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Accredited LPN Programs & Colleges in North Carolina
Wake Tech (Raleigh), CPCC (Charlotte), Forsyth Tech (Winston-Salem), and dozens of other campuses offer practical nursing certificates. The $76/credit rate is standardized statewide. Clinical placements at Atrium Health, Novant Health, WakeMed, and Duke Health cover every major healthcare system in the state.
| School | City | Type | Program Length | Approx. Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central Piedmont Community College | Charlotte | Community College | 12 months | $5,400 |
| Wake Technical Community College | Raleigh | Community College | 12 months | $5,600 |
| Fayetteville Technical Community College | Fayetteville | Community College | 12 months | $5,200 |
| Forsyth Technical Community College | Winston-Salem | Community College | 12 months | $5,300 |
| Johnston Community College | Smithfield | Community College | 12 months | $5,000 |
Tuition figures are approximate and reflect in-state rates. Contact each school for current pricing, financial aid, and enrollment deadlines. Always confirm the program is approved by the North Carolina Board of Nursing.
Online & Hybrid LPN Programs in North Carolina
No North Carolina LPN program is fully online — the NC Board of Nursing requires supervised clinical hours. Some campuses offer limited hybrid coursework options. NC's 58-college system means there's a campus near you regardless of location, reducing the need for extensive online components.
Hybrid programs are ideal for working adults, parents, or anyone who needs scheduling flexibility. Typical hybrid programs cover 40–60% of coursework online, with the remainder as on-site clinical hours at approved partner hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and clinics.
For a complete list of online-friendly LPN programs available to North Carolina residents, visit our dedicated guide:
Requirements to Enroll in a North Carolina LPN Program
NC community college programs use competitive admissions with TEAS or HESI scores as primary ranking criteria. The Longleaf Commitment Grant and NC Education Lottery Scholarship have their own eligibility requirements. North Carolina is an NLC compact state.
- High school diploma or GED equivalent
- Minimum age of 18 (some programs accept students at 17 with parental consent)
- Completed prerequisite courses — typically includes basic math, English, and introductory biology or anatomy & physiology
- Passing score on an entrance exam (TEAS or HESI A2 are most common)
- Criminal background check and drug screening
- Current CPR/BLS certification (American Heart Association)
- Up-to-date immunization records including TB test, Hepatitis B, and flu vaccine
Quick Facts: LPN Licensing in North Carolina
After completing an approved program, graduates must pass the NCLEX-PN examination and apply for licensure through the North Carolina Board of Nursing. Most candidates receive their results within 48 hours of testing.
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LPN Salary & Job Outlook in North Carolina
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, May 2024 OEWS data), LPNs in North Carolina earn an average of $62,040 per year ($29.83/hour). This places North Carolina near the national average the national LPN average of $62,340.
Salaries in North Carolina typically range from $46,200 for entry-level positions to $77,200 for experienced nurses in high-demand specialties or metro areas.
LPN Salary by City in North Carolina
| City / Metro Area | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Charlotte | $65,200 |
| Raleigh | $64,800 |
| Greensboro | $61,400 |
| Durham | $63,800 |
Job Outlook
Employment of LPNs in North Carolina is projected to grow 4% over the next decade — about as fast as average for all occupations. The state sees approximately 2,200 annual job openings for LPNs, driven by retirements, career transitions, and growing demand in skilled nursing facilities and home health.
Where LPNs Work in North Carolina
The majority of LPNs in North Carolina work in skilled nursing facilities and long-term care, which together employ roughly 35% of the state's practical nurses. Other common employers include hospitals, physician offices, home health agencies, and outpatient care centers. Shift differentials for evenings, nights, and weekends can add $2–$5/hour on top of base pay.
First Job Tips for New LPN Graduates
Landing your first LPN position in North Carolina is usually straightforward given current demand. Skilled nursing facilities and long-term care centers actively recruit new graduates and often offer sign-on bonuses. Staffing agencies are another option — they can place you quickly and often pay above-average hourly rates. Once you have 6–12 months of experience, you'll qualify for positions in hospitals, clinics, and specialty practices.
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Explore More Nursing & Healthcare Careers in North Carolina
Whether you're starting out or planning your next credential, these guides can help:
Ready for the Next Step?
Bridge from LPN to RN — Expand Your Scope and Your Paycheck
Tired of scope limitations? RNs earn 35–50% more, perform initial assessments, create care plans, start IVs without extra certification, and run triage. Bridge programs let you earn your RN while you keep working.
Explore LPN-to-RN Bridge Programs →North Carolina
North Carolina LPN Scope of Practice — What You Can and Can't Do
North Carolina LPNs are regulated by the NC Board of Nursing (NCBON). NC is an NLC state. NCBON has published detailed position statements on LPN scope and infusion therapy.
You Can Direct Patient Care
NC defines LPN scope as "limited and focused" — a dependent and directed scope requiring assignment/delegation by an RN, physician, or dentist:
- Medication administration (oral, IM, SubQ, topical, rectal, inhaled)
- Focused assessments — collecting data, comparing against standards, identifying correlations
- Wound care and dressing changes
- Vital signs and point-of-care testing
- Foley catheter insertion and management
- Tracheostomy care and suctioning
- Implementing care plans developed by the RN
- Patient teaching under the RN's established teaching plan
- Supervising CNAs/UAPs and Nurse Aide IIs
Conditional IV/Infusion Therapy
NCBON's Infusion Therapy Position Statement covers LPN scope in detail:
- LPNs may perform peripheral IV therapy after education, training, and competency validation
- LPNs require continuous availability of an RN who can be on-site when necessary
- LPNs may infuse fluids and medications (including through established central lines with training and facility policy)
- LPNs CANNOT administer IV thrombolytic medications, IV conscious sedation, or IV Pitocin during labor/delivery
- Agency/facility policies must be in place before any IV procedure is assigned
You Cannot RN-Only Functions
- Comprehensive assessments or independent data interpretation
- Creating or modifying care plans
- IV thrombolytics, conscious sedation, or Pitocin during labor
- Teaching nursing activities to other healthcare personnel
- Medical diagnosis or developing treatment plans
- Triage
- Independent practice
North Carolina LPN-to-RN Bridge Programs
| School | Format | Timeline | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wake Technical Community College | On-campus + clinical | 12–16 months | ADN bridge in Raleigh area |
| Central Piedmont Community College | On-campus + clinical | 12–18 months | ADN bridge in Charlotte |
| Excelsior University | 100% Online | Self-paced | Online + local clinicals, no waitlist |
North Carolina Board of Nursing Contact
- Website: ncbon.com
- Phone: (919) 782-3211
- Address: 4516 Lake Boone Trail, Raleigh, NC 27607