Nicknamed the Palmetto State, South Carolina is home to a growing need for qualified nurses to join the over 46,000 already employed as registered nurses. The state is facing a major nursing shortage, needing to produce 3,070 new RNs per year by 2030 to meet the state’s expected demand of 52,040 additional nurses. With this, there is an increasing need to know which schools offer the best nursing degrees in South Carolina. 

This article provides a list of the best nursing schools that offer everything from associate to traditional BSN to doctorate-level nursing degrees. By graduating from a school approved by the South Carolina State Board of Nursing, students may be able to launch rewarding careers where they can earn an average salary of $69,580 per year.

  • There are 35 nursing schools in South Carolina.
  • The CCNE accredits 13 nursing school(s)
  • The ACEN accredits 20 nursing school(s).
  • The NCLEX passing rate for BSN students in South Carolina is between 74.48% and 98.79%.
  • The NCLEX passing rate for ADN students in South Carolina is between 60.70% and 98.61%.
  • RNs currently employed in South Carolina are 46,160.
  • RNs in South Carolina earn an average of $69,580  per year or $33.45 per hour.
  • South Carolina needs 52,040  new RNs by 2030 or 3,070 new nurses per year.
Nursing Schools In South Carolina

Nursing Schools in South Carolina

Overview of Nursing Programs in South Carolina

The state of South Carolina offers a wide variety of accredited degree nursing programs to prepare students for licensure and rewarding careers in the high-demand field of nursing. Prospective nursing students can choose from the following programs:

  • Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) â€“ Usually takes 2 years and prepares graduates to take the NCLEX-RN exam and become RNs. Offered at community colleges statewide.
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) â€“ Traditional 4-year degree for RNs, covers more advanced topics versus the ADN. Graduates still take the NCLEX-RN. Offered at universities and colleges.
  • RN to BSN programs â€“ For current RNs with an associate’s degree to bridge to the bachelor’s level. Expanding leadership skills and career options. Can often be completed online in 1-2 years.
  • Accelerated BSN (ABSN) â€“ Intensive 12-18 month bachelor’s degree for those who already have a bachelors in another field. Coursework plus hundreds of clinical hours prepare graduates to be RNs.
  • Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) â€“ Graduate-level degree for advanced specialty nursing careers like nurse practitioner or educator roles. Usually takes 2+ years.
  • DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) â€“ Designed for very high level nursing practice in a chosen specialty, with more clinical hours and residency components. Leads to titles like DNP or DrNP.
  • PhD in Nursing – Focused on nursing research and academia. 4+ year program typically requires a dissertation and specializations are available.

When evaluating the nursing programs in South Carolina available, key factors nursing hopefuls should consider include accreditation status, NCLEX pass rates, clinical rotation opportunities, specializations offered, faculty qualifications, tuition costs, and scholarships and financial aid availability. Understanding the differences between the main nursing degree types provides a foundation to pick the right nursing program pathway.

The South Carolina Board of Nursing is the state agency approving nursing education programs, overseeing licensing, approving continuing education, and enforcing nursing practice regulations in South Carolina. They provide key resources for understanding the licensure process and requirements to legally practice nursing in the state.

What Are the Best Nursing Schools in South Carolina?

#1 Bachelor of Science in Nursing

University of South Carolina-Columbia

Ranking Seal
  • Pin1
    Columbia-Campus, Columbia, SC - 29208
  • Tel1
    (803) 777-7000
Person
Nurse Admin: ,
  • Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
  • Award Levels: Bachelor, BSN to DNP, BSN to PhD, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate

The University of South Carolina is a public institution in Columbia, South Carolina. It is one of the best nursing colleges in the state and a prime destination for out-of-state students as well.

Admission to this public institution is competitive, with different application processes for undergraduate and graduate programs.

The College of Nursing employs the most cutting-edge teaching techniques and tools available through simulation—an immersive teaching modality that replicates clinical scenarios in realistic practice environments. The students learn from skilled educators, clinicians, and researchers in every aspect of the curriculum from classroom study to clinical practice.

The College of Nursing at the University of South Carolina offers a variety of donor/departmental scholarships and fellowships. Scholarships are highly competitive and limited in number. The number and amounts of scholarships awarded vary depending on available funds.

Undergraduate Programs: The bachelor's degree in the nursing curriculum at USC is divided into two levels or divisions: pre-nursing lower-division and upper-division.

Students in the pre-nursing lower division must take a core of general education classes as well as nursing courses focusing on health and wellness, nursing history, nutrition, and pathophysiology.

Upper-division students work in the college's patient simulation lab and complete clinical hours in a variety of settings. Students must attend school full-time and complete the courses in the order they are offered.

Graduate Programs: The Master's Entry to Practice Nursing (MEPN) program at USC will prepare non-nurse baccalaureate graduates to enter the nursing profession as master's degree graduates.

The degree types available at USC College of Nursing include Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and Registered Nursing, and the school offers its programs on campus, in hybrid, and online formats.

