Pursuing a career in nursing and looking to get your nursing license in South Carolina? This comprehensive guide provides all the key details, requirements, timelines, and fees associated with obtaining and maintaining a nursing license in the state of South Carolina.
South Carolina Nursing Schools
- Number of nursing schools in South Carolina is 35
- Average NCLEX passing rate for South Carolina ADN programs is 86.69%.
- Average NCLEX passing rate for South Carolina BSN programs is 89.92%.
- Find the best ranked South Carolina nursing schools here, RN to BSN programs here, ABSN programs and Nurse Practitioner programs here.
Nursing Licenses in South Carolina at A Glance
| Type | Status |
|---|---|
| eNLC | No |
| Walk-Through | Yes |
| Temp License | Yes |
| Nursys | Yes |
| BON Website | N/A |
| Contact Phone | (803) 896-4550 |
Steps, Timelines, and Cost for Nursing Licenses in South Carolina
| Step in Licensure Process | Timeframe | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Complete Nursing Program (ADN/BSN) | 2-4 years (ADN), 4 years (BSN) | $10,000 – $60,000+ |
| Register for NCLEX Exam | Varies | $200 |
| Fingerprinting/Background Check | Depends on the state | $50 – $100 |
| Take NCLEX Exam | Once registered | Included in registration |
| Await NCLEX Results | Up to 6 weeks typically | N/A |
| Apply for State Licensure | After passing NCLEX | $100 |
| Temporary License Issued (if applicable) | Varies | $10 |
| Obtain Official Nursing License | Approximately 14 business days upon receipt of all required materials | Included in application fee |
| Renewal of License | Every 2 years, on April 30th of even-numbered years | $75 |
| Continuing Education | Yearly usually | Varies |
Key Highlights for South Carolina Nursing Licenses
- In South Carolina, the duration for nursing programs can be between 2-4 years for ADN and 4 years for BSN programs, with cost ranging from $10,000 to $60,000+.
- To obtain authorization to take the NCLEX exam, you need to register for the exam, which varies in cost from $200-$500.
- The cost for background checks and fingerprinting is usually between $50-$100.
- Typically, nurses wait up to 6 weeks to receive their NCLEX test results in South Carolina.
- After passing the NCLEX, you can apply for state licensure, which costs between $100-$500 and takes up to 14 days to process.
- If applicable, South Carolina issues temporary licenses; the process, costs, and validity period vary.
- After applying, it takes about 4-8 weeks to obtain the official nursing license.
- License renewal in South Carolina occurs every 2 years, on April 30th of even-numbered years, with a renewal fee of $75.
South Carolina Advanced Practice Registered Nursing Licenses
In South Carolina, Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) are recognized healthcare providers. They play a significant role in the state’s healthcare system, providing vital services to patients in various healthcare settings. Depending on their specialty, APRNs may provide primary or acute care, prescribe medications, and perform advanced procedures.
- Education Requirements: To become an APRN in South Carolina, you must complete a graduate-level education program in one of the four recognized APRN roles: Certified Nurse Practitioner (CNP), Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), or Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM).
- Certification: APRNs in South Carolina are required to obtain national certification in their chosen role from an approved certifying body.
- State Licensure: APRNs must be licensed by the South Carolina Board of Nursing. The requirements include an application, fees, proof of education and certification, and a background check.
- Prescriptive Authority: Many APRNs in South Carolina have the authority to prescribe medications, but restrictions apply. Some APRNs must have a collaborative agreement with a physician or acquire additional certification.
- Renewal and Continuing Education: APRN licenses in South Carolina must be renewed periodically, and continuing education or practice hours can be required.
- Practice Authority: South Carolina has “Restricted Practice” for APRNs. According to the Nursing Practice Act, APRNs must have a collaborative agreement with a supervising physician in order to practice.
- eNLC Participation: As South Carolina is not a member of the eNLC, APRNs licensed in South Carolina cannot practice in other eNLC states without obtaining additional licenses.
- Scope of Practice: The scope of practice for APRNs in South Carolina includes patient assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and management of various health conditions.
- Role-Specific Requirements: Each APRN role may have additional specific requirements related to education, clinical hours, or specialized skills.
- Transition to Practice: Some states require newly licensed APRNs to complete supervised practice hours before gaining full practice authority.
- Insurance and Liability: APRNs should be aware of malpractice insurance requirements and may need to secure their own policy depending on their employment situation and state regulations.
