Durham County, North Carolina Top Nursing Programs
Durham County, North Carolina Nursing Degree Programs
Are you searching for the best nursing schools in Durham County, North Carolina? Whether you're starting your journey in healthcare or advancing your nursing career, finding the right nursing program is essential. In or near Durham County, North Carolina, you’ll find a range of accredited nursing programs, from entry-level certificates to advanced nursing degrees.
Explore nursing schools in Durham County, North Carolina to choose the right program for your future in nursing.
Durham County, North Carolina Nursing Degree Programs
RN to BSN Programs in Durham County, North Carolina
RN to BSN programs in Durham County, North Carolina are tailored for registered nurses who want to expand their skills, advance in their careers, or pursue graduate education. These programs can often be completed in 12 to 18 months and focus on leadership, research, and community health. Many schools offer flexible online formats to accommodate working nurses.
RN to BSN and RN to MSN Bridge Programs by Specialization in Durham County, North Carolina
Bridge programs in Durham County, North Carolina provide registered nurses with clear academic pathways to higher degrees. RN to BSN programs help build leadership and public health expertise, while RN to MSN bridge programs allow for specialization in roles such as family nurse practitioner, nurse educator, or clinical nurse leader. These programs are designed to fit into the schedules of working professionals through evening, weekend, and online formats.
Wake Technical Community College CNS, CRNA, NP, RN Nursing Programs in Raleigh, North Carolina
RN (Registered Nurse) program: Offers an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), preparing graduates to take the NCLEX-RN exam and become licensed RNs.
Focus on practical skills: Emphasis on hands-on clinical experience in various healthcare settings in the Raleigh area.
Pathway to further education: ADN graduates can often pursue RN-to-BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) programs at four-year universities to advance their careers.
Wake Tech's ADN program likely serves as a crucial feeder for local hospital systems and healthcare providers.
Career opportunities are expected to be plentiful: Due to ongoing nursing shortages in the region and nationally.
While Wake Tech may not offer CNS, CRNA, or NP programs directly, their ADN program can be a starting point for nurses to pursue advanced education elsewhere. Students will need to transfer to a university.
Nursing Schools in Raleigh, North Carolina
Address: 9101 Fayetteville Road, Raleigh, North Carolina 27603-5696
William Peace University BSN, RN, RN to BSN Nursing Programs in Raleigh, North Carolina
BSN programs prepare graduates for entry-level nursing positions in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings.
RN to BSN programs offer working RNs a pathway to advance their knowledge and career prospects.
Curricula typically include a mix of classroom instruction, simulation labs, and clinical rotations.
Emphasis is often placed on critical thinking, patient care, communication, and leadership skills.
Clinical rotations provide hands-on experience in various healthcare settings, such as medical-surgical units, emergency departments, and community health centers.
Graduates are prepared to take the NCLEX-RN exam to become licensed registered nurses.
Career paths include acute care nursing, community health nursing, school nursing, and leadership roles.
Nursing Schools in Raleigh, North Carolina
Address: 15 E Peace St, Raleigh, North Carolina 27604-1194
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill BSN, DNP, MSN, Nursing Admin/Leadership Nursing Programs in Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Strong emphasis on evidence-based practice and research within all programs.
Interprofessional collaboration is a key component of the curriculum, preparing graduates to work effectively in team-based healthcare settings.
BSN program offers various clinical placements within the UNC Health system and community partners.
MSN programs offer specialization tracks to meet diverse career goals, like Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Anesthesia, and Nurse Midwifery, often with blended online and in-person learning.
DNP programs focus on translating research into practice and leadership roles, preparing graduates for advanced clinical practice or executive-level positions.
Nursing Administration/Leadership programs equip nurses with skills in healthcare policy, finance, and organizational management to lead change and improve patient outcomes.
Opportunities for research and scholarship available at all levels.
Nursing Schools in Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Address: 103 South Bldg Cb 9100, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
Durham Technical Community College BSN, RN Nursing Programs in Durham, North Carolina
RN Program: Focuses on practical skills and immediate entry into the nursing workforce.
BSN Completion: Often offers a pathway for RNs to complete their Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree through partnerships with 4-year universities.
