Daytime classes for an associate degree in nursing are taught at Catawba Valley Community College at Hickory in western North Carolina. Five semesters of study are required and graduates must take the national licensing exam prior to working as a Registered Nurse. North Carolina's Board of Nursing does a criminal background check on everyone applying to take the national exam. Applicants for admission must have a high school diploma or equivalent. One year of high school biology or one college biology course must be completed to gain admission. All applicants must take the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS). There is a non-refundable fee for this test. Graduates receive an Associate in Applied Science degree. Financial aid is available.
The health sciences degree programs at Wake Technical Community College in Raleigh include a nursing curriculum of 75-credit hours. Upon completion, the student will be eligible to apply to take the national licensing exam. Admission to Wake Technical's nursing program is more stringent than the basic application process and includes passing a high school or college-level course in chemistry. All entrants must also pass the TEAS, for which a fee is charged. Financial aid is available.
Nursing students who complete the course at Forsythe Technical Community College at Winston-Salem earn an Associate in Applied Science degree. The daytime-only curriculum is taught for five semesters and includes a summer session. Graduates are qualified to apply to take the national licensing exam for registered nurses. Classes are taught using lectures, skills labs and include clinical practice. It is recommended that high school class work include anatomy, math, algebra and computer skills. Applicants must also show oral and written communication proficiency. Nursing admissions requirements are more stringent than the general education programs at Forsythe, and include a required one-on-one interview with the admissions department. Financial aid is available.
Jamestown-based Guilford Technical Community College's associate degree in the nursing curriculum requires two years of study, including a summer session, in preparation for the national licensing exam. The school has an open door admission policy and requires only a high school diploma or equivalent for entry. Day and evening classes are taught at the Jamestown campus. Admission to the nursing school is limited and financial aid is available.