#2 Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Clemson University

School of Nursing

Ranking Seal
  • Pin1
    201 Sikes Hall, Clemson, SC - 29634
  • Tel1
    (864) 656-4636
Person
Nurse Admin: John J. Whitcomb, PhD, RN, CCRN-K, FCCM
Title: Director of the School of Nursing
  • Programs: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
  • Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, Bachelor, MSN, Post Master's NP Certificate

Clemson University, College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences is a public institution ranked highly in terms of the NCLEX-RN pass rates, graduation rates, and course completion rates. Their nationally recognized nursing program is focused on equipping students to make a significant difference in healthcare.

CU's comprehensive Nursing Program prepares students for a rewarding career in a rapidly growing industry. Nursing concepts, nursing practice principles, pharmacology, health and illness concepts, chronic condition care, and emergency medicine are some of the areas covered in the nursing curriculum. During their clinical rotations, nursing students get the chance to work with real-life patients in Medical/surgical, pediatrics, obstetrics, and other departments in hospitals.

Additionally, the university has collaborated with Prisma Health-Upstate to expand the nursing program in the Clemson University Nursing building in Greenville which has allowed the university to meet the growing need for nurses and bolster health innovation and research efforts in upstate South Carolina. Similarly, the collaboration has also helped to expand the student clinical placements within the Prisma Health-Upstate.

Clemson's School of Nursing is one of only 35 nursing programs in the country to have been designated as a National League for Nursing Center of Excellence in Nursing Education since 2004.

Undergraduate Programs: They provide a BSN program, an accelerated BSN program (a 16-month curriculum for second-degree students), and an online RN to BSN program, and the school offers its services to students on campus, in hybrid & online formats. Data from recent years show that almost all of the graduates are satisfied or very satisfied with their overall experience at the School of Nursing and are confident in their ability to pass the NCLEX and care for diverse patients in a variety of settings.

Graduate Programs: Graduate programs offered by CU include BSN to DNP, Doctor of Nursing, Master, MSN to DNP level degrees. All of these programs intend to produce a specialized workforce in nursing that can become a part of the rapidly advancing health delivery system of the present and the future.

#3 Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Medical University of South Carolina

College of Nursing

Ranking Seal
  • Pin1
    179 Ashley Ave, Charleston, SC - 29425
  • Tel1
    (843) 792-2300
Person
Nurse Admin: Jeannette O- Andrews, PhD, RN, FNP, FAAN
Title: Dean
  • Programs: Adult Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
  • Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, BSN to PhD, MSN, MSN to DNP

Charleston, South Carolina is home to the Medical University of South Carolina. The Medical University of South Carolina's nursing school is a public institution. As the state’s only comprehensive academic health science center, its purpose is to serve and optimize human life in South Carolina through its vision to lead health innovation for the patients and the community.

The university houses the oldest medical school in the south along with the state’s only integrated academic health sciences center. The faculty and staff aim to serve the state through education, research, and patient care. Nursing professors at the Medical University of South Carolina exhibit exceptional integrity, dedication, and knowledge, which they pass on to their students. Students participate actively in both theoretical and practical classes, gaining a combination of theory and laboratory instruction as well as clinical experience in a variety of healthcare facilities throughout the area. These experiences prepare graduates to provide safe, competent, and patient-centered care in a dynamic healthcare system. The college's goal is to expand individual advancement, develop nursing leaders, and contribute to the development of South Carolina.

Undergraduate Programs: MUSC is unique in that it only offers classes required for the degrees; students must complete their prerequisites elsewhere.

The university provides a BSN program in which students participate in a rigorous academic experience that emphasizes the strong professional values, core nursing competencies, and leadership skills required to practice successfully in any healthcare facility.

Additionally, the accelerated BSN program is a 16-month program that allows students with a bachelor’s degree in a different stream to obtain their BSN degree. Similarly, the RN-BSN is designed for working RNs to get their bachelor’s degrees and expand their scope of practice.

Graduate Programs: The university offers graduate certificates in Adult Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner for licensed nurse practitioners who want to broaden their scope of practice.

The college also offers Master's, BSN to DNP, and BSN to Ph.D. degrees in nursing to prepare nurses to become leaders who can transform practice environments, lead change in complex systems, and evaluate and implement strategies that improve health outcomes.

#4 Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Lander University

School of Nursing

Ranking Seal
  • Pin1
    320 Stanley Avenue, Greenwood, SC - 29649-2099
  • Tel1
    (864) 388-8000
Person
Nurse Admin: Holisa Wharton, PhD, RN
Title: Dean
  • Programs: CNL, Registered Nursing
  • Award Levels: Bachelor, MSN

Lander University at Greenwood, South Carolina is a public institution. The nursing program at Lander University is ranked among the very best in the state and has been acting as a leader in nursing education for more than 50 years.

Lander University provides high-demand, market-driven programs to ambitious and talented students in South Carolina and elsewhere. These programs are taught in a rich liberal arts environment, resulting in highly qualified and marketable graduates. Lander University’s graduate program prepares clinical nurse leaders to address the healthcare needs of the twenty-first century by implementing outcome-based practice through care system management, quality improvement strategies, technology utilization, and advanced clinical reasoning. The curriculum based on Newman Systems Model, which is an innovative, holistic approach to health care, also focuses on providing health teaching on disease prevention and health promotion. 

Undergraduate Programs: Lander University offers CNL and Registered Nursing degrees, and the school provides its services to students on campus and online. Apart from the traditional BSN degree, the college also offers an online RN to BSN completion option that allows students to gain professional-level knowledge and skills to practice nursing in traditional and diverse settings.

