PROGRAMS

Top ABSN Programs in North Carolina | 2024

BSN, RN

10 Min Read Published August 23, 2024

How to Earn an ABSN in North Carolina
ABSN Programs in North Carolina
What to Expect
Working as a Nurse in North Carolina
Next Steps
FAQs

If you’re an aspiring nurse in North Carolina with a bachelor's degree, an accelerated BSN might be the right path for you. This guide to ABSN programs in North Carolina lays out all your program options in the Tarheel State.

Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs

How to Earn an ABSN in North Carolina

To earn your ABSN in North Carolina, you must first have a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field.
You’ll then need to apply to an ABSN program and meet any of the school’s prerequisites, which often include courses in microbiology and statistics.
Some schools also require an admission exam.
Upon completing an ABSN program, you’ll be qualified to sit for the NCLEX exam to become a registered nurse.

ABSN Programs in North Carolina

Earning your ABSN in North Carolina comes with the advantage of having access to several leading healthcare facilities in the area and many reputable institutions, like Duke and Chapel Hill, that provide a quality nursing education. We’ve rounded up 5 of the best ABSN programs in the state to choose from—most are in-person, but there are a few hybrid options as well if you need some online flexibility.

1. Duke University

Location: Durham, North Carolina
Program Cost: $25,258 per semester
Program Length: 16 months
School Type: Private
Online Options Available? In-person

Applications for Duke’s competitive ABSN program open in the previous fall for the next year’s fall start time. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible to increase their chances of being accepted. Students need a minimum 3.0 GPA from their previous degree and the following prerequisites: 6-8 credits of Human Anatomy and Physiology, 3-4 credits of Microbiology (lab recommended), 3 credits of statistics, and a Human Growth and Development or Developmental Psychology class.

2. North Carolina Central University

Location: Durham, North Carolina
Program Cost: $184.50 per credit hour
Program Length: 14 to 15 months
School Type: Public
Online Options Available? Online and in-person

Students looking for a hybrid option may want to consider applying at North Carolina Central University’s ABSN program, which will prepare them to sit for the NCLEX in only 14-15 months. The admission deadline for a fall start time is June 1st. Applicants must have a 3.2 GPA from their first bachelor’s and a minimum TEAS score of 70 to be considered.

Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs

3. Queens University of Charlotte

Location: Charlotte, North Carolina
Program Cost: $857 per credit hour
Program Length: 3 semesters
School Type: Private
Online Options Available? In-person

Get your recs ready because you will need a letter of recommendation to apply for this ASBN program. The program is a fast and furious 3 semesters long, but close-knit faculty and a charming setting will help the time fly by. Students attend classes in the historic Myers Park neighborhood, with clinical sites minutes away at Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center and Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center.

4. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Location: Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Program Cost: $32,255
Program Length: 4 semesters
School Type: Public
Online Options Available? In-person

UNC at Chapel Hill’s in-person ABSN takes four consecutive semesters, and applicants must have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA to be considered for admission. Applications for a fall start open the previous fall. Students must have completed an Anatomy/lab, Physiology/lab, Microbiology/lab, Statistics, and Intro to Psych by the application deadline.

5. Western Carolina University

Location: Cullowhee, North Carolina
Program Cost: $3658.40 per semester
Program Length: 16 months
School Type: Public
Online Options Available? Online and In-person

Western Carolina University’s ABSN program, located in Asheville, NC boasts a 100% NCLEX pass rate. Prospective students must apply by January and once admitted, the program only takes 4 semesters (or 16 consecutive months) to complete. Clinicals take place primarily in Buncombe County and might include some travel around Western North Carolina. Each class admits 55 students.

What to Expect in an ABSN Program in North Carolina

Like other ABSN programs in the country, the programs in North Carolina are competitive and fast-paced. Because some programs are in-person (as well as some hybrid), taking time off or work during the program isn't recommended, as the expectations and clinical requirements are rigorous.

North Carolina ABSN Tuition

Tuition for ABSN programs in North Carolina cost between $15,000 and $100,000. Your tuition will vary depending on the program’s location, public vs. private school status, and in-person vs. online attendance.

Admission Requirements

Each university has its own specific admissions standards. However, every ABSN program in North Carolina requires a non-nursing bachelor's degree.

Other common admission requirements for accelerated nursing programs in North Carolina include:

Non-nursing bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
Minimum 3.0 GPA
Prerequisites (e.g., Statistics or Anatomy & Physiology)
Personal statement
TEAS examination
Letter(s) of recommendation
Transcripts
Application fee
Admissions interview
Resume/CV

How Hard Are North Carolina ABSN Programs?

The Old North State boasts some of the top ABSN programs nationwide, including nationally ranked Duke University, making admission to these schools incredibly competitive. The curriculums are challenging, and the fast pace makes it important to devote your full effort and attention to your studies.

Despite the challenges, earning an ABSN in North Carolina has its perks. Nineteen hospitals in North Carolina made the US News best hospitals rankings list, providing great environments for you to learn and work.

How Long is an Accelerated BSN Program in North Carolina?

Accelerated BSN programs in North Carolina typically take 12 to 16 months to complete. These programs have a set progression plan that students must follow to graduate.

Working as a Nurse in North Carolina

BSN Salary in North Carolina

The median annual RN salary nationwide is $94,480 or $45.42 per hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). RNs in North Carolina earn a little less than the average, bringing in $71,914 annually or $35.00 an hour. However, a lower cost of living can still make this worthwhile.

ZipRecruiter reports the average salary for BSN nurses is $62 an hour, while ADNs earn $31 an hour.

Career Outlook

North Carolina is home to 153,000 registered nurses. The BLS reports that all RN jobs will grow by 6% from 2022 to 2023, faster than the average for all other occupations. This growth equates to 177,400 openings for registered nurses each year.

BSN Jobs in North Carolina

Nurses can work in a large variety of locations depending on their interests. The largest and most common employer of nurses is hospitals. Other possible job locations include:

Ambulatory healthcare services
Government agencies
Academia
Medical and aesthetic spas
Outpatient clinics
Long-term care facilities
Private practice
Surgery centers
Urgent care centers
Retirement facilities
Mental health facilities

Next Steps

With a non-nursing bachelor's degree, you can achieve your dream nursing career with a timely and affordable ABSN program in North Carolina. These degrees allow qualified non-nurses to enter the workforce in 12-16 months at a fraction of the cost of traditional BSNs.

Accelerated nursing programs in North Carolina offer in-person and hybrid options, multiple start dates, and hands-on practice in clinical settings. If you're ready to become a nurse in the Tarheel State, these programs may be exactly what you need.

For more information on earning an ABSN, check out these resources:

Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs

FAQs

How many ABSN programs are in North Carolina?
- There are currently five accredited CRNA programs in North Carolina.
How much do ABSN programs in North Carolina cost?
- ABSN programs range in price from roughly $15,000 to over $100,000, depending on the program.
How long are ABSN programs in North Carolina?
- ABSN programs in North Carolina are 12-16 months long.
How many nurses are in North Carolina?
- Currently, there are 153,000 registered nurses employed in North Carolina.
How much do nurses in North Carolina make?
- North Carolina nurses make roughly $71,914 annually or $35.00 an hour.