North Carolina LPN to RN/BSN Programs

Last Updated/Verified: Mar 19, 2025

With the nationwide shortage of nurses wreaking havoc on healthcare, North Carolina is doing its part to encourage nursing advancement by offering a host of LPN to RN bridge programs. These programs allow LPNs to receive the additional training and education necessary to become RNs and have better career prospects, the ability to enter niche nursing areas, and earn higher paychecks. North Carolina RNs earn an average of $18,820 more annually than LPNs in the state do.

Looking for more information on the LPN to RN educational pathway? Learn more about taking and passing the NCLEX-RN examination and check out the North Carolina Board of Nursing for information on licensing and available organizations and associations for registered nurses in the state.

2025 Best LPN to RN Programs in North Carolina

Looking for the best LPN to RN programs in North Carolina? practicalnursing.org has you covered. We've ranked the top programs to help you make an informed choice. Our list focuses on quality, affordability, and success rates. Start your journey to becoming an RN today with our trusted rankings. For more on how we rank programs, visit https://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 Hunt School of Nursing stands out with its Advanced Placement LPN option, designed for licensed practical nurses aiming to elevate their careers. This hybrid program not only facilitates a smooth transition to associate and bachelor's degrees but also opens doors to advanced nursing qualifications such as MSN and DNP. Unique benefits include automatic acceptance for qualified LPNs, eliminating common transfer obstacles, and offering a fast-track to higher nursing education. The program's flexibility and the absence of an application fee further enhance its appeal to aspiring RNs.

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

Queens University of Charlotte

Charlotte, NC - Private 4-year - queens.edu

Bachelor's - LPN to BSN

Campus Based - Visit Website

Queens University of Charlotte offers an LPN to BSN program that is ideal for licensed practical nurses aiming to elevate their careers to the bachelor's level. This campus-based program is tailored for those already in the nursing field, providing a curriculum that enhances both clinical expertise and leadership capabilities. It's a perfect blend of practical experience and advanced nursing theory, designed to prepare graduates for a wider range of healthcare positions. The program emphasizes career growth, offering a structured pathway for LPNs to achieve their professional goals in nursing.

  • Campus-based nursing program
  • Designed for licensed practical nurses
  • Career advancement pathway
  • Builds on existing nursing experience
  • Bachelor's level nursing education
#3

Brunswick Community College

Bolivia, NC - Public 2-Year - brunswickcc.edu

Associate - LPN to ADN Transition Option

Campus Based - Visit Website

Brunswick Community College's LPN to ADN Transition Option is designed for licensed practical nurses aiming to advance their careers to registered nursing. This campus-based program efficiently transitions LPNs into RN roles over three semesters, integrating classroom learning with hands-on clinical experience. It emphasizes enhancing practical nursing skills through evidence-based practice and teamwork, preparing graduates for the NCLEX-RN exam. Admission prerequisites include a 2.5 GPA, a current LPN license, and at least one year of patient care experience, ensuring candidates are well-prepared for the rigorous curriculum. With 72 credits required, this program is a solid choice for nurses seeking professional growth in North Carolina.

  • Three-semester nursing transition
  • Campus-based instruction
  • Clinical component included
  • NCLEX-RN exam eligibility
  • Requires 1-year patient care experience
  • Minimum 2.5 GPA requirement
  • Total 72 program credits
  • Builds on practical nursing skills
#4

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 hybrid Licensed Practical Nurse to Associate Degree Nursing Option is tailored for LPNs seeking career advancement. This ACEN-accredited program merges online learning with clinical practice, offering flexibility for working students. Notable for its 100% NCLEX-RN pass rate in recent years, the program emphasizes small class sizes and advanced simulation labs for a hands-on educational experience. Designed to be completed in three semesters, it provides a cost-effective pathway to RN licensure, with opportunities for scholarships and federal funding. Graduates benefit from personalized instruction, enhancing their marketability and potential for higher earnings in the nursing profession.

  • 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
  • Individualized education approach
  • High quality learning opportunities
  • Competitive edge in job market
  • Enhanced professional growth opportunities
  • Eligibility for federal funding
  • Scholarships available
  • Streamlined path for LPNs
  • Gateway to higher qualifications
  • Potential salary growth
  • Balances education with work
#5

Gaston College

Dallas, NC - Public 2-Year - gaston.edu

Associate - LPN to RN Option

Campus Based - Visit Website

Gaston College offers an LPN to RN Bridge program designed for licensed practical nurses seeking to elevate their nursing career. This campus-based program awards an Associate of Applied Science degree, emphasizing the development of advanced clinical skills, patient safety, and quality care. It stands out for its national accreditation and a curriculum tailored to prepare nurses for the complexities of modern healthcare settings. The program is particularly suited for working professionals, offering flexibility to balance education with employment. Graduates are well-prepared to meet the diverse needs of patients and adapt to the evolving healthcare landscape.

