Best Online Nurse Practitioner Schools in South Carolina

Last Updated On Oct 7, 2024

Expert Verified: Jessica Guzzetti, MBA, BSN, RN, CCHP-RN

12 Min Read

2025 - Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs in South Carolina

RegisteredNursing.org's 2025 Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs in South Carolina showcases the top online options for aspiring nurse practitioners in the state. Rankings are based on critical factors such as completion rates, affordability, institutional reputation, program diversity, and faculty qualifications. To learn more about how the rankings are determined, visit the methodology page.

Anderson University

Greenville, SC

Anderson University offers a comprehensive nurse practitioner program, with a focus on providing high-quality, compassionate care to diverse patient populations. The program emphasizes evidence-based practice, leadership development, and interprofessional collaboration. Students gain hands-on experience through clinical rotations and have the opportunity to participate in global health initiatives. With a strong commitment to holistic patient care, Anderson University's nursing program philosophies prioritize wellness and prevention, patient-centered care, and lifelong learning.

DNP Programs

Family Nurse Practitioner Online/Hybrid
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Online/Hybrid

MSN Programs

Family Nurse Practitioner Online/Hybrid
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Online/Hybrid

University of South Carolina

Columbia, SC

The University of South Carolina offers comprehensive nurse practitioner programs that prepare students to excel in the field of healthcare. With a focus on evidence-based practice and patient-centered care, the programs emphasize critical thinking, leadership, and hands-on clinical experience. Students have the opportunity to specialize in areas such as family practice, psychiatric-mental health, and neonatal care. The nursing program's philosophy centers on promoting health equity and social justice, while also instilling a strong commitment to lifelong learning and professional development.

Graduate Certificate Programs

Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Online/Hybrid
Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) Online/Hybrid
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Online/Hybrid

MSN Programs

Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Online/Hybrid
Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) Online/Hybrid
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Online/Hybrid

Francis Marion University

Florence, SC

Francis Marion University's nurse practitioner programs offer a comprehensive curriculum designed to prepare advanced practice nurses for success in a variety of healthcare settings. The programs emphasize evidence-based practice, cultural diversity, and interdisciplinary collaboration, while also instilling a strong commitment to patient-centered care and lifelong learning. With a focus on hands-on clinical experiences and cutting-edge technology, FMU's nurse practitioner programs provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the constantly evolving field of nursing.

MSN Programs

Family Nurse Practitioner Online/Hybrid
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Online/Hybrid

Fast & Affordable Nurse Practitioner Programs

If you’ve been considering becoming a nurse practitioner, you might be thinking, “I can’t afford to go back to school” or “I don’t have the time to take on a graduate degree program.” However, you’ll be glad to know that South Carolina offers nurse practitioner programs designed to shorten the time required, especially for nurses already working in the field or those with a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN). These programs can help you save both time and money by allowing you to potentially bypass certain course credits.

What Are the Fastest Online NP Programs?

The quickest route to becoming a nurse practitioner is by earning a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) rather than pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), which is another popular NP degree path. While part-time MSN programs can take up to six years to finish, many online and accelerated summer programs allow students to complete their MSN in as little as two years or even less. Here are some of the faster MSN program options available in South Carolina:

NP Program	Length	Online/Campus
University of South Carolina	5 Semesters	Online
Medical University of South Carolina	12 – 18 Months	Online
Charleston Southern University	19 Months	Hybrid

What Are the Most Affordable Online NP Programs?

If you’re aiming to save money on your nurse practitioner education, South Carolina offers several affordable options worth exploring. When comparing programs, take into account factors that can impact tuition, such as program size, technology fees, cost of living, and whether you qualify for in-state residency. Below are a few schools in South Carolina that provide more budget-friendly MSN programs.

