Key Points

• What is a registered nurse? A licensed healthcare professional who provides direct patient care, coordinates treatment, and supports recovery
• How much do RNs make in NC? $86,270/year on average
• Education needed: Diploma, Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
• How long it takes: 2 to 4 years depending on program type
• Certification: Must pass the NCLEX-RN exam
• Where they work: Hospitals, clinics, schools, mental health centers, home health

What Does a Registered Nurse Do?

Registered nurses (RNs) are essential frontline caregivers who:

• Assess patient health and manage care plans
• Administer medications and treatments
• Educate patients and families on care, prevention, and medications
• Work with doctors, specialists, and other nurses
• Monitor vital signs and respond to health changes
• Document patient information accurately in electronic health records

RNs work in all areas of healthcare—from emergency rooms and ICUs to school clinics, research settings, and mental health programs.

How to Become an RN in North Carolina

To become a licensed RN in North Carolina, follow these steps:

1. Graduate from an approved nursing program

   • Choose a Diploma, ADN, or BSN program
   • Programs must be approved by the NC Board of Nursing
   • ADN = ~2–3 years; BSN = ~4 years

2. Apply for licensure with the NC Board of Nursing

   • Submit proof of graduation and eligibility to work in the U.S.
   • Undergo a background check and provide fingerprints

3. Pass the NCLEX-RN

   • Administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)
   • This is required in all U.S. states to legally work as an RN

4. Start applying for RN jobs

   • Most new grads find work in hospitals, but other options include clinics, rehab centers, and schools

Registered Nurse Salary in North Carolina

• Average salary: $86,270/year or $41.48/hour
• Entry-level RNs may earn slightly less; experienced RNs or those in specialized fields earn more
• High-demand areas include critical care, labor and delivery, and mental health nursing

Where Can Registered Nurses Work?

RNs are needed in nearly every healthcare setting, including:

• Hospitals and emergency departments
• Outpatient clinics and physician offices
• Long-term care and rehabilitation facilities
• Public health and community outreach programs
• Mental health and behavioral clinics
• Schools, universities, and nurse education roles
• Telehealth and remote patient monitoring programs

Registered Nurse Programs in North Carolina

You can find RN training across the state through Dreambound, the nation’s largest platform for comparing vocational and healthcare programs.

Search and compare programs by length, cost, location, and format (in-person or hybrid) at Dreambound.

Career Paths After Becoming an RN

After becoming a registered nurse, you can specialize or pursue higher-level roles like:

• Nurse Practitioner (NP) – Requires a master’s degree but increases salary and autonomy
• Critical Care Nurse – Work in ICUs or trauma units
• Mental Health Nurse – Support patients with psychiatric conditions
• Pediatric Nurse – Work with infants, children, and adolescents
• Public Health Nurse – Serve underserved communities through education and outreach
• Nurse Educator – Train future nurses in academic or hospital settings

Each path may require additional certification or training, but can significantly boost your career options and earning potential.

Frequently Asked Questions