Best Family Nurse Practitioner Programs in South Carolina

The Family Nurse Practitioner MSN program at the University of South Carolina prepares nurses to provide primary health care across the lifespan. This online program requires a minimum 3.0 GPA from previous undergraduate work, 2,400 hours of nursing experience within 24 months, and three professional recommendations. Applications are accepted for fall and summer semesters with specific deadlines. The program focuses on clinical training for family practice settings.

• Online program delivery
• Master of Science in Nursing degree
• Family Nurse Practitioner major
• 3.0 minimum GPA required
• Three letters of reference
• 2,400 hours nursing experience
• Fall and summer admissions
• Current RN licensure required
• BLS certification required
• Personal goal statement needed

The University of South Carolina offers a Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate for nurses with a master's degree. This post-master's program prepares you for advanced practice in primary care. You'll learn to manage patients across all ages. The curriculum includes courses on health assessment, pharmacology, and pathophysiology. Graduates can work in various primary care settings. The program helps you sit for national certification. It focuses on direct patient management skills. You'll gain expertise in family healthcare delivery.

• Post-master's certificate program.
• Requires master's degree in nursing.
• Prepares for national certification.
• 18-32 credit hours required.
• Minimum 3.00 GPA needed.
• Online program format.
• Two entry points available.
• Includes practicum courses.
• Some on-campus immersion.
• Advanced practice preparation.

This DNP program at the University of South Carolina prepares registered nurses for advanced practice as family nurse practitioners. The curriculum blends online coursework with select on-campus immersions, building skills in evidence-based practice, patient management, and systemwide care improvements. You'll study collaboration, decision-making, and multicultural awareness while preparing for national FNP certification. Graduates are ready for primary care roles in diverse settings like urgent care, outpatient clinics, and federally qualified health centers. The program is one of the first four DNP programs in the nation and is ranked No. 1 by U.S. News. Benefit from an accredited Clinical Simulation Center that hones your clinical skills in a realistic environment.

• Prepares for family nurse practitioner national certification
• Accredited Clinical Simulation Center
• One of first four D.N.P. programs
• Online classes with on-campus immersions
• Federally Qualified Health Centers
• Primary/Family Practice setting
• Urgent Care workplace

Francis Marion University's MSN Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program prepares BSN-prepared registered nurses for advanced practice roles in primary care across the lifespan. This 55-credit hour program requires 780 clinical practicum hours in primary care settings and can be completed in 2.5 years for full-time students, with part-time options available. Admission occurs during fall semesters, and graduates become eligible to sit for AANP and ANCC certification exams. The program features mostly online courses with some hybrid components requiring limited campus visits.

• 55 credit hour program
• 780 clinical practicum hours
• 2.5 year completion time
• Fall semester admission
• Mostly online courses
• Hybrid courses require campus visits
• Prepares for AANP/ANCC certification
• BSN-prepared RNs eligible
• Part-time study options available
• Primary care focus

Francis Marion University's BSN to FNP/DNP track offers family nurse practitioners a direct path from bachelor's to doctoral-level practice. The curriculum combines advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, and physical assessment with DNP-level knowledge development and leadership. Students explore primary care across the lifespan—adults, children, women, and geriatric patients—through hybrid courses that require limited campus visits. Clinical experiences total 1,080 hours in diverse settings. The program features a capstone project and residency placements, preparing graduates for AANP or ANCC certification. Designed for working RNs, it offers both full-time (three-year) and part-time plans. Fully online coursework with minimal on-campus sessions provides flexibility, while robust faculty advising supports each student's professional goals.

• 3-Year program
• 70 total credit hours
• Full-time and part-time options
• 1 start dates per year
• Starts fall
• 1080 clinical hours
• Capstone required
• Prepares for AANP, ANCC
• Scholarships available
• Hybrid courses with limited campus visits

Francis Marion University's BSN to DNP track with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration offers a seamless path from baccalaureate to doctoral practice. The hybrid curriculum is delivered primarily online with just two campus visits per semester. Over three years of full-time study (or part-time with adviser input), you'll complete 70 credit hours and 1,080 clinical hours. Coursework covers advanced pharmacology, pathophysiology, and health assessment, with clinical rotations in primary care for adults, children, adolescents, women, and geriatric patients. The program includes residency courses and a capstone project, leading to eligibility for AANP and ANCC certification. You'll also gain skills in health policy, leadership, and scholarly writing. Graduates are prepared for advanced practice roles as family nurse practitioners. The structured cohort model and faculty support help you succeed.

