Nursing Programs in Charleston, SC
Rated as one of the nation's best places to live and retire by U.S. News & World Report, Charleston, South Carolina offers a delightful blend of historic sites and escape-worthy beaches. With its stroll-through, quaint city neighborhoods, registered nurses can earn a comfortable living of approximately $69,000 per year, which goes far in this small yet bustling Southern city. With a sizable and growing population of active seniors, the demand for RNs is only likely to increase in the years to come.
To get started in nursing or to advance your nursing career, check out our accredited program listings sections below:

2026 Best Nursing Schools in Charleston
BridgeValley Community & Technical College
South Charleston, WV - Public 2-Year - bridgevalley.edu
Associate - Nursing AAS
Campus Based - Visit Website
BridgeValley Community & Technical College in West Virginia offers an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing, preparing graduates for the NCLEX-RN exam. This two-year program blends general education with professional courses, equipping students for diverse healthcare settings. Options include traditional, accelerated, and advanced placement tracks. Admission requires a 3.0 GPA, English proficiency, and a TEAS VII score of 60%. Clinical partnerships enhance learning and job prospects. Accredited by ACEN and the West Virginia Board of Examiners, the program supports future nursing professionals with a solid educational foundation.
- Two-year program
- NCLEX-RN preparation
- Multiple program options
- 3.0 GPA requirement
- TEAS VII score 60%
- Clinical partnerships
- ACEN accredited
- West Virginia Board approved
- Hands-on experience
- Diverse healthcare settings
Charleston Southern University
Charleston, SC - Private 4-year - charlestonsouthern.edu
Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Charleston Southern University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing prepares students for dynamic healthcare careers through comprehensive academic training. The program offers two distinct pathways: a traditional four-year BSN and an accelerated 18-month option for those with prior college credits. Students gain hands-on experience using human patient simulators and conducting clinical rotations in top regional hospitals. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam and pursue diverse nursing roles, from clinical practice to leadership positions. The curriculum integrates Christian values with professional nursing education, ensuring holistic professional development.
- ACEN Accredited Nursing Program
- Traditional and Accelerated BSN Options
- Christian Values Integration
- Competitive NCLEX Pass Rates
- Clinical Experience in Hospitals
- Human Patient Simulator Labs
- Multiple Career Path Options
- Comprehensive Clinical Training
Bachelor's - Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Charleston Southern University's Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program is designed for individuals with previous college credit or a bachelor's degree in another field. This 18-month hybrid program combines online coursework with on-campus labs and clinical rotations in Charleston area hospitals. It prepares students to meet diverse healthcare needs. Admission requires a 3.0 GPA in prerequisite courses, completion of specific math and science courses within the last 5-10 years, and two letters of recommendation. The program starts in Summer II, offering a fast track to a nursing career with a comprehensive curriculum covering health assessment, pharmacology, and community health nursing.
- 18-month program duration
- Hybrid online and on-campus
- Starts Summer II only
- 3.0 GPA prerequisite requirement
- 58-60 credit hours prerequisite
- Two letters of recommendation
- Lab sessions on weekday evenings
- Clinical rotations on weekends
- Comprehensive nursing curriculum
- Focus on diverse healthcare needs
Citadel Military College of South Carolina
Charleston, SC - Public 4-Year - citadel.edu
Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Citadel Military College of South Carolina offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program designed for cadets aiming to excel in the nursing field. With a focus on leadership and caregiving, the program requires a 3.0 GPA and B grades in math and science courses. It includes foundational courses in nursing fundamentals, health assessment, and pharmacology, progressing to advanced care for special populations. Unique research opportunities allow students to engage in evidence-based projects. Veteran students receive additional admission consideration. The program prepares students for a rewarding career in nursing through a rigorous curriculum and hands-on experience.
- 3.0 GPA requirement.
- B grades in math/science.
- 24 cadets accepted yearly.
- Introduction to Nursing course.
- Focus on leadership skills.
- Sophomore year fundamentals.
- Junior year acute care.
- Senior year special populations.
- Research opportunities available.
- Veteran admission consideration.
Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The Citadel Military College of South Carolina offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) through its Swain Department of Nursing, designed for aspiring nursing leaders. This hybrid program caters to adult students with evening coursework and clinical experiences, accommodating work and family commitments. Admission requires a 3.0 GPA and a 'B' or better in math and science courses. The program spans five semesters, focusing on quality education for quality care. Application deadlines are October 1 for early decision and March 1 for final decision.
