Master’s in Nursing Degree Programs in North Carolina are in high demand with significant job growth in the field anticipated over the next decade. With Charlotte and Raleigh among the fastest growing cities in the country, North Carolina definitely knows something about keeping up with change and population needs. The state has successfully transitioned from a manufacturing economy to a more diversified technology-based financial system. Academically, North Carolina has led the United States in higher education opportunities with the opening of the first public university in 1795. Steady population growth has warranted opening 17 public universities, 58 public community colleges and dozens of private higher learning institutions.
Duke University, Durham, NC
School of Nursing
From its humble beginnings as a subscription school in 1838, Duke University has been shaping students into skilled professional leaders. With a goal of providing a quality education for students of all color, Duke University began a 15-year desegregation process and was finally successful in 1963 with the first black student enrollment. A strong commitment to providing a culturally diverse learning environment led to the establishment of the Department of African and African American Studies. Duke University’s undergraduate and graduate degree programs are continually ranked among the best in the nation.
Master of Science in Nursing
The School of Nursing at Duke University allows students the flexibility of full, part-time or online study to complete their Master of Science in Nursing degree. U.S. News & World Report has ranked the MSN program 5th in the country.
Adult Cardiovascular Care Nurse Practitioner – This innovative program prepares registered nurses to develop advanced skills for caring for and counseling cardiology patients and families. A focus on common health concerns for cardiovascular conditions provides an atmosphere for maintaining health and an improved quality of life among these patients.
Adult Critical Care (NP or CNS) – This high-demand specialization provides training for advanced care clinicians for an aging population. The degree program includes a complete learning experience through intensive courses, high-tech simulation labs and clinical rotations.
Adult Primary Care Nurse Practitioner – Advanced practice nurses are schooled as generalists in managing complex care for adolescents through elderly adults. Clinical experiences in rural and urban settings prepare graduates for positions in private practice, hospital outpatient clinics, public clinics and other health care environments.
Family Nurse Practitioner – This specialty prepares nurses for the delivery of primary health care to patients of all ages throughout a lifespan. FNP graduates are qualified to serve in leadership positions in a variety of health care settings.
Gerontology (NP or CNS) – Students in the Gerontology concentration focus studies on the social, psychological and biological facets of aging. Gerontology Nurse Practitioners are prepared to provide primary care in various general practice environments.
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner – This specialty trains nurses to care for low- and high-risk neonates and counsel families in advanced practice settings.
Nurse Anesthesia – The CRNA degree curriculum is designed to combine anesthetic practice with nursing principles in health assessment, health policy, research, chemistry and physics for national certification.
Nursing and Health Care Leadership – This concentration area is implemented through an individualized program and is structured to develop skills in complex systems, financial management, leadership practice and organizational theory.
Nursing Education – The core competencies of this concentration include advanced practice knowledge of health care practices for teaching in a pre-licensure nursing program, patient education and staff continuing education.
Nursing Informatics – This program is taught in a distance-learning format and utilizes electronic health care data for improved patient care and health. The School of Nursing offers this specialization in a two-year, 40 credit series.
Oncology (NP or CNS) – This field requires expertise in commonly occurring health concerns for cancer patients. The curriculum develops key critical thinking skills with fundamental knowledge of cancer epidemiology, immunology, genetics, pathophysiology, symptom management, prevention and palliative care.
Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner – Students earning a degree in this specialty are prepared for clinical care of infants and children in intensive care units, inpatient units, emergency departments, rehabilitative and ambulatory clinics.
Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner – The Pediatric Primary Care NP syllabus emphasizes skills required for primary care of children of all ages. Management techniques include chronic and acute illnesses, behavioral issues, health maintenance and prevention.
Accreditation
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Contact Information
307 Trent Drive, DUMC 3322
Durham, NC 27710
(919) 684-3786
East Carolina University, Greenville, NC
College of Nursing
Serving the region since 1907, East Carolina University began as a teacher training institution. Today, they have achieved national recognition as a doctoral research university. With public service as their mantra, each year ECU’s students have contributed more than 132,000 hours of volunteer work to local health and human services agencies. The school continues to bring pride to its students, faculty and staff with its selection as recipient of the 2010 Secretary of Defense Freedom Award for their support of armed forces members. East Carolina University is only the second academic institution bestowed this honor.
