Discover The Best 2-year Nursing Programs in NC

What Is #1 Nursing School In Nc?

Before you can start up a career as a nurse, you must acquire proper education to understand your roles and develop your skills. You can enroll in 2-year nursing programs in NC which can either be an associate degree program in nursing or an accelerated bachelor’s degree program. 

These programs are usually offered by Nursing schoolscommunity colleges, technical schools, and universities within North Carolina.

Students who successfully complete a 2-year nursing degree program in North Carolina can sit for licensing exams to become registered nurses who can practice.

However, it is advisable to take these programs from reputable and accredited Nursing institutions within North Carolina because they allow you to be eligible for licensure and other professional opportunities.


In this article, you’ll get to understand a lot about 2-year nursing programs in North Carolina, different types of nursing programs in North Carolina, How to know the best nursing programs, and lots more.

Below is a table of content, with an overview of what this article contains.

4 Types of Nursing Programs in North Carolina

1. Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)

An associate degree in Nursing usually takes an average of 2 years to complete.

It is an accelerated way of becoming a licensed nurse. You can enroll in an Associate Degree in Nursing programs offered by community colleges and other institutions.

2. Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN)

Bachelor’s degree programs usually take about 4years to complete. It is usually more expensive than the associate degree nursing program but it opens the door to more nursing opportunities and careers.


3. Specialized Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) to Registered Nurse programs.

Licensed nurses who want to become registered nurses can take up the Specialised licensed practical nurse to registered nurse program. It usually takes only a few semesters. There are other variations too like LPN to ADN or LPN to BSN.

4. Master’s of Science in Nursing degree (MSN)

Individuals who want to expand their horizons in the nursing field and develop into more advanced nursing Careers can take up a Master’s program in nursing. They can study to become certified midwives, specialists, etc.

Requirements For Admission into 2-year nursing programs in North Carolina, United States

Admission requirements for nursing programs are usually determined by the school and program you wish to enroll in.

Below are some common requirements for admission into a 2-year Nursing program in NC:

1. High School Documents

Most nursing programs will request that you submit your High School transcript or its equivalent.

2. Minimum Cumulative GPA

Every school has its GPA benchmark. However, it is advisable to have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5.

3. Prerequisite Courses

Some 2-year nursing programs in NC may require you to have completed a certain unit of high school courses like biology, chemistry, etc. with at least a C grade.

4. SAT or it’s equivalent

You may be expected to show competency in English, Maths, and other core subjects in the SAT or ACT exams.

How To Know the Best 2-year nursing programs in NC

Below are basically 3 things you should look out for when searching for Nursing programs in NC:

1. Accreditation

Nursing programs without proper accreditation lack the reputation and legal backing that can make your career successful.

Students from unaccredited nursing institutions or programs are usually not eligible to sit for professional certification exams.  

Therefore, before you enroll in any 2-year nursing programs in North Carolina, endeavor to check for its approval by the local North Carolina Board of Nursing and its accreditation.

Popular accreditation Bodies for nursing programs include:

2. Eligibility for Licensing

Legit 2-year Nursing programs in NC prepare its students and also make them eligible for Licensing exams like the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).

Graduates of Nursing programs are usually required to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) in order to earn a nursing license.

3. Program Outcome

There are 4 vital program outcomes you should look out for when searching for a 2-year nursing program in NC.

The 4 vital program outcomes are:

  • The Employment Rate of Graduates
  • Graduate/Students Satisfaction
  • Graduation Rate
  • Pass rates for Licensure exams.

List of 2-year Nursing Programs in North Carolina

Below is a list of 2-year nursing programs available in North Carolina:

Below is an overview of some Accredited 2-year nursing programs in NC:

1. ADN program at College of the Albemarle

Degree Type: Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)

Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

The nursing program at the College of the Albemarle is designed to prepare students to work as professional nurses in a wide variety of healthcare settings.

Upon graduation, you’ll be able to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) which will enable you to practice as a registered nurse (RN).

