 | ADNBSN | N/A | View |
| Western Governors University | 3 | BSNMSN | 91.8% | View |
| Aspen University | 1 | BSN | N/A | View |
| National University | 4 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences | 2 | BSNMSN | 91.2% | View |
| University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | 4 | BSNDNPMSN | 98.0% | View |
| American Public University System | 1 | BSN | N/A | View |
| Southern New Hampshire University | 1 | BSN | N/A | View |
| Regis College | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Johns Hopkins University | 2 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| George Washington University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| University of Cincinnati | 4 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Arizona State University | 2 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Drexel University | 4 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Michigan State University | 2 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| University of Michigan — Flint | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
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