Best Nurse Practitioner Programs in South Carolina 2024

Nurse Practitioner Program in South Carolina

Are you an RN or MSN looking to expand your career horizons? This guide provides comprehensive information on the 4 Nurse Practitioner Programs in South Carolina, both in-person and online, that welcome Palmetto State students. We’ll walk you through program rankings, admission requirements, and sample course outlines.

Financial concerns? We got you covered. Our guide also includes details on scholarships specifically for South Carolina nurses and various financial aid options. Current data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and U.S. Department of Commerce shows that Nurse Practitioners in South Carolina earn an average of $102,850 per year, making it a rewarding career choice.

Lastly, our guide sheds light on the employment prospects for NP-prepared nurses in South Carolina. With 3,140 Nurse Practitioners currently employed in the state, representing 1% of NPs nationwide, there’s plenty of room for growth. In fact, projections indicate that South Carolina will need an additional 4,490 Nurse Practitioners by 2030. That’s an average of 350 new nurses per year! Dive into our guide to start your journey towards becoming a Nurse Practitioner in South Carolina today.

Best Ranked NP Programs in South Carolina

#1 in South Carolina

#2 in South Carolina

#3 in South Carolina

#4 in South Carolina

See our Ranking Methodology

8 Steps to Become an NP in South Carolina

1. Earn an RN Degree: Start by obtaining your RN degree through an ADN or BSN program from an accredited university. Accreditation by the ACEN or CCNE ensures that your course credits will be accepted by Nurse Practitioner Programs in South Carolina.
2. Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam: Prepare for and successfully pass the NCLEX-RN exam, which is required to obtain your RN licensure.
3. Earn Your MSN or DNP: Pursue either a Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree to become an NP. MSN programs typically take around 2 years, while DNP programs require about 4 years. Choose a population focus area, such as gerontology, family, or neonatal, when enrolling in your program.
4. Complete Supervised Clinical Hours: Depending on your chosen population focus, you will need to complete between 500-600 clinical hours for an MSN program or 1000 hours for a DNP program.
5. Become Board Certified: Obtain board certification from the appropriate certifying body based on your population focus area:
   • National Certification Corporation: For Women’s health and neonatal NPs.
   • The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners: For family and adult-gerontology NPs.
   • The American Association of Critical Care Nurses: For adult-gerontology NPs.
   • The American Nurses Credentialing Center: For adult-gerontology, family, psychiatric mental health, and pediatric NPs.
   • Pediatric Nursing Certification Board: For pediatric NPs.
6. Obtain Licensure: Get in touch with the South Carolina State Board of Nursing to secure your NP licensure in the state. This is a crucial step for all individuals seeking to enroll in Nurse Practitioner Programs in South Carolina.
7. Obtain a DEA Number: If you aim to prescribe medication in South Carolina, it’s necessary to secure a DEA registration. Begin by applying for your NPI number. This service is free and can be done through the NPPES website. Utilize your NPI number to apply for your State Controlled Substances Authority for South Carolina via the South Carolina Board of Pharmacy. Finally, complete your DEA registration through the DEA Diversion Control Division.
8. Maintain Active Certification and Licensure: The certifying body and the South Carolina Board of Nursing will guide you on how to keep your certification and licensure active. This typically involves earning continuing education (CE) credits and clinical practice. It’s also required that you renew your license with the board every two years. You can find CE courses across various locations in South Carolina.

Time It Takes to Become an NP

How much time it takes to become a Nurse Practitioner in South Carolina really depends on your background. Depending on the path you take it will be 2 to 4 years of education before you can become a Certified Nurse Practitioner. If you’re already an RN it can take as little as 2 years by earning your MSN. If you are not an RN some direct entry programs are as short as 2 years as well. If you already have your MSN but are not an NP you can do a DNP program in 2-3 years and become and NP while also earning your doctorate.

Here are examples of how long it will take you to become an NP depending on what degree you are starting with:

Starting Degree	How Many Years to Become an NP
Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN)	2 – 3 years
Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (BSN)	2 years
Bachelor’s in a non-nursing field	2 – 3 years
Master’s Degree in Nursing (MSN)	1 – 2 years

Bridge Programs for NP Students

The path to becoming a Nurse Practitioner in South Carolina can vary based on one’s educational background and experience. Below are different paths, each with a unique set of requirements and timelines.

