2024 - Best LPN Programs in North Carolina

Last Updated/Verified: Nov 9, 2023

North Carolina takes great pride in staying on top of cutting-edge nursing policy, education, and practice. To meet a growing demand for nurses, individuals in the state can apply for a licensed practical nurse (LPN) license in the state by completing coursework and taking an exam. By 2029, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that LPN jobs will increase by 9%, making this an excellent time to invest in an education toward a rewarding, growing career field. LPNs in North Carolina earn approximately $25.49 per hour, which equates to an average annual salary of $53,010. This is roughly $2,850 per year less than the national average.

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Are you looking to become a licensed practical nurse in North Carolina? The school you choose is important when it comes to getting your license. Approved programs in North Carolina are offered at community colleges, technical centers, and private career schools - we list 39 schools across the state. After careful review of NCLEX-PN exam first-time pass rates over the past several years, we have ranked the top 10 programs. For more information on our LPN program rankings, see our Methodology page.

To see all the top ranked LPN programs in North Carolina click here.

Details on North Carolina LPN Schools & Classes

North Carolina boasts a great variety of schools offering accredited practical nursing programs. These programs are most commonly found at community colleges and vocational schools in the state. With part-time and full-time options typically available, students can expect the program to take 1-2 years to complete. Some schools offer select class components online as well. Practical nursing programs deliver content via core nursing courses, labs, and supervised clinical experiences. Common course titles include:

  • Intro to Health Concepts
  • Pharmacology
  • Anatomy & Physiology
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Family Health Concepts
  • Holistic Health Concepts

Accreditation

Choosing an accredited LPN program is of great importance. These programs are thoroughly vetted and carry a level of prestige that can’t be matched. The most common accrediting bodies for nursing programs are the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Students will also want to check that their program of choice is approved by the North Carolina Board of Nursing.

Admission Requirements

North Carolina schools offering LPN programs will have varying levels of admission requirements, so students should research schools to find out more about individual requirements. These typically include:

  • Satisfactory score on the ATI TEAS exam
  • Submit official transcripts from all high schools and colleges attended (or GED scores)
  • Completion of all prerequisite courses
  • Submit application and pay all required fees
  • Personal essay or statement of goals

Tuition and Costs

Practical nursing program expenses are undoubtedly on the mind of any potential LPN student. Due to the program being offered primarily at community colleges, fees can be quite reasonable, though this can vary between schools. Students must cover the costs of tuition, required fees, and course materials (books and other supplies). Financial aid is typically available to well-qualified applicants. As an example, tuition for the LPN program at Fayetteville Technical Community College runs roughly $2,280. This does not include additional fees and supplies such as books, uniforms, and shoes.

For those interested in advancing their nursing career, see our North Carolina LPN to RN/BSN programs page.

North Carolina LPN Licensing Requirements

In North Carolina, the applicant wishing to become an LPN must attend a board-approved nursing education program. After graduation, a copy of the official transcript needs to be sent directly to the North Carolina Board of Nursing and the graduate must register to take the NCLEX-PN. A criminal background check is also required. LPN licenses are only valid for 2 years and expire the last day of the individual’s birth-month. To renew the North Carolina LPN license, the applicant must fulfill one of the following requirements within the 2 years prior to expiration:

  • 640 LPN hours plus 15 hours continued education
  • 30 hours continued education
  • National certification or recertification
  • Board-approved refresher course
  • 2+ semester hours of post-licensure nursing academics
  • 15 hours continued education AND completion of a nursing project as the principal or co-investigator
  • 15 hours continued education AND co-authoring a nursing-related published paper
  • 15 hours continued education AND 5 hours developing or teaching a nursing presentation

NCLEX Exam Information

Upon graduating from a practical nursing program, all students must sit for and pass the NCLEX-PN exam for licensure. This exam covers a variety of nursing-related topics and is intended to test the student’s aptitude. For a comprehensive overview of the NCLEX-PN exam, click here. Students are also encouraged to take the NCLEX-PN practice test at their leisure.

LPN Reciprocity and NLC

North Carolina is one of the states that make up the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which allows nurses living in participating states to practice in other NLC states without additional licensure. LPNs licensed outside of compact area states can apply for a North Carolina license by endorsement but can obtain a temporary license to cover them for 6 months while seeking state licensure. In order to receive a license via endorsement the applicant must submit proof of the following:

  • Completion of a state-approved education program comparable to North Carolina’s
  • Passing the NCLEX or SBTPE
  • Mentally and physically healthy and able to perform LPN tasks
  • Previous state licensure
  • Criminal background check

For those educated outside of the US, applicants can qualify to take the NCLEX by submitting educational documents and passing an English proficiency exam. They must also obtain a valid social security card and submit to a criminal background check.

