RN Programs in South Carolina
An associate’s degree in nursing or diploma will provide you with the educational requirements need for a nursing license and a rewarding career in healthcare. When ready, obtaining a Bachelor’s of Science in nursing degree will set you apart from your colleagues and open up more job opportunities. Baccalaureate prepared nurses will find that they have more career mobility and more access to specialty areas of certification and licensure. South Carolina is in the midst of a shortage of nurse educators. Nurses who have obtained a BSN degree will be qualified to teach entry-level nursing courses as well as clinical rotations at select colleges and teaching hospitals.
In our South Carolina RN program guide, find rankings for both ADN and BSN Degree programs, tuition costs, NCLEX passing rates, and more. Research key South Carolina RN Program information to help you compare program metrics and to apply to best RN program for your career in nursing.
In the State of South Carolina, nurses are helping to change the face of healthcare. To ensure that they have the best education and preparation for future health care challenges, registered nurses need to graduate from a state-approved associate's degree in nursing program or a BSN degree program.
Nurses who graduate from an RN program can obtain certification in over 100 nursing specialties, go on to earn an RN to BSN or RN to MSN degree.
BSN degree holders have options to earn an Advance Practice Register Nursing (APRN) degree and become a Nurse Practitioner (NP), or earn an advanced degree for a career in any number of nursing leadership roles such Nurse Educator or Clinical Nurse Specialist.
South Carolina RN Program Comparisons: ADN vs BSN
| Compare RN Programs | ADN | BSN |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Nursing Programs | 16 | 15 |
| Average NCLEX Passing Rate | 89.57% | 88.96% |
| NCLEX Passing Rate Range | 74.10% to 97.08% | 74.54% to 94.69% |
| Average Net Price | $7,718.06 | $16,068.50 |
| Average Net Price Range | $4,798.00 to $15,003.00 | $11,300.00 to $24,087.00 |
| Average Student Loan | $7,914.47 | $18,326.36 |
| Average Student Loan Range | $3,500.00 to $20,966.00 | $9,500.00 to $25,940.00 |
| See Additional Detail | ADN Rankings for South Carolina State | BSN Rankings for South Carolina State |
Best Ranked RN Programs in South Carolina
To help nursing students in their search for a top RN program, the education experts at RNCareers.org publish their annual findings of the best nursing schools for both South Carolina and the country. Schools ranked on our list have proven their ability to educate highly competent nurses.
To create our rankings, we evaluated 15 ADN degree programs and 13 BSN degree programs in South Carolina. We obtained each institution’s first-time NCLEX-RN passing rates, the number of students taking the test, the program nursing accreditation and more. We then compared the results against other nursing programs in South Carolina to provide our state rankings. View our methodology.
RANKED 1
York Technical College
- 452 S Anderson Rd, Rock Hill, SC - 29730
- (803) 327-8000
York Technical College is located in Rock Hill, South Carolina. They offer a DAS (diploma) for practical nursing, a AAS degree – Gen Tech Nursing – Practical, an AAS – Nursing (ADN) and an AAS – Gen Tech to Nursing (ADN). Their program is a collaboration with University of South Carolina Lancaster, and students (even LPN students earning AAS degree) ready themselves for advanced degrees at University of South Carolina Lancaster.
School Information
Location: Rock Hill, SC- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 98.17%- State Rank: 1
- US Rank: 24
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 2
Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College
- 3250 Saint Matthews Rd, Orangeburg, SC - 29118-8299
- (803) 536-0311
Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College is located in Orangeburg, South Carolina. OCtech offers a practical nursing program, an ADN program and an ADN FLEX program; the FLEX program is the LPN to ADN program operates from January to December, with classes being offered on-campus and online. Clinicals are offered on weekends.
School Information
Location: Orangeburg, SC- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 96.66%- State Rank: 2
- US Rank: 55
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 3
Greenville Technical College
- 738 S Pleasantburg Dr, Greenville, SC - 29607-2418
- (864) 250-8000
Greenville Technical College is located in Greenville, South Carolina. They are one of the largest ADN programs in South Carolina and have been in operation since 1971. Their program is an ADN program and they also have a BSN transfer option with USC Upstate.
School Information
Location: Greenville, SC- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 96.40%- State Rank: 3
- US Rank: 61
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 4
Central Carolina Technical College
- 506 N Guignard Dr, Sumter, SC - 29150-2499
- (803) 778-1961
Central Carolina Technical College is located in Sumter, South Carolina. They offer an ADN program and an LPN to ADN program. The LPN to ADN program allows for advanced placement into the ADN program.