Registered Nurse (RN) to Nurse Practitioner

This path is for registered nurses who aim to become Nurse Practitioners. The typical program takes about 2-3 years of full-time study, depending on the specialty chosen.

• Requires an active RN license in South Carolina.
• A minimum GPA of 3.0 in nursing coursework.
• Certain prerequisite courses may be required.
• Completion of supervised clinical hours, the number of which may vary by program.

BSN to Nurse Practitioner

This option is for those with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) who wish to become Nurse Practitioners.

• Active South Carolina RN license.
• BSN degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Required supervised clinical hours vary depending on the program.

MSN to Nurse Practitioner

This is for nurses with a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) seeking to become Nurse Practitioners.

• Requires an active RN license in South Carolina.
• MSN degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Varies supervised clinical hours as per program requirements.

Direct Entry MSN Nurse Practitioner

This program is designed for those with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree who aspire to become Nurse Practitioners.

• Bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Completion of prerequisite courses.
• Active RN license in South Carolina after completing initial nursing coursework.
• Varies supervised clinical hours as per program requirements.

BSN to DNP Nurse Practitioner Program

This program is designed for nurses with a BSN who aim to achieve a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree.

• Active RN license in South Carolina.
• BSN degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Program duration typically ranges from 3-4 years.
• A specific number of supervised clinical hours to be completed.

MSN to DNP Nurse Practitioner

This program is for nurses with an MSN who wish to earn a DNP.

• Active RN license in South Carolina.
• MSN degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
• The program duration is typically 1-2 years.
• A certain number of supervised clinical hours as per program guidelines.

Post-Master’s Certification Nurse Practitioner

This certification program is for nurses with an MSN who want to specialize in a new area of practice.

• Active RN license in South Carolina.
• MSN degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Completion of supervised clinical hours, the number of which varies by program.

Online Nurse Practitioner Programs

Online programs are designed for working nurses who need the flexibility to continue their education.

• Active RN license in South Carolina.
• Minimum GPA of 3.0 in nursing coursework.
• Completion of supervised clinical hours, the number of which varies by program.

Regardless of the path, all Nurse Practitioner Programs in South Carolina are aimed at preparing professionals who can provide quality care to their patients.

Requirements for Online NP Programs

Getting into online Nurse Practitioner Programs in South Carolina requires careful planning.

Admission Process

Admission to an online NP program typically involves the following steps:

• Application Submission: Begin by submitting an online application form, which usually requires personal information, academic history, and professional experience.
• Transcript Submission: Submit official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended. The transcripts should indicate a minimum GPA of 3.0 on previous nursing coursework.
• Licensure Verification: As a part of the application process, students must show proof of an active RN license in South Carolina.
• Letters of Recommendation: Submit professional and academic references.
• Resume/CV Submission: Submit a professional resume or CV that details relevant work experience, particularly in nursing.
• Personal Statement: Write a statement of purpose describing your career goals and why you want to become a Nurse Practitioner.

Timeline

The timeline for admissions varies by program, but students typically should begin preparing their applications about six months before the intended start date. Most programs have fall, spring, and summer start dates, with application deadlines occurring several months prior.

Program Length and Time to Completion

Online NP programs in South Carolina typically take 2-4 years to complete, depending on the degree level and whether the student is studying full-time or part-time. Programs usually require the completion of a certain number of supervised clinical hours, which can often be arranged locally for online students.

Selecting the right online Nurse Practitioner program in South Carolina is a significant step in your journey to becoming a Nurse Practitioner. Take the time to research each program thoroughly to find the best fit for your career goals and personal circumstances.

40 Top Employers for NPs In South Carolina

After completing one of the various Nurse Practitioner Programs in South Carolina, a variety of employment opportunities open up across the state. Below are some of the workplaces where nurse practitioners can find rewarding careers:

Hospitals and Medical Centers

Nurse practitioners are vital parts of hospital and medical center teams, providing patient care and contributing to health care services.

• Prisma Health
• MUSC Health
• Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System
• Roper St. Francis Healthcare
• AnMed Health

Outpatient Clinics and Urgent Care Centers

These facilities often require the versatile skill set of nurse practitioners to provide care for a wide range of health conditions.