Master of Science in Nursing
With six different concentration areas, the Master of Science in Nursing degree program prepares graduates for skilled leadership roles in advanced practice nursing.
Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (online) – This track combines theoretical and practical knowledge for the primary health care of adults. Didactic and clinical rotations are an important component of the syllabus and are scheduled within close proximity to student’s homes.
Clinical Nurse Specialist (online) – A nationally approved curriculum provides students of this concentration to fill advanced practice roles in various adult and gerontology health care environments. This 42-semester hour program is available in an online format and includes core courses, clinical rotations and specialty coursework.
Family Nurse Practitioner (online) – THE FNP emphasis provides practical and theoretical knowledge for primary nursing care for patients of all ages. This concentration track is designed with convenient online courses and practicum sites close to student home areas.
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (online) – With high-risk infants and their families the primary patient base for the Neonatal Nurse Practitioner program, it is imperative for students to complete 41 semester hours of coursework, clinical experiences and specialty coursework. All classes can be completed online and clinical practice is arranged convenient to the student’s home.
Nurse Anesthesia – Professional nurses are trained in anesthesia delivery for all patient age groups in a surgical center and hospital environment. The 28-month series is completed entirely on-campus and prepares graduates for national certification.
Nurse Midwifery (online) – The Nurse Midwifery track is specially designed to ready professional nurses for rural practice serving women and infants. The program is delivered online and requires 50 credit hours for completion. Nurse Midwifery graduates are eligible for national certification.
Nursing Education (online) – This field of study is primarily geared toward preparing registered nurses to become nurse educators in a clinical or academic setting.
Nursing Leadership (online) – This program focuses on training nurses to assume leadership positions in one of three areas: Leadership in Acute Care Health Systems, Leadership in Community-Based Health Systems or Leadership in Health Care Educational Systems. Nursing Leadership coursework can be completed entirely online.
Accreditation
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs
American College of Nurse-Midwives, Division of Accreditation
Contact Information
600 Moye Boulevard
Greenville, NC 27858-4353
252-744-6470
[email protected]
Gardner-Webb University, Boiling Springs, NC
School of Nursing
The original educational facility founded in 1905 was Boiling Springs High School. In 1928 it became Boiling Springs Junior College and in 1942 it was renamed Gardner-Webb College after the governor and his wife. Located 50 miles west of Charlotte, North Carolina, GWU is now a private Christian university. It offers 60 undergraduate and graduate-level degrees programs among five professional and two academic schools. They proudly acknowledge recognition through U.S. News and World Report as No. 1 for “Student Services and Technology” in the country.
Master of Science in Nursing
The Master of Science in Nursing program provides specialty training for professional nurses seeking careers in Nursing Administration and Nursing Education. Two modes of instruction are available for this two-year program – online distance learning or a hybrid delivery method that combines online classes and conventional on-campus courses.
Nursing Administration – The MSN in Administration prepares students through a collaboration with the Graduate School of Business to achieve expertise in both business and health care environments. Upon completion, graduates are well prepared to fill leadership positions within health care organizations.
Nursing Education – This area of concentration gives registered nurses the skill set needed to become professional educators in universities or health clinics. With training in nursing theory and practicum experiences, students are better able to enhance their clinical expertise.
Accreditation
National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
Contact Information
P.O. Box 7309
Boiling Springs, NC 28017
(704) 406-4360
Queens University of Charlotte, Charlotte, NC
Presbyterian School of Nursing
Queens University of Charlotte is nestled in a quiet suburb just minutes from the bustling metropolis of Charlotte, North Carolina. Established more than 155 years ago, Queens currently serves more than 2,400 students across six colleges and 39 majors including nursing, business, communication, health and education. To expose students to a well-rounded education, all programs have a strong liberal arts base. Crucial to its Presbyterian traditions, Queens University of Charlotte places strong emphasis on service to others and requires all undergraduates to complete a minimum of one community service internship.
Master of Science in Nursing
The MSN graduate-level curriculum prepares professional nurses as strong health care leaders. Specialty tracks are available in Clinical Nurse Leader and Health Systems Management.
Clinical Nurse Leader (online) – The Clinical Nurse Leader track is designed to improve patient care safety, quality and outcomes through comprehensive, integrated practice. CNLs are trained to work directly with patients and administration to create patient-care plans for maximum efficiency.
