Picking the right BSN from the abundance of accredited nursing degree programs in North Carolina can transform your healthcare career. Known for being “First in Flight,” North Carolina is a Southeastern state packed with 10.14 million patients who are making the healthcare sector soar. According to the NC Department of Commerce, the Tar Heel State’s medical field will grow 2.6 percent yearly from 537,862 jobs in 2012 to 704,405 jobs in 2022. Nursing graduates are in-demand at large facilities like Pitt County Memorial Hospital, Carolinas Medical Center, Duke University Hospital, Forsyth Medical Center, and Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center. Forbes even recognized North Carolina’s Research Triangle as the #1 best metro for healthcare workers. To see more accredited degree programs in North Carolina, visit Nursing Degree Programs in North Carolina (A-L) and Nursing Degree Programs in North Carolina (U-Z).
Lenoir-Rhyne University
School of Nursing
Belonging to the South Atlantic Conference, Lenoir-Rhyne University is a private, nonprofit Lutheran institution affiliated with the ELCA North Carolina Synod on a $98 million endowment to educate 2,303 Bears and employ 191 faculty upon its 100-acre campus in Hickory just 36 miles from Gastonia. Recognized for America’s 254th best college athletics and 696th most valuable tuition on Niche, LR is ranked the 56th best Southern university by the U.S. News. Named the #9 “Up and Coming Nursing School in the South,” the Lenoir-Rhyne School of Nursing has passed the 100-year mark delivering faith-based healthcare training with a 91 percent placement rate.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Chaired by Dr. Kerry Thompson, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Lenoir-Rhyne has followed CCNE standards since 1964 to prepare traditional undergrads for RN licensing from the North Carolina State Board of Nursing with a distinctive Christian worldview. Starting in the sophomore year, the liberal arts-based major nurtures the technical skills for nurses to promote health across the age and wellness spectrum. The 128-credit, pre-licensure degree injects courses from pharmacology to biophysical illness for NCLEX-RN prep. Community college students could follow the Regionally Increasing Baccalaureate Nursing (RIBN) track with online courses. Three semesters of clinical practicum are mandated at partners like Blue Ridge Morganton, Frye Regional Medical Center, and Catawba Valley Medical Center.
RN to BSN
Open for rolling admission to licensed nurses who’ve completed 56+ college credits with a cumulative GPA above 2.5, the RN to BSN is another of the accredited nursing degree programs in North Carolina hosted by Lenoir-Rhyne. Associate holders finish the Bachelor of Science in Nursing within four semesters for $1,330 per credit to advance their competencies improving healthcare quality in specialized nursing practice. Taking a Christian caring approach, the 50-72 credit curriculum involves courses like disease management, health promotion, aging, and nursing leadership before clinical practica. LR nurses could also benefit from joining the Mu Alpha Chapter, engaging with Foothills Homeless Veteran Stand Down, running clinics with the Solmaz Institute, and studying in Belize.
Accreditation
• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
625 Seventh Ave. NE
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 328-7282
Kerry.Thompson@lr.edu
Mars Hill University
Judge-McRae School of Nursing
Occupying 194 acres in Madison County just 15 miles north of Asheville near the Tennessee border, Mars Hill University is a private, nonprofit Baptist school that’s operating “For Christ and For Youth” with 1,395 Mountain Lions studying in 35 majors. Crowned the 23rd top baccalaureate institution nationally for social service in Washington Monthly, MHU is ranked the 20th best Southern university and ninth best for vets school by the U.S. News. Recently awarded $500,000 in Golden Leaf Funds, the Judge-McRae School of Nursing is led by Dean Cathy Franklin-Griffin, PhD, with faculty from Gardner-Webb, NC State, East Carolina, UNC-Chapel Hill, and others to train altruistic students for rural practice.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Started in Fall 2016, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing is MHU’s traditional, pre-licensure option for college juniors with a minimum 3.0 GPA to develop the professional skills and values needed to become healthcare providers. Placing emphasis on rural Western North Carolina, the BSN produces responsible citizens with the clinical judgment to effectively deliver patient treatments. Estimated to cost $41,104 total yearly, the 128-credit program features engaging courses on mental health, nursing statistics, innovative therapies, bioethics, and healthy aging with an average class size of 25. Clinical rotations are immersive at Pardee Hospital, Hot Springs Health, Buncombe County Health Department, and more. Those scoring 1170 or higher on the SAT could add rigor with the Honors Program.
Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Admitting cohorts of 25-35 RNs each Fall for evening courses at the Asheville Center for Adult & Graduate Studies, the Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing at MHU is among the accredited nursing degree programs in North Carolina. Taking 12 to 24 months based on previous credits, the curriculum pushes toward the 128-credit BSN by sharpening nurses’ critical thinking, communication, and assessment skills for professional practice. Expect courses like transcultural health, healthcare law, leadership, and evidence-based treatment before the eight-week focused practicum. Undergrads could also pledge Sigma Theta Tau, practice in South Africa, and volunteer with the Red Cross. Admission requires 3+ years of bedside nursing experience and a 2.4 GPA.
