Best North Carolina LPN to RN/BSN Programs 2026

North Carolina offers bridge programs that emphasize clinical reasoning and advanced nursing care. Students participate in both classroom study and hospital-based practice. Programs guide graduates through state licensure requirements and prepare them for RN roles.

Written by Jane Dewy and Edited by The PracticalNursing.org Editorial Team.
Expert Guide Verified updated on May 29th, 2025.
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North Carolina offers bridge programs focused on clinical skills and advanced nursing.

2026 Best LPN to RN Programs in North Carolina

If you're an LPN in North Carolina looking to advance your career to become an RN, practicalnursing.org has ranked the best LPN to RN programs in the state to help you make an informed choice. Our rankings are based on thorough research and real-world factors that matter to nurses, ensuring you find a program that fits your needs and goals. For more details on how we create these rankings, check out our methodology page at https://www.practicalnursing.org/rankings-methodology/.
#1

Gardner-Webb University

Boiling Springs, NC - Private 4-year - gardner-webb.edu

Associate - Advanced Placement LPN option

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Gardner-Webb University's Advanced Placement LPN option in the Hunt School of Nursing offers a hybrid program for LPNs seeking to advance to RN and higher degrees. With seamless transfer pathways, it allows automatic acceptance for qualified students, eliminating application fees and transfer hurdles. This Southern Baptist-affiliated, military-friendly institution provides multiple nursing degree options, including potential progression to MSN and DNP, making it an accelerated route for career advancement without a specified concentration. No entrance exam is mentioned for this bachelor's-level program.

  • Advanced Placement LPN Option
  • Seamless Transfer Pathways
  • Multiple Nursing Degree Options
  • No Application Fee
  • Dual Admission Agreement
#2

Mayland Community College

Spruce Pine, NC - Public 2-Year - mayland.edu

Associate - Licensed Practical Nurse to Associate Degree Nursing Option

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Mayland Community College's LPN to ADN hybrid program is ACEN-accredited, combining online coursework with clinical experiences for flexibility. It boasts a 100% NCLEX-RN pass rate in 2023 and 2024, small class sizes, and advanced simulation labs for hands-on learning. This three-semester program offers an affordable, streamlined path for LPNs to advance, with no entrance exam required, enhancing career opportunities and potential salary growth.

  • Hybrid program format
  • ACEN accredited
  • 100% NCLEX-RN pass rate
  • Small class sizes
  • State-of-the-art simulation labs
  • Flexible online learning
  • Essential clinical experiences
  • Three-semester completion
  • Affordable cost
  • Nationally recognized success
#3

Sampson Community College

Clinton, NC - Public 2-Year - sampsoncc.edu

Associate - LPN to ADN

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Sampson Community College's LPN to ADN hybrid program offers a two-semester path for LPNs to become RNs, combining online coursework with clinical experiences. It requires 2000 LPN work hours, a current license, and CPR certification, and boasts 100% job placement and NCLEX pass rates of 98-100%. ACEN accredited, it emphasizes comprehensive education and supervised practice, with no specified concentration or entrance exam requirements.

  • Two-semester online/hybrid format
  • 100% Job placement rate
  • NCLEX pass rates 98-100%
  • Requires 2000 LPN work hours
  • Clinical practice under RN supervision
  • Requires current LPN license
  • American Heart Association CPR certification
  • ACEN accredited nursing program
  • Limited enrollment option
  • Comprehensive general education requirements
#4

Davidson-Davie Community College

Thomasville, NC - Public 2-Year - davidsondavie.edu

Associate - LPN to ADN Option

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Davidson-Davie Community College's LPN to ADN Option is a hybrid program enabling licensed practical nurses to become registered nurses in one year. It requires an active LPN license, at least 3,328 work hours, and completion of seven prerequisite courses with a C or better. The curriculum blends virtual classes, online learning, and weekly clinical rotations in the Davidson/Davie County region, offering flexibility for working professionals. No entrance exams are specified for this associate-level program, focusing on a practical and accelerated pathway to RN licensure.