Graduate Programs: Programs available are Masters and RN to BN level degrees. The online Master of Science in Nursing, Clinical Nurse Leader program offered by Lander prepares nurse generalists to meet healthcare and leadership needs in the ever-changing healthcare environment. Clinical nurse leaders are expert clinicians who are prepared to lead and manage health care outcomes for client groups within the care environment by designing, implementing, and evaluating care using evidence-based knowledge.

#5 Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Anderson University

School of Nursing

Ranking Seal
  • Pin1
    316 Boulevard, Anderson, SC - 29621-4035
  • Tel1
    (864) 231-2000
Person
Nurse Admin: Cynthia R. Cross, DNP MBA, MSN, RN
Title: Interim Chief Nurse Administrator
  • Programs: Registered Nursing
  • Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, APRN Certificate, Bachelor, MSN, MSN to DNP

Anderson University is a private not-for-profit institution located in Anderson, South Carolina. Ranked among the top universities for nursing in the state, Anderson University delivers nursing education that is rooted in its Christ-centered ethos.

To prepare the next generation of quality healthcare providers and leaders, the university houses faculty made up entirely of working nurses, and a new, state-of-the-art facility. Nursing students at Anderson learn how to meet spiritual as well as physical needs, whether it's by offering to pray for a patient—or their family members—or by serving on a medical mission team in places like Nicaragua. In either case, the professors will both train and inspire them: they will train students to become skilled nurses while also inspiring them to use their skills to serve others in the spirit of Christ. In addition to this, Anderson University is also the only nursing school in the state that has a cadaver lab that is designed exclusively for nursing students. Similarly, along with the most sophisticated and advanced technology, the students are also offered hands-on experience in a state-of-the-art, full-body simulator lab and in the 13 clinical training sites across the state.

Undergraduate Programs: Anderson University offers two undergraduate programs i.e ABSN and RN to BN.

The Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program, which lasts 15 months, prepares adults with 59 hours of previous college credit or bachelor's degrees in fields other than nursing to become registered nurses (RNs). It will prepare students for careers in pediatric, surgical, adult, geriatric, and other nursing fields. It also qualifies them to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN. Students who become registered nurses can work in hospitals, hospices, homes, nursing homes, workplaces, schools, medical missions, the military, and other medical settings.

The FLEX RN to BSN program at AU provides working nurses with a faster path to professional advancement by allowing them to use their nursing knowledge to earn their degrees at their own pace.

Students can move through the program quickly by using online courses, allowing them to get the promotion and raise they deserve without having to attend classes on campus. 

Graduate Programs: Graduate programs offered by AU include Master’s, MSN to DNP, and RN to BSN. Specialty subjects are Doctor of Nursing Practice - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (DNP), Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN), and Master of Science in Nursing - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. The programs are fully online with on-campus intensives once per semester.

#6 Bachelor of Science in Nursing

University of South Carolina-Aiken

School of Nursing

Ranking Seal
  • Pin1
    471 University Pkwy, Aiken, SC - 29801
  • Tel1
    (803) 648-6851
Person
Nurse Admin: Katie A. Chargualaf, PhD, RN, CMSRN, FAAN
Title: Interim Dean
  • Programs: Registered Nursing
  • Award Levels: Bachelor

The University of South Carolina-nursing Aiken's school is a public institution in Aiken, South Carolina. The college creates a welcoming environment that is responsive to the students and their needs. The students here play an active role in their education.

In addition to traditional classroom education and clinical practice, the university also provides hands-on experience to students via a high-fidelity simulation program that allows them to practice their skills. This simulation lab practice begins from the first semester so that by the time students interact with real patients, they are apt in their clinical skills and reasoning. Similarly, in the variety of off-campus healthcare settings students learn practical skills, patient communications, teamwork, inter and intra-departmental coordination, and other critical clinical skills. After graduation, the nurses work in a variety of healthcare settings such as mental health, forensics, oncology, informatics, and others.

Undergraduate Programs: The University of South Carolina offers one of the best Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs in the state. Graduates of this program are qualified to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam and work as successful nurses.

They can also enroll in the RN to a BSN program where students with an associate degree or diploma in nursing can complete their bachelor’s degree in as little as 12 months for an affordable price.

#7 Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Bob Jones University

Division of Nursing

Ranking Seal
  • Pin1
    1700 Wade Hampton Boulavard, Greenville, SC - 29614-0001
  • Tel1
    (864) 242-5100
Person
Nurse Admin: Megan E. Lanpher, MSN, ACNP-BC
Title: Chair
  • Programs: Registered Nursing
  • Award Levels: Bachelor

Bob Jones University is a private for-profit university in Greenville, South Carolina. Through practice and research, Bob Jones University of Nursing seeks to prepare exemplary nurse leaders who integrate education, service, and scholarship. 

The graduates are committed to improving the lives of rural and diverse populations. BJU is a Christian university that provides a biblical approach to nursing education. Their education is primarily clinical in nature, with a three-year clinical program. Students can also serve on mission trips to places like Peru or Africa. Students will be equipped with the skills and confidence they need to succeed as a result of BJU's challenging classes and clinical program. Beyond that, students will be inspired to see nursing as a calling rather than just a job. The university provides high-quality nursing education where students participate in a rigorous academic experience that emphasizes the strong professional values, core nursing competencies, and leadership skills required to practice successfully in any healthcare facility.

