2026 Best Nursing Schools in Columbia

#1

Columbia College

Columbia, MO - Private 4-year - ccis.edu

Associate - Associate in Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Columbia College in Missouri offers an Associate in Science in Nursing program designed for aspiring nurses. This campus-based program prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam through comprehensive coursework, state-of-the-art simulation labs, and clinical experiences. Ideal for those starting their nursing journey or LPNs seeking advancement, the curriculum covers anatomy, physiology, and specialties like mental health and women's health. With a focus on practical skills and theoretical knowledge, graduates are ready for diverse healthcare settings. Admissions require a completed application packet by specified deadlines, with prerequisites in sciences. The program boasts high retention and NCLEX-RN pass rates, ensuring a solid foundation for a rewarding nursing career.

  • Campus-based program
  • Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
  • State-of-the-art simulation labs
  • Clinical experiences included
  • Covers anatomy and physiology
  • Specialties in mental health
  • High retention rate
  • High NCLEX-RN pass rates
  • Open to LPNs and beginners
  • Comprehensive coursework

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Columbia College's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program prepares students for a rewarding career in nursing, offering a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Located in Columbia, MO, this campus-based program covers essential areas like medical surgical nursing, pharmacology, and mental health nursing. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam to become registered nurses. The program emphasizes critical thinking, patient safety, and quality care, setting a solid foundation for leadership roles or further academic study. With a focus on hands-on learning, students develop the skills needed for diverse healthcare settings. Admissions require meeting specific criteria, and financial aid options are available to eligible students.

  • Campus-based program
  • Eligible for NCLEX-RN exam
  • Covers medical surgical nursing
  • Includes pharmacology studies
  • Focus on mental health nursing
  • Develops critical thinking skills
  • Emphasizes patient safety
  • Prepares for leadership roles
  • Foundation for advanced study
  • Hands-on learning approach
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#2

Columbia International University

Columbia, SC - Private 4-year - ciu.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Columbia International University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program blends clinical training with spiritual growth, preparing students for a career that serves both physical and spiritual needs. Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, this campus-based program requires 129 credit hours. Students learn to integrate theory into holistic care, deliver culturally competent services, and exhibit ethical, professional behaviors. The curriculum covers systems leadership, continuous care improvement, and ethical decision-making. Graduates are eligible to sit for RN licensure, ready to work in diverse settings from hospitals to international missions. The program emphasizes a Biblical worldview, ensuring graduates are not just skilled nurses but compassionate caregivers.

  • Accredited by CCNE.
  • 129 credit hours required.
  • Campus-based program.
  • Focus on holistic care.
  • Prepares for RN licensure.
  • Biblical worldview integration.
  • Diverse career opportunities.
  • Emphasis on ethical decision-making.
  • Culturally competent care training.
  • Spiritual and professional growth.
#3

Lindsey Wilson College

Columbia, KY - Private 4-year - lindsey.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Lindsey Wilson College in Kentucky offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program designed for aspiring nurses. This campus-based program prepares students for professional nursing practice with a focus on quality education. Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, it boasts high NCLEX pass rates, including 100% in 2019 and 2020. The program emphasizes baccalaureate-generalist nursing practice, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the field. Tuition is $1,146 per hour for the 2024-25 academic year. Prospective students should check the Kentucky Board of Nursing's requirements, as certain convictions may affect NCLEX-RN exam eligibility.

  • Campus-based program
  • High NCLEX pass rates
  • Accredited by CCNE
  • $1,146 per hour tuition
  • Prepares for professional practice
  • Kentucky Board of Nursing approved
  • Focus on baccalaureate-generalist nursing
  • Check eligibility for NCLEX-RN
#4

Midlands Technical College

West Columbia, SC - Public 2-Year - midlandstech.edu

Associate - Registered Nurse (ADN)

Campus Based - Visit Website

Midlands Technical College in South Carolina offers an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program designed to prepare students for the Registered Nurse (RN) role. This program combines biological and social sciences with practical nursing skills, focusing on patient care, health promotion, and leadership in nursing. Students gain hands-on experience through classroom instruction, simulated labs, and clinical settings. The curriculum requires completion of prerequisite courses with a minimum grade of 'C' and includes topics like pharmacology, anatomy, and psychology. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam. The program is accredited by the ACEN and approved by the South Carolina Board of Nursing, ensuring a quality education that meets industry standards.