  • One-year hybrid nursing program
  • Must be currently employed LPN
  • Active LPN license required
  • Minimum 3,328 LPN work hours
  • Virtual and on-campus components
  • Weekly clinical rotations
  • Seven prerequisite courses needed
#5

Vance-Granville Community College

Henderson, NC - Public 2-Year - vgcc.edu

Associate - LPN to ADN Transition Program

Campus Based - Visit Website

Vance-Granville Community College's LPN to ADN Transition Program is designed for licensed practical nurses seeking to advance to registered nursing roles. Admission is selective, requiring six months of LPN experience and a mandatory entrance exam, such as the HESI or similar. This campus-based program offers a comprehensive curriculum that blends practical experience with theoretical learning, focusing on enhancing nursing skills and preparing students for RN licensure. Early application is recommended due to competitive admission, ensuring a spot in this career-transforming educational path.

  • Campus-based program.
  • Requires 6 months LPN experience.
  • Entrance exam mandatory.
  • Selective admission process.
  • Early application advised.
  • Prepares for RN licensure.
  • Enhances nursing skills.
  • Focuses on practical experience.
  • Comprehensive curriculum.
  • Competitive admission.
*Based on: IPEDS 2024, U.S. Department of Education. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

North Carolina LPN to RN Program Overview

Eligibility and Admission Requirements

North Carolina LPN to RN bridge programs are designed for currently licensed practical nurses who want to become registered nurses through an Associate Degree in Nursing or a prelicensure BSN track. While each college or university sets its own standards, applicants in North Carolina should expect the following common requirements:

  • Active, unencumbered LPN license in North Carolina or a multistate LPN license through the Nurse Licensure Compact
  • Recent LPN practice or skills validation as determined by the program
  • Completion of prerequisite courses with minimum grades, typically including Anatomy and Physiology I and II with labs, Microbiology, English Composition, General Psychology, Human Growth and Development, and college-level Math or Statistics
  • Placement or entrance testing as required by the institution, such as TEAS or HESI
  • Minimum cumulative GPA set by the program
  • Current BLS for Healthcare Providers certification
  • Clinical eligibility requirements, which commonly include immunizations, criminal background check, drug screening, and health clearance in accordance with clinical site policies

North Carolina programs frequently offer advanced placement for LPNs after completion of a transition course and competency validation, allowing you to earn credit for prior learning and experience.

Program Curriculum and Accreditation

LPN to RN curricula in North Carolina build on practical nursing knowledge and expand to the registered nurse scope. You will learn advanced health assessment, evidence-based nursing practice, pathophysiology, pharmacology, complex adult medical-surgical care, maternal and newborn nursing, pediatrics, mental health, geriatrics, leadership, informatics, and population or community health. Programs combine classroom instruction, high-fidelity simulation, and supervised clinical rotations in hospitals, long-term care, ambulatory, and community settings to prepare you for practice and the NCLEX-RN exam.

In North Carolina, you must graduate from a state Board-approved prelicensure RN program to be eligible for licensure by examination. The North Carolina Board of Nursing approves nursing education programs and outlines the scope of practice for LPNs and RNs. Many schools also hold national program accreditation from ACEN or CCNE. While Board approval is required for NCLEX eligibility, national accreditation supports credit transfer, graduate school admission, and may be valued by employers.

LPN to RN Schools and Classes

Across North Carolina, LPN to RN bridge options are most commonly offered by community colleges that lead to the Associate Degree in Nursing. Universities offer prelicensure BSN programs and may consider applicants who are licensed and experienced LPNs for advanced standing as permitted by their policies. Private institutions may offer additional pathways. Delivery formats vary by campus and can include day, evening, and hybrid options.

Coursework typically includes a transition course that bridges LPN experience to RN-level clinical judgment, followed by:

  • Advanced health assessment and clinical decision making
  • Adult medical-surgical nursing across body systems, including care of complex and unstable patients
  • Maternal-newborn and pediatric nursing with family-centered care
  • Mental health and behavioral health nursing
  • Pharmacology and safe medication administration, including IV therapy consistent with RN scope
  • Evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and informatics
  • Leadership, delegation, and interprofessional communication

Clinical rotations occur in approved North Carolina health care facilities and are supervised by qualified faculty to meet Board standards for prelicensure education.