School Information
Location: Sumter, SC- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 96.30%- State Rank: 4
- US Rank: 63
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 5
Aiken Technical College
- 2276 Jefferson Davis Highway, Graniteville, SC - 29829
- (803) 508-7263
Aiken Technical College is located in Graniteville, South Carolina. They offer a practical nursing program, an ADN program and an LPN to ADN transition option. LPNs take a transition semester, then join the RN students for the final two semesters.
School Information
Location: Graniteville, SC- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 95.13%- State Rank: 5
- US Rank: 97
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 6
Trident Technical College
- 7000 Rivers Avenue, Charleston, SC - 29423-8067
- (843) 574-6111
Trident Technical College is located in Charleston, South Carolina. They offer several degree options for students looking to break into nursing; they offer a practical nursing and an ADN program. In addition, they offer an LPN-ADN program, which begins each summer. They also offer an accelerated ADN program, which is designed for students holding a prior bachelor’s degree; it is completed in 15 months.
School Information
Location: Charleston, SC- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 92.91%- State Rank: 6
- US Rank: 179
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 7
Midlands Technical College
- 1260 Lexington Drive, West Columbia, SC - 29170-2176
- (803) 738-8324
Midlands Technical College is located in West Columbia, South Carolina. They offer an ADN degree program and an LPN to ADN advanced placement option, where the LPN can have advanced placement into the nursing program. MTC has been in existence since 1974, when three schools came together to form MTC.
School Information
Location: West Columbia, SC- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 88.02%- State Rank: 7
- US Rank: 364
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 8
Spartanburg Community College
- 107 Community College Drive, Spartanburg, SC - 29303
- (864) 592-4500
Spartanburg Community College is located in Spartanburg, South Carolina. They offer an ADN program. They no longer have an LPN to RN transition program; however, students are admitted to their program on a :”points system” and LPNs can earn more points based on their nursing experience.
School Information
Location: Spartanburg, SC- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 88.02%- State Rank: 7
- US Rank: 364
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 9
Piedmont Technical College
- 620 North Emerald Road, Greenwood, SC - 29646
- (864) 941-8324
Piedmont Technical College is located in Greenwood, South Carolina. They offer ADN degrees and an LPN to RN degree. They offer two ADN degrees – one generic ADN degree and one designed for transfer to four-year degree programs. They also offer a nursing care certificate, which is an aide program designed for students who seek to become aide’s in preparation for the ADN program.
School Information
Location: Greenwood, SC- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 87.08%- State Rank: 8
- US Rank: 404
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 10
Tri-County Technical College
- 7900 U.S. Hwy 76, Pendleton, SC - 29670
- (864) 646-1500
School Information
Location: Pendleton, SC- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 86.86%- State Rank: 9
- US Rank: 415
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 11
Horry-Georgetown Technical College
- 2050 Highway 501 East, Conway, SC - 29526
- (843) 347-3186
School Information
Location: Conway, SC- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 86.16%- State Rank: 10
- US Rank: 441
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 12
Technical College of the Lowcountry
- 921 Ribaut Road, Beaufort, SC - 29901-1288
- (800) 768-8252
Technical College of the Lowcountry is located in Beaufort, South Carolina. They offer a practical nursing program and an ADN program. Students enrolled in the ADN program are eligible to take the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program Exam after completion of NUR102 “Basic Nursing Skills”.
School Information
Location: Beaufort, SC- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 83.32%- State Rank: 11
- US Rank: 530
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 13
Florence-Darlington Technical College
- 2715 W. Lucas Street, Florence, SC - 29501
- (843) 661-8324
School Information
Location: Florence, SC- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 82.16%- State Rank: 12
- US Rank: 555
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 14
Northeastern Technical College
- 1201 Chesterfield Hwy., Cheraw, SC - 29520
- (843) 921-6900
School Information
Location: Cheraw, SC- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 79.32%- State Rank: 13
- US Rank: 601
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
RANKED 15
Fortis College-Columbia
- 246 Stoneridge Dr Ste 101, Columbia, SC - 29210
- (803) 678-4800
School Information
Location: Columbia, SC- Type: Private For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 77.94%- State Rank: 14
- US Rank: 629
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
NOT RANKED
University of South Carolina-Lancaster
- 476 Hubbard Drive, Lancaster, SC - 29720
- (803) 313-7000
School Information
Location: Lancaster, SC- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
ADN Programs In South Carolina
There is no shortage in nursing schools in South Carolina that offer RN programs. They all follow a similar curriculum, which is designed to provide nurses with new perspective that build on knowledge gained while working in the field and attending nursing school. A common program will typically include:
- Philosophies of Health ad Wellness
- Disruptions in Health
- Pediatrics in the community
- Promotion of Health
- Nursing Leadership
- Professional Role Transition
Programs are generally completed in less than two years of full-time study. Part-time schedules are also available to meet the needs of working nurses.