2024 NC NCLEX-PN Pass Rates and Statistics

  • Total Number of State Approved LPN Schools: 39
  • Total Number of Test Takers in 2022: 877
  • 2022 Average Statewide North Carolina NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 91.1%

Top Ranked North Carolina LPN Programs

1

Gaston College

201 Highway 321 South, Dallas, NC 28034 - (704) 922-6200 - Visit Homepage

Gaston College (GC) is a premier postsecondary educational resource located in Dallas, North Carolina, with additional campuses located throughout the state. GC is an open-door community college that promotes student success through a high-quality practical nursing diploma program that prepares future nurses for licensure and beyond.

Overall Score: 100.00 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
2

College of The Albemarle

1208 N. Road St, Elizabeth City, NC 27909 - (252) 335-0821 - Visit Homepage

At College of The Albemarle (COA), practical nursing students are provided with the knowledge and skills to integrate safety and quality into nursing care. These skills help them to meet the needs of the holistic individual, which impact health, quality of life, and achievement potential.

Overall Score: 100.00 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
3

Richmond Community College

1042 West Hamlet Avenue, Hamlet, NC 28345 - (910) 410-1700 - Visit Homepage

Richmond Community College of Hamlet provides a practical nursing program to prepare LPNs for the care of pediatric and adult patients. Both day and evening courses are available to accommodate busy schedules. The comprehensive curriculum includes courses such as Anatomy & Physiology and consists of 44 total credit hours.

Overall Score: 100.00 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
4

Edgecombe Community College

225 Tarboro St., Rocky Mount, NC 27801 - (252) 823-5166 - Visit Homepage

Edgecombe Community College’s Rocky Mount campus offers a practical nursing program designed to give students the skills and knowledge needed to provide safe, quality nursing care to patients across the lifespan. The curriculum includes coursework centered on healthcare, nursing practice, and the holistic individual.

Overall Score: 100.00 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
5

Lenoir Community College

231 Hwy 58 South, Kinston, NC 28502 - (252) 527-6223 - Visit Homepage

Lenoir Community College is a comprehensive, two-year institution located in Kinston, North Carolina, with additional locations in Snow Hill, Trenton, and LaGrange. Lenoir offers a 45-credit practical nursing diploma program which can be completed in just 3 semesters. The curriculum emphasizes safe, effective, and holistic nursing care.

Overall Score: 100.00 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
6

Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute

2855 Hickory Blvd, Caldwell, NC 28638 - (828) 726-2200 - Visit Homepage

Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute is home to a practical nursing diploma program that gives students the ability to provide individualized patient care. This 44 credit hour program weaves together classwork and labs to give students both theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills.

Overall Score: 100.00 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
7

Mayland Community College

200 Maryland Drive, Spruce Pine, NC 28777 - (828) 765-7351 - Visit Homepage

Mayland Community College, located in Spruce Pine, offers students a practical nursing program that can be completed in one year (three semesters). This limited enrollment program gives students the skills they need to find success as entry-level nursing professionals. Upon graduation, students are well-prepared to work in a variety of care facilities.

Overall Score: 100.00 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
8

Isothermal Community College

134 Maple Street, Rutherfordton, NC 28139 - (828) 286-2218 - Visit Homepage

Isothermal Community College, nestled in Spindale, North Carolina, is a public institution with a commitment to excellence. Renowned for its Practical Nursing program, the college provides hands-on training in a supportive community. Sizeable enough for diverse opportunities yet intimate for personalized learning, Isothermal is where nursing aspirations thrive.

Overall Score: 99.63 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
9

South Piedmont Community College

3509 Old Charlotte Highway, Monroe, NC 28110 - (704) 290-5100 - Visit Homepage

The highly revered Practical Nursing Diploma curriculum at South Piedmont Community College prepares nursing students with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide exceptional and ethical nursing care to children and adults. Graduates are eligible and prepared to apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN), which is required for practice as a licensed practical nurse.

Overall Score: 99.09 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
10

Cape Fear Community College

411 N. Front Street, Wilmington, NC 28401 - (910) 362-7000 - Visit Homepage

Cape Fear Community College (CFCC) is a comprehensive community college with multiple locations in North Carolina. CFCC's selective admission practical nursing program can be completed in 12 months of full-time study. Graduates are prepared for the NCLEX exam and for entry-level nursing practice.