Career Outlook

Registered nurses in North Carolina work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, ambulatory surgery centers, long-term care and rehabilitation facilities, home health, hospice, public health, schools, and telehealth. Work schedules vary by setting, with more nights, weekends, and holidays in acute care and more predictable hours in outpatient and community roles.

Demand for RNs in North Carolina is supported by population growth, aging demographics, and ongoing workforce needs across rural and urban areas. Compared with LPNs, RNs have a broader scope of practice under state rules, including comprehensive patient assessment, nursing diagnosis, care planning, and leadership and delegation responsibilities. This expanded scope can open doors to specialty practice areas, clinical leadership roles, and eligibility for graduate education. Compensation for RNs is generally higher than for LPNs, and many employers offer differential pay for specialty certifications and off-shift work.

LPN to RN Program Length

  • Full-time bridge programs: commonly 12 to 18 months for LPN to ADN after prerequisites, depending on the number of transfer credits and the program’s sequence
  • Part-time tracks: often 18 to 24 months after prerequisites, with reduced course loads each term
  • Evening and weekend options: designed for working LPNs, frequently requiring 18 to 24 months or more due to clinical scheduling

Program length varies by institution, your completed prerequisites, and whether summer terms are included.

2026 Fastest LPN to RN Programs in North Carolina

If you're looking to move from an LPN to an RN in North Carolina, you might want to consider programs that are shorter. These faster options can help you start your new career sooner, which is great if you're eager to advance. In places like Charlotte, Raleigh, or the Piedmont region, quickest programs often focus on key skills and have good graduation and retention rates. This means you can trust that you'll finish and stay on track. Choosing a shortest path lets you save time and money while boosting your job prospects in healthcare across the state.
School NameHighlightsRetention & Grad Rates
Vance-Granville Community College
  • Entrance exam required
  • Starts summer
  • Work experience required
  • Selective admission program
  • Separate application process required
  • Graduation Rate: 53%
  • Retention Rate: 76%
  • Student to Faculty Ratio: 17 :1
Sandhills Community College
  • North Carolina Board of Nursing, National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA) accredited
  • Entrance exam required
  • Exams: HESI
  • $4,256 total program tuition
  • $76 per credit
  • 4-Semester program
  • 56 total credit hours
  • Starts spring
  • Graduation Rate: 53%
  • Retention Rate: 80%
  • Student to Faculty Ratio: 14 :1
Forsyth Technical Community College
  • 1-Year program
  • Complete in One year
  • Apply by 2025-09-19
  • Starts spring
  • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
  • Day schedule
  • Spring 2026 application
  • Eligible for NCLEX-RN exam
  • Graduation Rate: 34%
  • Retention Rate: 73%
  • Student to Faculty Ratio: 12 :1
*Based on data from: IPEDS 2024, provided by the National Center for Education Statistics.

Tuition and Costs

Tuition at North Carolina public community colleges is set on a per credit hour basis for in-state students. The North Carolina Community College System historically charges a per credit rate up to a capped number of credits each term, with additional mandatory fees set by each college. For an LPN to ADN bridge, in-state tuition for the nursing coursework typically falls in the low to mid four-figure range, with total direct educational costs reaching the high four to low five figures after adding college fees, books, uniforms, clinical supplies, liability insurance, background check and drug screening, immunizations, and standardized testing packages.

University-based prelicensure BSN tuition varies by campus and residency status, with separate program and course fees. Housing costs depend on location and institution. Community colleges are primarily commuter campuses, while universities offer on-campus housing and meal plans with published rates each academic year. Off-campus costs depend on the local rental market, with higher costs common in larger metro areas.