  • Campus-based program
  • Eligible for NCLEX-RN exam
  • ACEN accredited
  • South Carolina Board of Nursing approved
  • Hands-on clinical experiences
  • Prerequisite courses required
  • Minimum 'C' grade required
  • Focus on patient care
  • Health promotion emphasis
  • Leadership in nursing
#5

Stephens College

Columbia, MO - Private 4-year - stephens.edu

Bachelor's - Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Stephens College in Missouri offers a distinguished Nursing program with a 100% NCLEX-RN pass rate and employment rate. Students benefit from early clinical experience at Boone Hospital Center, a Magnet Hospital, ensuring hands-on learning. The program provides flexible 3- and 4-year paths, with tuition fees significantly lower than competitors. Accredited by CCNE and the Missouri Board of Nursing, it emphasizes small cohort sizes for personalized support. The curriculum covers a broad spectrum of health needs, preparing graduates for diverse healthcare settings.

  • 100% NCLEX-RN pass rate.
  • 100% employment rate.
  • Early clinical experience.
  • Flexible 3- and 4-year options.
  • Lower tuition than competitors.
  • Small cohort sizes.
  • Accredited by CCNE.
  • Missouri Board of Nursing approved.
  • Hands-on learning in Magnet Hospital.
  • Broad health spectrum coverage.
*Data obtained from: IPEDS 2024 survey (NCES).

Entry-Level ADN & BSN Programs in Columbia, SC

Starting a career in a new field can be an overwhelming prospect, with a number of entry-level training programs to choose from. All of these program types are designed to prepare students to take the NCLEX licensing exam and secure their first jobs as RNs, but the curriculum, completion time and cost varies. Options for entry-level training programs in the Columbia area include LPN to RN programs, Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs.

LPN to RN Programs

LPN to RN programs are accelerated training programs meant to help licensed practical nurses become certified as registered nurses. This is a popular career path for practical nurses who want to take their careers to the next level and earn either an ADN or BSN and take the NCLEX. Because these programs build upon previous practical nursing coursework, they are often quicker to complete than a traditional ADN or BSN program. Midlands Technical College offers an LPN to ADN pathway for nurses who wish to move up the ladder.

ADN Programs

ADN programs are offered at many community colleges and technical schools and take around two years of full-time study to complete. Midlands Technical College offers an ADN program that includes classroom instruction, practice in simulated laboratories and practice hours to various clinical settings.

Direct-Entry BSN Programs

BSN programs are typically offered at four-year colleges and universities and, like other types of bachelor’s degrees, take around four years to complete. According to a study by the University of South Carolina, the state of South Carolina is graduating more bachelor’s in nursing students than associate’s degree students, which is in line with the Institute of Medicine’s recommendations that more nurses have a bachelor’s degree education or higher. BSN programs are generally more expensive than associate’s degree programs and include a more in-depth nursing curriculum that prepares students for a wider range of nursing careers.

Find out more about South Carolina Accelerated BSN Programs.

RN to BSN/MSN Programs in Columbia, SC

For RNs who received their ADN, going back to school to earn a higher degree can be a pathway to higher pay, more responsibilities and a wider range of job opportunities. Experienced RNs may consider RN to BSN or RN to MSN bridge programs that build on previous ADN coursework and professional experience to deliver a higher degree on an accelerated time frame.

RN to BSN Programs

There are a variety of schools from across the country that offer online RN to BSN programs that help nurses earn their bachelor’s degree via online courses and clinical practice hours in a local setting. In the Columbia area, the University of South Carolina offers a fully online RN to BSN program that is completed in 12 months of study.

Find out more about South Carolina RN to BSN Programs.

RN to MSN Programs

Less common than RN to BSN programs, some schools offer RN to MSN bridge programs that take an ADN-educated nurse from the associate’s degree level to the master’s degree level, preparing nurses for a variety of advanced practice nursing careers.

Find out more about South Carolina RN to MSN Programs.

Jump to City:

Columbia, SC

Columbia College

  • RN to BSN - Nursing, RN to BSN, B.S.N.

