Best LPN to RN/BSN Programs in North Carolina 2027

Best LPN to RN/BSN Programs in North Carolina 2027
Updated September 15, 202625+ min read

Best North Carolina LPN to RN/BSN Programs 2027

Ranked bridge programs with NCLEX pass rates, costs, and flexible formats for working LPNs across North Carolina

North Carolina RNs typically out-earn LPNs by $25,000 to $30,000 a year, a gap wide enough that most working LPNs eventually ask how fast, and how cheaply, they can bridge into RN licensure. Hospitals across the state have leaned harder on associate and bachelor's-prepared nurses for staffing ratios and Magnet status, which has pushed demand for bridge-program graduates well beyond what a handful of traditional BSN pipelines can supply.

The ten programs ranked below are ordered primarily by NCLEX-RN pass rate, with program completion rates and accreditation status used as tie-breakers where pass-rate data was close or unavailable.

Cost, timeline, and format still separate a good fit from a bad one, and those differences matter as much as any ranking once you're the one paying tuition and rearranging shift schedules around clinicals.

10 NC LPN-to-RN and LPN-to-BSN Programs by NCLEX-RN Pass Rate

No single North Carolina agency publishes bridge-specific first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates for LPN to RN and LPN to BSN programs on a common schedule, so treat this section as a research checklist rather than a fixed ranking. Verify pass rates in the North Carolina Board of Nursing's education program reports and the NCSBN NCLEX pass-rate database, then confirm current numbers, cohort size, and accreditation status directly with each program before you apply. For employment and wage outlook, use BLS.gov, and for program quality and bridge pathway guidance the National League for Nursing and the Organization for Associate Degree Nursing are solid starting points.

How we ranked these

Factors considered
  1. Graduation rates and completion
  2. Retention and student-faculty ratios
  3. NCLEX-RN first-time pass rates
  4. Bridge format and access for working LPNs
Data sources
  • IPEDS institutional survey data from NCES covering graduation rates, retention rates and student-faculty ratios — nces.ed.gov
  • NCLEX first-time pass rates published by the state boards of nursing — ncsbn.org
  • Internal program database
  • Independent editorial research
CE

Central Carolina Community College

Sanford, NC · $5,000/yr (est. net price) · NCLEX-RN pass rate 99.3% (3-yr weighted avg)

Best for: LPNs who prefer learning on campus

Central Carolina Community College in Sanford runs an LPN to RN bridge at its Lee Main Campus, with applications accepted year round and admission decided by the date you apply. Accepted students complete a required fall orientation and clear a physical, background check, drug screen, and immunizations before the first class, and clinical travel is the student's responsibility. Recent first-time NCLEX-RN results reported for its associate degree nursing graduates have landed above 99 percent, though that figure covers the full RN cohort rather than the bridge option alone.

  • LPN to RN Bridge, Associates — On-Campus
    Central Carolina Community College
    Rolling admissions
    • Rolling admissions; admission based on date of application
    • Cohort-based structure with a mandatory fall orientation
    • 120 total seats in the associate degree nursing program
    • Campus-based classes at the Lee Main Campus
    • Physical exam, background check, drug test and immunizations required
    • Students arrange their own clinical transportation
    Visit Website
ST

Stanly Community College

Albemarle, NC · ~$6,000/yr (est.) · NCLEX-RN pass rate 98.8% (2-yr weighted avg)

Best for: Nurses seeking a small, close-knit cohort

Stanly Community College in Albemarle offers a hybrid LPN to ADN bridge that pairs online coursework with clinical rotations in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community agencies. The 41-credit curriculum runs in a small summer cohort of about 16 students and carries accreditation from the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation, with a capstone and an entrance exam built into admission. First-time NCLEX-RN results reported for its RN graduates have run in the high 90s.

