According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, career opportunities for nurses in North Carolina have increased. These employment figures for registered nurses in the state are listed with their mean annual wages:

• 2007: 80,090 RNs, with a salary of $55,920
• 2009: 88,190 RNs, with a salary of $58,880
• 2010: 90,730 RNs, with a salary of $60,260

The BLS reported that the 17,680 licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses in North Carolina earned a mean annual wage of $40,560, as of May 2010.

North Carolina nursing schools, online and on-campus

When choosing a nursing program, it is important to consider that one's level of education impacts the scope of practice, wages and career path. Here are the educational requirements for three given occupational titles:

• LPNs and LVNs usually complete a year-long program, and then work under the supervision of RNs, nurse practitioners or physicians.
• RNs typically either have an associate degree or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Nurses often obtain a BSN if they want to pursue specializations in advanced care nursing, seek administrative positions or move to health care jobs outside of primary care.
• Nurse practitioners and advanced care nurses are expected to fill an important niche in the future. They generally hold a master's degree in nursing and certifications in specialized fields like acute care or anesthesiology.

Online nursing schools in North Carolina open doors

Nursing programs are found across North Carolina, from the mountains to the coast, offering different levels of education ranging from diplomas to master's degrees. Numerous North Carolina nursing schools online provide flexibility and diverse opportunities, and some programs are paired with campus learning to meet clinical experience requirements. According to the College Foundation of North Carolina, scholarships for future nurses are available to those who qualify; examples are the Nurse Education Scholarship-Loan Program and the Nurse Scholars Program.