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online RN to BSN degree
    • 30 total credit hours
    • Accredited by CCNE
    • Requires unencumbered RN license
    • Leadership skill development
    • Professional nursing focus
    • Advanced practice preparation
    • 10 upper-level nursing courses

Columbia International University

  • RN to BSN - RN to BSN

    Online Learning - Website

    • 100% Online Program
    • Transfer up to 81 credits
    • For working RNs
    • Christian perspective nursing
    • Leadership skill development

University of South Carolina

  • RN to BSN - RN to BSN

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online 12-month program
    • Tailored for working RNs
    • Leadership skill development
    • University resources access
    • Addresses nursing shortage
  • RN to MSN - RN to MSN Program

    Concentration: Nursing Education - Online Learning - Website

    • Online program flexibility.
    • Specialization in Nursing Education.
    • Full-time or part-time options.
    • Prepares for CNE exam.
    • Requires RN license and experience.
    • Minimum 3.0 GPA for admission.
    • Includes practicum experiences.
    • Focus on curriculum development.
  • RN to MSN - RN to MSN

    Concentration: Nursing Informatics - Online Learning - Website

    • Online RN to MSN program.
    • Concentration in Nursing Informatics.
    • 36 credit hours required.
    • Full-time or part-time options.
    • 3.0 GPA admission requirement.
    • RN license required.
    • Two years RN experience needed.
    • Prepares for national certification.
*IPEDS 2024 survey data, provided by NCES, U.S. Department of Education.

APRN & Nurse Practitioner Programs in Columbia, SC

Advanced practice nursing programs are designed for nurses with their bachelor’s degrees who want to leadership positions and advanced certifications. In the Columbia area, options for advanced practice degrees include traditional MSN programs, graduate certificate programs, and doctorate programs.

MSN Programs

Traditional MSN programs provide advanced practice training and certification for nurses who have completed their BSN. MSN programs usually train nurses for particular career pathways, a specific nurse practitioner role for example, and prepare them for the relevant certification exam. The University of South Carolina offers its MSN programs in an online format to better accommodate working students and offers specializations in nursing administration and three nurse practitioner roles.

Find out more about South Carolina Nurse Practitioner Programs.

Post-Master's Certificate Programs

Post-graduate certificate programs allow nurses with their master’s degree to learn a new specialty and become certified without having to repeat their previous masters level coursework. The University of South Carolina offers graduate certificates in all of its MSN-level specialties, which take between four and six semesters of study to complete.

Find out more about South Carolina Post-Master's Certificate Programs.

DNP & Ph.D. Programs

Doctoral-level study of nursing includes the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree and the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree. The University of South Carolina offers both degree types – a DNP program that prepares students for advanced clinical and leadership roles and a Ph.D. program that prepares students for research careers.

Find out more about South Carolina DNP Programs.

Jump to City:

Columbia, SC

University of South Carolina

  • BSN to MSN - Adult Gerontology-Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online MSN program
    • Acute care nurse practitioner focus
    • Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
    • 1+ year nursing experience required
    • National certification exam eligible
  • BSN to MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online program format
    • Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
    • One year nursing experience required
    • Summer and Fall entry
    • BLS certification needed
    • Professional recommendation required
    • Primary care across lifespan focus
    • State-specific authorization
  • BSN to MSN - MSN in Nursing Informatics

    Online Learning - Website

    • 36 credit hours total
    • Online distance format
    • Full or part-time options
    • No GRE required
    • National certification preparation
    • Flexible workplace practicum
    • Minimum 3.0 GPA required
    • 225 total clinical hours
  • BSN to MSN - Nursing Education

    Online Learning - Website

    • Ranked #3 Online Graduate Nursing Program
    • 39 credit hours, 5 semesters
    • Fully online course delivery
    • 500 total clinical hours
    • No GRE required for admission
    • 3.0 minimum GPA
    • Fall and spring entry options
    • National certification preparation
  • BSN to MSN - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

    Online Learning - Website

    • B.S.N. entry pathway
    • 48-51 total credit hours
    • National certification preparation
    • Diverse practice settings
    • Advanced clinical practicums
    • 3.0 GPA requirement
    • Evidence-based curriculum
    • Psychopharmacology focus
  • Graduate Certificate - Adult Gerontology-Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Certificate