NCLEX Passing Rates for South Carolina ADN Programs
York Technical College has the highest NCLEX-RN rate in South Carolina of 97.08%. Attending this stellar school will cost you about $6,622.00 a year.
- ADN Programs Offered in South Carolina: 16
- Average NCLEX-RN Passing Rate: 89.57%
- NCLEX Passing Rate Range: 74.10% to 97.08%
How Much Do ADN Programs Cost in South Carolina?
We compiled the net-price costs for RN Programs in South Carolina so that you can find RN programs to meet your budget expectations.
When comparing ADN vs BSN programs, the average net-price per year for an Associate Degree in Nursing program is considerably less than for a Bachelor Degree in Nursing.
The lowest cost ADN program in South Carolina is offered by Technical College of the Lowcountry at about $4,798.00 and has an average NCLEX-RN passing rate of 89.59%. The highest cost ADN program is offered by Fortis College-Columbia and it will cost about $15,003.00 and has an average NCLEX-RN passing rate of 74.10%.
- Average Net-Price for ADN Programs inSouth Carolina: $7,718.06
- Net-Price Range for South Carolina ADN Programs: $4,798.00 to $15,003.00
Median Student Borrowing for ADN Programs
- Average Student Borrowing for South Carolina Schools: $7,914.47
- Student borrowing range for ADN programs in South Carolina: $3,500.00 to $20,966.00
RANKED 1
University of South Carolina
- Columbia-Campus, Columbia, SC - 29208
- (803) 777-7000
University of South Carolina is located in Columbia, South Carolina. USC has been rated #1 in the nation by US News and World Report for their online education Master’s programs. They offer a BSN program and an RN to BSN program, in addition to a wide variety of post-graduate options.
School Information
Location: Columbia, SC- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Hybrid, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 98.02%- State Rank: 1
- US Rank: 16
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree, BSN to DNP, Master Degree, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate
- Program Accreditors: ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 2
Lander University
- 320 Stanley Avenue, Greenwood, SC - 29649-2099
- (864) 388-8000
Lander University is located in Greenwood, South Carolina. The William Preston Turner School of Nursing offers a pre-licensure BSN program, an online RN to BSN program and an MSN for Clinical Nurse Leader program.
School Information
Location: Greenwood, SC- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 96.71%- State Rank: 2
- US Rank: 44
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree, Master Degree
- Program Accreditors: CCNE
RANKED 3
Anderson University
- 316 Boulevard, Anderson, SC - 29621-4035
- (864) 231-2000
Anderson University is located in Anderson, Texas. Anderson University is a Christian university. They offer a traditional BSN program, an accelerated BSN program and an RN to BSN program. The RN to BSN program is offered online and can be completed at the student’s pace. The students with at least 59 college credits, or a previous bachelor’s degree, are eligible for the ABSN degree.
School Information
Location: Anderson, SC- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 94.24%- State Rank: 3
- US Rank: 117
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: APRN Certificate, Bachelor Degree, Master Degree, MSN to DNP
- Program Accreditors: CCNE
RANKED 4
Clemson University
- 201 Sikes Hall, Clemson, SC - 29634
- (864) 656-4636
Clemson University is located in Clemson, South Carolina. Clemson’s School of Nursing is among only 35 nursing programs nationwide to be recognized since 2004 as a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education by the National League for Nursing. They offer a BSN program, an accelerated BSN, which is a 16-month curriculum for second-degree learners, and an online RN to BSN program.
School Information
Location: Clemson, SC- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Hybrid, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 94.08%- State Rank: 4
- US Rank: 123
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree, Master Degree, Post Master's NP Certificate
- Program Accreditors: ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 5
The Medical University of South Carolina
- 179 Ashley Ave, Charleston, SC - 29425
- (843) 792-2300
The Medical University of South Carolina is located in Charleston, South Carolina. MUSC is unique because it offers only the classes needed for the degrees – students must earn their prerequisites elsewhere. They offer an accelerated BSN and an RN to BSN program. The accelerated BSN is available to all students – all students require a minimum of 60 prerequisite credits for entrance.
