Top Nurse Practitioner Programs in North Carolina

If you want to become a nurse practitioner in North Carolina, you're in the right place. You can join this rewarding and lucrative career in North Carolina by attending one of nearly 40 excellent, accredited programs.  This guide explores the best nurse practitioner programs in North Carolina, including accreditation, tuition, requirements, and more.  

How to Become a Nurse Practitioner in North Carolina

You can become a nurse practitioner in North Carolina by completing the following steps:

1. Attend an accredited BSN program
2. Pass the NCLEX-RN
3. Gain relevant experience working as a nurse (you may also be able to enroll directly into an NP program directly from your BSN program, depending on the school)
4. Graduate from an accredited nurse practitioner program
5. Become board-certified by passing the certifying exam in your NP specialty through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)
6. Get a job as a nurse practitioner

If you already have an NP degree, you can attend a post-graduate nurse practitioner certificate program instead of earning a separate degree. Some schools may also offer RNs with a bachelor's degree in another non-nursing field the opportunity to enroll in a bridge program. 

 

Top Nurse Practitioner Programs in North Carolina

The best nurse practitioner programs are organized based on our ranking methodology, which considers tuition, acceptance rate, student-to-faculty ratio, and accreditation. We also evaluate programs based on the latest and most robust U.S. government data sets, specifically the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and College Scorecard.

 

North Carolina Nurse Practitioner Program Admission Requirements 

Admission requirements to North Carolina nurse practitioner programs vary depending on the school and degree path. General admission requirements for all nurse practitioner programs include the following:

• A BSN from an accredited program
• A BSN GPA of at least 3.0
• Unencumbered RN license
• A basic statistics grade of 2.0 or better
• One year of relevant bedside nursing experience
• Letter(s) of recommendation
• Personal statement
• CV/Resume
• Official application and fee
• Personal interview
• GRE scores, if applicable
• TOEFL score, if applicable

 

How Hard Are Nurse Practitioner Programs in North Carolina?

Nurse practitioner programs, in North Carolina or elsewhere, are challenging and require a significant amount of time and money. Coursework is intense and often involves a lot of time to prepare, study, and complete clinicals. 

Full-time nurse practitioner students won't have enough time for a job, and their family and social time may become more restricted. Considering these factors will help you understand whether a nurse practitioner program in North Carolina is right for your nursing career.

 

How Long Are Nurse Practitioner Programs in North Carolina?

The length of a nurse practitioner program depends on the degree. Most students can earn an MSN in just two years, while DNP programs take three to four years. 

Some schools also offer part-time options, allowing students up to six years to complete all requirements.  Part-time attendance is ideal for students who must work while attending the program or those with family obligations.

No matter the length, you can expect a North Carolina nurse practitioner program to first consist of in-person or online didactic coursework. Clinicals correspond directly with the classwork, and students generally complete them toward the end of the program.

 

What to Expect Working as a Nurse Practitioner in North Carolina

Nurse Practitioner Salary in North Carolina

The average annual salary for a nurse practitioner in North Carolina is $118,412 or $57 an hour, according to ZipRecruiter.

Career Outlook

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the career outlook for NPs is excellent. Over the next decade, the BLS predicts employment for NPs will grow by 40% (Much faster than average).

Where can you work? Nurse Practitioner Jobs in North Carolina

Nurse practitioners can work in a variety of locations throughout North Carolina. These include: 

• Academia
• Community Mental Health Centers (urban and rural)
• Consulting with businesses and communities
• Correctional Facilities
• Domestic Violence Shelters
• Government Agency
• Home Health Agencies
• Hospitals
• Inpatient Psychiatric Facilities
• Primary Healthcare Clinics
• Private Psychiatric Practices
• Psychopharmacology Clinic
• Psychiatric Consult Services
• Public health agencies
• Residential Substance Abuse Facilities
• Schools
• State Psychiatric Facilities
• Student Health Clinics
• Urban Nurse-Managed Clinic
• Veterans Administration Psychiatric Facilities

 

Next Steps for Becoming a Nurse Practitioner in North Carolina

Becoming a nurse practitioner is rewarding because you can make a significant difference in your patients' lives. Choosing an NP pathway also allows you the opportunity to specialize in an area that you are passionate about. 

The first step for becoming a nurse practitioner in North Carolina is finding a program that suits your needs. The programs on this list are all excellent options. To choose one, you should consider several factors. Ask yourself:

• Do I want an MSN or a DNP degree?
• What specialty NP pathway am I interested in? 
• Will I attend full or part-time?
• Do I need online options?
• What is my tuition budget? Am I eligible for financial aid?
• Is the program nearby? Am I willing to relocate?
• Am I able to locate a local clinical placement if needed? (If not, does the school I am applying for provide clinical placement?)
• Do I meet the admission requirements? Can I complete them by the application deadline?

If you have more questions, try contacting the program representative. Talking to a point of contact could help your application become noticed while addressing your concerns.

Depending on the program, you may also have to acquire a preceptor and clinical site. If your school doesn’t assign these, you should begin the search early, as the process can take time.

 

FAQs 

• How Many Nurse Practitioner Schools are there in North Carolina?

  • There are currently 36 nurse practitioner programs in North Carolina.

• How Much Does a Nurse Practitioner Program Cost in North Carolina?

  • Nurse practitioner programs in California range in price from $15,000-$120,000, while the ones we featured range from $50,000 to $100,000.

• How Many Nurse Practitioners are in North Carolina?

  • The BLS reports that there are 8,020 nurse practitioners in California, making an average annual salary of $$124,830.