• 3-Year program
• 70 total credit hours
• Starts fall
• 1080 clinical hours
• Capstone required
• Eligible for AANP and ANCC certification
• Minimal campus visits required
• Fall semester admission only
• Part-time plan with adviser input
• Residency courses integrated

Clemson University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration prepares you to deliver primary care across the lifespan. This full-time, hybrid program blends online coursework with on-campus intensives and clinical rotations. You'll take 74 credits over at least 9 semesters (including 1000 clinical hours) while completing a DNP project that translates evidence into practice. The curriculum emphasizes health promotion, disease prevention, leadership, and healthcare policy. You'll gain skills in diagnosing and managing acute and chronic conditions, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, and prescribing medications. Graduates are prepared for APRN roles in community clinics, hospitals, and private practices. The program also offers graduate teaching assistantships and scholarships. Choose from specialties like Family NP (primary care) to tailor your education. With a 3.25 GPA requirement and interviews, the program seeks dedicated nurses ready to transform healthcare.

• 4 concentration options
• 9-Semester program
• 74 total credit hours
• 3.3 GPA minimum
• 3 letters of recommendation (minimum)
• 1000 clinical hours
• Capstone required
• Financial aid available
• Scholarships available
• Priority deadline November 15

The Doctor of Nursing Practice with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration at Anderson University prepares you to become a primary care provider with advanced clinical skills. You'll learn to assess, diagnose, and treat patients across the lifespan while promoting wellness. The hybrid format combines online coursework with on-campus experiences, allowing flexibility for working nurses. Over 75 credit hours and three years, you'll complete a scholarly evidence-based project and a clinical residency. The curriculum covers disease management, health promotion, and patient-centered care. Graduates are equipped for roles in clinics, hospitals, and private practice. This program reflects the growing standard for nurse practitioners to hold a doctorate.

• 3-Year program
• Complete in in as few as nine semesters
• 75 total credit hours
• 1 start dates per year
• Starts fall
• Average salaries range from $90,000 to $110,000
• Capstone required
• Financial aid available
• Hybrid class format
• 1-2 years nursing experience recommended

Claflin University's Master of Science in Nursing with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration prepares registered nurses for advanced clinical practice in primary care settings. Delivered fully online with asynchronous coursework, the program integrates clinical experiences and requires a one-week on-campus intensive each semester. Students complete 47 credit hours covering advanced health assessment, pharmacology, pathophysiology, and evidence-based practice, with clinical placements designed to build diagnostic and patient management skills. Graduates are equipped to provide comprehensive care across the lifespan, from health promotion to chronic disease management, and are positioned for roles in clinics, community health centers, and private practices. The curriculum aligns with CCNE accreditation standards and emphasizes leadership, research integration, and critical thinking. Designed for working RNs holding a BSN, the program accepts applications once a year for fall admission, offering a structured pathway to becoming a board-certified family nurse practitioner.

• CCNE accredited
• 2 concentration options
• 47 total credit hours
• 1 start dates per year
• Starts fall
• Asynchronous online classes
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• 2 letters of recommendation (minimum)
• Financial aid available
• Scholarships available

South University's MSN Family Nurse Practitioner program prepares nurses for advanced practice across all ages. This hybrid program combines online coursework with campus experiences for flexibility. Graduates must pass national certification and state licensure exams. The program focuses on comprehensive patient care and health promotion. It's accredited by CCNE, ensuring quality education. Financial aid options may be available for eligible students.

• Hybrid program format.
• MSN degree with FNP specialization.
• Accredited by CCNE.
• Prepares for national certification.
• Requires state licensure.
• Focuses on patient care.
• Covers all age groups.
• Promotes healthy behaviors.
• Flexible learning options.
• Online and campus components.

The Doctor of Nursing Practice and Master of Science in Nursing at MUSC offers a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration that prepares you to deliver comprehensive primary care across the lifespan. This hybrid program combines flexible online coursework with on-campus intensives and guided clinical practice alongside expert preceptors. You'll study advanced pathophysiology, pharmacotherapeutics, and clinical assessment while building skills in evidence-based practice, population health, and leadership. The curriculum emphasizes holistic, culturally responsive care—perfect for nurses who want to work in rural clinics, urban health centers, or private practices. With a strong focus on interprofessional collaboration, you'll graduate ready to manage acute and chronic conditions, promote wellness, and lead care teams. Faculty mentors and simulation resources support your growth every step of the way.

• CCNE accredited
• 5 concentration options
• $64,928 total program tuition
• $835 per credit
• 8-Semester program
• 76 total credit hours
• Apply by 2026-05-31
• Full-time and part-time options
• 2 start dates per year
• Starts fall/spring