2. Durham Tech’s ADN program

Degree Type: Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)

Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

Durham Tech runs a long-term associate degree nursing program of 70 credit hours. Students learn from a curriculum that is designed to equip them with the necessary knowledge needed to practice in dynamic healthcare environments. The program includes both clinical and classroom experiences that may be taken on-campus or online.

3. Wayne Community College’s Associate Degree program

Degree Type: Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)

Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

This nursing program is designed to educate prospective nurses on the skills needed to practice as healthcare professionals in various environments. Students will be prepared through classroom work, Laboratory activities, and clinical practices and procedures.

4. Associate Degree program at Wake Technical Community College

Degree Type: Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)

Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)

Nursing students at Wake Technical Community College learn clinical and classroom-based skills that nurses need to practice. Students are usually posted to a clinical duty for practical experiences at different times of the day and in schedules.

The institution offers two different options to its prospective nursing students which include; The Associate Degree Nursing program and the Associate Degree Nursing – Advanced Placement which occurs once a semester every year.

5. Duke University’s Accelerated BSN program

Degree Type: Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN)

Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

If you already hold a degree in a non-nursing program, and you wish to start a career in nursing, you can opt for the accelerated BSN program at Duke University.

The program can be completed in as little as 16 months and enrolled students can complete their clinical studies abroad or locally through the immersion experience program offered by the school.

6. Online bachelor’s degree program at Carolinas College of Health Sciences

Degree Type: Bachelor of Science in Nursing Online

Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

At Carolinas, students can enroll in the online RN-BSN program which can be completed in 12 to 18 months. It is a flexible program that is designed to include nursing courses and advanced general education. 

7. Associate Degree in Nursing at Central Piedmont Community College

Degree Type: Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)

Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)

The program is designed to help individuals learn professional nursing behaviours, implement healthcare interventions, acquire skills needed to practice in a variety of healthcare settings, and lots more.

Graduates are eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination. 

8. ADN program at Cabarrus College of Health Sciences

Degree Type: Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)

Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)

Cabarrus College of Health Sciences offers various Nursing degree programs like MSN, BSN, and ASN. The school was founded in 1942 and has a mission to educate and train caring nursing professionals. Additionally, Cabarrus also offers individuals a Pre-Nursing Track.

9. Associate Degree in Nursing program at Stanly Community College

Degree Type: Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)

Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)

Stanly Community College offers a nursing degree program with a focus on healthcare domains, best practices in nursing as well as other professional-specific training.

Students learn to establish professional nursing behaviors, communicate with patients and team members, and engage in research using healthcare informatics.

10. Mitchell Community College’s ADN program

Degree Type: Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)

Accreditation:  Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)

Applicants to this program must meet certain specific requirements like evidence of sound physical and mental health, possess specific science course Certification, etc.

The program is competitive and usually has different requirements and enrollment deadlines. You’ll learn specific nursing roles as a member of different healthcare teams in dynamic conditions.

FAQs About 2-year nursing programs in NC

1. Is there 2 years course of nursing?

Yes there are 2 years nursing courses and programs. You can find 2 year Associate degrees in Nursing which will enable you to become a registered nurse (RN) after graduation and licensing. Most schools also offer individuals 12months to 2 years accelerated bachelor’s degree program in nursing.

2. What is the fastest program to become an RN?

Associate Degree Programs (ADN) and Accelerated Bachelor Degree Programs (ABSN). Some of the fastest ways to become an RN (Registered Nurse) are through Associate Degree Programs (ADN) and Accelerated Bachelor Degree Programs (ABSN). These programs take approximately 12 months to 2 years to complete.

3. How long does it take to become a registered nurse in North Carolina?

12 months to 4years. The duration it takes to become a registered nurse in North Carolina is dependent on your school and type of degree. For example, An associate Degree takes 2years or less. An accelerated bachelor’s degree takes 2years or less. Bachelor’s degree takes four years.

4. How many NC ADN programs are there?

Over 50. ADN Programs are abundant in NC. We can’t give a specific number at this time, but we are aware that there are over 50 accredited ADN programs in North Carolina.

5. Can I become a nurse without a degree?

No. Nursing is a serious career that deals with people’s lives and patient care. You’ll require special training, technical skills, clinical skills, and a lot of practical education before you can become a nurse.

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