• Doctors Care
• Concentra
• FastMed Urgent Care
• MEDcare Urgent Care
• CVS MinuteClinic

Private Practices and Specialty Clinics

Nurse practitioners can specialize in different areas of health care, serving in specialty clinics and private practices.

• MUSC Health Specialty Clinics
• SC Internal Medicine Associates and Rehabilitation
• River Oaks Advanced Dermatology
• Aiken ENT
• Palmetto Cardiology Associates

Community Health Centers and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs)

These centers, often located in underserved areas, provide comprehensive care services to local populations.

• Fetter Health Care Network
• Beaufort-Jasper-Hampton Comprehensive Health Services
• Eau Claire Cooperative Health Centers
• CareSouth Carolina
• New Horizon Family Health Services

Long-Term Care Facilities and Nursing Homes

Nurse practitioners in these settings provide care for residents with chronic conditions or those in recovery.

• White Oak Manor
• Pruitthealth
• Heartland Health Care Centers
• SavaSeniorCare
• Agape Care South Carolina

Academic Institutions and Universities

Academic institutions often employ nurse practitioners as faculty or staff members, contributing to the education of future health professionals.

• Clemson University School of Health Research
• University of South Carolina College of Nursing
• Medical University of South Carolina
• Francis Marion University Department of Nursing
• University of South Carolina Aiken School of Nursing

Government and Military Facilities

Government and military facilities require nurse practitioners for their health departments and service personnel.

• Wm. Jennings Bryan Dorn VA Medical Center
• Moncrief Army Health Clinic
• South Carolina Department of Mental Health
• South Carolina Department of Corrections
• U.S. Coast Guard Clinic Charleston

Home Health Care Agencies

Nurse practitioners can provide vital health services to patients in their homes through these agencies.

• Amedisys Home Health Care
• Kindred at Home
• PruittHealth Home Health
• Interim HealthCare of Greenville
• McLeod Home Health

Most Popular NP Certifications

As an NP the world is at your fingertips. You can work in a variety of settings and will have the flexibility throughout your career to change it up. Here are some examples of where you may work.

• Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP: Cardiology,  neurology, emergency departments, intensive care units, medical surgical units, military settings, and more.
• Adult Gerontology Primary Care NP: primary care clinics, nursing homes, correctional facilities, college health, occupational health, military settings, and more.
• Family NP: Primary care clinics, community health, urgent care, college health, occupational health,  military settings, dermatology, shelters, and more.
• Neonatal NP: neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), emergency departments, labor and delivery units, and more.
• Pediatric Acute Care NP: Emergency departments, specialty units in children’s hospitals, urgent care.
• Pediatric Primary Care NP: community health centers, schools, children’s hospitals, private practices.
• Psychiatric Mental Health NP: outpatient therapy, inpatient psychiatric units, partial hospitalization units, nursing homes, and more.
• Women’s Health NP: Community health centers, women’s prisons, private practices, urogynecology practices, adolescent health, and more.

Certification	Percent of NPs
Family Nurse Practitioner	69.7
Adult Care	10.8
Adult–Gerontology Primary Care	7.0
Psychiatric/Mental Health	4.7
Acute Care	4.1
Pediatrics–Primary Care	3.2
Adult–Gerontology Acute Care	2.9
Women’s Health	2.9
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care	1.8
Neonatal	1.0
Pediatrics–Acute Care	0.7

Classes NP Students Take in South Carolina

Embarking on one of the Nurse Practitioner Programs in South Carolina is an exciting journey into advanced nursing practice. Here are ten typical courses you can expect to take, each providing key knowledge and skills:

• Advanced Pathophysiology: This course deepens your understanding of disease processes, preparing you to diagnose and manage health conditions effectively.
• Advanced Pharmacology: Learn about the safe prescription and management of medications, crucial for any nurse practitioner role.
• Advanced Health Assessment: Develop your patient examination skills, learning to identify symptoms and signs of various health conditions.
• Primary Care of Adults: Gain expertise in managing the healthcare needs of adult patients, including preventive care and chronic disease management.
• Primary Care of Children: This course focuses on pediatric care, equipping you to handle the unique healthcare needs of children.
• Women’s Health: Learn about the specific health concerns and needs of women across their lifespan.
• Gerontology: Delve into the study of aging, understanding how to provide optimal care for older adults.
• Health Policy and Advocacy: Understand the health policy landscape and learn how to advocate for your patients within this context.
• Research Methods in Healthcare: Gain skills in research methods relevant to healthcare, helping you contribute to advancements in nursing practice.
• Leadership in Healthcare Systems: Learn about leadership principles applicable to healthcare settings, preparing you for potential leadership roles in nursing.

