How to Become an RN in North Carolina With an Online Degree

North Carolina has a projected shortage of 12,500 registered nurses by 2033. Think about it: Around 13% of RN positions are vacant.

So, if you’re asking how to become an RN in North Carolina, you’re on the right track.

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The availability of online and hybrid programs makes nursing more accessible, too. There are also multiple educational pathways toward becoming an RN – ADB, BSN, and ABSN.

Here, you’ll learn about the:

Step-by-step RN licensure process
Online program structure
Salary expectations and job outlook
Top nursing schools in North Carolina

The information here was sourced from the North Carolina Board of Nursing (NCBON). This is the organization that oversees the RN licensing process for the Tar Heel State.

Related:

Quick Answer: Steps to Become an RN in North Carolina

Here’s a more in-depth look at how to become an RN in North Carolina.

1. Complete an approved ADN or BSN program.

You must first earn either an ADN or BSN degree from an NCBON-approved program. Your school will verify your program completion to the NCBON as part of the application process.

Click here for the list of NCBON-approved programs.

2. Complete required clinical hours.

The in-person clinical training hours are included in your NCBON-approved program’s curriculum. The clinical training hours ensure nursing competencies in real-world healthcare settings.

3. Apply for licensure through the North Carolina Board of Nursing.

The North Carolina Board of Nursing application can be simplified into these steps.

Create your personal account in the Nurse Portal.
Submit your Licensure by Examination application online.
Comply with the NCBON’s eligibility requirements.
Pay the application fee ($75).
Receive your application’s confirmation in the Nurse Portal.
Wait for NCBON’s decision about your application.
Receive your Authorization to Test (ATT) once NCBON approves it.

Applications are active for one year.

4. Register and pass the NCLEX-RN.

With your ATT, follow these registration steps:

Register with Pearson VUE for the NCLEX-RN.
Pay the registration fee ($200).
Schedule your exam date and location.

Then, you must pass the NCLEX-RN – it’s a must for RN licensure. It may take a few weeks for the release of the official results.

5. Complete background check.

You can complete the background check before or after taking the NCLEX-RN. License issuance depends on its favorable results.

Log in to your NCBON Nurse Portal account.
Follow the instructions for the fingerprint/background check submission.
Schedule an in-person Live Scan appointment (in-state) or mail your fingerprint cards (out-of-state).
Pay the vendor fees – about $38 for NCBON and $50-$75 for Live Scan.

6. Receive your RN license.

Once you’ve completed all requirements, your license will be available through the Nurse Portal. Prospective employers can verify it, too, via NCBON’s database.

North Carolina is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) participant. Eligible nurses can apply for a multistate license that allows them to practice nursing in other NLC states.

Can You Become an RN Fully Online in North Carolina?

The online RN programs North Carolina offers aren’t 100% online. Instead, these programs adopt a hybrid format where:

Didactic courses are completed online via a learning management system (LMS)
Clinical rotations in real-world healthcare settings are done in person
Simulation labs are also completed during in-person sessions

But it’s important to enroll only in an NCBON-approved program. Remember, too, that hybrid programs aren’t easier. You must meet the same rigorous standards as on-campus programs.

Education Pathways: ADN vs BSN in North Carolina

A nursing degree is among the foremost North Carolina RN requirements.

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)

The ADN is a 2-year degree offered by community colleges. The lower upfront costs and shorter completion time make it a popular choice. Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

The BSN is a 4-year degree that covers foundational and advanced nursing concepts. Major hospital systems require or prefer BSN-prepared RNs, especially for leadership and specialized roles. As a result, it provides higher long-term earning potential.

Accelerated BSN (Second Degree Students)

The accelerated BSN North Carolina online programs last for 12-18 months. It has an intensive, fast-paced format in a hybrid model.

Here’s an ADN vs BSN North Carolina comparison.

Pathway	Time	Cost	Salary Growth	Career Mobility
ADN	2 years	Lower	Moderate	Limited without further education
BSN	4 years	Higher	High	Strong (Specialization, leadership)
Accelerated BSN	12-18 months	Moderate to high	High	Strong (Specialization, leadership)

North Carolina RN License Requirements (2026)

The North Carolina nursing license requirements follow the national standards, too.

An ADN or BSN degree from an NCBON-approved program.
A completed licensure application through the NCBON’s Nursing Portal.
A favorable set of results for the criminal background check.
A passing result on the NCLEX-RN.

