BSN Programs North Carolina

While all types of nurses are needed, the minimum requirement for registered nurses in hospitals and other settings is the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). The BSN may be inconvenient for those seeking fast entry into nursing, but the requirement will ultimately cause many RNs to return to school to obtain the degree through RN to BSN programs. If you’re just starting out and made the decision to secure the BSN from the get-go, you’ll obtain solid returns on your investment.

Hospital employers have openly stated their preference for BSN nurses. If the truth is to be told, the entire healthcare industry has shifted to the BSN requirement. Decades ago, the U.S. Navy, Army, and Air Force all required the BSN from active duty RNs. The complexities in healthcare place RNs in a new position as a coordinator of patient care. The position requires clinical reasoning, sound communication, effective leadership, critical thinking, and organizational skills that are all developed in the in the BSN program.

In a push to reach a goal of 80% BSN nurses by 2020, Magnet Hospitals, committed to nursing excellence and high patient outcomes, are leading the way in their hiring of BSN nurses. The Veteran’s Administration believes that the minimum preparation for nurses is the BSN and their hiring practices reflect this belief. But it doesn’t stop there. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing, the Institute of Medicine, the Carnegie Foundation for Advancement of Teaching, and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation are just a few organizations that also advocate the BSN.

It is important to note that the preference given to BSN nurses is not arbitrary. A leading factor is the significant body of research that suggests a substantial decline in patient mortality, medication errors, complications from hospitalizing, and increased patient safety when the majority of the nursing team is prepared at the BSN level. In addition to improving patient outcomes, BSN nurses are also better equipped to work with multidisciplinary teams. Today’s patient care teams comprise of pharmacists, physicians, social workers, physical therapists and other providers of specialty care. As the primary coordinators of care, nurses’ educational preparation and skills must match that of other providers for effective collaboration and communication.

Employers and patients are not the only ones who stand to benefit from the BSN. Nurses themselves will realize tangible benefits as they develop confidence in the clinical abilities, which will improve satisfaction on the job. They also have more excellent opportunities to advance their careers and boost their salaries. Through opportunities to lead teams and specialized in one of the numerous practice areas, BSNs can earn up to 36% more than their ADN counterparts. Employers are more than willing to pay more for BSNs as the benefit of better patient outcomes and having skilled clinicians on their nursing teams more than outweigh the higher cost.

The BSN program covers much of the coursework taught in the ADN program but includes additional instruction in the physical and social sciences, community and public health, nursing research, and management. These in-depth studies support professional development, more extensive practice, and greater understanding of the social, economic, and political issues that affect patients and influence healthcare decisions. As leaders and policymakers recognize the importance of the BSN in practice, nurses and prospective nurses must adapt to the new standard. The increase in BSN and RN to BSN programs that give nurses the opportunity to improve their education is a positive sign for the future of the profession. There’s substantial evidence for the BSN, and both nurses and prospective nurses should be conscious of the shift.

Following is a list of the various types of BSN programs available in North Carolina.

LPN to BSN: The LPN to BSN gives licensed practical nurses a fast track to the BSN. Advanced placement in the program eliminates repetition and saves times and money for LPNs. The program mainly appeals to individuals seeking to advance their career. Registered nurses have greater autonomy than LPNs. Though a lot of their duties overlap, RNs have more responsibilities and earn more than LPNs. Applicants may need to complete prerequisite courses before applying to the program. A practical nursing diploma or associate degree is required for admission. Some programs may also require applicants to maintain an active, unencumbered practical nursing license. At the conclusion of the program, graduates will be eligible to sit the NCLEX for Registered Nurses.

RN to BSN: The growing preference of the BSN degree has a profound effect on registered nurses. Fewer job options and almost no opportunities to assume nurse manager positions, registered nurses are going back to school to improve their career outlook. Though online delivery of the course content, nurses can pursue their educational goals without sacrificing their work schedules. Full-time students can complete the requirements for the BSN in just two to three semesters. Students may need to complete prerequisite courses based on an evaluation of their transcripts. The curriculum will include bridge courses that will eliminate repetition and shorten the time it takes to earn the BSN. There will also be an emphasis on liberal arts, which will improve critical thinking and decision-making. Community and public health, nursing research, and management are topics that are covered in-depth in the program to set BSNs apart from nurses prepared at the level of the associate’s degree.

Traditional BSN: Students who have the time and money to complete the four years required for the BSN can give themselves the best start in nursing through the completion of the traditional BSN. The commitment will reap dividends as graduates will have a competitive advantage in the job market. They will have the option to work in both traditional and non-traditional health care settings. Theoretical and clinical preparation in the areas of nursing research, community and public health, technology, health care policy, and leadership prepare students to assume emerging roles in nursing. Also, they have the foundational preparation for graduate study, which is essential for a specialized role in care. The BSN requires completion of 120+ credit hours of nursing, science, and liberal arts courses. Graduates are eligible to sit the NCLEX for licensure as a registered nurse.

Fast-track BSN: The fast track or accelerated BSN caters to the adult learner who wants a change of career. The program facilitates preparation for a career in nursing on a condensed timeline. The intensive program revolves around the science of nursing and includes clinical preparation. It typically requires full-time enrollment to complete the studies in approximately 12 months. Graduates will qualify for entry-level positions in emergency rooms, medical and surgical units, pediatric units, and other units in hospitals as well as different healthcare settings. Practice as a registered nurse requires successful completion of the NCLEX, which graduates must sit to obtain licensure as a registered nurse. 

