Licensed Practical Nurse in North Carolina
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for NC. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, North Carolina.
Jobs (NC)
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
Time to complete
route How to become a licensed practical nurse in North Carolina
To become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in North Carolina, individuals must complete a state-approved practical nursing program and pass the NCLEX-PN examination. The licensing body is the North Carolina Board of Nursing. A criminal background check is required for all applicants, and North Carolina participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact, allowing for reciprocity with other compact states.
bar_chart Salary percentiles
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for North Carolina. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist North Carolina requirements
| Licensing body | North Carolina Board of Nursing |
| State license | Required |
| Education | Completion of a state-approved practical nursing program |
| Exam | NCLEX-PN ($200) |
| Application fee | $75 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing education | 30.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | A criminal background check is required. For renewal, CE can be met through various options, including 30 contact hours, or 15 contact hours plus 640 hours of active practice, or a Board-approved refresher course, or two semester hours of post-licensure academic training, or national certification/re-certification. There is no specified minimum age, but most facilities prefer to hire individuals 18 or older. |
Source: North Carolina Board of Nursing
work_outline Job outlook
AI & tech impact
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
balance Is it worth it?
- check_circleNorth Carolina license required — clearer credential signal to employers
- check_circleLow AI disruption risk