At four-year colleges and universities, undergraduate students typically undertake a bachelor’s degree program of study. North Carolina is home to roughly 30 four-year schools offering nursing degree programs. At many of these institutions, nurses may also pursue graduate nursing studies to enhance their career progression.
Benefits of four-year colleges and universities
Healthcare employers are showing an increasing preference for registered nurses (RNs) who hold a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) rather than a traditional associate’s degree. BSN-holders must complete a very rigorous curriculum to earn their four-year degree. Thus, these graduates often hold an advantage over their community college counterparts when seeking jobs with North Carolina’s major healthcare providers, including Tenet Health and the Department of Veterans Affairs.
First-time nursing students who enroll in a four-year institution will typically pursue a BSN degree. Existing nurses have several educational options. Those who hold an associate’s degree may pursue an RN-to-BSN program; many colleges and universities offer flexible evening, weekend, and online courses to accommodate work schedules. Nurses who already hold a bachelor’s degree are eligible to pursue graduate studies, including a graduate certificate, master’s degree, or doctor’s degree.
Nursing schools and employers in North Carolina
North Carolina is home to a number of very prestigious four-year schools. Of these, Duke University holds perhaps the strongest educational reputation. Students of its BSN and graduate nursing programs are highly sought after by healthcare employers, not only in North Carolina but across the nation.
To provide a roadmap for North Carolina’s aspiring nurses, we have assembled below a complete list of the state’s four-year colleges and universities with nursing programs.