Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in North Carolina
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for NC
How to Become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) 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.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Requirements in North Carolina
| Detail | North Carolina |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | North Carolina Board of Nursing |
| State License Required | Yes |
| 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
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Salary in North Carolina
The median licensed practical nurse salary in North Carolina is $61,380 per year, which is 1.5% below the national median of $62,340.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $49,050 |
| 25th | $54,370 |
| 50th (median) | $61,380 |
| 75th | $66,560 |
| 90th (experienced) | $75,580 |
North Carolina employs approximately 17,430 licensed practical nurses.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Job Outlook
AI Impact on Licensed Practical Nurses
Low AI Exposure (Score: -0.51/1.00)
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
Is Becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse in North Carolina Worth It?
Factors to consider: North Carolina's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, moderate job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.