Hands-on Clinical Experience: Both RN and BSN (completion) programs emphasize significant clinical hours in diverse healthcare settings in the Durham, NC area.
State-of-the-Art Simulation Labs: Programs utilize advanced simulation technology to provide students with realistic training scenarios.
NCLEX Preparation: Curricula are designed to prepare students to successfully pass the NCLEX-RN examination.
Career Opportunities: Graduates find employment in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and other healthcare organizations.
Affordable Tuition: Community college tuition generally provides a more affordable pathway to a nursing career.
Nursing Schools in Durham, North Carolina
Address: 1637 Lawson Street, Durham, North Carolina 27703-5023
University of New Hampshire-Main Campus Nursing Programs in Durham, New Hampshire
Comprehensive curriculum encompassing anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, microbiology, and medical-surgical nursing.
Extensive clinical rotations in diverse healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and community health organizations, providing hands-on experience.
Focus on critical thinking, problem-solving, and patient-centered care principles.
Experienced faculty comprised of nurses and healthcare professionals with expertise in various clinical specialties.
NCLEX-RN exam preparation integrated throughout the program, including practice questions, review sessions, and simulation exercises.
Strong emphasis on communication, collaboration, and teamwork skills essential for effective nursing practice.
Opportunity to build a solid foundation for further education, such as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
Nursing Schools in Durham, New Hampshire
Address: 105 Main St., Thompson Hall, Durham, New Hampshire 03824-3547
1. What types of nursing programs are available in Durham County, North Carolina?
Nursing schools in Durham County, North Carolina offer various programs, including:
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) programs – Entry-level training for nursing assistants.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) programs – Typically one year of training.
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) – A two-year program that prepares you for the NCLEX-RN exam and RN licensure.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) – A four-year degree that provides more career opportunities and higher earning potential.
RN-to-BSN programs – Designed for current RNs who want to earn a BSN.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Advanced education for specialized nursing roles, such as nurse practitioner or nurse educator.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) – The highest level of clinical nursing education.
2. How do I choose the best nursing school in Durham County, North Carolina?
When selecting a nursing school, consider factors like accreditation, NCLEX pass rates, clinical training opportunities, tuition costs, and program flexibility (online, hybrid, or in-person).
3. Why is nursing school accreditation important?
Accreditation ensures your program meets high educational standards. Nursing programs should be accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Attending an accredited school is required for licensure and financial aid eligibility.
4. How do I check if a nursing program in Durham County, North Carolina is accredited?
You can verify accreditation by visiting the school’s website, checking the ACEN or CCNE directories, or contacting the State Board of Nursing in Durham County, North Carolina.
5. How long does it take to complete a nursing program?
The duration depends on the type of program:
CNA program: A few weeks to a few months.
LPN/LVN program: About 12 months.
ADN program: 2 years.
BSN program: 4 years.
RN-to-BSN program: 12-24 months.
MSN program: 2 years (after BSN).
DNP program: 3-4 years.
6. Can I complete a nursing program online?
Some programs, such as RN-to-BSN, MSN, and DNP, offer online coursework. However, pre-licensure programs (like ADN and BSN) require in-person clinical training.
7. What is the NCLEX, and why is it important?
The NCLEX-PN (for LPNs) and NCLEX-RN (for RNs) are national exams required for licensure. Graduating from an accredited program is necessary to sit for these exams.
8. What financial aid options are available for nursing students?
Students enrolled in accredited nursing programs may qualify for:
Federal financial aid (Pell Grants, loans, and work-study programs).
State grants and scholarships.
Nursing-specific scholarships.
Employer tuition assistance programs.
9. What are the job opportunities for nurses in Durham County, North Carolina?
Nurses in Durham County, North Carolina can work in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, home healthcare, and specialized care facilities. Advanced degrees open opportunities in leadership, education, and specialized nursing roles like nurse practitioner or nurse anesthetist.
10. How much do nurses earn in Durham County, North Carolina?
Salaries vary based on education, experience, and location. On average:
CNA: $30,000 – $40,000 per year.
LPN/LVN: $45,000 – $55,000 per year.
RN (ADN or BSN): $65,000 – $90,000 per year.
MSN-prepared nurses: $90,000 – $120,000 per year.
Nurse practitioners and APRNs: $100,000 – $150,000 per year.