  • LPN to ADN Bridge — Hybrid
    Stanly Community College
    • Hybrid format: online coursework plus hands-on clinicals
    • 41 total credit hours, including a capstone project
    • Small cohort of about 16 students starting each summer
    • Accredited by the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation
    • Entrance exam required; 2.8 GPA minimum
    • Current unrestricted LPN license required
    • Work experience recommended, not required
    • No application fee
    Visit Website
MO

Montgomery Community College

Troy, NC · ~$14,000/yr (est.) · NCLEX-RN pass rate 96.5% (3-yr weighted avg)

Hispanic-Serving Institution
Best for: Returning LPNs ready for a spring start

Montgomery Community College in Troy is built around returning LPNs rather than new nursing students. Instead of repeating fundamentals, licensed nurses with at least one year of experience enter the ADN cohort during the final eight weeks of spring semester after completing 27 prerequisite credits in biology, English, psychology, and humanities, and the college awards credit for prior nursing coursework. Recent first-time NCLEX-RN results reported for its RN program have been in the mid 90s.

  • ADN Advanced Option (LPN to RN) — On-Campus
    Montgomery Community College
    • Entry in the final eight weeks of spring semester
    • 27 prerequisite credits in biology, English, psychology and humanities
    • Credit awarded for 18 credits of prior nursing coursework
    • At least one year of nursing experience required
    • Cohort-based campus program in Troy
    Visit Website
AL

Alamance Community College

Graham, NC · $3,000 – $9,000/yr (est.) · NCLEX-RN pass rate 98.2% (3-yr weighted avg)

Alamance Community College in Graham runs a hybrid LPN to RN bridge that mixes online and classroom instruction with clinical placements, and admission is competitive through a point system weighing academics, TEAS scores, and certifications. Military medics and corpsmen, paramedics, EMTs, and other credentialed caregivers can earn extra points, and students must hold a B or better in nursing courses to progress. The college's RN track has reported first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates above 98 percent.

  • LPN to RN Bridge, Associates — Hybrid
    Alamance Community College
    • Hybrid: online and in-class instruction plus clinical practice
    • ATI TEAS entrance exam required for admission
    • Admission ranked by a point system for academics, TEAS and certifications
    • Extra points for military medics, paramedics, EMTs and other credentialed caregivers
    • B or higher required in nursing courses to progress
    • Active LPN license required before the first clinical course
    Visit Website
MA

Mayland Community College

Spruce Pine, NC · ~$6,000/yr (est.) · NCLEX-RN pass rate 100% (3-yr weighted avg)

Mayland Community College in Spruce Pine offers one of the leaner bridge routes in the state, a three-semester LPN to ADN option that combines online coursework with one day a week on campus and weekend clinicals. Small classes, simulation labs, and a student-to-faculty ratio near 8 to 1 give working mountain-region LPNs room to keep earning while they study. Its ADN track has reported a 100 percent first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate in recent years, and the program is ACEN accredited.

  • LPN to ADN Option — Hybrid
    Mayland Community College
    ACEN accredited
    • Three-semester LPN to ADN option
    • Hybrid: online coursework, weekly campus class and weekend clinicals
    • ACEN accredited
    • 100 percent licensure pass rate reported
    • Small class sizes and simulation labs
    • Student-to-faculty ratio near 8 to 1
    Visit Website
AS

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College

Asheville, NC · $3,000 – $9,000/yr (est.) · NCLEX-RN pass rate 98.2% (3-yr weighted avg)

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College's LPN to ADN Advanced Placement option is a 72-credit campus program that folds microbiology, anatomy, physiology, and ethics into a full nursing sequence covering family health, complex care, and health systems. Admission is selective and requires an active LPN license, BLS certification, prerequisite courses, a background check, and a drug screen. Its RN program has reported first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates above 98 percent and holds national nursing accreditation.

  • LPN to ADN Advanced Placement — On-Campus
    Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
    • 72 total credit hours
    • Prerequisite courses in sciences and English required
    • Selective admissions process
    • Requires active LPN license and BLS certification
    • Clinical background check and drug test
    • Eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN after completion
    • Accredited by the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation
    Visit Website
GA

Gaston College

Dallas, NC · $5,000 – $10,000/yr (est.) · NCLEX-RN pass rate 99.2% (3-yr weighted avg)

Gaston College in Dallas structures its LPN to RN option for nurses who cannot step away from work: most content is delivered online, with on-campus labs, testing, and acute care clinicals, and a schedule that leans on evenings and weekends. Applications run September through January for a summer start, and a mandatory information session comes first. The option is ACEN accredited, and the college's RN program has reported first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates above 99 percent.