School Information
Location: Charleston, SC- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 92.32%- State Rank: 5
- US Rank: 187
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Adult Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree, BSN to DNP, Master Degree, MSN to DNP
- Program Accreditors: ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 6
University of South Carolina-Aiken
- 471 University Pkwy, Aiken, SC - 29801
- (803) 648-6851
School Information
Location: Aiken, SC- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 91.01%- State Rank: 6
- US Rank: 229
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree
- Program Accreditors: CCNE
RANKED 7
University of South Carolina-Beaufort
- 1 University Boulevard, Bluffton, SC - 29909
- (843) 208-8000
School Information
Location: Bluffton, SC- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 90.06%- State Rank: 7
- US Rank: 255
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree
- Program Accreditors: CCNE
RANKED 8
Bob Jones University
- 1700 Wade Hampton Boulavard, Greenville, SC - 29614-0001
- (864) 242-5100
Bob Jones University is located in Greenville, South Carolina. BJU is a Christian college and they offer a biblical approach to nursing education. Their education is largely focused on clinicals – they have a 3-year Clinical Program. Students also have the opportunity to serve on mission trips, such as in Peru or Africa. They offer a BSN program.
School Information
Location: Greenville, SC- Type: Private For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 86.63%- State Rank: 8
- US Rank: 342
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree
RANKED 9
Francis Marion University
- 4822 East Palmetto Street, Florence, SC - 29506
- (843) 661-1362
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.
School Information
Location: Florence, SC- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Hybrid, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 84.16%- State Rank: 9
- US Rank: 388
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree, Master Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 10
University of South Carolina-Upstate
- 800 University Way, Spartanburg, SC - 29303-4999
- (864) 503-5000
School Information
Location: Spartanburg, SC- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 84.07%- State Rank: 10
- US Rank: 389
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree, Master Degree
- Program Accreditors: CCNE
RANKED 11
South University-Columbia
- 9 Science Court, Columbia, SC - 29203
- (803) 799-9082
School Information
Location: Columbia, SC- Type: Private For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 77.31%- State Rank: 11
- US Rank: 465
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree
RANKED 12
Newberry College
- 2100 College St, Newberry, SC - 29108
- (803) 276-5010
School Information
Location: Newberry, SC- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 75.02%- State Rank: 12
- US Rank: 474
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree
- Program Accreditors: CCNE
NOT RANKED
Charleston Southern University
- 9200 University Blvd, Charleston, SC - 29406-9121
- (843) 863-7000
Charleston Southern University is located in Charleston, South Carolina. The College of Nursing offers a BSN program and an online MSN program (Nurse Educator emphasis or Nursing Leadership and Healthcare Administration emphasis).
School Information
Location: Charleston, SC- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Online
- State Rank: N/A
- US Rank: N/A
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree
NOT RANKED
South Carolina State University
- 300 College St NE, Orangeburg, SC - 29117-0001
- (803) 536-7000
School Information
Location: Orangeburg, SC- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree
NOT RANKED
Coastal Carolina University
- 103 Tom Trout Drive, Conway, SC - 29526
- (843) 347-3161
School Information
Location: Conway, SC- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Online
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree
BSN Programs In South Carolina
South Carolina has 29 accredited BSN programs that offer RN to BSN on campus, online and full 4 year programs in nursing where you can graduate with a BSN in nursing. A BSN degree requires a minimum of 120 credit hours. Program admission is competitive. A student entering nursing school will have to complete 28-34 prerequisite credit hour courses with a minimum 3.0 GPA, HESI Admission Assessment Exam A2 with a score of 75-80%, a personal essay, and references. A Criminal Background Check and Drug Screening are also required. Upon graduation you will be required to register online for initial licensure. This will require a $90.00 application fee and a $200.00 exam fee. Elective courses can include a 4-hour credit course in biology or chemistry and non-science courses like public speaking, computer technology or any course that is 101 or higher.
NCLEX Passing Rates for South Carolina BSN Programs
Lander University wins the highest NCLEX-RN passing rate for BSN programs offered in South Carolina with a score of 94.69%. Attending this influential program will cost you about $13,847.00 a year.
- BSN Programs Offered in South Carolina: 15
- Average NCLEX-RN Passing Rate: 88.96%
- NCLEX Passing Rate Range: 74.54% to 94.69%
How Much Do BSN Degree Programs Cost in South Carolina?
We compiled the net-price costs for BSN Programs in South Carolina to give you an idea of how much nursing school will cost.
The lowest cost BSN degree program in South Carolina is offered by University of South Carolina-Aiken and will cost you about $11,300.00 and has an average NCLEX-RN passing rate of 86.68%. The highest cost BSN degree program is offered by South University-Columbia and will cost you about $24,087.00 and it has an average NCLEX-RN passing rate of 83.30%.