- Evening coursework for flexibility.
- Hybrid program type.
- Five-semester completion.
- 3.0 GPA requirement.
- 'B' or better in math/science.
- October 1 early decision deadline.
- March 1 final decision deadline.
- Designed for adult students.
- Quality education focus.
- Evening clinical experiences.
Eastern Illinois University
Charleston, IL - Public 4-Year - eiu.edu
Bachelor's - B.S. in Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
Eastern Illinois University's B.S. in Nursing program is designed for those passionate about entering the nursing field. It offers a blend of rigorous academics and hands-on clinical experiences in a supportive, student-centered environment. The program boasts a concept-based curriculum, emphasizing critical thinking and practical skills. With experienced faculty and state-of-the-art simulation labs, students gain real-world experience. The program prepares graduates for a fast-growing field, with a high employment rate post-graduation. Admission requires meeting specific academic criteria, and the program is campus-based, offering a traditional university experience alongside professional training.
- Concept-based curriculum
- State-of-the-art simulation labs
- Experienced faculty
- High employment rate post-graduation
- Campus-based program
- Hands-on clinical experiences
- Supportive learning environment
- Prepares for fast-growing field
- Traditional university experience
- Professional training
Trident Technical College
Charleston, SC - Public 2-Year - tridenttech.edu
Associate - Associate in Applied Science in Nursing (ADN)
Campus Based - Visit Website
Trident Technical College in Charleston, SC, offers an Associate in Applied Science in Nursing (ADN) program, designed to prepare students for the NCLEX-RN exam and a career as a Registered Nurse. This 65-credit hour program spans a minimum of two years, with options for both generic and LPN-to-ADN pathways. The curriculum blends general education with specialized nursing courses, covering anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and pharmacology. Admission requires a minimum GPA of 2.0, with specific prerequisites for science courses completed within the last five years. The program emphasizes hands-on learning in clinical settings, ensuring graduates are ready to deliver patient-centered care. Financial aid and scholarships may be available to eligible students.
- 65 Credit Hours
- Minimum two years completion
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
- Generic and LPN-to-ADN options
- Accredited by ACEN
- Hands-on clinical experience
- Anatomy and Physiology courses
- Microbiology included
- Pharmacology for Nurses
- Patient-centered care focus
Entry-Level ADN & BSN Programs in Charleston, SC
Become a nurse by taking the pathway that is best for you and your individual situation. Whether you want to start out as an LPN or begin your career with an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, Charleston, South Carolina has colleges and universities that offer a range of education programs to meet your needs.
LPN to RN Programs
Looking out for the health and well being of patients is what Licensed Practical Nurses do every day when they care for patients. LPNs can take on higher-level job duties and bring home a more lucrative salary, however, by becoming Registered Nurses. Trident Technical College in Charleston, South Carolina offers an LPN to RN bridge track that enables working LPNs to leverage their education and field experience to earn their associate’s degree. College credits are most likely to transfer if they have been earned within the past five years.
ADN Programs
Unlike many professional fields that require a bachelor’s degree for entry-level positions, you can enter the nursing profession as a licensed Registered Nurse with only an associate’s degree. Medical Careers Institute’s (MCI) offers a quick-moving Associate of Science in Nursing at its Charleston, SC campus. The nursing curriculum covers Anatomy and Physiology, Acute Care, Medical/Surgical Nursing and more so students are ready to care for patients in a clinical setting.
Direct-Entry BSN Programs
Members of the armed forces and military veterans bring a unique perspective to the field of nursing and healthcare. The Citadel, a top-ranked and highly competitive military college of South Carolina, offers its students a superior nursing curriculum for its Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. The intensive, critical-thinking, science-based program recognizes nursing as both a call to serve and a duty; students are expected to uphold the Citadel’s values of honor, duty, and respect in all aspects of their educational experience.
Find out more about South Carolina Accelerated BSN Programs.
RN to BSN Programs in Charleston, SC
Registered Nurses can better market themselves to potential employers when have a BSN attached to their name. The fast-moving RN to BSN bridge programs allow working nurses to leverage their current skills to advance their degree in around a year and a half. Most such programs are offered wholly or partially online for added convenience.
