How to Become an RN in North Carolina: 5 Steps
Thinking about how to become an RN in North Carolina? This state has everything a nurse could hope for — a growing demand for healthcare professionals, competitive salaries, affordable cost of living, and a strong network of medical facilities. Beyond work, the Tar Heel State features a pleasant climate, access to mountains and beaches, and vibrant cities like Charlotte and Asheville, ensuring your downtime is just as rewarding as your career.
Excited to start your nursing career in North Carolina? We’ve got you covered with a step-by-step guide on becoming an RN, from education and licensing to finding exciting roles in the state’s healthcare system.
How to Become an RN in North Carolina: Fun Facts
- Thriving healthcare industry: North Carolina features a strong network of over 100 hospitals, including world-class facilities like Duke University Hospital.
- Growing demand for RNs: The state is projected to experience a shortage of more than 12,000 registered nurses in the next decade, making up 11% of the projected workforce.
- Affordable living: The cost of living in North Carolina is about 14% lower than the national average, so nurses can enjoy a fulfilling lifestyle without breaking the bank.
- Work-life balance: The state is home to stunning mountains, beautiful beaches, scenic parks, and vibrant cities, offering endless opportunities for outdoor adventures.
What Does an RN in North Carolina Do?
While exploring how to become an RN in North Carolina, it’s helpful to consider the daily tasks you’ll perform. While your role will vary depending on the healthcare setting you choose to work in, the core responsibilities remain similar across most nursing positions. Here’s a look at some of the key tasks you can expect to perform:
- Assessing and monitoring patients: You’ll conduct head-to-toe assessments, take vital signs, and observe for any changes in patient conditions.
- Administering medications: You’ll ensure that prescribed medications and treatments are administered correctly and monitor for any side effects or adverse reactions.
- Developing care plans: You’ll create personalized nursing care plans tailored to each patient’s needs.
- Educating patients: You’ll teach patients and their families to manage their health conditions and adopt healthier habits.
- Documenting care: You’ll be in charge of keeping detailed medical records of care provided and patients’ responses.
- Collaborating with healthcare teams: You’ll work closely with doctors, physician assistants, medical interpreters, and other professionals to meet the diverse needs of every patient.
Depending on your chosen nursing specialty, you’ll also perform specialty-specific tasks that require additional expertise and skills. Whether you specialize in oncology nursing, pediatrics, or emergency care, North Carolina’s growing healthcare industry, along with its population of nearly 11 million people, creates a promising landscape to fulfill your nursing ambitions.
How Long Does It Take to Become an RN in North Carolina?
Becoming a registered nurse in North Carolina can take anywhere from two to four years, depending on your chosen educational path:
| Criteria | Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) | Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | About 2 years | About 4 years |
| Typical institutions | Community colleges and nursing schools | Universities and nursing schools |
| Cost | Generally lower tuition fees | Generally higher tuition fees |
| Eligibility for graduate programs | May require additional education | Easier entry into graduate programs |
Wondering how to become an RN in North Carolina fast? While the quickest way to become a nurse is by earning an ADN, the BSN degree provides a more comprehensive education and is typically preferred by healthcare employers.
How to Become an RN in North Carolina: 5 Steps
Ready to kick-start your journey to becoming an RN? Follow these five steps to reach your goal.
Step 1: Complete an Accredited Nursing Program
Begin your RN journey by enrolling in an accredited ADN or BSN program, designed to prepare you for entry-level roles. In these programs, you’ll dive into courses like pharmacology and nursing fundamentals while gaining practical experience through clinical rotations, preparing you to deliver safe and effective patient care.
Considering earning a BSN degree? Check out these highly rated NC nursing schools:
- Duke University
- University of North Carolina
- Winston-Salem State University
- Appalachian State University
- Barton College
Interested in earning an ADN degree? Explore these community colleges in NC:
- Central Piedmont Community College
- Randolph Community College
- Cape Fear Community College
- Carolinas College of Health Sciences
- Wake Technical Community College
Before deciding on a school, confirm that its nursing program is approved by the North Carolina Board of Nursing. School accreditation is essential for obtaining your license, so be cautious and avoid unaccredited or fraudulent programs.
Need help paying for school? Consider applying for nursing scholarships and loan repayment programs, or taking on a student nurse job. These options can relieve financial pressure while helping you progress toward your RN goal.
Step 2: Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam
Your next important step in figuring out how to become an RN in North Carolina is passing the NCLEX-RN — this standardized exam designed to assess everything you learned in school and ensure you’re ready for real-world nursing practice.
Here are some helpful guidelines to keep in mind while preparing for the NCLEX-RN in North Carolina:
- Application process: Submit an application for licensure by examination through the North Carolina Board of Nursing, making sure to upload all the required documents (i.e., school transcripts, valid social security card, and a completed background check). You’ll also need to schedule your exam with Pearson VUE, the official testing organization.
- Preparation resources: Many students use NCLEX prep books, online review courses, like UWorld and Hurst Review, or practice exams to help them prepare. You may also have access to additional resources provided by your school.
- Exam format: The NCLEX-RN consists of multiple-choice questions, including some with alternate formats, such as fill-in-the-blank, drag-and-drop, and hot-spot questions. The number of questions can vary, and the exam may take up to 5 hours to complete.
- Retake policy: In case you don’t pass on your first try, you can schedule a retake of the NCLEX after a 45-day waiting period.
The application and exam process involves some fees. Here’s an overview of what you should budget for:
- NCLEX fee: $200
- NC application fee: $75
Step 3: Apply for Your North Carolina RN License
After successfully passing the NCLEX and submitting all necessary documents, the North Carolina Board of Nursing will grant your RN license. You can verify your license status on the Board’s website and begin your professional practice.
North Carolina participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which allows RNs to work in other compact states without needing to apply for endorsement. If you hold an NC multistate license, you’re ready to seize nursing opportunities both in state and across the nation, including travel nursing assignments.
Step 4: Start Your Job Hunt
The journey of learning how to become an RN in North Carolina wraps up with an exciting chapter — finding your first RN job. The state’s healthcare system is packed with options, from big-name hospitals to specialized centers and cutting-edge research institutions. Here are some NC hospitals to kick-start your job search:
Along with its excellent in-patient care, North Carolina is home to a growing medical research scene. The state is known for healthcare institutions, like the Institute for Medical Research, that focus on advancing new treatments, technology, and medical breakthroughs. Learn how to nail your nursing interview with our video below:
Step 5: Keep Your License Up to Date
In North Carolina, you must renew your NC nursing license every two years. The process includes submitting an application, finishing 15 hours of continuing education, and showing proof of active practice in either in-patient care or research. Renewing your nursing license is more than just a formality — it’s an opportunity to stay current with the latest standards of nursing practice and ensure you continue providing high-quality care to your patients.
How Much Do RNs Earn in North Carolina?
Now that you’ve learned how to become a registered nurse in North Carolina, let’s look at the potential earnings. The average salary for RNs in North Carolina is $82,530 per year, but keep in mind that this can vary based on your experience, education level, and the type of healthcare facility in which you work.
Big cities often come with bigger paychecks. To help you get started with your job search, here are five of North Carolina’s most populous cities:
Helpful Resources for North Carolina Nurses
Interested in learning more about how to become an RN in North Carolina and build a meaningful career? Explore these valuable resources:
Explore the Latest RN Jobs With IntelyCare
You’ve mastered how to become an RN in North Carolina, now let us help you with the job hunt. We specialize in connecting nurses with quality nursing jobs that align with their ambitions and lifestyles. Receive your customized career matches today.