- Average Net-Price for BSN Programs in South Carolina: $16,068.50
- Net-Price Range for South Carolina BSN Programs: $11,300.00 to $24,087.00
Median Student Borrowing for BSN Programs
- Average Student Borrowing for South Carolina Schools: $18,326.36
- Student borrowing range for BSN programs in South Carolina: $9,500.00 to $25,940.00
Become an Advance Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in South Carolina
RNs who wish to become advanced practice registered nurses will want to pursue any number of avenues to earn Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. Earning a Master of Science in Nursing consists of graduate-level coursework and clinical practice for those nurses who wish to direct patient roles such as a nurse practitioner. You can also pursue indirect patient roles such as teaching or leadership roles, or become involved in policy, state-wide health initiatives or community engagement. There are many clinical and non-clinical avenues that an RN with MSN can pursue.
Become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) in South Carolina
Learn how to become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) and research schools in South Carolina offering the following high paying nurse practitioner specialties:
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Learn about Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Degree.
South Carolina RN Licensing Requirements
RN Licensure by Exams
The candidate will need to apply to the South Carolina board and register with Pearson VUE, the company that administers the NCLEX exam. The candidate may apply prior to graduation and must include a passport photo with the application. There is a $90 fee that the candidate will be responsible in order to apply by examination. There is also a $200 fee to take the NCLEX exam. Candidates may be issued a temporary permit while waiting for their NCLEX results. If the candidate does not pass on the first attempt, there will be a 45-day waiting before he/she can test again. The exam can be attempted for up to a year and will require remediation after that point. There is a $65 fee that is owed to the board for re-examination.
RN Licensure by Endorsement
Nurses who have obtained licensure in one of the other 50 states will be able to obtain licensure in South Carolina by endorsement. South Carolina accepts both the NCLEX and the SBTPE. There are two cases in which an out of state nurse may be granted a temporary permit. One is when the initial screening proves that the candidate is eligible for licensure. In this scenario the permit is good for up to 60 days. The second scenario will grant the nurse a 90-day permit. In order to obtain a permit in this case, the nurse must complete a refresher course. The endorsement application itself costs $100 and there is an additional $10 fee for the temporary license.
RN License for Nurses Educated Abroad
Nurses who completed a nursing program in a foreign country must demonstrate English proficiency. Their credentials must also be evaluated through a professional service.
RN Salaries in South Carolina
Sixty percent of the registered nurses in the state of South Carolina work in hospitals and the demand for new registered nurses is growing every day. It has been reported that 36% of the registered nurses in South Carolina have pursued higher education outside of associates. The RN to BSN programs in South Carolina are designed with the intention of increasing the number of Bachelor’s prepared nurses state-wide. Some opportunities that will be available to a baccalaureate-prepared nurse include (but are not limited to):
- Wound, ostomy, and continence
- Psychiatrists
- Nurse educators
- Critical care
- Health policies
South Carolina Registered Nursing Salaries
The Charleston metropolitan area has the highest employment rate of registered nurses along with the highest hourly mean wage and annual median wage.
| Area name | Employment | Hourly mean wage | Annual median wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anderson, SC | 1,710 | $26.88 | $56,000 |
| Charleston-North Charleston-Summerville, SC | 9,440 | $31.98 | $64,180 |
| Columbia, SC | 8,140 | $27.11 | $55,970 |
| Florence, SC | 3,000 | $29.07 | $62,710 |
| Greenville-Mauldin-Easley, SC | 5,160 | $28.63 | $58,020 |
| Myrtle Beach-North Myrtle Beach-Conway, SC | 1,660 | $27.47 | $55,760 |
| Spartanburg, SC | 2,690 | $26.78 | $53,430 |
| Sumter, SC | Estimate not released | $26.56 | $54,570 |
| Low Country South Carolina nonmetropolitan area | 2,390 | $30.33 | $60,240 |
| Upper Savannah South Carolina nonmetropolitan area | 2,070 | $27.56 | $55,310 |
| Pee Dee South Carolina nonmetropolitan area | 720 | $27.09 | $55,590 |
| Lower Savannah South Carolina nonmetropolitan area | 1,150 | $21.87 | $40,380 |
Source: http://www.dol.gov/, 2014 Data
Sources: The State Board of Nursing from Each State, U.S. Department of Education: College Scorecard, U.S. Department of Education – OPE, National Center for Education Statistics, Bureau of Labor Statistics
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