For more than a decade, BJU nursing graduates have consistently outperformed state and national NCLEX pass rates.

Undergraduate Programs: The Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program is designed to prepare graduates to use critical thinking and clinical judgment to provide evidence-based care. In addition, there is an online RN-BS program for working RNs who want to get their bachelor's degree.

Bob Jones University's BS in nursing program is highly regarded by both students and healthcare employers. Students who complete the program will go on to work as compassionate and skilled caregivers across the state and country.

#8 Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Francis Marion University

Department of Nursing

Ranking Seal
  • Pin1
    4822 East Palmetto Street, Florence, SC - 29506
  • Tel1
    (843) 661-1362
Person
Nurse Admin: Rhonda Brogdon, DNP RN, MBA
Title: Department Chair
  • Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
  • Award Levels: Bachelor, MSN

Francis Marion University is located in Florence, South Carolina.  They offer a traditional BSN program.  They also offer several RN to BSN options - they offer an online program, a hybrid program a their Mount Pleasant campus, and also an RN to BSN Veterans program.  The veterans program is for honorably or generally discharged veterans to complete their nursing education; not only does this program give credit for nursing experience, but also military experience.

#9 Bachelor of Science in Nursing

University of South Carolina-Upstate

Mary Black College of Nursing

Ranking Seal
  • Pin1
    800 University Way, Spartanburg, SC - 29303-4999
  • Tel1
    (864) 503-5000
Person
Nurse Admin: Shirleatha T Dunlap, PhD, RN, CNE
Title: Dean and Professor
  • Programs: CNL, Registered Nursing
  • Award Levels: Bachelor, MSN

#10 Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Charleston Southern University

Charleston Southern University

Ranking Seal
  • Pin1
    9200 University Blvd, Charleston, SC - 29406-9121
  • Tel1
    (843) 863-7000
Person
Nurse Admin: Vicki Ball, EdD, MSN, RN, CNE
Title: Dean, College of Nursing
  • Programs: Registered Nursing
  • Award Levels: Bachelor

Charleston Southern University is a private, non-profit university in Charleston, South Carolina. The university integrates faith into nursing practice and education, they believe that nursing has to be a calling because students feel called to serve.

As a student at CSU, you will be educated to the highest quality and integrity standards while receiving an education that aims to improve lives all over the world and help people of all walks of life. The nursing curriculum at this university views healthcare from the perspective of nurses and includes efforts to introduce a holistic perspective and an interdisciplinary approach to acute care, chronic illness, and health promotion. Furthermore, nursing education takes place in the College of Nursing which houses high-tech classrooms, an auditorium, labs, and faculty offices. The students also gain access to the computer, nursing, and skills labs, along with conference rooms, faculty and student lounges, skills workrooms, simulation labs, debriefing rooms, and other multiple facilities. Nursing students at CSU benefit from a cutting-edge simulation lab and equipment, as well as a variety of clinical practicum experiences. 

CSU's Scholarships are typically awarded to students for one of two reasons: academic merit/achievement or financial need (or a combination of both). CSU's Max Free Aid Policy, which can be found in the CSU Undergraduate Catalog, applies to institutional scholarships.

Undergraduate Programs: Charleston Southern University offers two Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs: a four-year traditional BSN and a 16-month accelerated BSN. The BSN program is dedicated to the undergraduate education of a professional nurse who integrates Christian values into nursing practice. Graduates are prepared for professional practice in a variety of healthcare settings, as well as for further professional development and graduate study.

CSU BSN graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to practice as registered nurses.

Graduate Programs: The MSN degree at CSU is offered via two tracks; nursing leadership and healthcare administration, and nursing education. Students can choose to enroll in the 16 months (full-time BSN-MSN or part-time certificate) or the 19 months (full-time ADN-MSN) track to complete their master’s degree.

Students can also apply to enroll in the post-master’s certificate in nursing education program if they already have a master’s degree in nursing and want to build a career in nursing education.

#11 Bachelor of Science in Nursing

South University-Columbia

Ranking Seal
  • Pin1
    9 Science Court, Columbia, SC - 29203
  • Tel1
    (803) 799-9082
Person
Nurse Admin: ,
  • Programs: Registered Nursing
  • Award Levels: Bachelor

#12 Bachelor of Science in Nursing

University of South Carolina-Beaufort

Department of Nursing

Ranking Seal
  • Pin1
    1 University Boulevard, Bluffton, SC - 29909
  • Tel1
    (843) 208-8000
Person
Nurse Admin: Lynne M. Hutchison, Chair
Title: DNP, RN, FNP-BC
  • Programs: Registered Nursing
  • Award Levels: Bachelor

Online Nursing Programs for South Carolina Students

Out-of-state nursing hopefuls are often curious – can South Carolina students attend an online nursing program offered by an accredited school based in another state? The answer is yes. While the South Carolina Board of Nursing requires final degree transcripts to show graduation from a state board-approved RN or LPN nursing program, much of the early coursework can be completed online. Just make sure any potential online schools cater to South Carolina students and will help arrange local in-state clinical placements when required.