  • LPN to RN Option, Associates — On-Campus
    Gaston College
    ACEN accredited
    • ACEN accredited
    • Small cohorts with dedicated faculty
    • Associate of Applied Science degree awarded
    • Prepares graduates to pursue RN licensure
    • Pathway to roles in hospitals, clinics and community health
    Visit Website
JA

James Sprunt Community College

Kenansville, NC · $2,000/yr (est. net price) · NCLEX-RN pass rate 96.8% (3-yr weighted avg)

Hispanic-Serving Institution

James Sprunt Community College in Kenansville runs a four-semester LPN to ADN transition that grants credit for prior nursing coursework so nurses do not repeat what they already know. Instruction moves through health-illness concepts, family health, holistic care, and complex health problems, paired with clinical rotations in acute, chronic, and community settings. Admission is selective and requires an entrance exam, one year of direct patient care, CPR certification, and a background and drug screening, and reported total program tuition sits near $6,300.

  • LPN to ADN Transition — On-Campus
    James Sprunt Community College
    • Four-semester program, 72 total credit hours
    • Credit for NUR 111 and NUR 117
    • Reported total program tuition around $6,300
    • Entrance exam required; 2.0 GPA minimum
    • One year of direct patient care experience required
    • CPR certification required
    • Criminal background and drug screening
    • Starts spring; selective admission
    Visit Website
BE

Beaufort County Community College

Washington, NC · ~$7,000/yr (est.) · NCLEX-RN pass rate 95.8% (3-yr weighted avg)

Beaufort County Community College in Washington grants credit for four nursing courses to licensed LPNs who meet transition criteria, then folds them into the traditional ADN cohort for the remainder of a 75-credit degree. The bridge begins with a summer nursing transition course and continues through family health, complex health systems, and general education requirements. Reported first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates for its RN graduates sit in the mid 90s.

  • LPN to RN Bridge, Associates — On-Campus
    Beaufort County Community College
    • 75 total credit hours
    • Credit granted for prior LPN nursing courses
    • Begins with a nursing transition concepts course
    • Prepares students for the NCLEX-RN
    • Careers in acute and community care settings
    Visit Website
SA

Sampson Community College

Clinton, NC · $3,000 – $10,000/yr (est.) · NCLEX-RN pass rate 97.5% (3-yr weighted avg)

Hispanic-Serving Institution

Sampson Community College in Clinton is unusual in offering two separate LPN to RN routes: a two-semester online hybrid bridge and an advanced placement option that slots nurses into the traditional ADN cohort. The hybrid track requires 2,000 hours of LPN work experience, a current license, and a strong score on the ATI PN Predictor, and it pairs online instruction with on-campus labs and 144 clinical hours per course. The program is ACEN accredited and has reported first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates around 95 percent with job placement in the mid 90s.

  • LPN to ADN Online Hybrid — Hybrid
    Sampson Community College
    ACEN accredited
    • Two-semester online and hybrid bridge option
    • ACEN accredited and approved by the North Carolina Board of Nursing
    • 23 credits of prerequisites required
    • 144 clinical hours per course
    • ATI PN Predictor score required for admission
    • 2,000 hours of LPN work experience required
    • Financial aid and scholarships available
    Visit Website

LPN-to-ADN vs. LPN-to-BSN: Which Bridge Path Fits You?

North Carolina LPNs weighing the move to RN licensure face a fundamental fork in the road: earn an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or go straight for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Both paths lead to the same NCLEX-RN exam, but they differ meaningfully in time, cost, and what comes after graduation. Most NC community college bridge programs are LPN-to-ADN tracks, typically costing roughly $2,000 to $3,200 in tuition for in-state students, while LPN-to-BSN programs at four-year universities generally run two to three times higher. On the earnings side, program-level salary data for these specific bridge tracks is not yet published for most North Carolina schools, so the comparison below draws on statewide industry trends and structural differences between the two credentials. One important hiring reality: a growing number of NC hospitals pursuing or maintaining Magnet designation now prefer or require a BSN, which means an ADN graduate may eventually need to complete an RN-to-BSN program anyway.