Accreditation
• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
Ferguson Health Sciences Center 211
100 Athletic Street, Box 6678
Mars Hill, NC 38754
(828) 689-1606
cfranklingriffin@mhu.edu
Methodist University
School of Health Sciences
Endowed for $19.48 million, Methodist University is a private, nonprofit mainline Protestant teaching institution that’s seen enrollment double to 2,450 Monarchs since 1990 under President Ben Hancock, Jr. on its close-knit campus near Fort Bragg in Fayetteville, Forbes’ 153rd best city for education. Graded A as America’s 122nd most diverse college on Niche, Methodist is crowned the 87th best Southern university by the U.S. News. Open for admission from November 1st to January 31st yearly, the School of Health Sciences houses one of the accredited nursing degree programs in North Carolina with a 12:1 student-faculty ratio.
Traditional BSN Pre-Licensure Program
Preparing generalist nurses for the NCLEX-RN exam since August 2010, the Traditional BSN Pre-Licensure Program at Methodist instills the transformative healthcare skills to holistically treat multicultural communities with Christian values and advance into MSN degrees. Directed by Shannon Matthews, DNP, the CCNE-accredited program charges $32,500 annually for full-time, day students to take courses like maternal child nursing, nutrition, mental health, healthcare informatics, and leadership principles with a 2.8 GPA or better. Life-sized patient mannequins in the 10,000-square-foot General Simulation Hospital expose students to real-life practice. Aspiring nurses could also venture from Kenya to Kosovo, join the MU Student Nursing Association, attend the Bullard-Templeton Lecture Series, and intern at Highsmith-Rainey Specialty Hospital.
Accreditation
• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
5400 Ramsey Street
Fayetteville, NC 28311
(910) 630-7578
jcaviness@methodist.edu
http://www.methodist.edu/academics/programs/nur
Pfeiffer University
Division of Applied Health Sciences
Also affiliated with the United Methodist Church, Pfeiffer University is a private, nonprofit higher learning institution opened on Lick Mountain in 1885 that’s expanded to educate 1,200 Falcons and employ 51 full-time faculty from a 321-acre main campus in Stanly County with its $18.6 million endowment. Named America’s 430rd hardest college to get into on Niche, Pfeiffer is ranked the 84th best Southern university by the U.S. News and 145th top Southern value in Washington Monthly. Selectively admitting 47 percent of applicants, the Division of Applied Health Sciences offers eight degrees and four certificates focused on cutting-edge medicine.
Nursing B.S.
Currently billing full-time tuition of $28,560 per year, the Nursing B.S. at Pfeiffer is chaired by Dianne Daniels, PhD, for undergrads to develop the generalist, patient-centered dispositions for supporting and healing diverse populations across the lifespan. Accepting applications until February 1st, the 125-credit program utilizes a caring theoretical perspective to meet CCNE guidelines and prepare graduates for NCLEX-RN passing scores. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio keeps required courses like microbiology, pathophysiology, health assessment, therapeutic communication, and aging intimate. Attending this “College of Distinction” means getting hands-on nursing practice in Harris Hall’s Simulation Center and at off-campus partners, including Bill Hefner VA Medical Center, while attending Nursing Club events.
RN to BSN Online
Unlocking a median salary of $69,900, Pfeiffer’s RN to BSN Online is one of the most flexible accredited nursing degree programs in North Carolina for busy registered nurses to conveniently advance their education credentials anytime 24/7 and “Beyond Boundaries” on Blackboard. Offering the Transfer Academic Scholarship, the program suits A.S. in Nursing graduates with RN licensing and GPAs above 2.0. Spanning from 30 to 62 credits, the customized online degree includes courses for health promotion, nursing leadership, community health, chemistry, and pharmacology. Advised by Sheila Mull, RN, the program will satisfy practicum hours at nurses’ own workplaces. Alums have excelled with CMC Mercy, Randolph Hospital, Stanly Manor, Rowan Regional Medical Center, and others.
Accreditation
• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
48380 U.S. Route 52
Misenheimer, NC 28109
(704) 463-1360
nursing@pfeiffer.edu
http://www.pfeiffer.edu/academics/divisions/division-applied-health-sciences
Queens University of Charlotte
Presbyterian School of Nursing
Enrolling 1,869 Royals with an average GPA of 3.5, Queens University of Charlotte is a private, master’s Presbyterian institution endowed for $100 million under President Dr. Pamela L. Davies with a 95-acre campus in Mecklenberg County. Distinguished as the 103rd best Christian university on Niche, Queens is declared America’s 317th best private college with the 120th most grateful alums by Forbes. Employing 20 full-time faculty, including ANA Executive Director Debbie Hatmaker, the Presbyterian School of Nursing was also ranked the 211st best nursing school nationally by the U.S. News with an NCLEX-RN pass rate of 95 percent.
