North Carolina A&T State University, in Greensboro, is about a 90-minute drive from Raleigh. The university's School of Nursing offers a BSN completion program for licensed practical nurses that builds on existing knowledge and experience. According to the school's regulations, LPNs who enter the program are considered pre-nursing transfer students. They must have a valid, unrestricted North Carolina LPN license and complete prerequisite courses in science, math and English with a grade of C or better. In addition, they must have a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.8 on previous coursework. Once practical nurses obtain program acceptance, they must take a course in professional nurse transitioning. They are also permitted to place out of sophomore-level nursing courses through challenge examinations.
North Carolina A&T State University
1601 E. Market St.
Greensboro, NC 27411
336-334-7500
ncat.edu
A little under two hours from Raleigh is Winston-Salem State University. This institution in Winston-Salem has an LPN to BSN degree option. Practical nurses must be able to read at the 11th-grade level and complete 71 semester hours in nursing prerequisite and general education courses before admission. They must earn at least a C in prerequisite courses and have a minimum overall GPA of 2.6. In addition, practical nurses must have an active North Carolina LPN license. According to the university's website, students showing deficiency in an aspect of nursing education might be required to participate in additional academic activities. LPNs can obtain advanced placement status by passing challenge examinations.
Winston-Salem State University
601 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive
Winston-Salem, NC 27110
336-750-2000
wssu.edu
Once LPNs complete a BSN program, they will need to obtain registered nurse licensure through the North Carolina Board of Nursing. According to the board's website, they must pass the National Council of Licensure Examination for RNs, known as the NCLEX-RN. North Carolina nurses must take the exam within 180 days after obtaining approval to test. In addition, the board requires the completion of a criminal background check. Once the Board of Nursing receives an application for examination, candidates have one year to meet all licensure requirements.