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

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How to Become an LPN in North Carolina

LPN Schools in North Carolina

Approved North Carolina LPN Training Programs

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