North Carolina Central University Nursing in 2026: Programs, Durham Clinical Sites & Requirements
North Carolina Central University’s Department of Nursing—rooted in Durham since 1948—runs a Traditional BSN, an on-campus Accelerated BSN (A-BSN) for degree-holders, and an online RN-to-BSN through NCCU Online. Below we cite NCCU’s published TEAS rules, tuition schedules from myEOL, university news on NCLEX passage, and official North Carolina Board of Nursing pass-rate materials wherever you need the regulatory picture.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
NCCU blends a historic HBCU identity with Triangle-adjacent clinical access: the Traditional BSN FAQs name major systems such as Duke, UNC, UNC REX, and WakeMed as possible sites (travel up to ~1 hour). Both pre-licensure pathways require an in-person TEAS ≥ 70 at the Nursing Building. Use Nursing Student Services to resolve deadline conflicts (the Traditional page shows both December 15 and January 31 language) and to line up prerequisites before upper-division nursing.
Overview & Why Students Choose NCCU
From downtown Durham, North Carolina Central University anchors nursing education for a diverse student body. The Department of Nursing highlights the Clinical Learning Resource Center (“Eagle General Hospital”) for skills, remediation, and simulation, and places students at hospitals, clinics, long-term care, and health departments both locally and elsewhere in the state.
Unlike many research-intensive catalogs, NCCU’s published degree list centers on three bachelor’s-level pathways: Traditional pre-licensure BSN, Accelerated BSN for prior bachelor’s graduates, and RN-to-BSN completion online—each focused on culturally competent care and leadership within the mission of this public HBCU.
Regulatory reference: For the official first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate assigned to North Carolina Central University in the Board’s annual reporting materials, use the North Carolina Board of Nursing NCLEX pass rates hub and its downloadable annual PDFs (for example, the 2024 reporting-cycle document published in early 2025).
University-reported context: An official NCCU news article states nursing graduates achieved a 94.4% NCLEX passage rate in 2023, with December graduates at 100% in that story. A separate 2025 university news release reports NCCU’s December 2024 accelerated BSN graduating class passed NCLEX at a 100% rate on first attempt. The department’s public landing page also advertises a “current year” pass highlight—always reconcile marketing blocks with Board tables and your specific program.
Reasons students choose North Carolina Central University
Triangle clinical exposure
Traditional BSN FAQs cite placements within about an hour of campus, naming major systems such as Duke, UNC Health, UNC REX, and WakeMed—strong exposure for pre-licensure learners.
Three focused BSN ladders
Students can enter via four-year Traditional BSN, a 14–15 month Accelerated track after a prior degree, or complete RN-to-BSN online—each aligned to a different life stage.
Simulation-heavy campus lab
Eagle General Hospital (CLRC) gives students dedicated space for skills practice, remediation, and high-fidelity scenarios before they step into live patient care.
Documented improvement investments
University communications credit tutors, remediation coaches, ATI diagnostics, and test-strategy consultants with lifting NCLEX performance—useful context when reviewing multi-year trends.
Historic HBCU culture
NCCU foregrounds service and culturally competent nursing—dimensions that matter to applicants motivated by community health equity.
Nursing Programs Offered
The Department of Nursing’s public materials describe three degree options—Traditional BSN, Accelerated BSN, and RN-to-BSN—and do not list separate MSN or DNP nursing majors on the same overview page. The summaries below track that official scope; graduate nursing degrees, if added later, should appear first on nccu.edu/chs/nursing.
Pre-licensure (NCLEX-RN eligible)
Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
For first-degree students (and transfers) who complete general education and prerequisites before upper-division nursing. NCCU uses a two-step process: university admission, then competitive application to Nursing Student Services with TEAS, GPA, and science benchmarks. Clinical experiences span the region; the program is full-time once admitted.
Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (A-BSN)
For applicants who already hold a bachelor’s in any field. The accelerated option is scheduled across 14–15 months of full-time, on-campus coursework with no part-time or online track per departmental FAQs. Prerequisite sciences mirror the Traditional pathway, and TEAS rules align with the main BSN pages.
Post-licensure completion
RN to BSN
NCCU Online advertises a 100% online RN-to-BSN with six nursing courses (30 credits) and published per-credit tuition. Institutional materials also note automatic advanced-standing credits for graduates of associate nursing programs after transcript review. The main department page describes RN-to-BSN as serving licensed RNs in North Carolina; the NCCU Online admissions page asks for an active RN license—confirm multi-state eligibility with Nursing Student Services before you apply.