RN to BSN Programs
Put your resume to the top of the application pile when you earn your Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. The RN to BSN bridge program, offered completely online at the University of South Carolina, lets students finish their degree while continuing to do their jobs as nurses. The didactic-heavy curriculum has minimal fluff and is all about core nursing competencies. A final practicum can be completed in the field at a location near the student’s home.
Find out more about South Carolina RN to BSN Programs.
APRN & Nurse Practitioner Programs in Charleston, SC
By becoming patients’ primary care providers, Nurse Practitioners in Charleston, SC can see them grow and develop year after year through physicals and wellness exams. By earning your Master of Science in Nursing, Post-Master's Certificate or Doctorate degree, often part-time and in online formats, you can have a greater impact on the lives of your patients across their entire lifecycle.
MSN Programs
Advanced practice nurses in Charleston, SC continue to take on higher-level patient care roles, including prescribing authority with minimal physician oversight. To achieve status as an advanced practice professional in the field, nurses must earn their MSN. Charleston Southern University, a Christian school, offers a rigorous, one class at a time format so students can hone-in on one core competency at a time. Hands-on clinicals are required as part of the program.
Find out more about South Carolina Nurse Practitioner Programs.
Post-Master's Certificate Programs
Inspire the younger generation to enter the profession you’ve served for years by becoming a Nursing Educator via a Post-Master's Certificate Program. The current nursing shortage is being addressed by nursing colleges in Charleston. But to fully meet the demand, they need dedicated nursing instructors to teach and encourage students. Charleston Southern University’s online nursing education cert readies veteran nurses to leverage their clinical expertise for the classroom.
Find out more about South Carolina Post-Master's Certificate Programs.
DNP Programs
Bring your patient-care focused nursing experience to a leadership or administration role by pursuing your Doctor of Nursing Practice. The Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston offers a modern DNP program that incorporates leadership coursework as well as clinical intensives. Students also gain an understanding of healthcare policy development and design that they can apply in a real-world setting. The mostly-online degree offering, which does require some on-campus participation, can typically be completed in two years.
Find out more about South Carolina DNP Programs.
Charleston, SC
Medical University of South Carolina
- Graduate Certificate - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Post-Graduate Certificate
Online Learning - Website
- Fastest-growing non-physician specialty
- 45% projected job growth
- Holistic mental health approach
- Interprofessional learning environment
- Specialized psychotherapy training
- Optional psychodynamic psychotherapy certificate
- Multiple patient population options
- Certification exam preparation
- MSN to DNP - Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
Concentration: Primary Care - Online Learning - Website
- Online DNP program
- Primary care specialist track
- Broad patient age range
- Multiple clinical practice settings
- Expert faculty leadership
- MSN to DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner, DNP
Online Learning - Website
- Online Post-BSN DNP program
- Lifespan healthcare education
- Interprofessional learning environment
- Clinical hours in primary care
- Specialized procedural training
- Flexible employment opportunities
- Optional nurse educator courses
- MSN to DNP - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP
Online Learning - Website
- Comprehensive pediatric primary care training
- Pre-natal to 21 years focus
- National certification eligibility
- Online DNP program
- Expert faculty mentorship
- MSN to DNP - Post-BSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice
Online Learning - Website
- #22 National DNP Ranking
- 100% Online Asynchronous
- Four Clinical Specializations
- No GRE Required
- 4-Year Flexible Study Plan
- Mental Health Curriculum
- Nationally Recognized Faculty
- Welcome New Graduates
- MSN to DNP - Post-BSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website
- 45% projected job growth
- Specialized psychiatric training
- Interprofessional learning environment
- Optional psychotherapy certificate
- Diverse clinical placement opportunities
- MSN to DNP - Post-MSN to DNP
Online Learning - Website
- Fully online program format
- Terminal nursing practice doctorate
- For current advanced practice nurses
- No GRE scores required
- Preferred 3.0 GPA
- National certification required
- Active APRN license needed
- Practice improvement project
- MSN to DNP - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, DNP
Online Learning - Website
- Online Post-BSN DNP Track
- 45% Job Growth Projection
- Multiple Clinical Specialization Options
- Interprofessional Learning Environment
- National Certification Eligibility
- Diverse Clinical Placement Opportunities
- Optional Psychotherapy Certificate