Reputable online schools with remote nursing programs accepting South Carolina applicants may include Western Governors University, Purdue University Global, Grand Canyon University, South University, Jacksonville University, Ball State University, Ohio University and more. Always confirm a program’s South Carolina approval status before applying or enrolling.

When researching online nursing schools, look for solid graduation + NCLEX first-time pass rates and CCNE/ACEN accreditation. Also evaluate clinical rotation coordination support in approved South Carolina healthcare facilities, dedicated nursing advisors, credit transfer policies, program costs with financial aid options, and student resources.

Accelerated BSN (ABSN) Programs

For college graduates interested in transitioning careers into the nursing profession quickly, Accelerated BSN (ABSN) programs allow you to leverage your existing bachelor’s degree to complete nursing school through an intensive 12-18 month curriculum.

Check out our list of top-rated accelerated BSN programs in South Carolina:

Best ABSN Schools in South Carolina

ABSN admission requirements typically include:

  • Prior bachelor’s degree with 3.0 minimum GPA
  • Completed prerequisite courses like microbiology, human anatomy, physiology, psychology, sociology, English etc.
  • Competitive GRE/ACT test scores
  • Healthcare experience resume
  • Essays and recommendation letters

Because ABSN programs cram a traditional 2-4 year BSN program into about 12-18 months of full-time year round study, you can expect challenging course loads and 40+ hours per week dedicated to lectures, skills labs simulations and clinical rotations. The accelerated format allows fast entry into nursing but requires serious commitment.

Many accelerated BSN programs partner with hospital systems and community clinics in cities like Charleston, Columbia, Florence, and Greenville to arrange clinical placements counting toward the 500+ hands-on patient care hours needed for degree completion. Scheduling flexibility is a must given potential weekend, night, and weekday clinical requirements.

Successful graduates will sit for the NCLEX-RN exam, earn their registered nursing license, and Launch into rewarding nursing specialties like med-surg, pediatrics, oncology, emergency and trauma, critical care, labor and delivery, operating room nursing, and more. With South Carolina’s high demand, accelerated BSN holders see competitive nursing salaries in South Carolina upwards of $75,000 depending on their specialization and setting.

RN to BSN Programs

Already have a nursing diploma or Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) and licensed as a registered nurse? Earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing serves as the next step for advancing your nursing career. RN to BSN programs build on existing clinical skills with expanded scientific knowledge, evidence-based practice training, leadership competencies, pharmacology, pathophysiology, health assessments, and more.

Check out our list of top-rated RN programs in South Carolina:

Best RN to BSN Schools in South Carolina

Formats for completing an RN to BSN program include:

  • Fully online BSN degrees offer maximum flexibility for working nurses to advance their education. Reputable online schools like WGU, GCU, Purdue Global and others cater their curriculum, credits transfer policies and rolling admissions specifically for RNs.
  • In-person campus BSN programs allow local South Carolina nurses to attend classes, skills labs and access resources on-site if preferring face-to-face instruction. Scheduling may provide more challenges compared to online.
  • Hybrid/blended options combine online coursework with occasional local campus intensives. This balances flexibility with some localized learning.

Program length ranges from 1-2 years depending on whether attending full-time or part-time. Evaluate each RN to BSN program on total credits required, number that can transfer in from your ADN or school, availability of dedicated nursing academic advisors, tuition costs and financial assistance.

Reputable RN to BSN programs hold accreditation from either the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) as quality indicators ensuring rigorous standards are met.

Gaining your BSN opens more career advancement opportunities including nursing management roles, school nursing, public health nursing, forensic nursing, clinical research and paves the way for specialized Master’s degrees. The added nursing degree also results in an average salary bump of $3,000-6,000 per year over RN colleagues.

Master’s in Nursing (MSN) Programs

Driven bachelor-prepared RNs looking toward advanced specialties with more responsibility may benefit from a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. Common MSN program concentrations available include becoming a:

  • Nurse Practitioner (NP): Diagnose, treat acute/chronic illnesses and prescribe medication. Choose specialty focus like family, adult-gerontology, pediatrics, women’s health, mental health etc.
  • Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS): Provides advanced care, expert consultations, quality improvement and staff education in areas like oncology, pediatrics, critical care and more.
  • Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM): Women’s reproductive healthcare including gynecologic care, family planning services, prenatal/postpartum care and deliver babies.
  • Nursing Administration: Leadership development to manage nursing teams across clinical environments and influence healthcare systems change through policy.
  • Nursing Informatics: Utilize technology, data analytics and information systems to support improved patient care and health outcomes.

There’s a range of both online and campus-based MS in nursing programs offered by South Carolina schools to accommodate student needs:

  • Online MSN Degrees: Maximum flexibility for working nurses. Curriculum and credits may vary by program but both full-time and part-time pacing options available.
  • Campus MSN Programs: Local options enable in-person education and access to resources if preferred. Requires more strict attendance and scheduling.

Since MSN programs prepare grads for advanced specialty careers in nursing, admissions can get competitive with limited seats. Tips for strengthening your MSN application include:

  • Earn a 3.5 minimum GPA in your BSN program
  • Obtain excellent GRE test scores – 300+ combined verbal and quantitative considered competitive
  • Showcase 1-2 years work experience as an RN
  • Highlight relevant volunteer work and academic achievements
  • Provide strong professional letters of recommendation

Also, evaluate each MSN program for prerequisites – some require undergraduate statistics coursework as part of the admission requirements you’ll need to complete in advance.

