LPN Schools and Training Programs in North Carolina (NC)

How to Become an LPN in North Carolina

Review our detailed hand-picked list of state approved LPN courses available throughout North Carolina. All of the LPN programs listed enjoy Full Approval status from the North Carolina Board of Nursing and our website provides direct links to the Practical Nursing page on each school’s website, along with contact information for each college. The North Carolina Board of Nursing (NCBON) regulates the nursing field within the state. The NCBON issue new licenses, renew existing licenses and reinstates licenses that have lapsed or experienced suspension and revocation for registered nurses (RN) and licensed practical nurses (LPN).

There are rules and regulations in place that establish nursing standards and policies and validate knowledge, skill and competency for nurses. To become an LPN in North Carolina, the candidate must be accepted to an LPN program that is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and approved by the NCBON. Acceptance standards vary with each school, but typically applicants must be at least 18 years old and hold a high school diploma or equivalency certificate.

Most LPN programs take 3 semesters to complete, and graduates receive a diploma or certificate. An LPN program is a combination of class work and clinical training. Class work includes nursing fundamentals, medical terminology, biology, anatomy, pharmacology, nursing practice and standards. Clinical training, which takes place at a local healthcare facility, provides students with the opportunity to participate in hands on patient care. Classes and clinical training will be taught by registered and certified nursing instructors. Students must pass the class work and training to successfully complete the program.

North Carolina is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact. That means once an LPN is licensed in their home state of a participating Compact member, they can practice nursing in other Compact states without taking the licensing exam. All LPNs must be registered in the state of North Carolina to legally practice nursing. Upon completion of the LPN program, the graduate must submit an application to test to the NCBON. The application will include a fingerprint card and a criminal background check and a passport type picture. The NCBON will approve the application if it is complete and the applicant will register to test with Pearson VUE, the exam administrator.

Graduates must keep in mind the NCBON does not issue temporary licenses to LPN graduates to allow them to work as an LPN while in the exam process. The application to test can be completed online, but the fingerprinting must be completed by a Live Scan Center. The graduate will receive an authorization to test (ATT) from the NCBON and the exam can be scheduled with Pearson VUE. The applicant can choose the most convenient testing center to take the exam. It is also possible to schedule the exam in another state if that is the most convenient testing center. The LPN will be notified of exam pass or fail via email. LPN graduates passing the exam will be added to the active nursing list on the NCBON within five days of the exam.

LPN licenses are valid for two years and expire on the last day of the birth month. A renewal notice will be mailed to the licensee 3 months prior to the expiration of the license. Licenses can only be renewed during those three months. LPNs are required to complete 15 hours of approved continuing education hours to renew an LPN licenses and LPNs will have to provide documentation the continuing education requirements have been completed.

The field of nursing, especially for LPNs, is growing in record numbers. Through the year 2020, nursing positions will increase by 22%, making nursing a very attractive field. LPNs make up 16% of the total nursing workforce in North Carolina, and additional qualified LPNs are always in demand.

The average LPN salary is $55,000 annually, based on a 40 hour work week. Additional benefits may include health insurance, long term disability, tuition reimbursement, time off compensation and pension and/or 401K participation. Entry level LPN salaries average $28,000 to $30,000, based on a 40 hour work week.

LPNs perform a variety of nursing duties including dispensing medication, dressing wounds and changing dressings, implement and maintain patient care plans, monitor patient progress, track vital signs and prepare patients for discharge.

LPN Schools in North Carolina

Medical Careers Institute

Named a Best for Vets school by the Military Times in 2014.
Has specialized in student-centered technology, business, criminal justice, health science, and culinary education for over 45 years.
Makes it possible for students to earn a bachelor’s degree in 2.5 years or an associate’s in 1.5 years by providing a year-round schedule.
Offers externships and clinical experience that help students prepare for life after they graduate.
Has 10 campuses across the mid-Atlantic, plus online degree programs.

Programs:

Practical Nursing - Diploma
Nursing (RN-BSN) - Bachelor's
Medical Assisting - Diploma
And more...

Locations: Virginia Beach, Greensboro, Manassas, More...

Liberty University

100% online programs at associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral level.*
Transfer up to 90 credits into an undergraduate degree program.
Up to 50% of your master’s degree can be transferred in to help maximize the credit you previously earned.
*Excludes licensure, certification, and some doctoral programs

Programs:

Master of Science in Nursing: Nursing Administration
Master of Science in Nursing: Nurse Educator

Colorado Technical University Online

Flexible, online RN-BSN and MSN programs available
RN-BSN program is designed to help registered nurses earn their bachelor’s in as little as 9 months
Courses designed to expand on student’s prior knowledge and enhance their patient care skills

Programs:

Master of Science in Nursing - Nursing Administration

Grand Canyon University

Why Earn Your Degree from GCU?
Options: Choose from a variety of undergraduate and graduate degree programs in Business, Nursing, Psychology, Education & more!
Convenience: Complete courses online, on campus, or a combination of both!
Earlier Graduation: Our 4-credit courses allow you to complete your degree program in less time.
Transfer Friendly: We will request your transcripts, evaluate your graduate coursework, and determine your anticipated graduation date within 24 hours.
Quality: Grand Canyon University was founded in 1949 and is regionally accredited. Learn more today!

Programs:

Doctor of Nursing Practice with an Emphasis in Educational Leadership
M.S. in Nursing with an Emphasis in Leadership in Health Care Systems (Bridge)
Doctor of Nursing Practice

Kaplan University

Flexible, online and on-campus program available.
Capstone projects and clinical practicums that can help prepare students for more career opportunities.
Students learn from instructors with experience in the health care field.
Programs include Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration, Bachelor of Science in Health and Wellness, Master of Health Care Administration, and more.

Programs:

MS in Nursing
Master of Science - DNP Path (Doctor of Nursing Practice)
Master of Science in Nursing-Family Nurse Practitioner
And more...

Southern New Hampshire University

Earn your online degree from SNHU. Study Anytime, Anywhere. Flexible on your schedule
Over 200 career-focused online programs, one of the lowest tuition rates in the nation and a network of support.
Southern New Hampshire University. Private. Nonprofit. Accredited.
Find your online program today at Snhu.edu and see yourself succeed.

Programs:

Health, Healthcare and Nursing Graduate Cerificate
Health, Healthcare and Nursing Certificate
Health, Healthcare and Nursing Associate's Degree
And more...

Centura College

Centura College, with campus locations in Virginia, South Carolina and Florida, is dedicated to helping students gain the skills and attitudes necessary to succeed. Drawing from over 30 years of career school experience.

Programs:

Practical Nursing Diploma
Associate of Occupational Science Degree in Medical Assisting-Concentration in Clinical Support
Associate of Occupational Science Degree in Medical Assisting-Clinical Concentration
And more...

Locations: Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake

Northcentral University

Earn your graduate degree online with Northcentral University. We offer online programs focused on doctoral and master’s degrees in the schools of business and technology management, education, psychology and marriage and family sciences.

Programs:

Doctor of Education - Nursing Education
PhD - Addictions
PhD - Gerontology
And more...

Ohio Christian University

Pursue your education at Ohio Christian University. Take classes online or on campus. Pursue your degree to help you start the career you want. Learn more now.

Programs:

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

Miller-Motte College

Start the next chapter of your life with an Associate or Bachelor degree from Miller-Motte College Online Division.

Programs:

Medical Assisting - Associate of Applied Science

Locations: Greenville, Raleigh, Fayetteville, More...

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How to Become an LPN in North Carolina

LPN Schools in North Carolina

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Approved North Carolina LPN Training Programs

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