Transfer policies, prerequisite substitutions, and pathway availability can change each catalog year. Cross-check every requirement in the NCCU eCatalog, the Traditional and Accelerated BSN pages, and advisement from Nursing Student Services.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
For the official first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate North Carolina assigns to North Carolina Central University in a given reporting year, open the pass-rate hub below and download the annual RN pass-rate workbook/PDF that lists BSN (and other pre-licensure) programs. Those Board-level figures are the standard used for regulatory benchmarking.
NCCU-authored snapshots help explain year-to-year context but are not substitutes for the Board table. An official university news story reports a 94.4% NCLEX passage rate among nursing graduates in 2023, noting December graduates at 100%. Another university release highlights a 100% first-time NCLEX outcome for the December 2024 accelerated BSN cohort. The department homepage currently advertises a high “current year” pass highlight—always reconcile on-page marketing numbers with the downloadable NCBON report row for NCCU.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCBON annual first-time rate (BSN row) | Look up “North Carolina Central University” in the latest published annual NCLEX-RN tables on ncbon.com (PDFs such as 1-year-rn-pass-rates-2024.pdf for the 2024 reporting cycle). |
| University-reported graduate cohort (2023) | 94.4% NCLEX passage noted in official NCCU news coverage of 2023 graduates (December subgroup cited at 100%). |
| University-reported accelerated cohort (Dec. 2024) | 100% first-time NCLEX pass stated for that graduating class in official NCCU news (2025 article). |
| Source (regulatory) | North Carolina Board of Nursing — NCLEX pass rates. Confirm current data with NCBON and Nursing Student Services. |
NCLEX statistics vary by cohort, program option, and whether a figure is “first-time testers” versus “all graduates.” Always confirm the exact row, year, and definition used in the North Carolina Board of Nursing publication before comparing schools.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
North Carolina Central University enrolls international students at the institutional level, but nursing adds extra screening: clinical agencies, Board of Nursing expectations, and visa rules intersect. Treat the points below as a planning checklist, not immigration or licensure advice.
- English proficiency: Follow NCCU undergraduate or NCCU Online admissions requirements for TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent when applicable.
- Credential evaluation: Plan for transcript evaluations if your prior coursework was completed outside the United States; align with Registrar and admissions directions.
- North Carolina Board of Nursing: For NCLEX eligibility after a U.S. degree—or licensure by examination/endorsement for foreign-educated nurses—review ncbon.com and communicate early with Nursing Student Services.
- Clinical clearance & visas: Pre-licensure programs require background checks, immunizations, and assigned clinical sites; confirm that your visa status supports required hours and travel.
Policies change frequently. Verify every requirement with NCCU’s international office, Nursing Student Services, consular resources, and the North Carolina Board of Nursing.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
All NCCU nursing majors follow a two-step pattern: admit to the university, then apply to the specific BSN option through Nursing Student Services (NSS). The Traditional and Accelerated tracks are both competitive; NSS advises transfers to request transcript evaluations early.
Traditional BSN (published minimums)
From the Traditional BSN page:
- Minimum 3.2 cumulative GPA and 3.2 math/science GPA (science courses expire after five years; max two failures).
- Minimum TEAS total score of 70, taken in person at the NCCU Nursing Building ($71 day-of payment per site instructions).
- Mandatory NSS advising meeting, official transcripts, informational session attendance, and completion timelines for general education/prerequisites before upper division.
- CNA not required at this time (per program FAQ).
Accelerated BSN (published minimums)
The Accelerated BSN page mirrors GPA and TEAS expectations, requires a conferred bachelor’s degree, and states decisions are emailed by June for fall admission. TEAS should be attempted at least once by February, per testing guidance on the Traditional page.
RN-to-BSN online (published highlights)
NCCU Online lists a 2.5 minimum GPA, active RN license, transferable general education block, and 24 transferable credits for university admission in addition to program-specific paperwork.
Application timeline (confirm with NSS)
| Pathway | Deadline / milestone | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional BSN | December 15 summer-entry table + FAQ citing January 31 application posting | Same page includes conflicting dates; NSS determines the active calendar. |
| Traditional TEAS target | Recommended at least once by November of the application year | Department encourages early testing to allow a second attempt (30-day spacing). |
| Accelerated BSN | Table shows July 1 fall entry; narrative requires NSS filing by June 1 | Clarify controlling deadline before you finalize transcripts. |
| RN-to-BSN online | Rolling starts advertised on marketing site | Use NCCU Online RN-BSN plus admissions counselors. |
Admissions snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance rate (nursing) | Not publicly disclosed |
| Minimum GPA (Traditional/Accelerated) | 3.2 overall + 3.2 math/science (4.0 scale) |
| TEAS | Required; minimum 70 composite (in-person at NCCU) |
| Dismissal from other programs | Students dismissed from any nursing program are not eligible (department policy). |
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
North Carolina Central University publishes estimated tuition and mandatory fee tables through myEOL. Figures below are taken from the -dated 2025–2026 Estimated Tuition and Fees Schedule PDF for undergraduates on the main campus. Amounts exclude optional housing, meal plans, student health insurance, books, uniforms, background checks, and nursing-specific clinical fees called out on BSN pages.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Main-campus undergraduate, NC resident (12 semester hours) | Tuition + mandatory fees subtotal $4,593.80 per term (table column for 12 hours). |
| Main-campus undergraduate, out-of-state (12 semester hours) | Tuition + mandatory fees subtotal $11,111.80 per term. |
| Per-credit tuition (reference) | NC resident undergraduate tuition listed at $155.33 per credit hour in the same PDF (multiply by enrolled hours to sanity-check). |
| RN-to-BSN online (Flight Path marketing) | NCCU Online posts $361/credit in-state and $433/credit out-of-state with “no additional fees” language for in-state students—confirm in your offer letter. |
| Room & board example (same PDF) | Illustrative combined totals show on-campus housing plus unlimited meal plan adding $7,780 per term to the subtotal for budgeting examples. |
| Source | myEOL — 2025–2026 Estimated Tuition and Fees Schedule; NCCU Online RN-to-BSN. Confirm with Student Accounting and Financial Aid. |
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
NCLEX-RN performance is the clearest quantitative outcome for pre-licensure graduates. Pair North Carolina Board of Nursing tables with NCCU’s university-news updates to understand both regulatory reporting and recent cohort stories.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX passage (university news, 2023) | 94.4% reported for nursing graduates that year; story cites December completers at 100%. |
| Accelerated cohort highlight | 100% first-time NCLEX pass reported for December 2024 accelerated BSN graduates in official NCCU news. |
| NCBON annual workbook | Use Board PDFs linked from ncbon.com to cite official first-time rates by reporting cycle. |
| Employment / salary | Not publicly disclosed in the institutional pages cited here; follow Career Services and employer recruiters active in the Triangle. |
Is NCCU the Right Fit for You?
North Carolina Central University suits applicants motivated by Durham’s blend of urban health systems and community-based care, especially if you value an HBCU culture and hands-on simulation in Eagle General Hospital before entering major hospitals.
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Want Triangle-area clinical networks (e.g., Duke, UNC Health, UNC REX, WakeMed) within reasonable driving distance.
- Need either a traditional, accelerated, or online RN-to-BSN route under one department mission.
- Can meet TEAS and GPA floors while staying organized around NSS advising requirements.
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Cannot commute to dispersed clinical sites or refuse full-time lockstep scheduling for pre-licensure tracks.
- Expect MSN/DNP nursing programs housed in this department—the public overview emphasizes undergraduate BSN pathways.
- Were unsuccessful or dismissed from another nursing program elsewhere—NCCU blocks those applicants.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Durham anchors one vertex of North Carolina’s Research Triangle. Duke University Health System, UNC Health entities, WakeMed locations, and community FQHCs create dense clinical demand—supporting both student placement volume and post-graduation hiring. Within Durham itself, Durham County Department of Public Health clinics and long-term/post-acute partners add public-health breadth.
| Facility / system | Details |
|---|---|
| Duke University Health System | Major quaternary-care employer; named explicitly in NCCU Traditional BSN FAQs as a possible rotation. |
| UNC Health / UNC REX | Statewide UNC Health footprint includes Chapel Hill flagship facilities and regional hospitals such as REX—also cited in NCCU clinical FAQs. |
| WakeMed & Triangle neighbors | Raleigh-area WakeMed campuses appear alongside Duke/UNC in departmental examples; expect assignments throughout the metro. |
Student Experience & Campus Life
Undergraduate nursing students take courses in the Nursing Building on Fayetteville Street—where TEAS testing also occurs—and practice in the Eagle General Hospital simulation center described by the department. Student life reflects a midsize public HBCU with active student organizations; pre-nursing students are encouraged to join the Pre-Nursing Club for early exposure to departmental culture.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Durham, NC
- Main campus address
- 1801 Fayetteville Street, Durham, NC 27707, US
- Undergraduate admissions
- 919-530-6100
- Nursing department chair (example)
- 919-530-7232 · Nursing Building, Room 3402
- Application form
- Undergraduate contact form (myEOL)
- Website
- Department of Nursing · nccu.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Book an appointment with Nursing Student Services to confirm which pathway—Traditional, Accelerated, or RN-to-BSN—matches your transcripts.