Overall Score: 98.80 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools

Continued List of All Programs in North Carolina

RankedProgramScore
#11 Wilson Community College
902 Herring Avenue, Wilson, NC 27893
(252) 291-1195
98.67
#12 Beaufort County Community College
5337 HWY 264 East, Washington, NC 27889
(252) 946-6194
98.46
#13 Brunswick Community College
50 College Road, Bolivia, NC 28422
(910) 755-7300
98.42
#14 Sampson Community College
1801 Sunset Ave, Clinton, NC 28329
(910) 592-8081
96.42
#15 Rowan-Cabarrus Community College
1333 Jake Alexander Blvd. South, Salisbury, NC 28146
(704) 216-7222
95.62
#16 Surry Community College
630 South Main St, Dobson, NC 27017
(336) 386-8121
95.20
#17 Craven Community College
305 Cunningham Blvd, Havelock, NC 28532
(252) 444-6005
94.75
#18 McDowell Technical Community College
54 College Dr., Marion, NC 28752
(828) 652-6021
93.81
#19 ECPI University - Charlotte
4800 Airport Center Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28208
(704) 399-1010
93.26
#20 Montgomery Community College
1011 Page Street, Troy, NC 27371
(910) 576-6222
92.80
#21 James Sprunt Community College
133 James Sprunt Drive, Kenansville, NC 28349
(910) 296-1429
91.87
#22 Durham Technical Community College
1637 Lawson Street, Durham, NC 27703
(919) 536-7200
91.51
#23 ECPI University - Raleigh
4101 Doie Cope Road, Raleigh, NC 27613
(919) 571-0057
91.34
#24 Cleveland Community College
137 South Post Rd, Shelby, NC 28152
(704) 669-6000
91.21
#25 Central Carolina Community College
1105 Kelly Dr, Sanford, NC 27330
(919) 775-5401
91.04
#26 Robeson Community College
5160 Fayetteville Rd, Lumberton, NC 28360
(910) 272-3700
90.46
#27 Wayne Community College
3000 Wayne Memorial Drive, Goldsboro, NC 27534
(919) 735-5151
90.14
#28 Forsyth Technical Community College
2100 Silas Creek Parkway, Winston-Salem, NC 27103
(336) 723-0371
90.05
#29 Guilford Technical Community College
601 High Point Road, Jamestown, NC 27282
(336) 334-4822
89.71
#30 The College of Davidson and Davie Counties
297 DCCC Road, Thomasville, NC 27360
(336) 249-8186
89.50
#31 Southeastern Community College
4564 Chadbourn Highway, Whiteville, NC 28472
(910) 642-7141
88.27
#32 ECPI University - Greensboro
7802 Airport Center Drive, Greensboro, NC 27409
(336) 665-1400
87.46
#33 Vance-Granville Community College
200 Community College Road, Henderson, NC 27536
(252) 492-2061
85.18
#34 Bladen Community College
7418 NC Hwy 41W, Dublin, NC 28332
(910) 879-5500
84.17
#35 Fayetteville Technical Community College
2201 Hull Rd., Fayetteville, NC 28303
(910) 678-8400
83.84
#36 Coastal Carolina Community College
444 Western Boulevard, Jacksonville, NC 28546
(910) 455-1221
82.95
#37 Rockingham Community College
215 Wrenn Memorial Road, Wentworth, NC 27375
(336) 342-4261
79.31
#38 Halifax Community College
200 College Drive, Weldon, NC 27890
(252) 536-2551
78.21
#39 Nash Community College
522 N. Old Carriage Road, Rocky Mount, NC 27804
(252) 443-4011
69.44

Are we missing your school's program or need to make changes to the information listed? Please contact us.

Additional NC Nursing Resources

LPN Salary in North Carolina

The table below lists career information organized by the Bureau of Labor Statistics for licensed practical nurses in North Carolina. The table is sorted by total employment, with the largest metropolitan areas listed first.

AreaTotal EmploymentAverage Hourly WageAverage Annual Salary
Charlotte, Concord, Gastonia3,500$26.52$55,160
Raleigh1,600$26.69$55,520
Greensboro, High Point1,300$25.19$52,400
Fayetteville1,100$25.25$52,520
Winston, Salem1,060$25.36$52,750
Asheville980$26.15$54,380
Durham, Chapel Hill980$26.52$55,160
Wilmington730$25.28$52,580
Hickory, Lenoir, Morganton640$24.86$51,700
Greenville400$24.54$51,040
Burlington260$25.49$53,010
New Bern250$23.22$48,300
Rocky Mount190$25.19$52,390
Goldsboro180$23.45$48,780
Jacksonville140$23.47$48,810

Table data sourced from 2022 BLS (http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292061.htm)