2026 Affordable LPN to RN Programs in North Carolina

Finding affordable LPN to RN programs in North Carolina is key for many nursing students. These programs help you move up in your career without a big financial strain. In NC, you can find associate's and bachelor's degrees that are cost-effective and low-cost. This makes it easier to manage tuition while you study in areas like Charlotte, Raleigh, or the Piedmont region. By 2026, having access to such options means more nurses can get the training they need. It's all about making education reachable for everyone in the state.
School NameHighlightsAnnual Estimated Tuition & Fees
Haywood Community College
  • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
  • Designed for working LPNs
  • Flexible scheduling
  • Build on existing LPN experience
  • Career as Registered Nurse
  • Supportive faculty
  • Work in acute care
  • Work in long-term care
  • $2,100 - $3,100 (Undergrad In-State)
  • $7,000 - $10,500 (Undergrad Non-Resident)
Mayland Community College
  • Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredited
  • 3-Semester program
  • Complete in in just three semesters
  • 100% licensure pass rate
  • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
  • Financial aid available
  • Small class size
  • State-of-the-art simulation labs
  • $2,100 - $3,200 (Undergrad In-State)
  • $7,000 - $10,500 (Undergrad Non-Resident)
Wake Technical Community College
  • Entrance exam required
  • Exams: TEAS
  • Starts summer
  • Work experience required
  • Prerequisite courses required
  • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
  • Military benefits accepted
  • Financial aid available
  • $1,800 - $2,700 (Undergrad In-State)
  • $5,500 - $8,200 (Undergrad Non-Resident)
*Source data: IPEDS 2024, compiled by NCES.

Can I Take LPN to RN Classes Online?

North Carolina bridge programs may offer online or hybrid delivery for didactic courses, which can be helpful for working LPNs. However, prelicensure RN education requires hands-on learning. Lab, simulation, and direct patient care clinicals are conducted in person under faculty supervision at approved clinical sites to meet state educational standards and ensure readiness for practice. Fully online LPN to RN programs that waive in-person clinical experiences are not an option for initial RN licensure.

A common pathway is to complete an in-person or hybrid LPN to ADN to earn RN licensure, then pursue an online RN to BSN after you are licensed, which many North Carolina universities offer in a fully online format.

LPN to RN Licensure Requirements in North Carolina

NCLEX-RN Exam Information

After completing an LPN-to-ADN or LPN-to-BSN program, candidates must pass the NCLEX-RN to become licensed as a Registered Nurse in North Carolina. The basic steps are:

  • Submit an online application for RN licensure by examination to the North Carolina Board of Nursingand pay the required fee.
  • Complete a state and federal fingerprint-based criminal background check as directed by the Board.
  • Request that your nursing education program send official transcripts documenting graduation directly to the Board.
  • Register for the NCLEX-RN through the official NCLEX websiteand obtain your Authorization to Test.
  • Schedule and take the exam. The Board issues a license after receiving passing results and verifying all other requirements.

The Board provides state-specific candidate guidance and publishes North Carolina RN NCLEX pass rates on its website.

RN Reciprocity and Nurse Licensure Compact

North Carolina offers licensure by endorsement for RNs who hold an active license in another U.S. state or territory. Endorsement applicants typically must verify original licensure, confirm passage of the NCLEX-RN or an accepted predecessor exam, complete a criminal background check, declare their primary state of residence, and meet all Board requirements.

North Carolina is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact. The Compact allows nurses who hold a multistate license to practice in other NLC member states without obtaining additional single-state licenses, provided they meet uniform licensure requirements and maintain a primary state of residence in a compact state. Learn more about the Nurse Licensure Compact.

Licensure Requirements

The North Carolina Board of Nursing regulates RN licensure. Key requirements for initial RN licensure by examination include:

  • Graduation from an approved RN program such as an LPN-to-ADN or LPN-to-BSN that meets Board standards.
  • Completed online application, fees, and a U.S. Social Security number for licensure issuance.
  • Fingerprint-based state and federal criminal background check.
  • Official transcripts documenting graduation sent directly from the nursing program to the Board.
  • Registration for and successful completion of the NCLEX-RN.

License Renewal

North Carolina RN licenses are renewed every two years and generally expire on the last day of the licensee’s birth month. Renewal opens in the weeks before expiration, and nurses must attest to completing the state’s continuing competence requirement during the current renewal cycle.

To maintain an active license, choose one of the Board-approved continuing competence options, such as:

  • 30 contact hours of continuing education, or
  • 15 contact hours of continuing education plus at least 640 hours of active nursing practice in the preceding two years, or
  • Current national nursing certification or recertification, or
  • Completion of a Board-approved refresher course, or
  • Completion of at least two semester hours of post-licensure academic nursing education.