Finally – an MSN opens the door to increased earning potential and leadership opportunities. Graduates can expect an average salary bump of $15,000-25,000+ per year over BSN nurses depending on their new specialization.

Nurse Practitioner (NP) Programs

A nursing role experiencing some of the highest demand and career advancement potential today is becoming a Nurse Practitioner (NP). NPs diagnose, treat, prescribe and manage patient care needs much like physicians do while bringing the compassionate and holistic nursing approach.

Here’s a list of schools in South Carolina offering top-rated NP Programs:

Best NP Schools in South Carolina

NP programs require nurses to choose a patient population focus they’d like to treat such as:

NP coursework expands scientific knowledge and clinical competencies beyond the BSN level. Students can expect at least 500 hours of directly supervised patient care hours to hone advanced assessment, diagnostic, treatment and disease management skills.

Program formats include:

  • Post-master’s certificates for experienced NPs specializing into a new focus area
  • 2-3 year full-time MSN degree pathways
  • Part-time programs pacing students more gradually

Following graduation, new NPs must pass national certification exams such as those offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) to demonstrate competency. Maintaining state licensure and collaborating physician oversight is also required legally to practice.

The rewarding NP career path improves quality, access and affordability of healthcare. NPs relish the meaningful advanced patient relationships formed and autonomy gained as practice leaders. Salaries also see a nice boost – NPs earn an average of $115,000 annually in South Carolina – among the highest levels nationwide.

Doctoral Nursing Programs (DNP & PhD)

The terminal degree options in nursing are the research-focused PhD in Nursing versus the practice-oriented Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). These doctoral programs help advanced practice nurses reach the pinnacle of their leadership potential as nurse scientists or administrators overseeing complex healthcare ecosystems.

Some key differences in DNP vs PhD Nursing pathways:

  • DNP: Equips nurses with organizational, policy and systems leadership abilities to improve patient care delivery, nursing practice standards and access to quality healthcare globally. Often includes 1000+ clinical hours.
  • PhD: Focuses on developing nursing scientists through research methodology, grant writing, theoretical frameworks and an intense dissertation project. Graduates fuel nursing faculty ranks and scientific discovery.
  • Time Commitment: Both are rigorous multi-year endeavors, with PhDs ranging from 4-7 years and DNPs averaging 3 years full-time post-master’s. Some fast-track and BSN-DNP options also available.
  • Costs: PhD programs often include funding, grants or scholarships given the research aims – plan for $50,000-$90,000 total. DNP tuition varies more widely based on program length/type, averaging around $40,000-$75,000 out of pocket.

As nursing shortages continue plaguing South Carolina healthcare systems, graduating more PhDs and DNPs helps address the nurse educator shortage. Both terminal degrees lead to six-figure salaries with senior-level responsibility influencing better patient outcomes through research discovery, evidence-based practice changes, policy leadership and multifaceted care coordination.

Benefits of Becoming a Nurse in South Carolina

What draws so many prospective students to nursing programs in South Carolina? For starters – a bright nursing job outlook with competitive nursing salaries. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the nursing workforce to expand by 16% in South Carolina through 2030 – much faster than average occupation growth. This translates into excellent nursing career prospects.

Nurses also earn steadily rising wages as demand increases in hospitals, clinics, schools and communities statewide. South Carolina nurses make an average of $66,000 per year currently, with particularly high pay in larger cities like Charleston, Columbia and Greenville. Specialized nurses like CRNAs and NPs earn over six figures.

Beyond stable nursing jobs and salaries, South Carolina also offers variety where you can launch your career. Work environments span roles in public health departments, school health clinics, community nursing centers, long term care facilities, corrections healthcare, home health agencies, private practice outpatient offices and more settings. Exploring subspecialties from cardiac nursing to neurology keeps your career path dynamic.

The deeply meaningful and rewarding aspects of nursing also motivate many. Nursing provides opportunities to positively impact peoples’ lives daily through compassionate care coordination, patient and family health education, illness prevention and helping diverse communities access quality care. Nurses gain immense personal and professional fulfillment shaping the healthcare landscape.

How to Earn Your South Carolina Nursing License

Before applying for nursing jobs after graduation, candidates must complete key steps to obtain licensure in South Carolina. The two mandatory requirements involve:

  1. Earning your nursing diploma or degree from a state board-approved RN or LPN nursing program. Both online and campus programs qualify as long as holding proper SC board accreditation and include 500+ hours of clinical education.
  2. Passing the NCLEX national nursing licensure exam at the RN or LPN level administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). This demonstrates having met minimum nursing competencies to practice safely.

Additional application materials like criminal background checks, drug tests, reference letters may apply depending on the healthcare employer. Maintaining an active SC nursing license then involves renewing every 2 years and completing continuing education credits.

Nurses interested in legally prescribing medication like nurse practitioners, certified nurse midwives and clinical nurse specialists need to apply for separate APRN licensure through the Board of Nursing after meeting graduate education and certification requirements.