Health Systems Management – Students enrolled in this specialty track have the opportunity to blend business and nursing practices for an executive level career path.
Nurse Educator – Students in the nurse educator program gain expertise in curriculum development, evaluation strategies and teaching methods to teach in clinical or academic organizations. All applicants must complete a practicum experience and capstone project.
Accreditation
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Contact Information
Mailing Address:
PSON Admissions
1900 Selwyn Avenue
MSC 1433
Charlotte, NC 28274
Physical Address:
Withers House
2025 Selwyn Ave.
Charlotte, NC 28274
(704) 337-2314
[email protected]
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
School of Nursing
As the nation’s first public university, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill established a standard of excellence and value in higher education that others strive to equal. UNC-Chapel Hill is a selected member of the Association of American Universities and ranks among the best research universities. It was chartered in 1789 and has shown continued growth and innovation over the last two centuries.
Master of Science in Nursing
With demand high for qualified advanced practice nurses, UNC Chapel Hill School of Nursing now provides multiple concentration pathways to meet career development needs.
Administration – Professional nurses are trained in management, care delivery systems, organization, human and financial resource administration.
Adult Nurse Practitioner (including ANP/Oncology option) – Students enrolled in this specialty option are prepared as health care providers for at-risk adult patients or patients with cancer. Skills include advanced assessment, diagnosis, prevention and management of common health concerns of this population segment.
Clinical Nurse Leader – This advanced practice nurse provides long-term managed care for individuals and community patient groups. Goals include understanding clinical progression, evidence-based practice, care transitions, patient safety and improved quality of care.
Education – Registered nurses seeking this emphasis area are trained for positions in staff development, academic settings and patient education. Coursework includes advanced pharmacology, advanced assessment and advanced pathophysiology.
Family Nurse Practitioner – Providing community-oriented primary health care, FNPs are well-qualified in a variety of patient services. Proficiency is gained in the following areas: holism and caring, cost effectiveness, collaboration, nursing theory, consultation and referral, plus family and community.
Informatics – Students gain in-depth knowledge of the processing principles for information management in a health care setting. Coursework includes patient information, support data and knowledge needs.
Outcome Management – This concentration track provides patient and systems outcome management through quality control, performance improvement techniques, innovative practice implementation and outcomes measurement methods.
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Primary Care – Training for advanced practice health services to infants, children and adolescents and families. Pediatric evaluation and continuing care for acute and chronic illness are part of the PNPs key responsibilities.
Psychiatric/Mental Health NP – Family – The Family Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner option gives students the skills needed to evaluate, assist and manage psychiatric and mental health needs of individuals, families, groups and communities.
Accreditation
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Contact Information
Carrington Hall, CB#7460
Chapel Hill, NC 27599
(919) 966-4260
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC
College of Health & Human Services/School of Nursing
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte was formed just over 60 years ago after World War II to serve returning veterans. The UNC Charlotte campus has grown steadily and now comprises over 1,000 acres. The public, research-intensive university is now home to seven colleges and offers more than 180 degree programs.
Master of Science in Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner (with School Nurse Option)
Students of the FNP emphasis are schooled to provide care to patients of all ages across the lifespan. Special attention is given to wellness promotion, disease prevention and delivering quality health care. Graduates are prepared for primary care as a school nurse, private practice, clinics and rural/urban settings.
Master of Science in Nursing: Nurse Anesthesia
The MSN in Nurse Anesthesia program is delivered in a collaborative program with Carolinas Medical Center. By providing theory and clinical practice, graduates are well prepared for national certification.
Master of Science in Nursing: Nurse Educator
The Nurse Educator track of the MSN degree provides expertise needed for academic teaching positions at a school of nursing. Graduates can sit for the NLN certification exam after two years of full-time teaching.
Master of Science in Nursing: Systems/Population Nursing (online)
The online MSN Systems/Population Nursing option provides leadership skills for students to work in communities to develop nursing interventions. Graduates are qualified to work in public health, home health agencies, hospice, school systems and industry.
Accreditation
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Contact Information
9201 University City Boulevard
Charlotte, NC 28223-0001
(704) 687-8622
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC
School of Nursing
UNCG was established in 1891 as one of sixteen university campuses in The University of North Carolina. Centrally located in the state, the learner-centered, public university has a student enrollment of 18,600 and offers 172 undergraduate and graduate majors across seven professional schools.