FactorLPN-to-ADNLPN-to-BSN
Typical program length2 to 4 semesters (some accelerated options finish in about 12 months)4 to 6 semesters (roughly 2 to 3 years including prerequisites)
In-state tuition range (NC)Approximately $2,000 to $3,200 at community collegesApproximately $8,000 to $20,000 or more at four-year institutions
Credential earnedAssociate in Applied Science in NursingBachelor of Science in Nursing
Licensure examNCLEX-RNNCLEX-RN
Early-career RN salary outlookCompetitive entry-level RN wages; no significant gap in bedside pay during the first few yearsSimilar starting bedside pay, though BSN holders may qualify for slightly higher base rates at Magnet hospitals
Long-term career trajectoryQualifies for most bedside RN roles; management and education positions typically require additional schoolingOpens doors to nurse management, clinical education, public health, and is a prerequisite for graduate programs (MSN, DNP)
Magnet hospital eligibilityHired at many facilities, but some Magnet-designated NC hospitals prefer or require a BSN within a set timeframeMeets Magnet hiring preferences immediately
Format availability in NCWidely available at community colleges statewide; campus, hybrid, and some evening optionsFewer programs; offered at select universities, often in hybrid or online-plus-clinical formats
Path to advanced practice (NP, CNS)Requires completing an RN-to-BSN program first, then applying to a graduate programCan apply directly to MSN or DNP programs after gaining clinical experience

How Long Do NC LPN Bridge Programs Take?

Completion time is one of the biggest factors LPNs weigh when choosing a bridge program. In North Carolina, LPN to ADN bridges typically run two to three semesters (roughly 12 to 15 months), while LPN to BSN programs extend to four semesters or longer. The fastest options can put you in an RN seat in about a year, but your actual timeline depends on how many prerequisites you have already finished and whether you enroll full time or part time.

Program / SchoolDegreeFormatTypical DurationNotes
Catawba Valley Community College LPN to RN BridgeADNAccelerated hybrid (evening classes, online coursework, weekend clinicals)2 semestersOne of the fastest LPN to RN options in NC; competitive admission; clinicals held on weekends
Bladen Community College LPN to RN BridgeADNHybrid (online and on campus)2 semesters (Fall and Spring sequence)Two course sequence covering LPN to ADN Concepts I and II; designed for working LPNs
Cape Fear Community College LPN to ADNADNHybrid (online, in class, plus clinicals)3 semestersCombines online and in person instruction with required clinical rotations
Blue Ridge Community College LPN to RN BridgeADNCampus based, accelerated3 semestersLaunched summer 2026; detailed curriculum still being finalized
Edgecombe Community College LPN to RN BridgeADNAccelerated advanced placement bridge3 semestersAdvanced placement path allows LPNs to complete the ADN significantly faster than a traditional track
Richmond Community College Fast Track LPN to RNADNOn campus accelerated (classroom plus clinicals)3 semestersOpen to LPNs and credentialed paramedics; requires at least one year of clinical work experience
Southeastern Community College LPN to ADN TransitionADNAccelerated bridge for working LPNs3 semestersSupported by a $500,000 grant; first cohort applications opened in early 2026
South College LPN to BSN BridgeBSNOn campus39 months full timeTransfer credits may shorten the timeline; available to NC licensed LPNs seeking a four year degree

Tuition and Total Cost Comparison for NC LPN Bridge Programs

How much you pay for LPN to RN Bridge Programs depends almost entirely on which type of institution you choose: a public community college charging by the credit hour or a private university bundling tuition into a single program fee. Understanding that divide is the first step toward building a realistic budget.