Keep documentation of your selected option in case of Board audit. Nurses holding a multistate license must meet North Carolina’s renewal and continuing competence standards to maintain multistate privileges.

Average LPN State Salary in North Carolina

$62,040

2024 LPN Pay reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Average RN State Salary in North Carolina

$86,270

2024 RN Pay reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

VS

LPN to ADN Bridge Program

Program Length:

Typically 3 semesters.

Credential Awarded:

Associate in Applied Science (AAS) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN).

NCLEX-RN Eligibility:

Yes.

Program Focus:

This pathway builds upon the LPN's existing knowledge and skills to provide the necessary education to practice as a Registered Nurse, focusing on direct patient care in various healthcare settings.

Average In-State Tuition in North Carolina:

Varies by institution, but community college tuition is generally lower. For example, Durham Technical Community College's estimated tuition and fees are around $4,458 for the entire program, while Edgecombe Community College estimates a range of $6,000 to $6,500 for their advanced placement (LPN to ADN) option.

Best For:

LPNs who want the quickest and most affordable route to becoming a Registered Nurse and entering the RN workforce.

School Types:

Community Colleges.

LPN to BSN Bridge Program

Program Length:

Can take approximately 3 years on average to complete.

Credential Awarded:

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

NCLEX-RN Eligibility:

Yes.

Program Focus:

Offers a more comprehensive education that builds on the LPN foundation, with an emphasis on leadership, evidence-based practice, research, and community health. This broader scope prepares graduates for a wider range of roles and future career advancement.

Average In-State Tuition in North Carolina:

Tuition varies significantly between public and private universities. For example, in-state undergraduate tuition and fees at UNC Wilmington were approximately $7,317 for the 2023 academic year, while private institutions can be considerably higher.

Best For:

LPNs seeking a broader education with a focus on leadership and research, which can lead to more diverse career opportunities and higher earning potential.

School Types:

Universities and 4-year colleges, sometimes through collaborative programs with community colleges.

Choose LPN→ADN If:

  • Faster Completion: It is the quickest route to becoming an RN, often taking as little as 12 to 18 months.
  • Lower Cost: Community college tuition is typically more affordable than university tuition, making it a more budget-friendly option.
  • Quicker Entry into the RN Workforce: Graduates can sit for the NCLEX-RN and begin working as a registered nurse sooner.
  • Foundation for Further Education: An ADN serves as a solid stepping stone for future advancement to a BSN or MSN degree through RN to BSN/MSN bridge programs.

Choose LPN→BSN If:

  • Increased Career Opportunities: A BSN is often required for leadership, management, and specialized nursing roles, and is increasingly preferred by hospitals.
  • Higher Earning Potential: Nurses with a BSN generally have a higher earning potential compared to those with an ADN.
  • Broader Skill Set: The curriculum provides a more in-depth education in areas like research, leadership, and public health, leading to greater clinical competency.
  • Direct Pathway to Advanced Degrees: A BSN provides the necessary foundation to pursue graduate-level education, such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).

List of LPN to RN Programs in North Carolina

If you're a Licensed Practical Nurse in North Carolina looking to advance your career to become a Registered Nurse, you have several LPN to RN programs to choose from. These programs are designed to build on your current nursing skills and experience, helping you take the next step. Below is a table of schools across the state, showing their locations, key program features, and links to learn more about each one.
Jump to City:

Asheville, NC

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College

  • Associate - LPN to ADN Advanced Placement

    Campus Based - Website

    • National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA) accredited
    • 72 total credit hours
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
    • Eligible for NCLEX-RN licensure
    • Selective admissions process
    • Requires active LPN license
    • Prerequisite courses in sciences and English

Boiling Springs, NC

Gardner-Webb University

  • Associate - Advanced Placement LPN option

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Advanced Placement LPN Option
    • Seamless Transfer Pathways
    • Multiple Nursing Degree Options
    • No Application Fee
    • Dual Admission Agreement

Bolivia, NC

Brunswick Community College

  • Associate - LPN to ADN Transition Option

    Campus Based - Website

    • 3-Semester program
    • Complete in three-semester program
    • 72 total credit hours
    • 2.5 GPA minimum
    • Work experience required
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
    • Prior learning credit awarded