Newly licensed nurses have exciting career prospects given South Carolina’s high demand across healthcare settings. Some of the in-demand nursing specializations with the most job openings currently and projected ahead include:

  • ICU/Critical Care Nurses
  • Emergency Room and Trauma Nurses
  • Labor and Delivery/OBGYN Nurses
  • Operating Room/Perioperative Nurses
  • Oncology Nurses
  • Pediatric Nurses

Nurses can start specializing immediately after licensure or pursue future credentials like the Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) exam. South Carolina presents vast opportunities to tailor your ideal nursing career over time.

Nursing Program Search

Find Nursing Schools

Join a Top-Ranked Nursing School for a Life-Changing Career!

Finding the Right Nursing School in South Carolina

When researching the nursing schools in South Carolina and programs best fitting your needs and goals, key indicators to evaluate include:

Accreditation

Does the nursing program hold a respected accreditation showing it meets rigorous educational standards? The two main national nursing accreditors to look for include:

  • CCNE: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
  • ACEN: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing

Both agencies conduct comprehensive reviews of nursing curriculum, faculty, resources, student outcomes and more to credential programs committed to quality and continuous improvements. Accreditation signifies nursing graduates will be thoroughly prepared for licensure exams and competent clinical practice.

You may also check if the school is a member of the National League for Nursing and the Association of Colleges of Nursing. Moreover, schools with center of excellence in nursing demonstrate consistency in meeting these accreditations and approval.

NCLEX Pass Rates

The Nursing National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX) tests students’ readiness across nursing knowledge needed for safe entry-level practice after graduation. Schools with higher NCLEX pass rates produce better prepared nurses. The South Carolina Board of Nursing requires approved programs maintain an annual pass rate of at least 80% on the NCLEX exam. The Best Nursing Programs in South Carolina shown in our list have consistently high pass rates. Impressive pass rates translate to excellence in nursing education.

Tuition Costs & Scholarships

Evaluate each school’s annual tuition rate, fees, financial assistance available, plus options to lower your out of pocket costs. There are numerous of scholarships available for undergraduate and graduate nursing programs. Seek out generous scholarships for nursing students in South Carolina. Also explore Nursing Education Loan Repayment Programs that defray school costs in return for service commitments post-graduation.

Every bit helps when funding nursing education given average tuition costs ranging:

  • Associate Degree in Nursing: $10,000-$15,000
  • Bachelors of Science in Nursing: $25,000-$35,000
  • MSN Degree: $25,000-$45,000
  • DNP Degree: $40,000-$60,000

Variety of Clinical Opportunities

Clinical rotations provide invaluable real nursing experience across specialties like pediatrics, mental health nursing, community health and more. Scout schools partnering with major healthcare systems, clinics and hospitals in your intended metro area like Greenville, Charleston or Columbia to ensure exposure. Diverse clinical placements will half new grads feel more practice ready.

Student-to-Faculty Ratio

This ratio indicates how much personalized guidance and advising support nursing students receive along with availability of instructors. Well-resourced nursing schools often maintain ratios around 15:1. The closer to 10:1 the better when choosing programs.

By evaluating factors like accreditation, graduate outcomes, costs, specialty focus areas and student resources, prospective students find the nursing program matching their talents, location and career aspirations. South Carolina needs dedicated nursing professionals – identify the school preparing you to make the greatest community impact.

Getting Licensed as an RN in South Carolina

Once completing a state approved South Carolina RN diploma, Associate or Bachelor’s degree program, nursing graduates follow formal steps to gain licensure for employment eligibility as a registered nurse.

Licensure Steps

The high level process involves:

  1. Graduating from your nursing degree program after successfully meeting all academic and clinical education requirements
  2. Registering for the national NCLEX-RN licensure exam through the NCSBN website, paying fees and scheduling your test date.
  3. Preparing through practice questions and study guides then passing the Computer Adaptive Test with a minimum score proving nursing competency.
  4. Having your nursing program transmit final transcripts with posted degree to the SC Board of Nursing.
  5. Completing the SC RN endorsement application including fingerprints, background check and other verifications.
  6. Receiving authorization and an active SC RN nursing license number for practicing legally!

Initial RN licenses issued in South Carolina remain valid for up to 26 months, with nurses needing to renew licenses every 2 years after initial expiry through license verification steps, paying fees and documenting continued education credits.

In-Demand Specializations

After earning your science in nursing degree and earning your license, you can now enter the nursing profession and launch your career within diverse healthcare settings and subspecialties most in need.

Some of the highest-demand registered nursing roles currently include:

  • ICU/Critical Care Nurses: Treat seriously ill patients requiring intensive medical intervention and monitoring within Coronary Care (CCU), Medical Intensive Care (MICU), Neonatal Intensive Care (NICU), Surgical Intensive Care (SICU) and other critical units.
  • Emergency Room and Trauma Nurses: Swiftly assess patient histories and injury symptoms, stabilize conditions, treat wounds while managing crowded and high pressure ER environments.
  • Labor and Delivery/OBGYN Nurses: Build meaningful relationships with mothers as their pregnancy progresses while monitoring fetal health. Guide new moms through childbirth and postpartum care.
  • Operating Room/Perioperative Nurses: Provide patient care services before, during and after major surgeries. Serve on sterile surgical teams helping coordinate operating procedures.
  • Oncology Nurses: Compassionately work with cancer patients during challenging treatments like radiation/chemotherapy, managing complex symptoms and providing emotional support.