Public Community College ADN Bridge Costs

North Carolina's Community College Nursing Programs offer the most affordable path from LPN to RN. Published in-state tuition rates at schools with LPN-to-ADN tracks typically fall between $1,944 and $2,877 per year, with total program costs landing in the $3,000 to $8,000 range depending on prerequisite needs and how many semesters you spend in clinicals. Durham Technical Community College lists roughly $5,131 in total program tuition for its LPN-to-ADN track, while Sandhills Community College advertises about $4,256 for its advanced placement option. Even after factoring in fees, books, uniforms, and exam costs, most students at public schools finish for under $10,000 out of pocket.

Net price estimates, which reflect what students actually pay after grants and scholarships, run even lower. Sector-wide averages for students receiving aid at these colleges often fall below $5,000, though individual circumstances vary based on income, enrollment status, and grant eligibility.

Private and Online BSN Bridge Costs

If your goal is a BSN rather than an ADN, expect a steeper investment. Private universities and online BSN-completion programs typically charge between $20,000 and $40,000 or more for LPN-to-BSN pathways. Some accelerated online options push past $50,000 when you include fees and clinical placement costs. The tradeoff is a four-year degree that may lead to supervisory roles and graduate education faster than a two-step ADN-then-RN-to-BSN route.

Stretching Your Dollar

Financial aid can offset a significant portion of these costs. Many NC community college nursing students receive Pell Grants, with some schools reporting over 80% of enrollees qualifying for federal need-based aid. North Carolina also offers state-funded grants for community college students, and employer tuition reimbursement programs remain common in healthcare settings. Before committing, compare net price estimates and ask each program's financial aid office for a personalized breakdown.

Online, Hybrid, and Evening Options for Working LPNs in NC

Can you actually complete an LPN to RN or LPN to BSN program online in North Carolina? Short answer: not entirely, but several programs get close, and a few build their schedules around working LPNs.

What "Hybrid" Really Means Here

Among North Carolina's community college bridge programs, Alamance Community College, Cape Fear Community College, Sampson Community College, and Mayland Community College all list a hybrid delivery format. In practice, this means lecture and coursework happen online or in a flipped-classroom format, while skills labs and clinical rotations still require you to show up in person. No ACEN or NLN CNEA Accredited LPN and RN Programs in the state currently run entirely online, because clinical hours mandated for RN licensure can't be simulated remotely. Cape Fear's program specifically pairs online instruction with 144 clinical hours, and Mayland builds its three-semester track around weekend clinicals, a real advantage if you're still working LPN shifts during the week.

LPN to BSN: Hybrid, Not Remote

For a four-year bridge, South College's LPN to BSN program in Asheville is generally described as hybrid rather than online, though tuition documentation for the program groups it with on-campus formats rather than the fully remote track South College offers for RN to BSN completion. Treat any "online LPN to BSN" claim with caution until you confirm current-year enrollment status directly with the school. Winston-Salem State University's LPN to BSN track, meanwhile, appears to be a campus-based, full-time program requiring an active NC LPN license and a year of direct patient care, with no confirmed hybrid or evening option.

Scheduling Tips for Working LPNs

  • Ask about LPN/LVN Program Admissions and cohort start dates: Many programs admit once a year, so plan applications around your work commitments early.
  • Look for weekend or evening clinical blocks: Programs like Mayland's reduce conflict with day-shift LPN jobs.
  • Confirm part-time tracks exist: Not every college offers one; some require full-time enrollment once clinicals begin.

North Carolina LPN-to-RN Admission Requirements

Admission requirements are the checklist a community college uses to decide whether your LPN license, coursework, and academic record qualify you for a seat in its bridge cohort, and in North Carolina that checklist varies more than most applicants expect. Below is a side-by-side look at five programs so you can see where the real differences sit.

GPA and TEAS Benchmarks

  • Central Piedmont (CPCC): No published GPA floor, but ENG 111, PSY 150, and BIO 168 must be finished before admission; TEAS minimum not specified.1
  • Southeastern (SCC): 3.0 GPA in general education courses tied to the practical nursing curriculum map, C or higher in each.
  • Robeson: 2.80 GPA and a TEAS composite of 60, valid within five years.3
  • GTCC: TEAS Version 7 composite of 66, the highest cutoff among these five schools; GPA not published.4
  • Surry: 2.5 GPA, a 60 percent TEAS composite with no subtest below 25 percent.5

The pattern most applicants should expect: a 2.5 to 3.0 GPA and a TEAS composite in the 60s on the LPN/LVN Program Entrance Exam. GTCC's 66 stands out as the outlier on the high end.

