NC Education Code · Regulation
Title 16 — root / Chapter 06 — 16 NCAC 06C .0110
Plain English summary
This regulation establishes minimum qualifications and training requirements for school nurses employed or contracted in North Carolina public schools on or after July 1, 2025. Qualified nurses must hold an RN license with two years of relevant experience or hold a recognized nursing certification, and must complete DHHS-offered orientation and roles/responsibilities training within specified timeframes. Nurses meeting minimum qualifications receive pay under the certified school nurse pay scale established by the State Board of Education.
Key requirements
- Any person employed or contracted to serve as a school nurse in a North Carolina public school shall meet all qualifications established by the State Board of Education.
- Be licensed as a registered nurse under Chapter 90, Article 9A of the General Statutes and have at least two years of experience serving as a nurse in a hospital or health clinic; or be certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center or the National Board for Certification of School Nurses.
- A school nurse who meets either of these qualifications shall be paid under the certified school nurse pay scale as established by the SBE.
- Within six months of starting employment or a contract with a public school unit, complete the School Nurse Orientation Modules offered by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.
- Within two years of starting employment or a contract with a PSU, complete the School Nurse Roles and Responsibilities course offered by DHHS.
- The person shall provide proof of completion of these training requirements to the employing or contracting PSU by the established deadline.
- If the person completed these requirements prior to employment or contract with the PSU, the person is not required to repeat those requirements so long as proof of completion is provided to the PSU.
- Nothing in this Rule shall be construed to prevent a PSU from requiring additional qualifications or training for a school nurse under its employment or contract.
- This Rule applies to school nurses initially hired or contracted for on or after July 1, 2025.
Affected parties
- School nurses employed or contracted in NC public schools
- Public school units (PSUs)
- State Board of Education
- NC Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)
- Prospective school nurse candidates