BSN in Nursing
Attracting around 250 undergrads, the BSN in Nursing at Queens is one of the premier CCNE accredited nursing degree programs in North Carolina for undergrads to develop the clinical judgment, problem-solving, integrity, and respect for serving the sick. Finishing the 120-credit degree is possible in three customized avenues. The Traditional BSN Track suits first-year Royals seeking four years of quality nursing education for state licensure. The Accelerated BSN Track is ideal for second-degree students looking to change careers via the Hayworth Graduate School. Although paused in 2016, the RN to BSN Track is also returning for registered nurses to advance their professional development. Each option includes intensive practice at the nearby Novant Health and Carolinas Healthcare System.
Accreditation
• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
Withers House 1433
2025 Selwyn Ave.
Charlotte, NC 28207
(704) 337-2314
PSONAdmissions@queens.edu
University of Mount Olive
Department of Nursing
Led by President Dr. Phillip P. Kersetter, the University of Mount Olive is a private, nonprofit Baptist liberal arts school in Conference Carolinas that’s grown a $26.29 million endowment since its 1951 founding with 2,500 Trojans studying atop its 250-acre farmland campus north of Warsaw. Applauded as America’s 235th safest college on Niche, UMO is ranked the 32nd best Southern university by the U.S. News and 30th best Southeastern value in Washington Monthly. The Department of Nursing received CCNE approval in Fall 2014 to immerse cohorts of 20 students in high-quality, industry-aligned training that leaves “Lives Transformed.”
RN to BSN
Priced at $425 per credit, Mount Olive’s RN to BSN accepts up to 96 transfer credits from other accredited nursing degree programs in North Carolina and out-of-state for licensed nurses who wish to advance in the highly educated healthcare workforce with better patient outcomes. Available 100% online, the 126-credit, asynchronous degree positions RNs for leadership roles by meeting competencies in nursing ethics, community health, nursing research, and evidence-based practice. Six start dates annually help working RNs finish the accelerated, five-week courses quick without a traditional clinical requirement. Nurses living near Mount Olive could still join HOSA Club, pledge Sigma Theta Tau, use the Pope Wellness Center, and access the Moye Library too.
Accreditation
• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
634 Henderson Street
Mount Olive, NC 28365
(919) 346-7046
nciric@umo.edu
https://www.umo.edu/academics/nursing
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
School of Nursing
Located on a 729-acre campus dominated by Polk Place and McCorkle Place in the Raleigh-Durham-Cary Metropolitan Area, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is a historic public, research-intensive AAU member formed in 1789 that’s now educating 29,469 Tar Heels under Chancellor Carol Folt. Honored for America’s 16th best student life on Niche, UNC Chapel Hill is deemed the 11th top public university and 15th best value by Forbes. Partnered with the #2 best medical school, the School of Nursing houses four accredited nursing degree programs in North Carolina that ranked 17th nationally by the U.S. News.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Noted for its Hillman Scholars Program in Nursing Innovation, UNC’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing in Chapel Hill presently charges $8,566 for North Carolinians and $33,648 for non-residents annually to complete CCNE-approved training for generalist practice. The Traditional BSN option admits sophomores each December to finish the upper-division courses, while the Accelerated BSN option welcomes second-degree graduates each August. Tackling the 65-credit, pre-licensure major involves rigorous courses from genomic healthcare to newborn nursing and health leadership. Directed by Hilary Mendel, MSN, the program integrates clinical preceptorships at sites like Duke Raleigh Hospital and WakeMed Raleigh Campus. Majors could also undertake missions in Guatemala, research in the Biobehavioral Lab, and join the Alpha Alpha Chapter of STTI.
Accreditation
• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
Carrington Hall, CB#7460
120 North Medical Dr.
Chapel Hill, NC 27599
(919) 966-3731
nursing@unc.edu
http://nursing.unc.edu/academics/bachelor-of-science-in-nursing/
Investing in more higher education than is required could be counterintuitive for some RNs, but going the extra step for a bachelor’s degree can pay off greatly. According to the Institute of Medicine, BSN-level graduates are strongly preferred for more specialized roles, such as surgical nurse, gynecological nurse, and intensive-care unit nurse. Bachelor’s-trained registered nurses earn 60 percent more than their diploma or associate-level colleagues for median lifetime earnings of $3.75 million after taxes. Undergraduate nursing majors can also qualify nurses for entering graduate school and finding APRN jobs that make $107,460 yearly on average. Scrub into the fast-growing healthcare scene with clinical skills gained from these accredited nursing degree programs in North Carolina.
Related Resource: Top 10 Cheap Online RN to BSN Degree Programs