License and Experience

Every program requires a current, unencumbered NC (or compact-state) LPN license. Robeson goes further, requiring at least one year of documented LPN employment before applicants qualify for advanced placement.3

Credit for Prior LPN Coursework

This is where Differences Between LPN and RN Programs are sharpest, and they directly affect your total cost and time to an RN license. CPCC awards 23 credit hours through Credit by Credential once you are admitted and licensed, waiving NUR 111 through 114 and NUR 211 outright.1 SCC awards 26.5 waiver credits toward its 68-hour curriculum.2 GTCC and Robeson both grant advanced placement but do not publish a fixed credit figure, so ask their nursing advisors directly for a transcript evaluation before you apply.

Licensure, NCLEX-RN, and the Nurse Licensure Compact in North Carolina

Applying to the North Carolina Board of Nursing and registering for the NCLEX-RN are two separate transactions, the same split you saw During LPN School & Obtaining License, and mixing them up is the most common reason applications stall.

Applying for Your RN License

Every bridge graduate applies through the NCBON Nurse Portal, paying a $75 application fee to the Board. NCLEX-RN registration is handled separately through Pearson VUE for $200. Add a background check (fingerprinting typically runs about $38, with a separate background-check processing fee around $50), and most new grads budget roughly $325 total to get from graduation to a license in hand. You'll need official transcripts, your fingerprint-based background check, a passport-style photo, and proof of citizenship or lawful presence. Processing generally takes four to six weeks once your file is complete, so submit early rather than waiting on your program's official completion date.

Working Across State Lines

North Carolina participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact, so an NC-issued RN license is recognized in other compact states without additional paperwork. That matters if you live near the South Carolina or Virginia border, or if travel nursing is part of your long-term plan, and it is worth reviewing LPN/LVN Reciprocity if you move before your NCLEX-RN results post.

Renewal and Ongoing Competence

RN licenses renew every two years for $100, submitted through the Nurse Portal starting 90 days before expiration. Instead of a flat CE mandate, NCBON accepts several competence paths: 30 contact hours of approved continuing education, 15 hours paired with 640 practice hours, a Board-approved refresher course, or current national certification.

NCBON also publishes program-specific NCLEX-RN pass rates, which is exactly the data behind the rankings above.

RN vs. LPN Salary in North Carolina: What the Bridge Is Worth

The LPN to RN bridge is, at its core, a financial decision as much as a clinical one: you're trading a year or two of tuition and reduced hours for a credential that changes your pay ceiling for the rest of your career.

The Wage Gap

Federal wage survey data consistently shows registered nurses in North Carolina earning meaningfully more than LPNs, generally in the range of $15,000 to $25,000 more per year statewide.1 That gap holds up, with some variation, across the state's larger job markets, including Charlotte, the Raleigh-Durham area, and Fayetteville. Metro-level figures shift year to year and by employer mix, so treat any single number as a snapshot rather than a guarantee, but the direction and rough size of the gap have been stable for years.

Where the Data Gets Fuzzy

National wage surveys track occupations broadly, not individual LPN bridge programs. Earnings data specific to graduates of NC's LPN-to-RN or LPN-to-BSN programs isn't currently published in a way that lets you compare, say, Wake Tech's RN graduates against Gaston College's. What you can reasonably expect is that your pay will move toward the RN median for your region once you're licensed and hired, not that any particular program guarantees a specific salary.

BSN vs. ADN Pay

Many of North Carolina's larger hospital systems, particularly Magnet-designated facilities in the Charlotte and Triangle markets, favor BSN-prepared nurses for hiring and promotion, and some offer a modest hourly differential or faster path to charge and specialty roles for BSN holders. An ADN still gets you licensed and working as an RN with full earning potential in most settings, but if your long-term goal includes leadership, specialty certification, or a large academic health system, the LPN to BSN program closes that gap sooner.

