Become a Nurse in North Carolina – Licensure & Requirements

^{Source: Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist; Nurse Practitioner; Certified Nurse Midwife; Clinical Nurse Specialist; RN/LPN by Examination; Nurse Aide II Verified 2026-09-25.}

North Carolina Nursing Salaries

^{Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates — North Carolina · Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC · Durham-Chapel Hill, NC · Raleigh-Cary, NC Verified 2026-09-24.}

There are many paths to become a nurse in North Carolina. The path you take will mostly depend upon the type of nurse you’d like to become and your current or prospective level of education. The higher your level of education, the more opportunities you’ll have to choose where and how you pursue your career in nursing.

In addition to nursing salaries in North Carolina, you’ll find information on acquiring and maintaining several types of North Carolina nursing licensure. We’re constantly making updates, but with the speed of change in the healthcare sphere it’s difficult to stay current. If you have any comments or suggestions for our information on nursing in North Carolina, please email us at info@nursinglicensemap.com!

Compact State Status

North Carolina is a Nursing Licensure Compact state.

Is North Carolina a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state? Yes. North Carolina is a current, implemented member of the Nurse Licensure Compact. How that affects your license depends on where you live:

• If North Carolina is your primary state of residence, you may qualify for a North Carolina multistate RN or LPN license once the Compact's eligibility requirements are met.
• If your primary state of residence is another NLC member state, you may practice in North Carolina under your home state's multistate license.
• If your primary state of residence is a non-compact state, North Carolina can issue you a single-state license, but you will not receive a North Carolina multistate license on that basis alone.

Source: North Carolina Board of Nursing – Nurse Licensure Compact; Nurse Licensure Compact Commission; current NLC participation map Verified 2026-09-24.

Prescriptive Authority in North Carolina

North Carolina nurse practitioners prescribe under a Collaborative Practice Agreement (CPA) with a licensed supervising physician. Under 21 NCAC 36 .0809, an NP with a CPA may prescribe Schedule II, IIN, III, IIIN, IV and V controlled substances when the rule's requirements are met. Controlled-substance prescriptions must carry the nurse practitioner's own name, telephone number and DEA number.

Is North Carolina a full-practice-authority state for nurse practitioners? No. North Carolina nurse practitioners practice and prescribe under a Collaborative Practice Agreement with a licensed physician rather than independently.

Source: North Carolina Board of Nursing – Nurse Practitioner Scope of Practice; North Carolina Office of Administrative Hearings, 21 NCAC 36 .0809 – Prescribing Authority Verified 2026-09-25.

Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in North Carolina

APRNs are defined in North Carolina as nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, nurse-midwives, and clinical nurse specialists.

Education: Completed graduate-level education nursing program within an APRN role

Examination: Varies for different APRN careers and specialties.

Certification: Nationally recognized board certification within your APRN role.

Fees:

• Nurse Practitioner: Registration – $25 and Initial Approval to Practice – $100 for Non-Volunteer Status or $20 for Volunteer Status
• Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist: Initial Recognition – $25
• Certified Nurse Midwife: Registration and Initial Approval to Practice – $100
• Clinical Nurse Specialist: No Fees

Additional Information: An active registered nurse license is required for application.

Renewal: All APRNs in North Carolina must maintain their national certification as the renewal process is determined by the board of nursing. Nurse practitioners must also pay a $10-$50 fee depending on position status, CRNAs have a renewal fee of $25, and CNMs pay a $50 renewal fee.

Learn more about advanced practice registered nursing.

Source: North Carolina Board of Nursing – APRN General Information; Nurse Practitioner; Nurse Practitioner Scope of Practice; Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist; Certified Nurse Midwife; Clinical Nurse Specialist Verified 2026-09-24.

Registered Nurse (RN) in North Carolina

Education: Completion of a board approved registered nurse education program.

Examination: NCLEX-RN

Fees:

Renewal: Upon license renewal or reinstatement, all RNs will be required to complete a self-assessment of practice, develop a learning plan, and complete one of the approved learning options during the preceding renewal cycle or prior to reinstatement of license. There is a $100 renewal fee.

Learn more on how to become a registered nurse.

Source: North Carolina Board of Nursing – RN/LPN by Examination; RN/LPN Renewal; NCBON Fee Schedule Verified 2026-09-24.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in North Carolina

Education: Completion of an approved practical nursing (LPN) education program.

Examination: NCLEX-PN

Fees:

Renewal: Upon license renewal or reinstatement, all LPNs will be required to complete a self-assessment of practice, develop a learning plan, and complete one of the approved learning options during the preceding renewal cycle or prior to reinstatement of license. There is a $100 renewal fee.

Learn more on how to become a licensed practical nurse.

Information Disclosure:

Source: North Carolina Board of Nursing – RN/LPN by Examination; NCBON Education FAQ; RN/LPN Renewal; NCBON Fee Schedule Verified 2026-09-24.