Master of Science in Nursing
The MSN degree is available in a variety of concentration areas provides advanced practice nurses options for on-campus or online learning.
Adult/Gerontological NP – Requires 50 hours of coursework and field experience and prepares professional nurses for primary care for adult and aging adult patients.
MSN/MBA – This dual degree program is a collaboration between the School of Nursing and the Bryan School of Business and prepares professional nurses for leadership positions in hospitals and other health care facilities.
Nurse Anesthesia – Program is affiliated with the Raleigh School of Nurse Anesthesia and requires 82 hours for graduation.
Nursing Administration (online) – This track provides leadership skills through theory and management training and requires 37 credit hours.
Nursing Education – The online format leads to a MSN degree as a nurse educator at an academic or health care facility.
Nursing Gerontology – This concentration requires 50 credit hours and focuses on primary health care for elderly patients.
Accreditation
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
Contact Information
PO Box 26170
Greensboro, NC 27402-6170
(336) 334-5010
[email protected]
The University of North Carolina at Wilmington, Wilmington, NC
College of Health and Human Services/School of Nursing
UNCW is located along the beautiful North Carolina coast. It was established in 1946 as part of the public university system and currently offers 14,000 students 92 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral majors. It is ranked among the Top 225 Online Graduate Education Programs for Veterans by U.S. News & World Report.
Master of Science in Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner (online)
This graduate-level degree program is offered in an online format to prepare nurses as advanced practice generalists providing primary care for families in underserved communities.
Master of Science in Nursing: Nurse Educator
The Nurse Educator curriculum provides balanced education between theory, evaluation and information technology for a career in an academic or health care facility.
Accreditation
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
Contact Information
McNeill Hall 1011
601 S. College Rd.
Wilmington, NC 28403-5995
[email protected]
Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, NC
School of Health and Human Sciences/School of Nursing
Founded in 1889, Western Carolina University is a member of the University of North Carolina public system for higher education. Student enrollment has reached over 10,000 students and programming includes award-winning curricula in teacher education and criminal justice.
Master of Science in Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner
The FNP degree concentration gives nurses expertise in family health promotion and the ability to manage typical health conditions for all ages across a lifespan. This is a hybrid program with classes taught online and one day on-campus.
Master of Science in Nursing: Nurse Administrator (online)
This emphasis curriculum is taught online in preparation for a role as a nurse leader. The focus is established to handle cultural diverse services in a health care environment. Practicum experiences are located near the student’s home.
Master of Science in Nursing: Nurse Anesthesia
This fully-accredited program is completed within 28 months and culminates in a MSN degree in Nurse Anesthesia. Graduates are prepared for to sit for the national certification exam.
Master of Science in Nursing: Nurse Educator (online)
The Nurse Educator degree option is delivered online for three educational segments: academic educator, patient educator and staff educator. Field experiences are available within close proximity to the student’s home.
Accreditation
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Contact Information
4121 Little Savannah Road
Cullowhee, NC 28723
(828) 227-7271
[email protected]
Winston-Salem State University, Winston-Salem, NC
School of Health Sciences/Division of Nursing
Known for its innovative programs, Winston-Salem State University became the first African-American institution of higher learning to grant Motorsports management and elementary education teaching degrees. Other accolades include being the third largest producer of nurses in the state and featuring the nation’s best regional African-American art gallery.
Master of Science in Nursing: Advanced Nurse Educator Track
The MSN Advanced Nurse Educator track allows registered nurses to teach in nursing programs and staff development jobs in hospitals and academic institutions. Coursework is taught online and practicum experiences completed in a local environment.
Master of Science in Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner Track
The FNP option is designed to prepare nurses as practitioners for patients of all ages across a lifespan. Graduates are eligible to sit for the certification exam.
Accreditation
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Contact Information
F.L. Atkins Room 234
601 Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr.
Winston-Salem, NC 27110
(336)750-2068
[email protected]
https://www.wssu.edu/
Registered nurses across the United States seeking advanced educational opportunities will find Master’s in Nursing degree programs in North Carolina are innovative and offer great value.
If you’re considering an online MSN program:
Top 20 Best Online Master’s in Nursing (MSN)- Gerontology Degree Programs