One specific South Carolina school offering such a program is The Medical University of South Carolina. Check out their Nurse Practitioner Program for a comprehensive curriculum designed to equip you with advanced nursing skills.

Costs of NP Programs in South Carolina

Investing in one of the Nurse Practitioner Programs in South Carolina is a significant financial decision. Understanding the tuition and cost of attendance is key to planning your educational journey. Here are some examples:

1. The Medical University of South Carolina

• Tuition (In-state): $11,196 per year
• Tuition (Out-of-state): $30,240 per year
• Visit their Nurse Practitioner Program page for more information.

2. Clemson University

• Tuition (In-state): $9,386 per year
• Tuition (Out-of-state): $20,050 per year
• Visit their Nurse Practitioner Program page for more details.

Here’s a quick comparison of the two programs:

	Medical University of South Carolina	Clemson University
In-state Tuition	$11,196 per year	$9,386 per year
Out-of-state Tuition	$30,240 per year	$20,050 per year

Remember that these costs do not include additional expenses like books, supplies, accommodation and living expenses. It’s also important to explore financial aid options and scholarships to help offset these costs.

To help offset the cost of becoming an NP you can apply for scholarships and/or loan forgiveness programs. Here are a few examples.

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness
• Individual Hospital Repayment Programs
• Perkins Loan Cancellation
• Military Programs
• Nurse Corps Loan Forgiveness

Scholarships outside of the school you are applying to are not as common for NP programs as they are for BSN programs, but our Nursing School  and Scholarship guide  can help you figure out additional ways to offset costs.

10 Scholarships for Nurse Practitioner Students

Pursuing a career as a Nurse Practitioner in South Carolina can be financially challenging, but a number of scholarships are available to lessen the burden. These include:

1. South Carolina Nurses Foundation Scholarships: Numerous scholarships are offered by the South Carolina Nurses Foundation, each with varying eligibility criteria, deadlines and award amounts.
2. NBNA Scholarship Program: This program provides annual scholarships to nursing students who are members of the National Black Nurses Association. Deadlines typically fall in April.
3. American Association of Nurse Practitioners Scholarship Program: The AANP offers scholarships to student members who are pursuing NP degrees. The application deadline usually falls in mid-March.
4. March of Dimes Dr. Margaret C. Freda Graduate Nursing Scholarship: Available to registered nurses enrolled in graduate education with a focus on maternal-child nursing. Deadline is typically in January.
5. Emergency Nurses Association Scholarships: These scholarships are for members of the Emergency Nurses Association who are pursuing advanced degrees. Deadlines usually fall in June.
6. NURSE Corps Scholarship Program: This program provides scholarships to nursing students in exchange for a commitment to work in eligible health care facilities. Application periods vary.
7. American Psychiatric Nurses Association Board of Directors Student Scholarship: This scholarship is for APNA members who are pursuing a career in psychiatric-mental health nursing. Applications typically open in May.
8. Tylenol Future Care Scholarship: The program offers scholarships to students pursuing careers in healthcare, including nursing. Deadlines generally fall in July.
9. AfterCollege/AACN Nursing Scholarship Program: This program offers scholarships to students pursuing professional nursing degrees. Deadlines typically fall at the end of March, June, September, and December.
10. Foundation of the National Student Nurses’ Association Scholarships: These scholarships are for undergraduate nursing students, with varying deadlines and award amounts.

In addition to these scholarships, students should also apply for federal financial aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This application can unlock access to federal, state, and college-sponsored financial aid, including grants, educational loans, and work-study programs. Even students who do not believe they will qualify for need-based financial aid are encouraged to complete the FAFSA, as many scholarships and other forms of aid require it.

