Nursing Schools in Raleigh, NC
With over 450,000 residents living within city limits, the city of Raleigh needs a steady supply of well-trained, efficient healthcare providers. Counting separate programs within different schools, there are over one dozen nursing programs that serve Raleigh students. In addition to RN and BSN programs, the city has nurse anesthesia, CNA, and nurse practitioner options.
Nursing School Programs in Raleigh North Carolina Area
The healthcare needs of Raleigh have changed and expanded considerably, thanks to a growing population and the Affordable Care Act. Those who are willing to attend accredited nursing programs and become licensed may enjoy a lucrative salary range.
In the Raleigh area, LPNs earn an average salary of $43,340 per year and registered nurses report an average income of $61,180 annually (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2016). At the graduate degree level, nurse practitioners claim an average income of $99,540 per year (BLS, 2016). An average salary of $139,750 is reported for nurse anesthetists (BLS, 2016).
Curriculum, Costs, and Financial Aid for Nursing in Raleigh
With the wide range of nursing schools in Raleigh, there are opportunities for both aspiring nurses and nurses who want to earn a new certification. Degree options in this city include Associate’s degrees, Bachelor’s degrees, and Master’s degrees in nursing. LPN programs in NC often lead to a certificate or diploma.
If you plan on earning a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing, you may spend four years in school taking courses like those listed below:
- Discipline of Nursing
- Concepts, Processes, and Skills for Evidence-Based Nursing
- Nursing Inquiry and Evidence-Based Practice
- Public Health Nursing
- Nursing Care of Families
- Health Assessment
- Nursing Care of Adults
At the undergraduate level, you may be able to earn a diploma after 30 credits, an Associate’s degree after 60 credits, and a Bachelor’s degree after 120 credits. With a Bachelor’s degree in nursing, you may complete a Master’s degree after earning 30 to 36 credits.
Each type of nursing program in Raleigh prepares you for different responsibilities and a specific scope of practice. These programs are in line with the requirements of the North Carolina Board of Nursing. State law indicates that Associate’s degree nursing programs must offer at least 120 hours of clinical experience in the final year of education, while LPN programs must offer at least 90 hours of practical experience.
Local and statewide scholarship programs can make nursing education more affordable. In addition to school-specific grants, look into private scholarships. The North Carolina Public Health Association awards two nursing scholarships each year, and the Skills Scholarship Program supports WakeMed employees.
By becoming an LPN, RN, or APRN in Raleigh, you may address one of the most pressing needs of your community while getting established in a promising career.
Life and Career Options in Raleigh Area
After earning a degree from one of the nursing schools in North Carolina, you may be able to put your skills to work in a variety of settings. Major healthcare employers in Raleigh include Johnston Health, UNC Health Care, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC.
You may consider working for Raleigh healthcare employers that offer tuition benefits to employees. Many local institutions offer assistance in the way of tuition reimbursement or scholarships, including WakeMed, Duke Nursing, and Holly Hill Hospital.
Throughout Raleigh, there are hospitals and clinics that have earned Magnet Recognition. Facilities with this label have been identified as the most prestigious, evidence-based healthcare facilities in the region. Magnet facilities in Raleigh include UNC REX Healthcare and WakeMed. Working for one of these facilities may give you the chance to learn from specialists in various fields, use cutting-edge nursing techniques, and apply research to your daily work.
The nursing shortage has made national news for years, and it has significantly impacted eastern states like North Carolina. With the addition of nursing programs, Raleigh, NC schools hope to address this shortage and provide rural communities with well-trained nursing professionals (WNCT, 2016).
Nursing programs in NC can prepare you to become part of the local nursing community. Consider joining the North Carolina Nurses Association, which is headquartered in Raleigh. Members can take advantage of training opportunities and networking events.