These specialized nurses leverage additional BSN coursework, certifications like the Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) credential, on the job training and experience treating diverse conditions. Seasoned nurses command higher salaries given their expertise.

South Carolina values dedicated nurses in all practice areas to nurture community wellbeing. New grads gain exposure then define their nursing niche.

Job Outlook and Salaries

Given South Carolina’s expanding elderly population and nurse workforce shortage, a bright job outlook awaits newly licensed nurses statewide. The BLS projects over 5,000 annual RN job openings through 2030 stemming from retirements and healthcare industry growth.

This equates to 16% expected nursing job growth over the decade—much higher than average occupation demand. Urban regions like Columbia, Charleston, Greenville ,and suburbs will see particularly high registered nursing needs. Healthcare settings, from hospitals to clinics to long-term care will clamor for nursing talent.

RNs in South Carolina earn competitive wages as well. Average salary packages reach $66,000 including benefits – with employers offering nice sign-on bonuses and incentives to attract talent. More specialized nurses like CRNAs and NPs earn over $115,000 per year in the state! Given shortages, nursing salaries in South Carolina continue rising steadily.

In a profoundly fulfilling essential career improving community health outcomes daily, impactful nursing opportunities await from Myrtle Beach up to Rock Hill over to Aiken. Find your niche advancing wellness through patient-focused care while sustaining a thriving nursing career long-term in South Carolina.

Frequently Asked Questions about Nursing Schools in South Carolina

What are the prerequisites to apply for an ABSN program in South Carolina?

Since Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) programs provide an intense 12-18 month nursing school track for second-degree seekers, strict prereqs apply:

  • Completed Bachelor’s degree with 3.0 minimum GPA
  • Prerequisite courses covered like microbiology, physiology, anatomy etc.
  • Competitive GRE or ACT entrance exam scores
  • Healthcare or volunteer experience
  • Essays and recommendations showcasing your motivation and fit

Evaluate your existing Bachelor’s coursework to identify any remaining ABSN prerequisites needing fulfillment at South Carolina schools like MUSC, Clemson or Charleston Southern before applying. Fulfilling advance requirements prepares you for ABSN program rigor.

Which nursing graduate programs in South Carolina offer online options?

Many top nursing schools in South Carolina like Clemson, MUSC, University of South Carolina and others now deliver graduate nursing program options in flexible online formats scaffolding working nurse schedules.

You can complete certain MSN, DNP and even PhD nursing concentrations fully online through reputable South Carolina schools. Hybrid programs blending online with some campus intensives also widespread. Compare online nursing graduate school costs, curriculum alignment with your specialization goals (educator, informatics, NP etc.) and clinical/residency requirements when researching programs.

What undergraduate nursing programs help qualify nurses for advanced practice roles in South Carolina?

Earning your initial Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an ACEN/CCNE accredited South Carolina nursing school serves as the stepping stone for future advanced practice registered nursing (APRN) roles allowing licensed RNs to diagnose conditions, prescribe medication and treat patients at an independent higher level.

APRN roles accessible through Master’s or Doctoral programs after a BSN include becoming a Clinical Nurse Specialist, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, Certified Nurse Midwife or a specialized Nurse Practitioner. Prepare for grad school success and entry into these coveted advanced careers through a rigorous BSN program laying your nursing knowledge foundation.

Why Should I Consider a Nursing Degree from One of the Top 10 Nursing Schools in South Carolina?

The number of nursing jobs in South Carolina is growing rapidly, with the state needing 52,040 new Registered Nurses by 2030. This increasing demand makes nursing majors highly sought-after by healthcare employers. Earning your BSN degree or MSN degree from one of the 10 best nursing schools in South Carolina can make you an ideal candidate. These nursing schools meet high standards, accredited by organizations like the CCNE or ACEN. 

Many nursing majors may also want to consider South Carolina colleges that offer Master’s degrees, like an MSN with focuses in education or leadership. This allows nursing majors to enter specialized roles, potentially as a Nurse Educator or Nursing Leadership executive after graduation. The state’s top nursing schools also tend to provide extra resources specifically for nursing students, helping them best prepare for the NCLEX-RN exam. With South Carolina requiring prospective nurses to graduate from quality nursing schools in South Carolina that offer Board-approved curriculums, it pays to pick one of the 10 top nursing programs in South Carolina offering renowned teaching, training, and career support.

What accreditation does a nursing program should have?

Ideally, the nursing program must be fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), which is an autonomous accrediting agency for baccalaureate and graduate-level nursing programs in the United States. CCNE is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and carries out accreditation activities similar to other programmatic accrediting agencies such as the Association of Colleges and Schools. This high-quality accreditation allows graduates to sit for the NCLEX national licensing exam after completing the program. There are various schools and colleges in South Carolina offering accredited programs.

More of the Best Nursing Schools in South Carolina

Grade
University
South Carolina Rank
Degree
84.39 University of South Carolina-Upstate 11 BSN
81.69 University of South Carolina-Beaufort 12 BSN
74.48 Newberry College 13 BSN

Ranking Methodology and Data Sources

Best Nursing Schools Near Me