Charlotte, NC

Queens University of Charlotte

  • Bachelor's - LPN to BSN

    Campus Based - Website

    • Campus-based nursing program
    • Designed for licensed practical nurses
    • Career advancement pathway
    • Builds on existing nursing experience
    • Bachelor's level nursing education

Clinton, NC

Sampson Community College

  • Associate - LPN to ADN

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • ACEN accredited
    • Entrance exam required
    • 2-Semester program
    • Apply by 2026-01-31
    • 1 start dates per year
    • Starts fall
    • 95% licensure pass rate
    • 94% job placement rate

Clyde, NC

Haywood Community College

  • Associate - RN Completer Track

    Campus Based - Website

    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
    • Designed for working LPNs
    • Flexible scheduling
    • Build on existing LPN experience
    • Career as Registered Nurse
    • Supportive faculty
    • Work in acute care
    • Work in long-term care

Dallas, NC

Gaston College

  • Associate - LPN to RN Option

    Campus Based - Website

    • ACEN accredited

Durham, NC

Durham Technical Community College

  • Associate - Associate Degree Nursing - LPN to ADN Track

    Campus Based - Website

    • ACEN accredited
    • Entrance exam required
    • Exams: TEAS
    • $5,131 total program tuition
    • 50 total credit hours
    • 1 start dates per year
    • Starts summer
    • Work experience required

Elizabeth City, NC

College of the Albemarle

  • Associate - LPN – ADN Option

    Campus Based - Website

    • Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing accredited
    • Entrance exam required
    • Exams: TEAS
    • Must be a Licensed Practical Nurse
    • Concurrent BSN enrollment with ODU
    • RIBN agreement with East Carolina University

Graham, NC

Alamance Community College

  • Associate - LPN to RN

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Entrance exam required
    • Exams: TEAS
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • Combines online and in-class instruction
    • Admission based on point ranking system
    • Points for military medical training
    • Requires active LPN license before clinical course
    • Progression requires B or higher in nursing courses

Henderson, NC

Vance-Granville Community College

  • Associate - LPN to ADN Transition Program

    Campus Based - Website

    • Entrance exam required
    • Starts summer
    • Work experience required
    • Selective admission program
    • Separate application process required

Hickory, NC

Catawba Valley Community College

  • Associate - Associate Degree Nursing LPN to RN Bridge (A45110LP)

    Campus Based - Website

    • Entrance exam required
    • 2.0 GPA minimum
    • Work experience required
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
    • Designed for licensed practicing nurses
    • ATI NCLEX-PN Comprehensive Exam required
    • AP credit granted for LPN coursework

Hudson, NC

Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute

  • Associate - Practical Nursing to Associate Degree Nursing Transition Program

    Campus Based - Website

    • Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredited
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
    • Employment in hospitals, clinics, and community agencies
    • Transition from LPN to ADN
    • Offered on Caldwell and Watauga campuses
    • Part of the Nursing Pathway

Jacksonville, NC

Coastal Carolina Community College

  • Associate - Nursing Transition Program

    Campus Based - Website

    • ACEN accredited
    • 76 total credit hours
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
    • Careers in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care
    • 17 transfer credits awarded for LPNs
    • In-person information sessions available
    • Limited enrollment program

Jamestown, NC

Guilford Technical Community College

  • Associate - LPN-Associate Degree Nursing Bridge

    Campus Based - Website

    • Entrance exam required
    • Exams: TEAS
    • 70 total credit hours
    • Starts summer
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • Designed for Licensed Practical Nurses
    • Limited to 15-20 students per year
    • Prerequisites: BIO 168, BIO 169, PSY 150, PSY 241

Kenansville, NC

James Sprunt Community College

  • Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) to Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) Transition

Kinston, NC

Lenoir Community College

  • Associate - LPN to ADN Transition

    Campus Based - Website

    • Entrance exam required
    • 2-Year program
    • Apply by 2026-11-13
    • Starts spring
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
    • Financial aid available
    • Scholarships available

