Overview of Nursing Schools in South Carolina
- There are 31 nursing schools in South Carolina. The CCNE accredits 10 nursing schools and the ACEN accredits 18 schools in South Carolina.
- Typically, an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) will take between 18 to 24 months to complete, and a Bachelor Degree in Nursing (BSN) will take about 4 years to complete.
- The average NCLEX passing rate range for ADN students in South Carolina is between 74.10% and 97.08%.
- The average NCLEX passing rate range for BSN students in South Carolina is between 74.54% and 94.69%.
- The average annual salary for registered nurses is between $52,080 to $111,220 a year.
- Registered Nurses (RN) throughout the country and in South Carolina can expect a favorable job growth of 15 percent from 2016 to 2026 which much faster than the average for all occupations.
Recommended Nursing Schools for South Carolina
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
About Nursing Schools 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% |
Nursing Programs Offered by South Carolina Nursing Schools
- Registered Nursing: 31
- Family Nurse Practitioner: 4
- CNL: 2
- Adult Acute Care Nurse Practitioner: 1
- Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner: 1
- Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner: 1
- Adult Nurse Practitioner: 1
- Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner: 1
- Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner: 1
South Carolina Nursing Schools with the Most Degree Types
- Medical University of South Carolina: 5
- University of South Carolina-Columbia: 4
- Clemson University: 3
- University of South Carolina-Upstate: 2
- Francis Marion University: 2
- Lander University: 2
- Aiken Technical College: 1
- Spartanburg Community College: 1
- Tri-County Technical College: 1
- Technical College of the Lowcountry: 1
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.
- University of South Carolina-Columbia
- York Technical College/USC Lancaster
- Lander University
- Clemson University
- Medical University of South Carolina
- University of South Carolina-Aiken
- Greenville Technical College
- Aiken Technical College
- Anderson University
- Bob Jones University
- Trident Technical College
- Spartanburg Community College
- Francis Marion University
University of South Carolina-Columbia
Pass Rate
- Columbia-Campus, Columbia, SC - 29208
- (803) 777-7000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 99.39%
- 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
View More
University Information
Total Faculty: 1956
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $12,688
Book and Supplies: $1,085
Percent Received Aid: 94%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $6,405
Percent Admitted: 68%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 24%
Graduation Rate: 78%
York Technical College/USC Lancaster
Pass Rate
- 452 S Anderson Rd, Rock Hill, SC - 29730
- (803) 327-8000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 98.60%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
View More
University Information
Total Faculty: 111
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $5,050
Book and Supplies: $10,354
Percent Received Aid: 93%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,508
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 25%
Lander University
Pass Rate
- 320 Stanley Avenue, Greenwood, SC - 29649-2099
- (864) 388-8000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 97.32%
- Programs: CNL, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor, MSN
View More
University Information
Total Faculty: 155
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $11,700
Book and Supplies: $1,200
Percent Received Aid: 100%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $10,312
Percent Admitted: 57%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 27%
Graduation Rate: 49%
Clemson University
Pass Rate
- 201 Sikes Hall, Clemson, SC - 29634
- (864) 656-4636
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 96.01%
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, Bachelor, MSN, Post Master's NP Certificate
View More
University Information
Total Faculty: 1764
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $15,558
Book and Supplies: $1,248
Percent Received Aid: 89%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $9,287
Percent Admitted: 62%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 24%
Graduation Rate: 85%
Medical University of South Carolina
Pass Rate
- 179 Ashley Ave, Charleston, SC - 29425
- (843) 792-2300
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 95.22%
- 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
View More
University Information
Total Faculty: 1249
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: N/A
Book and Supplies: N/A
Percent Received Aid: N/A
Average Grant or Scholarship: $1,308,931
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: N/A
University of South Carolina-Aiken
Pass Rate
- 471 University Pkwy, Aiken, SC - 29801
- (803) 648-6851
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 94.24%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor
View More
University Information
Total Faculty: 158
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $10,760
Book and Supplies: $1,240
Percent Received Aid: 97%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $6,644
Percent Admitted: 56%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 32%
Graduation Rate: 41%
Greenville Technical College
Pass Rate
- 506 S Pleasantburg Dr, Greenville, SC - 29606
- (864) 250-8000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 94.20%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
View More
University Information
Total Faculty: 346
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $4,778
Book and Supplies: $9,410
Percent Received Aid: 95%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $3,967
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: N/A
Aiken Technical College
Pass Rate
- 2276 Jefferson Davis Highway, Graniteville, SC - 29829
- (803) 508-7263
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 93.50%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
View More
University Information
Total Faculty: 52
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $4,946
Book and Supplies: $6,880
Percent Received Aid: 99%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,438
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 26%
Anderson University
Pass Rate
- 316 Boulevard, Anderson, SC - 29621-4035
- (864) 231-2000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 93.32%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, APRN Certificate, Bachelor, MSN, MSN to DNP
View More
University Information
Total Faculty: 163
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,200
Book and Supplies: N/A
Percent Received Aid: 100%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $20,431
Percent Admitted: 59%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 31%
Graduation Rate: 57%
Bob Jones University
Pass Rate
- 1700 Wade Hampton Boulavard, Greenville, SC - 29614-0001
- (864) 242-5100
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 92.68%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor
View More
University Information
Total Faculty: 167
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,200
Book and Supplies: N/A
Percent Received Aid: 96%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $11,753
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 65%
Trident Technical College
Pass Rate
- 7000 Rivers Avenue, Charleston, SC - 29423-8067
- (843) 574-6111
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 92.40%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
View More
University Information
Total Faculty: 245
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $4,648
Book and Supplies: $8,690
Percent Received Aid: 94%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $7,236
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 18%
Spartanburg Community College
Pass Rate
- 107 Community College Drive, Spartanburg, SC - 29303
- (864) 592-4500
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 92.20%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
View More
University Information
Total Faculty: 124
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $4,902
Book and Supplies: $9,822
Percent Received Aid: 83%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $7,527
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 28%
Francis Marion University
Pass Rate
- 4822 East Palmetto Street, Florence, SC - 29506
- (843) 661-1362
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 92.07%
- Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor, MSN
View More
University Information
Total Faculty: 212
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $11,160
Book and Supplies: $1,245
Percent Received Aid: 99%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $9,107
Percent Admitted: 75%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 23%
Graduation Rate: 44%
Grade
|
University
|
South Carolina Rank
|
Degree
|
---|---|---|---|
88.60 | Central Carolina Technical College | 8 | ADN |
86.40 | Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College | 9 | ADN |
84.30 | Horry-Georgetown Technical College | 10 | ADN |
84.10 | Florence-Darlington Technical College | 11 | ADN |
83.70 | Technical College of the Lowcountry | 13 | ADN |
83.50 | Piedmont Technical College | 12 | ADN |
83.10 | Midlands Technical College | 14 | ADN |
59.70 | Northeastern Technical College | 15 | ADN |
88.69 | Charleston Southern University | 10 | BSN |
86.98 | Newberry College | 11 | BSN |
86.38 | University of South Carolina-Upstate | 12 | BSN |
74.11 | University of South Carolina-Beaufort | 13 | BSN |
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.
MSN Programs Recommended by Our Education Experts
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
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.
Source: BLS, Department of Education, State Board of Nursing, Nursing School Websites.