School Name	Tuition Range	Estimated Credits
University of South Carolina	$25,000 – $30,000	39
Francis Marion University	$25,000 – $35,000	55
Lander University	$14,000 – $20,000	36

Schools Offering Popular Nurse Practitioner Specialties

Not only are there many affordable and fast NP programs in South Carolina, but they also offer a wide range of exciting specializations, such as family nursing or pediatrics. These specialized NP programs are available at various levels, and completing one can lead to higher pay and increased job security. Here are a few schools in South Carolina that offer these programs:

School Name	NP Specialty	Credits Required
Lander University	Clinical Nurse Leader	36
Francis Marion University	Family Nurse Practitioner	55
University of South Carolina	Nursing Education	39

Find out more about popular NP specialty programs: Acute Care (ACNP), Adult Gerontology (AGNP), Family (FNP), Pediatric (PNP), Psychiatric (PHMNP), Women’s Health (WHNP).

Educational Routes for Nurse Practitioners – Online & Campus

While traditional MSNs are a common pathway to becoming a nurse practitioner, they aren’t the only option. Depending on your current credentials, licensure, and prior education, you might be able to complete your NP education more quickly and at a lower cost than a standard MSN program. Here are the different types of NP programs available to you in South Carolina:

MSN Nurse Practitioner Programs

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degrees, as mentioned, are the most common type of nurse practitioner programs. They are about two years (give or take) and come in a variety of specializations. You can find them at the following schools:

Medical University of South Carolina – Charleston, SC
Charleston Southern University – Charleston, SC

RN to NP Programs

An RN to NP program (also known as an RN to MSN program or an ADN/ASN to MSN program) is designed for a registered nurse who has an associates degree in nursing. If you qualify for this type of program, you can conceivably graduate in just a few years without needing to get a BSN. Here are a few you can find in South Carolina:

University of South Carolina – Spartanburg, SC
South University – Columbia, SC

DNP Nurse Practioner Programs

If you’re aiming for the highest level of degree most commonly associated with nurse practitioners, a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is another great choice. These programs take between six and eight years to complete. Here are a few located in South Carolina:

University of South Carolina – Columbia, SC
Clemson University – Clemson, SC

Post-Master's Certificate NP Programs

Though on their own, Post-Master's Nursing Certificates won’t allow you the credentials needed to become a nurse practitioner, you can enroll in these highly informative 1-year programs to specialize in a new area if you already have your NP license. Take a look at these Post-Master's Nursing Certificates available in South Carolina:

University of South Carolina – Columbia, SC
Charleston Southern University – Charleston, SC

Accelerated, Direct & Master’s Entry (MENP/MEPN) to Nursing Practice

While it may take you the better half of a decade to get your MSN degree with no bachelor’s degree at all, even if you have a bachelor’s degree with a non-nursing major, it will still allow you to graduate on a faster timeline. Accelerated MSN, direct-entry, and master’s entry MSN (MENP/MEPN) are all terms that generally refer to these types of programs. Here are a few you can find in South Carolina:

University of South Carolina – Columbia, SC
Clemson University – Clemson, SC

General Admissions Requirements

Your specific admissions requirements will depend on which nurse practitioner program you choose. However, the following are typically found in most nurse practitioner programs:

BSN from an accredited school
Transcripts from all colleges attended
Minimum grade point average (often 3.0 or above, but varies by school/program)
Active, unencumbered RN license
Essay or statement of purpose outlining career goals
Letters of recommendation (academic or professional)
Resume or CV

South Carolina NP License and Certification Requirements

Nurses looking to become certified and licensed in South Carolina will need to provide supporting documents, including verification of their RN licensure, transcripts from their NP program, and evidence of clinical experience. The application process also entails completing the official application and submitting the necessary fee, which typically amounts to approximately $130. Detailed instructions on the NP licensure process in South Carolina can be found through the state’s licensing board.

Nurse practitioners in South Carolina are also required to obtain certification in their chosen specialty. This certification can be achieved through recognized credentialing bodies like the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). To be eligible for certification, most applicants must hold an active RN license and have successfully completed a graduate-level nursing program in the appropriate specialty. Certification exams assess a candidate's knowledge and readiness to practice in their specialty.

While South Carolina does not grant full practice authority to nurse practitioners, NPs can practice with physician oversight. This collaborative model allows NPs to diagnose, treat, and prescribe medications, although certain tasks may require physician involvement. For more details on the scope of practice, NPs in South Carolina can consult the South Carolina Nurses Association (SCNA), which offers valuable resources, advocacy, and support to nurse practitioners throughout the state.