    Online Learning - Website

    • Post-master's certificate program
    • Prepares for national certification
    • Multiple acute care specialties
    • Minimum 18 credit hours
    • Requires 3.0 GPA
    • Practicum included
    • Advanced clinical preparation
  • Graduate Certificate - Certificate of Graduate Study, Healthcare Leadership

    Online Learning - Website

    • Multiple nursing specialization tracks
    • 18-32 credit hour programs
    • Flexible online learning
    • Clinical experience included
    • Prepares for certification exams
    • No GRE required
    • Minimum 3.0 GPA preferred
    • 2400 hours nursing experience
  • Graduate Certificate - Certificate of Graduate Study, Nursing Informatics

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online flexible learning format
    • Multiple nursing specialization tracks
    • 18-32 credit hour programs
    • 3-6 semester completion time
    • No GRE required
    • Preferred 3.0 GPA
    • Minimum 2400 nursing hours required
    • National certification preparation
  • Graduate Certificate - Family Nurse Practitioner, Certificate

    Online Learning - Website

    • Post-master's certificate program
    • Primary care across lifespan
    • 18-32 credit hours
    • 3.0 GPA requirement
    • National certification preparation
    • Advanced practice nursing focus
    • Flexible admission routes
    • Interprofessional healthcare training
  • Graduate Certificate - Nursing Education

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online Post-Master's Certificate Program
    • Minimum 3.0 GPA Required
    • Currently Unencumbered RN License
    • 3 Professional References Needed
    • National League of Nursing CNE Exam Eligibility
    • Focused on Healthcare Education Skills
    • Designed for Experienced MSN Graduates
  • Graduate Certificate - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Certificate

    Online Learning - Website

    • Post-master's certificate program
    • 18-32 total credit hours
    • Advanced practice nursing focus
    • National certification preparation
    • Multiple practice settings available
    • Minimum 3.0 GPA requirement
    • Holistic mental health approach
    • Diverse clinical practicum experiences
  • MSN to DNP - Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

    Online Learning - Website

    • Nationally ranked online program
    • Advanced practice clinical preparation
    • Innovative Clinical Simulation Center
    • Evidence-based project collaboration
    • Prepares for national certification
  • MSN to DNP - Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

    Concentration: Adult Gerontology Acute Care - Online Learning - Website

    • Nationally ranked online program
    • Clinical Simulation Center training
    • Evidence-based research focus
    • National certification preparation
    • Advanced clinical practice training
  • MSN to DNP - Clinical Expert: Nursing Practice

    Online Learning - Website

    • Nationally ranked online program
    • Innovative Clinical Simulation Center
    • One of first four DNP programs nationally
    • Flexible online curriculum
    • Evidence-based practice focus
  • MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice

    Online Learning - Website

    • Multiple DNP concentration options
    • Online didactic coursework
    • Full-time and part-time plans
    • Minimum 1000-1112 clinical hours
    • Advanced leadership focus
    • Post-master's and BSN pathways
    • Evidence-based curriculum
    • Healthcare technology integration
  • MSN to DNP - Executive Healthcare Leadership

    Concentration: Nursing Practice - Online Learning - Website

    • Online Doctor of Nursing Practice
    • Two entry point options
    • 36-60 credit hours
    • Leadership focused curriculum
    • Advanced healthcare technology integration
    • Evidence-based practice emphasis
    • Interprofessional team preparation
    • National certification eligibility
  • MSN to DNP - Executive Healthcare Leadership: Nursing Practice

    Concentration: Executive Healthcare Leadership - Online Learning - Website

    • Online graduate program ranked #1
    • Innovative Clinical Simulation Center
    • First nationally recognized D.N.P. program
    • Leadership skills development
    • Multiple career pathway options
  • MSN to DNP - Family Nursing Practitioner: Nursing Practice, D.N.P.

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Nationally ranked nursing program
    • First four D.N.P. programs nationwide
    • Clinical Simulation Center training
    • Online and on-campus learning
    • Evidence-based practice focus
  • MSN to DNP - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

    Online Learning - Website

    • Nationally ranked online program
    • Top-tier faculty mentorship
    • Evidence-based curriculum
    • Prepares for national certification
    • Interprofessional collaboration focus
*Source: https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/ (IPEDS 2024).