Frequently Asked Questions About NC LPN Bridge Programs

Below are answers to the questions working LPNs ask most often when exploring bridge programs in North Carolina. Because policies differ from school to school, always confirm details with the admissions office of each program you are considering.

  1. How long does an LPN to RN bridge program take in North Carolina?

    Most full-time LPN to RN bridge programs in North Carolina require roughly 12 to 18 months of nursing coursework once prerequisites are complete. Part-time tracks typically stretch to 18 to 24 months. Your actual timeline depends on how many general education courses you finished during your LPN training and whether the program runs year-round or follows a traditional semester calendar.

  2. Can I complete an LPN to BSN program entirely online in NC?

    Not entirely. LPN to BSN pathways in North Carolina are generally hybrid: didactic coursework is delivered online, but supervised clinical rotations must be completed in person at approved healthcare sites. Expect the full LPN to BSN path to take approximately three years. No program currently advertises a 100% online option that eliminates the clinical component.

  3. What is the fastest LPN to RN program in North Carolina?

    Among publicly listed accelerated options, Southeastern Community College's LPN to ADN transition runs three consecutive semesters (roughly 12 months) and is designed specifically for working LPNs. Other community colleges offer similarly compressed timelines, but completion speed varies by prerequisite load and enrollment status. Contact programs directly for the most current scheduling.

  4. Do NC LPN bridge programs accept transfer credits for LPN experience?

    Bridge programs typically grant advanced placement or course credit for prior LPN coursework, which is why their total credit hours are lower than a standard ADN track. However, the amount and form of credit awarded varies by institution. Holding a current LPN license is a universal requirement, but credit for work experience alone is not guaranteed. Check each school's transfer evaluation policy.

  5. Is the TEAS exam required for all NC LPN to RN programs?

    The ATI TEAS is widely required, but it is not mandated at every program statewide. Bladen Community College, for example, requires a minimum composite score of 58 and considers up to four attempts, while Beaufort County Community College sets its cutoff at 58.7 with scores valid for 10 years. Some schools may accept alternative entrance assessments, so verify testing requirements with each program before applying.

More NC LPN-to-RN and LPN-to-BSN Programs to Consider

Beyond the top 10 ranked programs, North Carolina has a deep bench of LPN-to-RN and LPN-to-BSN options spread across every corner of the state. This directory is not ranked. It is organized by region so you can find a bridge program near home or near work, then weigh format, degree level, and net price on your own terms.

Eastern North Carolina

College of the Albemarle
The LPN to ADN Option builds on existing practical nursing experience with deeper work in patient care, pharmacology, and critical thinking, plus clinical rotations at local facilities. Students can add concurrent BSN enrollment through Old Dominion University or a RIBN agreement with East Carolina University. Net price averages about $2,253.
  • LPN – ADN Option
Elizabeth City, NC · On-Campus
Wilson Community College
The LPN to ADN Transition program covers nursing concepts, family health, the health system, and complex care, with a hybrid transition course and an evening option offered every other year. Admission is competitive and point-based, and estimated total program tuition is about $6,500. Net price averages near $3,064.
  • LPN to ADN Transition
Wilson, NC · On-Campus
Wayne Community College
An Advanced Standing pathway places licensed practical nurses into the ADN curriculum, blending classroom instruction, lab work, and supervised clinical practice in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care. RN-to-BSN articulation agreements help graduates keep advancing. Net price averages around $2,245.
  • Advanced Standing Alternative for Licensed Practical Nurses
Goldsboro, NC · On-Campus
Craven Community College
The Transition LPN to ADN program offers fall and spring cohort starts, small class sizes, and hands-on clinical experiences. Applicants need a 2.5 GPA, a chemistry prerequisite, and a TEAS score of 58.7 percent. Net price averages about $3,289.
  • Transition: LPN to ADN
New Bern, NC · On-Campus