  • Nationally accredited nursing program
  • Bridge program for LPNs
  • Associate of Applied Science degree
  • Focuses on safety and quality care
  • Prepares nurses for dynamic environments
*Dataset: IPEDS 2023, provided by the National Center for Education Statistics.

List of 2025 LPN to RN or LPN to BSN Programs in NC

Below is the 2025 best comprehensive list of LPN to RN programs in North Carolina. Some of these programs may be a ADN or BSN degree, please visit the school's website for program details.

Jump to City:

Asheville, NC

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College

  • Associate - LPN to ADN Advanced Placement

    Campus Based - Website

    • Nationally accredited nursing program
    • Advanced placement for LPNs
    • 72 total credit hours
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
    • Comprehensive clinical training
    • Multiple healthcare career paths
    • Selective admission process
    • Requires current LPN license

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

    • Three-semester nursing transition
    • Campus-based instruction
    • Clinical component included
    • NCLEX-RN exam eligibility
    • Requires 1-year patient care experience
    • Minimum 2.5 GPA requirement
    • Total 72 program credits
    • Builds on practical nursing skills

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

    • 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

Clyde, NC

Haywood Community College

  • Associate - RN Completer Track

    Campus Based - Website

    • Associate in Applied Science.
    • For LPNs to RNs.
    • Flexible class schedules.
    • Focus on nursing care.
    • Skills for all age groups.
    • Interdisciplinary teamwork training.
    • Campus-based program.
    • Prepares for diverse RN roles.

Dallas, NC

Gaston College

  • Associate - LPN to RN Option

    Campus Based - Website

    • Nationally accredited nursing program
    • Bridge program for LPNs
    • Associate of Applied Science degree
    • Focuses on safety and quality care
    • Prepares nurses for dynamic environments

Durham, NC

Durham Technical Community College

  • Associate - Associate Degree Nursing - LPN to ADN Track

    Campus Based - Website

    • ACEN Accredited Nursing Program
    • Day Program with Clinical Rotations
    • Associate in Applied Science Degree
    • Requires 1 Year LPN Experience
    • 50 Total Credit Hours
    • CPR Certification Required
    • Diverse Clinical Experience
    • NCLEX-RN Exam Eligibility

Elizabeth City, NC

College of the Albemarle

  • Associate - LPN – ADN Option

    Campus Based - Website

    • LPN bridge to ADN program
    • ACEN accredited nursing program
    • Multiple university partnerships
    • Campus-based instruction
    • Concurrent enrollment options
    • Designed for working nurses
    • Professional advancement pathway

Graham, NC

Alamance Community College

  • Associate - LPN to RN

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Hybrid online and in-class instruction
    • Advanced placement for LPNs
    • Competitive point-based admissions
    • Clinical component included
    • Pathway to RN licensure
    • Courses completed with B/C grades
    • Multiple certification bonus points
    • AAS Nursing Degree program

Henderson, NC

Vance-Granville Community College

  • Associate - LPN to ADN Transition Program

    Campus Based - Website

    • 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.

Hickory, NC

Catawba Valley Community College

  • Associate - LPN-RN Bridge

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Two-semester hybrid program
    • Designed for working LPNs
    • Afternoon/evening classes
    • Saturday 12-hour clinical
    • NCLEX-RN exam eligibility
    • Strong technology skills needed
    • Competitive admission process

Hudson, NC

Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute

  • Associate - Practical Nursing to Associate Degree Nursing Transition Program

    Campus Based - Website

    • Campus-based nursing program
    • Transition for licensed practical nurses
    • Two campus locations available
    • NCLEX-RN preparation
    • Accredited nursing curriculum
    • Multiple healthcare employment paths
    • Evidence-based practice focus

Jacksonville, NC

Coastal Carolina Community College

  • Associate - Nursing Transition Program

    Campus Based - Website

    • Licensed Practical Nurse pathway
    • 17 transfer credit hours
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
    • Comprehensive clinical training
    • Limited enrollment program

Jamestown, NC

Guilford Technical Community College

  • Associate - LPN-Associate Degree Nursing Bridge

    Campus Based - Website

    • 70 Credit Hour Program
    • Exclusively for Licensed Practical Nurses
    • Jamestown Campus Location
    • Limited Entry - 15-20 Students
    • Advanced Standing for LPNs
    • Multiple College Readiness Options
    • Comprehensive Admission Process
    • ATI TEAS Exam Required

Kenansville, NC

James Sprunt Community College

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

    Campus Based - Website

    • Four-semester program.
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
    • Classroom and clinical experience.
    • Emphasizes evidence-based practice.
    • Focus on quality improvement.
    • Teamwork in healthcare settings.
    • Safe, individualized care focus.
    • Builds on LPN knowledge.

Kinston, NC

Lenoir Community College

  • Associate - LPN to ADN Transition

    Campus Based - Website

    • Campus-based program.
    • Eligible for NCLEX-RN exam.
    • Focus on evidence-based practice.
    • Includes anatomy and psychology courses.
    • Requires math and biology prerequisites.
    • Math-pharmacology competency exam required.
    • Prepares for diverse healthcare roles.
    • Emphasizes quality improvement in care.

