Jump to Section

Top North Carolina RN to BSN Programs

The healthcare system in the United States is currently undergoing monumental changes. Among the many changes that have been seen over the past several years has been an increased demand for nurses with BSN degrees. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), 46 percent of healthcare employers require new RN hires to hold a bachelor's degree at minimum, while almost 90 percent of healthcare employers express a strong preference towards nurses with BSN degrees. As a result of this trend, RNs around the country are going back to school to gain their BSNs in order to stay competitive in the field and broaden their career prospects. Degree-granting institutions have also taken note of the trend and have made it easier, quicker, and cheaper for nurses to earn their BSN degrees while they continue to work. With so many programs out there, and with more popping up each year, finding one that suits your individual needs best can be difficult and time-consuming. That's why we've put together a list of the top RN to BSN programs in the state of North Carolina.

How to Choose a Top RN to BSN Program in North Carolina

Choosing which RN to BSN program you'll attend is a big decision that shouldn't be taken lightly. While you check out our list of North Carolina's top RN to BSN programs, look into the following factors:

  • Proper accreditation
  • Graduation rates
  • Tuition and costs
  • Age of the program/school
  • Scholarships and financial aid availability
  • Employment rates upon graduation
  • Program reputation
  • Clinical opportunities/internships
  • Online coursework options

Testing and Certification

Since RNs with ADN degrees have already passed the NCLEX-RN exam in order to obtain licensure, no additional licensing exam is needed upon completion of the RN to BSN degree program.

List of Top RN to BSN Programs in North Carolina

1. Winston-Salem State University

Founded in 1892 as a historically black public research university, Winston-Salem State University today is a constituent institution of the University of North Carolina (UNC). Winston-Salem State University offers one of the most affordable online RN to BSN programs in the nation and admits new students three times each year. The program, which students can complete full or part-time, can be completed entirely online and has been designed so that working students can be successful. While enrolled in the program, students can expect to tackle courses like Pathophysiology, Health Assessment, and Community Health Nursing, among others. Following the completion of the online, didactic portion of the course, students are required to carry out on-site clinical practicums.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • North Carolina Baptist Hospital
  • Novant Health Medical Park Hospital
  • Brenner's Children's Hospital

Tuition:

WSSU's tuition and fees are some of the lowest in the country. RN to BSN students can expect to spend less than $5,000.

2. Western Carolina University

Founded in 1889, Western Carolina University - the fifth oldest institution of the UNC system - is a public university that's located in the city of Cullowhee. WCU offers an online/hybrid RN to BSN program that can be completed entirely online, with students having access to course material 24 hours a day. Students can complete the coursework, which includes topics like community health, leadership, and research, on a part-time basis, in four consecutive semesters. An in-person practicum at a local healthcare facility is required after the online coursework has been completed. Cross-team communication and leadership in a healthcare setting are both heavily emphasized in the program.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • Western Carolina University Health Services
  • Harris Regional Hospital
  • Cherokee Indian Hospital

Tuition:

The "NC Promise" states that North Carolina residents pay a reduced tuition and can finish their RN to BSN degree for around $3,500 (including textbooks). Out-of-state residents can expect to pay around $9,500 to attend the program.

3. University of North Carolina - Wilmington

First established in 1947, University of North Carolina - Wilmington is a public research university. UNC - Wilmington offers an online/hybrid 31 semester credit hour RN to BSN program that provides students with the flexibility required to work alongside their studies. Students are taught by doctoral-level faculty and have the opportunity to enter the program six times per year. Courses are delivered in seven-week blocks and the program can generally be completed in as little as 12 months. In addition to the program's online coursework, students must complete clinical practice experiences at local healthcare facilities.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • New Hanover Regional Medical Center
  • NHRMC Hearth Hospital
  • Betty H. Cameron Women's & Children's Hospital

Tuition:

In-state students can expect to pay around $4,866 to attend UNC - Wilmington's RN to BSN program while out-of-state students can expect to pay around $18,465.

4. Cabarrus College of Health Sciences

Founded in 1942, Cabarrus College of Health Sciences is a private, not-for-profit college located in Concord. CCHS's 61 credit hour RN to BSN program, which is offered in a partnership with Atrium Health, is delivered entirely online and can be completed in as little as 18 months. Each course is five weeks long and students have the option to complete the program either full or part-time. CCHS boats an exceptional and nationally recognized faculty that supports its students to ensure their success. Some courses students can expect to take while enrolled include Health and Population Service, Nursing Informatics, and Health Policy, among others. New class cohorts are admitted before the beginning of fall and spring semesters.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • Atrium Health Cabarrus
  • Jeff Gordon Children's Hospital

Tuition:

For current tuition rates for the RN to BSN program at CCHS, contact (704) 403-1556

5. University of North Carolina - Charlotte

Originally opened to the public in 1946, the University of North Carolina - Charlotte is a public research university. UNC - Charlotte's 50-year-old Nursing School offers a 31 credit hour RN to BSN program that students can complete online. During their studies, students can expect to take courses like Aging and Health, Information Technology: Applications to Healthcare, and Leadership in Nursing Practice, just to name a few. New cohorts are admitted three times a year.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center
  • Atrium Health's Carolinas Medical Center
  • Levine Children's Hospital

Tuition:

Tuition and fees for the University of North Carolina - Charlotte's program can be found by contacting them at (704) 687-8622