Southeastern North Carolina

Robeson Community College
Accepted students enter in the third semester of the Associate Degree Nursing track, studying pharmacology, nursing transition, and complex care with clinicals in acute, chronic, extended, industrial, and community settings. Two transition courses earn non-course credit for first-year nursing classes. Net price averages about $2,892.
  • Associate Degree Nursing LPN to RN-Advanced Placement
Lumberton, NC · On-Campus
Southeastern Community College
This three-semester HyFlex program mixes online coursework with in-person sessions and required clinical experiences, a structure built for working LPNs. Admission requires an unencumbered North Carolina license, a 2.0 GPA, and a passing ATI PN Predictor score. Net price averages around $9,148.
  • LPN to ADN Transition Program
Whiteville, NC · Hybrid

Triangle and Central North Carolina

Johnston Community College
The advanced placement track builds on LPN skills with coursework in healthcare, nursing practice, and holistic patient care, plus clinical experience in acute, chronic, and community settings. Admission requires a 2.5 GPA, prerequisite algebra, biology, and chemistry, and a TEAS score of 58.7. Net price averages about $1,776.
  • Associate Degree Nursing (LPN to ADN)
Smithfield, NC · On-Campus
Wake Technical Community College
The Advanced Placement bridge opens with an intensive 10-week summer course that condenses four traditional nursing courses, followed by two semesters alongside traditional ADN students. Applicants need 18 months of LPN work experience and a TEAS composite of 59. Net price averages around $8,759.
  • Advanced Placement LPN to RN
Raleigh, NC · On-Campus
North Carolina Central University
The Traditional BSN is a four-year campus route open to licensed practical nurses, moving from health assessment and pathophysiology into pharmacology, adult health, maternity, pediatric, and community health nursing. Admission asks for a 3.2 cumulative and math and science GPA plus the TEAS. Net price averages about $15,359.
  • Nursing (Traditional BSN)
Durham, NC · On-Campus

Piedmont Triad

Forsyth Technical Community College
This LPN to ADN bridge can be completed in one year of full-time day study, with LPN to ADN Concepts I and II covering patient care, pharmacology, clinical skills, and nursing ethics. Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN. Net price averages around $7,200.
  • Associate Degree Nursing – Advanced Placement (LPN-ADN transition)
Winston-Salem, NC · On-Campus
Surry Community College
The LPN-ADN bridge covers pharmacology, health care concepts, and complex health conditions, with credit awarded for prior LPN coursework. Two start dates each year, in spring and summer, give working nurses some scheduling flexibility. Net price averages about $4,961.
  • Associate Degree Nursing LPN-ADN
Dobson, NC · On-Campus

Charlotte Metro

Mitchell Community College
The LPN to ADN Bridge Option uses a concept-based curriculum covering clinical reasoning, patient assessment, communication, and safe care across acute, chronic, and community settings. Admission requires a current NC or Compact LPN license, a TEAS score of at least 68, and one year of full-time LPN experience. Net price averages about $6,481.
  • LPN to Associate Degree Nursing A.A.S. degree (Bridge Option)
Statesville, NC · On-Campus
Chamberlain University-North Carolina
The LPN to BSN Option skips proficiency tests and skills validations, letting students graduate 16 weeks sooner and save up to $7,000 on tuition. Coursework blends online and onsite learning with hands-on skills practice in the SIMCARE CENTER and at North Carolina clinical sites. Net price averages about $20,919.
  • LPN to BSN Option
Charlotte, NC · On-Campus

Western North Carolina

Blue Ridge Community College
Qualified LPNs can finish the Associate Degree Nursing program in three semesters, with day classes on campus, simulation labs, and clinical placements at area hospitals, long-term care facilities, rehabilitation centers, and clinics. Credits transfer toward a BSN at four-year schools. Net price averages about $5,756.
  • LPN to RN Bridge
Flat Rock, NC · On-Campus
Southwestern Community College
The LPN to ADN Bridge picks up where LPN training left off, moving through Nursing Transition Concepts and LPN-ADN Concepts I and II with clinicals in acute, chronic, extended, industrial, and community settings. Classes begin in summer 2026 on the Sylva campus. Net price averages about $5,207.
  • Nursing Associate, AAS (LPN to ADN)
Sylva, NC · On-Campus

Recent Articles

See all articles

In this article

Follow us