New Bern, NC

Craven Community College

  • Associate - Transition: LPN to ADN

    Campus Based - Website

    • Entrance exam required
    • Exams: TEAS
    • Starts fall/spring
    • Cohort-based structure
    • 2.5 GPA minimum
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • TEAS score of 58.7% required
    • LPN licensure in NC required

Pinehurst, NC

Sandhills Community College

  • Associate - Associate Degree Nursing – Advanced Placement

    Campus Based - Website

    • North Carolina Board of Nursing, National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA) accredited
    • Entrance exam required
    • Exams: HESI
    • $4,256 total program tuition
    • $76 per credit
    • 4-Semester program
    • 56 total credit hours
    • Starts spring

Raleigh, NC

Wake Technical Community College

  • Associate - Advanced Placement LPN to RN

    Campus Based - Website

    • Entrance exam required
    • Exams: TEAS
    • Starts summer
    • Work experience required
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
    • Military benefits accepted
    • Financial aid available

Salisbury, NC

Rowan-Cabarrus Community College

  • Associate - LPN to ADN

    Campus Based - Website

    • Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredited
    • 90% job placement rate
    • 60% program completion rate
    • 90% student satisfaction rate
    • 90% employer satisfaction rate

Shelby, NC

Cleveland Community College

  • Associate - LPN to ADN Pathway

    Campus Based - Website

    • Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredited
    • Entrance exam required
    • Exams: TEAS
    • 93% licensure pass rate
    • 100% job placement rate
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
    • PN licensure required for entry
    • NCLEX-RN exam preparation

Smithfield, NC

Johnston Community College

  • Associate - Advanced Placement LPN to ADN

    Campus Based - Website

    • Advanced Placement for LPNs
    • Unrestricted LPN License Required
    • 2.50 Cumulative GPA Minimum
    • ATI TEAS Test Mandatory
    • Pharmacology Competency Exam
    • Clinical Background Check Required
    • Mandatory Health Sciences Session
    • Specific Biology/Chemistry Prerequisites

Spindale, NC

Isothermal Community College

  • Associate - LPN to ADN

    Campus Based - Website

    • North Carolina Board of Nursing accredited
    • Entrance exam required
    • Exams: TEAS
    • Apply by 2026-09-26
    • 2.5 GPA minimum
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
    • Acceptance to top 15 applicants

Spruce Pine, NC

Mayland Community College

  • Associate - Licensed Practical Nurse to Associate Degree Nursing Option

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredited
    • 3-Semester program
    • Complete in in just three semesters
    • 100% licensure pass rate
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
    • Financial aid available
    • Small class size
    • State-of-the-art simulation labs

Thomasville, NC

Davidson-Davie Community College

  • Associate - LPN to ADN Option

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Entrance exam required
    • Exams: TEAS
    • 1-Year program
    • Complete in A one-year associate degree program
    • Apply by 2026-01-30
    • Synchronous and asynchronous options
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • One-year LPN to ADN bridge

Washington, NC

Beaufort County Community College

  • Associate - Associate Degree Nursing (Registered Nursing) - LPN to RN

    Campus Based - Website

    • 75 total credit hours
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
    • LPN to RN transition program
    • Eligible for NCLEX-RN licensure
    • Career in acute and community care
    • Credit granted for prior LPN courses
    • Includes nursing transition concepts

Wilmington, NC

Cape Fear Community College

  • Associate - LPN to RN

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredited
    • Entrance exam required
    • 3-Semester program
    • Apply by 2026-02-18
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
    • Approved by NC Board of Nursing
    • Virtual information sessions available
    • Clinical component included

Wilson, NC

Wilson Community College

  • Associate - LPN to ADN Transition

    Campus Based - Website

    • Entrance exam required
    • Exams: TEAS
    • $6,502 total program tuition
    • Apply by 2024-10-15
    • 2.0 GPA minimum
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • Financial aid available
    • Unencumbered LPN license required

Winston-Salem, NC

Forsyth Technical Community College

  • Associate - Associate Degree Nursing – Advanced Placement (LPN-ADN transition)

    Campus Based - Website

    • 1-Year program
    • Complete in One year
    • Apply by 2025-09-19
    • Starts spring
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
    • Day schedule
    • Spring 2026 application
    • Eligible for NCLEX-RN exam
*IPEDS 2024, U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics.