Nursing Education FAQ
What nursing education programs are approved by the Board?
Does the Board approve Out-of-State Programs/Online Programs/Correspondence Courses?
What specific courses are required to be eligible to take the NCLEX-PN or NCLEX-RN Exam?
Can I take the NCLEX-PN Exam if I have been a paramedic, Navy Corpsman or Air Force Medic?
Will the Board help me with a problem in my school of nursing?
Does a nursing student “work under the faculty or preceptor’s license”?
What nursing education programs are approved by the Board?
NCBON maintains a list of currently approved nursing education programs by law. This list is currently available on our web site under EDUCATION>NURSING EDUCATION PROGRAMS IN NORTH CAROLINA.
Applicants can link to the education institutions from our web site to obtain both contact information and requirements for the programs.
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Does the Board approve Out-of-State Programs/Online Programs/Correspondence Courses?
The North Carolina Board of Nursing (NCBON) approves and regulates nursing education programs in the State of NC. At this time, the Board does not approve/accredit nursing education programs which are outside of NC jurisdiction, including out-of-state online programs/correspondence courses.
The NCBON does recognize graduates from pre-licensure nursing education programs that are approved/accredited by other State Boards of Nursing as eligible to apply to take the NCLEX examination(s) and apply for licensure in NC.
For example, Excelsior College is one of these programs. Excelsior College is approved by the New York State Board of Nursing and graduates from that program may apply to take the NCLEX-RN Examination in NC and apply for licensure as a registered nurse in NC. The NCBON encourages you to deal directly with the college. They have an excellent web site: Excelsior College
Out-of-state nursing education programs can be contacted directly for information and specific questions about the program and the program's approval/accreditation status in their state. It is recommended that individuals research the approval/accreditation status and credibility of any nursing education program before enrolling in individual courses or the entire program of study.
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What specific courses are required to be eligible to take the NCLEX-PN or NCLEX-RN Exam?
To be eligible to take the NCLEX-PN® examination, the student must have completed an approved program for educating practical nurses. Correlated theory and clinical practice shall have been completed in the following areas: nursing care of children; maternity nursing; nursing care of the aged; nursing care of adults; and nursing care of individuals with mental health problems.
To be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN® examination, the student must have completed a Board approved professional nursing education program (associate degree program, baccalaureate degree program, master’s degree program, or diploma program).
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Can I take the NCLEX-PN Exam if I have been a paramedic, Navy Corpsman or Air Force Medic?
North Carolina has no provision to allow challenge of the licensure examination based on alternate education and/or experience. The requirement is that one be a graduate of an approved practical nursing program to apply for licensure. The only approved military approved practical nursing program is the Army Practical Nurse Course (formerly 91C). If you have taken college courses or have health occupation experience, you could inquire at a local practical nursing education program to learn about transfer credit or advanced placement. They may give credit for previous courses, but that is the decision of each nursing program.
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Will the Board help me with a problem in my school of nursing? Student/Faculty/Other Complaints against programs: The NCBON is interested in ensuring that nursing education programs are in compliance with Rules in order to protect the public through safe nursing care. The Board will consider written and signed complaints about nursing education programs which reflect upon the quality of nursing education and pose non-compliance with education rules.
However, the NCBON has no purview over school policies, grades, or conflicts between students and faculty. Each program is required to have processed in place for dealing with grievances and students and faculty are encouraged to follow appropriate procedure in the institution. Consult the nursing program handbook, college handbook, and student services for the proper procedure.
Click HERE for a list of Education consultants assigned to each program on our web site.
Please forward to/cc the appropriate consultant.
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Does a nursing student “work under the faculty or preceptor’s license”?
A nursing student who is in a clinical area as part of an approved nursing education program is working as an “unlicensed provider”. The authority to practice or “student status” is granted in The Nursing Practice Act Article 90-171.43 License required (2).
Note: A student is held to the same standard of care as any licensed nurse.
Only the person named on the nursing license has the authority to practice nursing.
The faculty member and /or preceptor is responsible for “appropriate supervision and delegation.” The law allows a licensed nurse to delegate certain nursing responsibilities to individuals who are competent to perform the assignment. Persons caring for the patient are responsible for knowing the boundaries of their job and for knowing if they have the knowledge/skills/abilities to provide for the client’s needs. It is up to each nurse to decide what activities can safely be assigned to another individual based upon the agency policies/procedures, the education/training of the individual, and the validated competency of the individual. When the nurse has delegated appropriately he/she is not accountable for the actions/errors of the individual assigned the task.
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