RN Programs in Wilmington, North Carolina

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Becoming a Registered Nurse in Wilmington, North Carolina

Welcome to your comprehensive guide on becoming a Registered Nurse (RN) in Wilmington, North Carolina! Whether you’re just starting your journey or looking to advance your career, this guide will walk you through the process. So, what exactly is an RN? Registered Nurses are healthcare professionals who provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients and the public about various health conditions, and offer advice and emotional support to patients and their family members.

Why Become an RN in Wilmington?

Wilmington, North Carolina, is a vibrant city known for its historic downtown, beautiful beaches, and friendly community. It’s a great place to start your career as an RN. The average salary for an RN in Wilmington is approximately $68,000 per year, and the job outlook is promising, with a projected growth rate of 7% from 2019 to 2029. For more details on job outlook, check the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ page on RNs.

Prerequisites for RN Programs

Before enrolling in an RN program in Wilmington, you’ll need to meet specific prerequisites:

• High School Diploma or GED: Most programs require a high school diploma or GED.
• Minimum Age: Typically, you must be at least 18 years old.
• Entrance Exams: Some programs may require entrance exams like the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills).
• Background Checks: A clean criminal background check is often necessary.

Typical Program Curriculum

An RN program typically includes both coursework and clinical training. Here’s a brief overview:

• Core Courses: Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology, and Pharmacology.
• Nursing Courses: Foundations of Nursing, Medical-Surgical Nursing, Pediatric Nursing, and Psychiatric Nursing.
• Clinical Training: Hands-on experience in hospitals or clinics to apply what you’ve learned in real-world settings.

RN Training Programs in Wilmington, North Carolina

Here are some local options for RN programs in Wilmington:

1. Cape Fear Community College
   • Location: 411 North Front Street, Wilmington, NC 28401
   • Description: Cape Fear Community College offers an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program designed to prepare students for the NCLEX-RN exam. The program includes both classroom instruction and clinical practice.
   • Cost: Approximately $5,000 per year for in-state students.
2. University of North Carolina Wilmington
   • Location: 601 South College Road, Wilmington, NC 28403
   • Description: UNCW offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. The curriculum includes advanced nursing courses and extensive clinical training.
   • Cost: Approximately $7,000 per year for in-state students.
3. Miller-Motte College
   • Location: 5000 Market Street, Wilmington, NC 28405
   • Description: Miller-Motte College offers an Associate Degree in Nursing with a focus on practical skills and clinical experience.
   • Cost: Approximately $15,000 per year.

RN Employment Opportunities in Wilmington

Wilmington is home to several major healthcare facilities, offering numerous employment opportunities for RNs:

1. New Hanover Regional Medical Center
   • Location: 2131 South 17th Street, Wilmington, NC 28401
   • Description: A leading healthcare provider in the region, NHRMC offers a wide range of services and is known for its commitment to patient care.
   • Neighborhood: Midtown
2. Wilmington Health
   • Location: 1202 Medical Center Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401
   • Description: Wilmington Health provides comprehensive care and a variety of specialties, making it a great place for RNs to work.
   • Neighborhood: Medical Center District
3. Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center
   • Location: 240 Hospital Drive, Bolivia, NC 28422 (about 20 miles from Wilmington)
   • Description: This facility is part of the Novant Health network and offers numerous opportunities for RNs in a supportive environment.
   • Neighborhood: Brunswick County

RN Certification Requirements

To become an RN in North Carolina, you must:

• Pass the NCLEX-RN: The National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses.
• State Licensure: Apply for licensure through the North Carolina Board of Nursing.
• Continuing Education: Complete continuing education requirements to maintain your license.

Cost and Financial Aid

The cost of RN programs in Wilmington varies:

• Community Colleges: Approximately $5,000 per year for in-state students.
• Universities: Approximately $7,000 to $15,000 per year for in-state students.

Financial aid options include federal and state grants, scholarships, and student loans. Check with the financial aid office at your chosen school for specific options.

Licensure Reciprocity

North Carolina is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which allows RNs to practice in other compact states without obtaining additional licenses. If you’re moving to North Carolina, you may need to apply for licensure by endorsement through the North Carolina Board of Nursing.

Get Started Today

Ready to embark on your journey to becoming an RN in Wilmington, North Carolina? Take the first step by researching local RN programs and reaching out to schools for more information. Your rewarding career in nursing awaits!

Registered Nurse Degree Info

Which schools offer Wilmington RN Programs?

RN programs (both campus-based & online RN courses) are medical training programs offered by universities, vocational or technical schools, and community or junior colleges. Some hospitals even offer registered nursing training as an RN diploma.

How do I become an licensed RN?

Each state sets its own RN licensure requirements. In order to earn your RN license, you must pass the NCLEX® examination. The NCLEX® is a comprehensive nursing exam that can only be taken by graduates of nursing programs approved by your state's board of nursing.

Do I need to complete an LPN program before I go to college to get an RN Degree?

No you don't need to complete LPN training before you can get your RN license. An accredited RN Associate Degree program takes 2 years. You can earn your RN Diploma in 3 years. (BSN - 4 years, RN to BSN degrees can be 2-3 years).

Are There Free Nursing Schools in Wilmington?

The education necessary to become an RN is valuable, and registered nurses earn excellent money in North Carolina. However, students can lower the cost of RN school with financial aid. There are numerous grants and nursing school scholarships in North Carolina. They might not make your RN degree free but it can at least be more affordable.

Contact one of the accredited nursing schools listed here to get information about the financial aid you qualify for. Find out more about online nursing schools in North Carolina.

RN Job Description

Registered nurses (RNs), regardless of specialty or work setting, treat patients, educate patients and the public about various medical conditions, and provide advice and emotional support to patients' family members. RNs record patients' medical histories and symptoms, help perform diagnostic tests and analyze results, operate medical machinery, administer treatment and medications, and help with patient follow-up and rehabilitation.