Nurses in the US must be registered to get employed in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, etc. Their typical duties include taking care of patients, assisting doctors, dressing injuries or wounds, administering medicines, taking vital signs, and so on.
Should I Become a Nurse in North Carolina?
The state of North Carolina requires its Registered Nurses to complete a bachelor’s degree in Nursing (BSN) to become eligible for employment. In addition to that, all nurses are required to clear the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Nurses must apply for a license at the North Carolina Board of Nursing to become registered. Further details about this career are given below.
| Education Required | A bachelor’s degree |
| Major Requirement | Nursing |
| License/Certification | Earn a license to become a Registered Nurse |
| Experience/Training | Internship or volunteer work is suggested |
| Key Skills/Qualities | Compassion, Communication, Stamina, Patience, Critical-thinking, Attention-to-detail, and Problem-solving Skills, etc. |
| Annual Mean Salary (2019) – National | $77,460 (Registered Nurses) |
| Job Outlook (2018-28) | 12% (Much faster than average) |
| Annual Mean Salary (2019) – North Carolina | $66,440 (Registered Nurses) |
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics
Career Outlook
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that 2,982,280 Registered Nurses (RNs) were employed in the US in 2019, and 99,960 of them were from the state of North Carolina. The number of Registered Nurses is expected to rise by 12% in the US by 2028.
Steps to Become a Nurse in North Carolina
If your objective is to become a Registered Nurse in North Carolina, then this career guide can help you achieve this goal. Let’s begin!
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- Meet Educational Requirements
All aspiring nurses must earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing to become eligible for employment. You can either enroll in a 2-year associate’s degree in Nursing (ADN) and go on to complete a 2-year accelerated ADN-to-BSN degree. Or, you can opt for a 4-year bachelor’s degree in Nursing (BSN).
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- Take and Pass the NCLEX-RN to Get Registered
The North Carolina Board of Nursing is responsible for regulating the licensure for nurses in this state. To get licensed as a Registered Nurse in North Carolina, you must pass the NCLEX-RN exam. Once that is done, you can apply for a license to become a Registered Nurse.
How long Does It Take to Become a Nurse in North Carolina?
Anyone with a bachelor’s degree in Nursing can become a Registered Nurse in the state of North Carolina. Overall, it may take you approximately 5 years or more. A BSN can be completed in about 4 years after which you must clear the NCLEX-RN exam and apply for a license to become a Registered Nurse.
What Are the Requirements for Becoming a Nurse in North Carolina?
If you want to work as a Registered Nurse in the state of North Carolina, you must:
- Complete a bachelor’s degree in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited institution
- Clear the NCLEX-RN exam
- Get your license from North Carolina’s Board of Nursing and become a Registered Nurse (RN)
- Apply for a job and get hired to work
How Much Does a Nurse Earn in North Carolina?
As per the data reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in 2019, all Registered Nurses employed in the state of North Carolina earned an annual mean salary of $66,440. California was named as the highest paying state for this career with an annual mean salary of $113,240.