NCBON issues the RN license within a few weeks after the NCLEX-RN.

NCLEX-RN Requirements in North Carolina

These are the NCLEX requirements North Carolina Board of Nursing imposes.

Separate registration with Pearson VUE, the official NCLEX-RN test administrator.
Issuance of a valid Authorization to Test (ATT) after NCBON’s review.
Meeting the score standards of the NCLEX-RN, which uses a computerized adaptive testing format.

You can retake the NCLEX-RN exam after 45 days if you don’t pass it on your first attempt. Note that you can retake the exam until you pass. But your application and ATT must remain valid.

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) oversees the NCLEX-RN.

RN Salary in North Carolina (2026 Data)

Your RN salary in North Carolina typically depends on:

Education level (ADN vs. BSN)
Work experience (entry-level vs. advanced)
Geographical location (urban vs. rural)
Type of employer (hospital system vs. independent practice)

But here’s what you can expect in salaries at different levels.

Statewide Median RN Salary: $81,860
Entry‑Level Salary: $64,180
BSN vs ADN Salary Differences: $78,820 vs. $66,260
Urban vs Rural Pay Differences: $84,780 vs. $78,540

In major metro areas, the annual median RN salaries are:

Charlotte: $84,780
Raleigh: $84,870
Greensboro: $84,200

Top 3 Schools for an Online RN Pathway in North Carolina

These are our top picks for online RN programs in North Carolina.

1. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

UNC-Chapel Hill offers an accessible RN-to-BSN online option. Its School of Nursing is a highly ranked school with strong clinical partnerships.

2. East Carolina University

ECU’s online RN-to-BSN program offers accelerated options with time-to-completion in four semesters (16 months). Students praise the strong rural healthcare focus.

3. Western Carolina University

WCU offers an online RN-to-BSN program as well as hybrid BSN pathways. Flexible scheduling makes them suitable for working professionals.

School	Program Type	Online Format	Notable Strength
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill	RN-to-BSN	Hybrid	Prestigious nursing program. Comprehensive courses. Robust clinical partnerships
East Carolina University	RN-to-BSN	Hybrid	Accelerated format. Strong focus on rural healthcare.
Western Carolina University	RN-to-BSN	Hybrid	Flexible scheduling for working professionals.

Cost of Becoming an RN in North Carolina

These are estimated costs only. Be sure to plan for your costs based on your school’s COA and financial aid.

ADN Tuition: $5,000 – $10,000
BSN Tuition: $20,000 – $40,000
NCLEX Registration Fees: $200
Application Fees (NCBON): $75
Background Checks: $115

ROI Table

Degree Type	Average Cost	Average Salary	Breakeven Time
ADN	$5,000 – $10,000	$66,260	1-2 months
BSN	$20,000 – $40,000	$78,820	2-4 years
ABSN	$25,000 – $30,000	$78,820	2.5-3 years

RN-to-BSN Online Programs in North Carolina

The RN to BSN online North Carolina programs:

Are designed for licensed RNs only
Offer fully online coursework, but clinical requirements must be completed in person, usually in local placements
Boost your salary and promotion potential
May offer employer tuition reimbursement

Job Outlook for Nurses in North Carolina

The nursing jobs in North Carolina demand remains strong due to these factors.

Growing healthcare systems are projected to add more than 12,500 RN openings every year.
The aging population has a projected growth of 65 years old and up from 1.9 million to over 2.8 million by 2042.
Hospital expansion in metro areas (e.g., Atrium Health’s Carolinas Medical Center)
Chronic shortage of travel nurses

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to become an RN in NC?

12-18 months (ABSN), 2 years (ADN), or 4 years (BSN).

Can you become an RN fully online?

No. All programs have in-person clinical rotations and simulation labs requirements.

What is the fastest way to become an RN in North Carolina?

An ABSN or an ADN is the fastest route.

How much do RNs make in North Carolina?

$81,860 is the statewide annual median salary.

Is a BSN required in North Carolina hospitals?

Not necessarily. An ADN suffices for RN licensure. But many hospitals require or prefer BSN-prepared RNs.

How hard is the NCLEX-RN?

It’s challenging, but proper preparation increases the likelihood of passing.

Structured Comparison Chart

Factor	ADN	BSN	Accelerated BSN
Length	2 years	4 years	12-18 months
Cost	Lower	Higher	Moderate to high
Salary	Moderate	Higher	Higher
Leadership Opportunities	Limited	Strong	Strong

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