- Download the 2025–2026 tuition PDF and model both commuter and on-campus housing scenarios.
- Register for an on-campus TEAS date via the Office form linked on NCCU’s BSN pages and budget for $71 day-of payment.
- Read the university accreditation statement plus the department’s ACEN disclosure to understand scope.
- Cross-check NCBON NCLEX reports for the most recent annual row naming North Carolina Central University.
- Plan transportation for clinical commutes of up to roughly one hour, per Traditional BSN FAQ language.
- Add both the NSS filing date and any university application milestones to your calendar—resolve December vs. January conflicts early.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should I verify the official first-time NCLEX-RN rate published for North Carolina Central University?
Use the North Carolina Board of Nursing NCLEX pass rates hub and download the annual PDF/workbook that lists BSN programs. University news adds context—for example, coverage citing 94.4% NCLEX passage in 2023 and 100% for the December 2024 accelerated cohort—but the Board row remains the apples-to-apples regulatory figure.
What TEAS policies apply to NCCU’s Traditional and Accelerated BSN applicants?
Official BSN pages require the TEAS in person at the NCCU Nursing Building, set a minimum composite of 70, allow up to two attempts per cycle spaced 30 days apart, and charge $71 on exam day.
How much does NCCU estimate for main-campus undergraduate tuition and fees in 2025–26?
The June 2025 myEOL PDF lists $4,593.80 per term for North Carolina residents taking 12 credit hours (tuition + mandatory fees) and $11,111.80 for non-residents at the same load, before housing or meal plans.
What tuition does NCCU Online advertise for the RN-to-BSN Flight Path?
Marketing materials cite $361/credit in-state and $433/credit out-of-state with about 30 nursing credits—confirm in your official offer.
Why do Traditional BSN deadlines on nccu.edu look inconsistent?
The Traditional page shows a December 15 summer-entry table and NSS filing language, while the embedded FAQ references a January 31 application posting window. Treat that mismatch as a sign to get written guidance from Nursing Student Services for your cycle.
Does North Carolina Central University list Duke or WakeMed as clinical partners?
The Traditional BSN FAQ examples include Duke, UNC, UNC REX, and WakeMed, noting students may travel roughly an hour from campus. Actual contracts rotate—confirm with the department.
Is NCCU’s nursing program ACEN-accredited?
The Department of Nursing states its Durham baccalaureate program holds ACEN accreditation. Online RN-to-BSN pages also reference ACEN—re-verify scope on the official accreditation disclosure.
Can I apply to NCCU nursing if I failed out of another nursing program?
Department pages state applicants who failed or were dismissed from any nursing program are not eligible. Good-standing letters are required if you completed nursing coursework elsewhere without dismissal.
Does NCCU require a CNA certificate for Traditional BSN entry?
The Traditional BSN FAQ explicitly says neither CNA nor LPN licensure is required at this time—unlike some other schools—though policies can change; confirm with NSS.
References
- North Carolina Central University – Department of Nursingnccu.edu/chs/nursing
- North Carolina Central University – Traditional BSNnursing-traditional-bsn
- North Carolina Central University – Accelerated BSNnursing-accelerated-option-bsn
- NCCU Online – RN-to-BSNnccuonline RN-to-BSN
- myEOL – 2025-2026 Estimated Tuition and Fees (PDF)tuition PDF
- NCCU News – NCLEX improvements (2023)licensing exam news
- NCCU News – Accelerated BSN NCLEX (Dec 2024 cohort)100% exam passage news
- North Carolina Board of Nursing – NCLEX pass ratesncbon.com
- North Carolina Board of Nursing – 2024 RN pass rates PDF1-year-rn-pass-rates-2024.pdf
- National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)ncsbn.org
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Registered Nursesbls.gov
Editorial Standards & Review
About the author: Francesco Di Siena, RN, writes evidence-based nursing education guides for NurseOnShift.
Review: This page was reviewed by Araceli Collado, RN, for program scope against the NCCU Department of Nursing site (three BSN pathways), tuition alignment with the myEOL 2025–2026 schedule PDF, and NCLEX sourcing that distinguishes North Carolina Board of Nursing tables from university news disclosures.
Disclaimer: This page is for general reference only. It does not constitute professional, admissions, or financial advice. Requirements, deadlines, tuition, and policies change; always verify with the institution and the North Carolina Board of Nursing.
Published: March 30, 2026 · Last reviewed: March 30, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy