Nursing Programs in Columbia, SC

Last Updated On Feb 19, 2026

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

3 Min Read

2026 Best Nursing Schools in Columbia

Choosing the right nursing program is crucial for future success, and rankings provide valuable guidance by highlighting top-performing schools. Registerednursing.org is creating rankings of the Best Nursing Schools in Columbia, focusing exclusively on NCLEX pass rates as the sole criteria. These rates indicate how well programs prepare graduates for licensure exams. For details on how we compile these rankings, visit https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/.

Yearly Pass Rate Trends

NCLEX pass rates in Columbia have shown improvement from 2022 to 2024. The data reveals a steady increase in performance over this period.

2022: Average pass rate of 82.86% with 105 students
2023: Average pass rate of 93.62% with 94 students
2024: Average pass rate of 92.86% with 110 students

Yearly Nursing Graduates

The number of nursing graduates in Columbia has fluctuated slightly but remained relatively stable from 2022 to 2024.

2022: 105 graduates
2023: 94 graduates
2024: 110 graduates

Top Performing Schools

Based on average pass rates across multiple years, Midlands Technical College stands out as a top performer in Columbia.

Midlands Technical College: Average pass rate of 89.69% with 309 students over 3 years

Geographic Trends

West Columbia shows strong performance in nursing education based on available data.

West Columbia: Average pass rate of 92.86% with 110 students

Biggest Improvements

Midlands Technical College demonstrated significant improvement in pass rates from 2022 to 2024.

Midlands Technical College: Improved from 82.86% to 92.86% (10% increase) between 2022 and 2024

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 requires ACT or SAT scores for admission and prepares students for RN licensure. This CCNE-accredited campus program emphasizes holistic care with a Biblical worldview, integrating spiritual growth into clinical training. The 129-credit curriculum develops culturally competent, ethical nurses skilled in systems leadership and continuous care improvement. Graduates are eligible for diverse settings from hospitals to international missions. The program achieved a 100% NCLEX pass rate in 2022 with 4 students, demonstrating strong preparation for licensure exams.

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.

University of South Carolina

Columbia, SC - Public 4-Year - sc.edu

Bachelor's - Nursing, B.S.N.

Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of South Carolina-Columbia's BSN program emphasizes leadership and research while preparing students for diverse healthcare environments. This campus-based program requires ACT or SAT scores for admission and integrates clinical experiences with classroom instruction in a state-of-the-art simulation lab. The program demonstrates exceptional outcomes with NCLEX pass rates consistently above 98% in recent years, including perfect 100% rates for some cohorts. Recognized with two National League of Nursing Center of Excellence designations, the program also ranks in the top 1% nationally for NCLEX performance and No. 28 in NIH funding, supported by $20 million in grants.

Top 1% NCLEX pass rate.
Two NLN Center of Excellence designations.
$20 million in grant funding.
State-of-the-art simulation lab.
Combines clinical and classroom learning.
Focus on leadership and research.
Prepares for diverse healthcare settings.
Innovative teaching techniques.
Committed to community health.

Midlands Technical College

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

Associate - Registered Nurse (ADN)

Campus Based - Visit Website

Midlands Technical College's campus-based Associate Degree in Nursing program prepares students for RN licensure with a comprehensive curriculum that blends biological sciences, psychology, and pharmacology with hands-on clinical training. The program requires prerequisite courses with minimum 'C' grades and includes simulated labs and supervisory training. As an ACEN-accredited program approved by the South Carolina Board of Nursing, graduates are eligible for the NCLEX-RN exam. Recent NCLEX pass rates show strong performance, with 92.86% of 110 students passing in 2024, following 93.62% in 2023. No entrance exam is required for this ADN program, making it accessible while maintaining rigorous standards for patient care and health promotion education.

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

Fortis College-Columbia

Columbia, SC - Private 2-year - fortis.edu

Associate - Associate Degree in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Fortis College-Columbia offers an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program that prepares students for entry-level registered nursing roles. This campus-based program combines academic coursework with clinical training, preparing graduates to take the NCLEX-RN exam. The program features a hybrid format with both on-campus and online components, providing flexibility for students. LPNs/LVNs can advance their careers through this program with potential credit for prior education. For the ADN program, ACT or SAT entrance exams are typically required. NCLEX pass rates have shown strong performance: 85.42% in 2022, 91.48% in 2023, and 93.55% in 2024, indicating effective preparation for nursing licensure.

Hybrid program format.
Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
LPN/LVN career advancement.
Financial aid available.
Combines academic and clinical training.
Flexible online and on-campus courses.
Addresses diverse healthcare needs.
Lifelong learning focus.
Credit for prior education possible.
Entry-level RN preparation.

*Data source: NCES Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System, 2024.

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.

List of RN to BSN/MSN Programs

If you're a registered nurse looking to advance your career, RN to BSN and MSN programs can help you grow. These programs build on your experience and open doors to new opportunities. The table below lists schools with these programs, showing their locations, key features, and links to learn more. You can explore options by city and state, see what makes each program stand out, and visit school pages for details. Check it out to find a path that fits your goals and schedule.