Traditional BSN Programs

The pre-licensure BSN program requires completion of approximately 124 credit hours of coursework. In the freshman and sophomore years, students will complete the nursing prerequisite and liberal arts coursework that the nursing major will build upon. The students will then complete the Department of Nursing courses in the junior and senior years. The coursework will include theory and practical work that will prepare graduates for practice in various healthcare settings. Students will develop the nursing skills and educational perspective to succeed on the NCLEX and function as competent providers of care. The program will also lay the foundation for the pursuit of advanced nursing degrees.

The program’s goal is to produce nurses capable of assuming professional roles in the complex health care system. BSN graduates will have a unique capability of practicing in primary and preventative care especially at a time when there’s a major shift from inpatient settings.

Students who complete the requirements will receive a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and will be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN licensure exam.

Admission to the program requires:

  • Meet the general requirements for admission for undergraduate studies
  • Complete the general education and prerequisite courses with a grade C or better
  • Complete the TEAS with a passing score
  • A high school diploma or GED
  • Official transcripts of college courses completed
  • Demonstrate good physical, mental, and emotional health required for the profession
  • Letters of recommendation

The requirements for the clinical practicum depend on the clinical affiliate but could include drug testing, criminal background clearance, immunization records, CPR certification, and liability insurance.

Second Degree BSN

Through the accelerated BSN, professionals seeking a change can prepare for an in-demand career in nursing. Through the transfer of courses, students can complete the requirements for a second degree in 12 to 18 months. The curriculum follows the same plan as the traditional BSN and includes intensive classroom and clinical sessions. The BSN requires completion of approximately 58 credit hours and 800 to 1000 of clinical practice.

Enrollment requires:

  • A regionally accredited bachelor’s degree in an area not related to nursing
  • Official transcript of all college coursework
  • A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • Completion of prerequisite courses with a grade C or above
  • A completed application and fee

How Much Do BSN Programs Cost?

In the University of North Carolina system, the cost of tuition is approximately $500 per semester for in-state students through NC Promise. The cost of textbooks, uniforms, supplies, and fees must be added to the final costs.

Here’s a list of North Carolina Board of Nursing approved BSN programs and NCLEX-RN pass rates.

North Carolina BSN Programs and NCLEX-RN Pass Rates:

Banner Elk, NC BSN programs:
Lees-McRae College
191 Main St W, Banner Elk, NC 28604
828-898-5241
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 71.43%

Boiling Springs, NC BSN programs:
Gardner-Webb University
110 South Main Street, Boiling Springs, NC 28017
704-406-4000
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 100.00%

Boone, NC BSN programs:
Appalachian State University
Suite 318, ASU Box 32151, Boone, NC 28608
828-262-7460
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 100.00%

Buies Creek, NC BSN programs:
Campbell University
143 Main St, Buies Creek, NC 27506
(800) 334-4111
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 100.00%

Charlotte, NC BSN programs:
Chamberlain College of Nursing
2015 Ayrsley Town Blvd #204, Charlotte, NC 28273
980-939-6241
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 100.00%

North Eastern University
101 N Tryon St #1100, Charlotte, NC 28246
980-224-8467
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 100.00%

Pfeiffer University
4701 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28209
844-842-4134
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 66.67%

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte
9201 University City Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28223-0001
704-687-8622
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 95.79%

Queens University of Charlotte
2025 Selwyn Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28274
704-337-2314
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 98.84%

Cullowhee, NC BSN programs:
Western Carolina University
Cullowhee, NC 28723
828-227-721
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 98.61%

Durham, NC BSN programs:
North Carolina Central University
1801 Fayetteville Street, Durham, NC 27707
919-530-6180
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 72.00%

Duke University – ABSN
Durham, NC 27708
(919) 684-8111
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 99.11%

Fayetteville, NC BSN programs:
Fayetteville Technical Community College
2201 Hull Road, Fayetteville, NC 28303
910-678-8433
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 97.56%

Methodist University
5400 Ramsey Street, Fayetteville, NC 28311
910-630-7000
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 100.00%

Greenville, NC BSN programs:
East Carolina University
600 Moye Boulevard, Greenville, NC 27858-4353
252-744-6372
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 98.65%

Hickory, NC BSN programs:
Lenoir-Rhyne University
625 7th Avenue Northeast, Hickory, NC 28601
828-328-7300
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 92.00%

High Point, NC BSN programs:
South University – High Point
3975 Premier Dr, High Point, NC 27265
336-812-7200
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 100.00%

Mars Hill, NC BSN programs:
Mars Hill University
100 Athletic St, Mars Hill, NC 28754,
866-642-4968
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 80.00%

Pembroke, NC BSN programs:
The University of North Carolina at Pembroke
PO Box 1510 Pembroke, NC 28372-1510
910-521-6000
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 97.56%

Wilmington, NC BSN programs:
The University of North Carolina at Wilmington
601 South, College Road, Wilmington, NC 28403
910-962-3000
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 95.06%

Wilson, NC BSN programs:
Barton College
P.O. Box 5000, Wilson, NC 27893
800-345-4973
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 88.89%

Wingate, NC BSN programs:
Wingate University
220 N Camden Rd, Wingate, NC 28174
704-233-8200
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 100.00%

Winston-Salem, NC BSN programs:
Winston-Salem State University
601 South Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Winston-Salem, NC 27110
336-750-2000
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 92.31%

Crystal is a certified Registered Nurse (RN) with a passion for writing about nursing education. Through her articles, Crystal shares insights and tips to help fellow nurses enhance their skills and stay updated with the latest developments in the field. With a focus on practical advice and relevant topics, Crystal's writing is a valuable resource for nursing professionals seeking to advance their careers.