Online nursing programs in NC can make earning your nursing degree more convenient. Northeastern’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program offers online coursework paired with in-person labs and clinical rotations. Our online RN program in NC allows you to learn nursing theory and concepts along with hands-on nursing skills.
A nursing career allows you to enjoy meaningful work while making a difference. But is it possible to transition to nursing if you earned a degree in another field and have no healthcare work experience? Absolutely! With online nursing programs in North Carolina, it’s possible to become a nurse sooner than you’d think.
Northeastern University’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program allows you to leverage your prior college credits or non-nursing education and earn a BSN in as few as 16 months. Our ABSN program site in Charlotte, NC, offers exceptional faculty support and state-of-the-art nursing education facilities.
Below, we will explore the benefits of online nursing programs in NC.
Can You Get a Nursing Degree Online in NC?
A traditional BSN program typically requires four years of full-time study and does not generally offer any online components. In contrast, Northeastern’s ABSN program offers a fast track that can be partially completed online.
While it’s not possible to earn a nursing degree entirely online, Northeastern ABSN students complete coursework through an e-learning platform. The online coursework, which covers nursing theories and concepts, is paired with in-person training components, allowing you to develop crucial nursing skills and clinical judgment.
How hard is nursing school? Read more to learn what to expect in nursing school.
Benefits of Online Nursing Programs in North Carolina
Why consider our online nursing school in NC? You’ll enjoy a wealth of benefits as an ABSN student at Northeastern’s Charlotte location. Consider the following:
Flexibility and Convenience
Whereas a traditional BSN program typically requires in-person classes, our hybrid approach means you can enjoy the flexibility and convenience of online coursework. Our e-learning platform allows you to access:
- Lecture material
- Simulated learning activities
- Academic discussions via forums
- Scheduled chat sessions with instructors
- Calendar management system
- Easy assignment submission
Plus, our online coursework can reduce the number of times you must commute to the program site.
Fast-Track Your Degree With Accelerated Online RN Programs in NC
Of course, one of the most compelling benefits of earning your nursing degree online in NC at Northeastern is the ability to graduate in as few as 16 months. If you meet the eligibility requirements, an ABSN program can be a smart choice.
Note that the 16-month timeframe does not include the time needed to complete any prerequisite courses. It also doesn’t include the time it will take for you to sit for the NCLEX-RN, the nationally recognized nursing licensure exam. Even with these requirements, our ABSN program offers a much faster timeline than a traditional BSN program.
Integrating Online Coursework With Hands-On Training: Clinical Rotations and Simulation Labs
You can complete the coursework for Northeastern’s ABSN program entirely online. The curriculum includes classes on nursing health assessment, pathophysiology, pharmaceutical interventions and mental health promotion. This online nursing program in NC offers convenience and flexibility to our nontraditional learners, but you are still responsible for meeting all deadlines for each class.
To develop strong nursing skills and gain hands-on practice working through patient care scenarios, you’ll attend in-person nursing skills and simulation labs at our ABSN program site. During skills labs, you will practice foundational nursing skills, such as intramuscular injections and physical assessments, on high-fidelity medical manikins.
You will also participate in nursing simulation labs, where you must work as a team with other students to navigate simulated clinical scenarios. You will be tasked to identify what your patient, a medical manikin, is experiencing and respond appropriately. These labs prepare students for what to expect during clinical rotations.
You will work through multiple clinical rotations at nearby healthcare facilities throughout the ABSN program. In clinicals, you will provide direct patient care under supervision. Clinicals are a great opportunity for students to experience what it is like to work as a nurse while building real professional connections with the healthcare staff.
How to Apply for Online RN Programs in NC
Now that you’re more familiar with the benefits and structure of online nursing programs in NC, are you ready to get started? Here’s a quick look at the admission process:
Eligibility Requirements
The first step is to confirm whether you meet the eligibility requirements. Your admissions counselor can help you with this. When you first speak with your counselor, it’s helpful to have a copy of your unofficial transcripts on hand. You will need to meet the following requirements to be eligible:
- A non-nursing bachelor’s degree or a minimum of 62 non-nursing college credits
- Ability to meet the school’s technical requirements
- Completion of all prerequisite courses with a “C” or higher
Prerequisite Courses
Your prior non-nursing college education may fulfill some of the prerequisite course requirements. Your admissions counselor will advise you of the courses you still need to take. All prerequisites must have been completed within 10 years of your ABSN start date with a grade of “C” or higher.
Note that there are slightly different prerequisite requirements for transfer students (those with college credits) compared to second degree students (those with a completed degree). Additionally, some prerequisite courses for transfer students must have been completed within five years of their ABSN start date.
Application Process
Once you’ve satisfied at least five prerequisite course requirements and have registered for the final ones, you can submit your nursing school application. You’ll submit the application online via the NursingCAS portal. Your counselor will provide all the needed information to access your application.
You also must include the following in your application:
- Official transcripts
- A goal statement (admission essay)
- Updated resume
- Two letters of recommendation from academic or professional sources
Tuition and Financial Aid for Online Nursing Schools in NC
Nursing school is an investment in your future. In fact, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), registered nurses made a median annual salary of $86,070 as of May 2023. Yet, before you apply, you should be aware of tuition rates and other costs necessary for your education and take some time to explore financial aid options.
Understanding Tuition Costs
An ABSN program can be far more affordable than a traditional four-year BSN program. As of November 2024, Northeastern’s ABSN program requires either 67 or 71 credits for completion, depending on whether you have a bachelor’s degree or are a transfer student.
The 2024 tuition rate is $1,307 per credit hour. Credit requirements and the tuition rate per credit hour are both subject to change over time. Your admissions counselor can advise you of the current requirements.
You should also expect to pay fees for items such as lab supplies, books, test assessments, insurance and scrubs.
Financial Aid Options
Students do not typically pay the full cost of their tuition, as there are numerous financial aid options available. You’ll need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year that you’re a student. After submitting the form, you’ll be advised whether you’re eligible for federal grants or loans. Compared to loans from private lenders, federal student loans tend to offer more favorable rates and terms.
You may be eligible for additional aid, as well. At Northeastern, each of our ABSN students will automatically receive scholarship money dispersed over the four semesters required for the program. All Charlotte, NC, students receive a $26,000 scholarship. Some students in Charlotte may be eligible for an additional $10,000 in scholarships based on academic merit.
Along with these financial aid offers, you may apply for scholarships offered by private foundations, corporations and other entities. Your personal savings and private student loans may fill in the rest.
Learn more about how to pay for nursing school in this financial aid guide.
Employer Tuition Reimbursement for Nursing Degrees
One possible source of financial aid you shouldn’t overlook is employer tuition reimbursement. Some employers may offer tuition reimbursement programs to employees. For example, if you’re a certified nursing assistant (CNA), you may be eligible for tuition reimbursement to pursue your BSN.
It’s important to read the fine print before accepting an offer of tuition reimbursement. Employers often require employees to agree to work for the organization for a period of time following graduation. Understand the terms before accepting any offer.
Get a Hybrid Nursing Education at Northeastern
Ready to experience the benefits of a BSN online nursing program for yourself? Northeastern University invites you to explore our ABSN program further. You’ll benefit from small class sizes and highly dedicated nursing instructors who support your progress and help you excel.
Our ABSN program site in Charlotte is nestled into a regional hub of healthcare innovation. The Charlotte area has a lot to offer nursing students, including clinical partnerships with top local healthcare providers and a robust healthcare industry.
Contact an admissions counselor today to take the next step toward pursuing a meaningful career in nursing.