New Bern, NC

Craven Community College

  • Associate - Transition: LPN to ADN

    Campus Based - Website

    • LPN to ADN pathway
    • Minimum 2.50 GPA required
    • TEAS exam benchmark scores
    • CPR certification mandatory
    • Campus-based program

Pinehurst, NC

Sandhills Community College

  • Associate - Associate Degree Nursing – Advanced Placement

    Campus Based - Website

    • 56 total credit hours
    • Four sequential semesters
    • For licensed practical nurses
    • NCLEX-RN preparation
    • Accredited nursing program
    • Clinical rotation required
    • Prerequisites include chemistry
    • HESI A2 exam mandatory

Raleigh, NC

Wake Technical Community College

  • Associate - Advanced Placement LPN to RN

    Campus Based - Website

    • Designed for LPNs advancing to RN.
    • Starts with intensive summer course.
    • Followed by two semesters of study.
    • Competitive admissions procedure.
    • Requires 'C' or better in prerequisites.
    • LPN license and ATI TEAS scores needed.
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN licensure exam.
    • Financial aid and veterans benefits available.

Salisbury, NC

Rowan-Cabarrus Community College

  • Associate - LPN to ADN

    Campus Based - Website

    • LPN to RN career advancement
    • Evidence-based nursing practice
    • Full program approval status
    • 90% job placement rate
    • ACEN accredited program

Shelby, NC

Cleveland Community College

  • Associate - LPN to ADN Pathway

    Campus Based - Website

    • LPN to ADN bridge program
    • 4 total academic terms
    • 29 nursing credit hours
    • 100% employment rate
    • ACEN accredited program
    • Spring semester entry
    • Clinical experience included
    • NCLEX-RN 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

    • State-approved nursing program
    • Competitive 15-student admission
    • Requires current LPN license
    • TEAS VI exam minimum 60 score
    • Clinical rotations in multiple counties
    • Requires BLS certification
    • Background check and drug screening
    • Mandatory nursing orientation

Spruce Pine, NC

Mayland Community College

  • Associate - Licensed Practical Nurse to Associate Degree Nursing Option

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 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

Thomasville, NC

Davidson-Davie Community College

  • Associate - LPN to ADN Option

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 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

Washington, NC

Beaufort County Community College

  • Associate - LPN to ADN Transition

    Campus Based - Website

    • Three-semester nursing transition track
    • Credit for previous nursing experience
    • Competitive admissions process
    • Prerequisites include science courses
    • Designed for working LPNs

Wilmington, NC

Cape Fear Community College

  • Associate - LPN to RN

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Hybrid learning model.
    • Three-semester program.
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
    • Selective admission process.
    • Combines online and in-class instruction.
    • Includes clinical component.
    • Approved by NC Board of Nursing.
    • Accredited by ACEN.

Wilson, NC

Wilson Community College

  • Associate - LPN to ADN Transition

    Campus Based - Website

    • LPN to ADN pathway
    • Hybrid learning format
    • Advanced placement option
    • Approx. $6,500 total cost
    • Requires unencumbered LPN license
    • TEAS test required
    • Multiple admission requirements
    • Clinical experience included

Winston-Salem, NC

Forsyth Technical Community College

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

    Campus Based - Website

    • One-year completion time.
    • Day schedule available.
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
    • Focus on patient care.
    • Includes clinical skills training.
    • Covers nursing ethics.
    • Teaches pharmacology basics.
    • Enhances critical thinking.
*Source: IPEDS 2023, National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

North Carolina LPN vs RN Salary Comparison By Area

Salary Comparison Tool

This tool will allow you to easily search and compare the average salaries of nurses for many cities and locations across the U.S. You can search by city and state. Salary data is provided through the BLS.

Select Career Type

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The table below compares the annual salary of a licensed practical nurse (LPN) to a registered nurse (RN), along with the percent increase that can be expected. The data was obtained from the Bureau of Labor Statistics for LPNs and RNs in North Carolina.

On average an RN in North Carolina earns $44,764, which is 7% less than the national average for registered nurses ($48,109).

City/AreaAvg LPN SalaryAvg RN Salary% Diff
Charlotte, Concord, Gastonia - NC$44,930$64,17042.8%
Durham, Chapel Hill - NC$47,540$67,03041.0%
Raleigh - NC$45,120$64,86043.8%
Winston, Salem - NC$44,650$69,07054.7%
Greensboro, High Point - NC$42,670$66,71056.3%
Asheville - NC$44,000$65,46048.8%
Greenville - NC$44,680$64,38044.1%
Hickory, Lenoir, Morganton - NC$45,860$59,89030.6%
Fayetteville - NC$45,430$69,99054.1%
Wilmington - NC$44,240$61,60039.2%
Rocky Mount - NC$46,760$61,26031.0%
New Bern - NC$40,860$60,43047.9%
Jacksonville - NC$42,140$64,03051.9%

Table data taken from 2018 BLS https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes291141.htm & https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292061.htm