Salaries for NP Graduates in South Carolina

Considering a career as a Nurse Practitioner in South Carolina? It’s crucial to understand the earning potential and benefits associated with this profession.

According to the comprehensive 2023 South Carolina Nurse Practitioner salary report compiled from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Department of Labor, and US Department of Education, the average earnings for Nurse Practitioners in South Carolina stand at $102,850 per year or $49.45 per hour. Currently, 3,140 Nurse Practitioners are employed in the state, accounting for 1% of U.S. Nurse Practitioners.

Salary	Data
Average annual earnings	$102,850
Average hourly earnings	$49.45
Current employment	3,140
Projected new NPs by 2030	4,490

For a deeper dive into the numbers, visit the full 2023 Nurse Practitioner Salary Report.

In addition to salary, consider these non-salary benefits that come with being a Nurse Practitioner:

1. Job Security: With South Carolina needing 4,490 new Nurse Practitioners by 2030, job security is high.
2. Flexibility: Many NPs enjoy flexible schedules.
3. Autonomy: NPs often have more independence than registered nurses.
4. Growth Opportunities: The field offers potential for advancement in leadership roles or specializations.
5. Satisfaction: Nurse practitioners report high levels of job satisfaction due to their ability to provide comprehensive patient care.
6. Continued Learning: As a nurse practitioner, you will always be learning new skills and gaining knowledge in your field.
7. Impact: You have the chance to make a significant impact on your patients’ lives and health outcomes.

The role of a Nurse Practitioner in South Carolina offers not only competitive salaries but also numerous non-monetary rewards. From the satisfaction of making a difference in healthcare to enjoying career stability and growth, the benefits are plentiful.

Using data from US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Department of Labor, US Department of Education and other sources, we’ve complied a comprehensive South Carolina nurse practitioner salary report for 2023. Find an overview and a link to the full report below.

• The number of Nurse Practitioners currently employed in South Carolina is 3,140.
• Nurse Practitioners in South Carolina earn an average of $102,850 per year or $49.45 per hour.
• The percentage of U.S. Nurse Practitioners who work in South Carolina is 1%.
• South Carolina will need 4,490 new Nurse Practitioners by 2030 or 350 new nurses per year.

Using the combined data of tens-of-thousands of NP salary surveys, the data from the U.S. Department of Education, get the detailed Salary and Employment report below.

All Online & Campus NP Programs in South Carolina

South Carolina hosts 4 Nurse Practitioner programs, offering a variety of specializations and flexible learning formats to suit every aspiring NP. These programs provide nurses with advanced training and skills, opening doors to higher-paying roles and leadership positions in healthcare.

University	Offered as	City/State
Clemson University	Campus, Hybrid, Online	Clemson, SC
Francis Marion University	Campus, Hybrid, Online	Florence, SC
Medical University of South Carolina	Campus, Online	Charleston, SC
University of South Carolina-Columbia	Campus, Hybrid, Online	Columbia, SC

Source: American Association of Nurse Practitioners

South Carolina Organizations for Nurse Practitioner

Navigating the journey to becoming a Nurse Practitioner in South Carolina can be smoother with the right resources. Here are some valuable tools and organizations specifically geared towards Nurse Practitioner students in the state:

• American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP): A national community for NPs offering networking opportunities, continuing education resources, and advocacy for the profession.
• South Carolina Nurses Association (SCNA): This state-specific organization provides professional development resources, legislative advocacy, and networking events for nurses in South Carolina.
• South Carolina Board of Nursing: The regulatory body for nursing in South Carolina. It’s a crucial resource for licensure information and state nursing regulations.
• Nurse Practitioner Programs in Your State: A comprehensive guide that provides detailed information about NP programs across the country, including South Carolina.
• Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing: A prestigious organization that offers research grants, leadership programs, and career development resources to nursing students and professionals.

These resources can provide valuable support and guidance as you progress through your Nurse Practitioner program in South Carolina.

Best Nurse Practitioner Programs Near Me

We identified the top nurse practitioner programs for you through rigorous research. These premier schools have a record of graduating career-ready nurses who positively impact lives. Starting with the program best fit for you puts purposeful, meaningful work within reach. Let us guide your first steps towards a future of healing hope.

Best Nurse Practitioner (NP) Methodology