Nursing Programs in Columbia, SC

Last Updated On Jul 26, 2026

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

3 Min Read

2027 Best Nursing Schools in Columbia

Rankings play a crucial role in helping prospective nursing students compare programs and make informed decisions. In this guide, we highlight the Best Nursing Schools in Columbia, with rankings created by Registerednursing.org using NCLEX pass rates as the sole criterion. Explore our methodology at https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/.

Yearly Pass Rate Trends

The overall pass rate trend shows a strong upward movement, with a notable peak in 2023.

2022: 82.86% average pass rate (105 students)
2023: 93.62% average pass rate (94 students)
2024: 92.86% average pass rate (110 students)

Yearly Nursing Graduates

The number of nursing graduates fluctuated slightly, with the highest output in 2024.

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

Top Performing Schools

Midlands Technical College stands out as the top-performing institution based on three years of data.

Midlands Technical College: 89.69% average pass rate (309 students over 3 years)

Pass Rate by Program Size

Large nursing programs in the area demonstrate strong pass rates, with the available data indicating a 92.86% average.

Large (>100 students/year): 92.86% average pass rate (110 students)

Biggest Improvements

Midlands Technical College showed the most significant improvement, gaining 10 percentage points over the study period.

Midlands Technical College: 10-point improvement (from 82.86% to 92.86%)

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 blends rigorous clinical training with a Christ-centered worldview, preparing students for compassionate, ethical practice. This CCNE-accredited, campus-based program requires 129 credit hours and includes coursework in vulnerable populations, leadership, and community health, with a unique pathway for international missions nursing. Faculty provide hands-on mentorship in holistic care, equipping graduates for careers in hospitals, clinics, and global health settings. Graduates are eligible for RN licensure, and the program's 2022 NCLEX pass rate was 100% (4 students). The military-friendly program also integrates spiritual formation to develop nurse leaders who serve both locally and abroad.

CCNE accredited
129 total credit hours
Eligible for RN licensure
Faith-integrated nursing curriculum
Campus-based program
Diverse career opportunities
Experienced faculty mentors
Next start: August 24
Integrate theory and holistic care
International missions nursing pathway

University of South Carolina

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

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

Campus Based - Visit Website

The B.S.N. program at the University of South Carolina-Columbia College of Nursing equips future nurses with clinical excellence and leadership skills. The curriculum begins with pre-nursing prerequisites in English, history, mathematics, and sciences, alongside introductory nursing concepts, then advances to clinical rotations and high-fidelity simulation experiences. The college holds two National League of Nursing Center of Excellence designations and a top-1% NCLEX pass rate, with 2022-2024 annual rates consistently above 98% (2024: 98.83%). Students benefit from a research-intensive culture backed by $20 million in grant funding and NIH research ranking No. 28 nationally. Graduates emerge ready for RN licensure and careers in hospitals, clinics, and community settings. The program does not explicitly require ACT/SAT for admission; applicants should verify current testing expectations.

Prepares for NCLEX
Top 1% NCLEX pass rate
Two NLN Center of Excellence designations
$20 million in grant funding
Research funding ranks No. 28 nationally
State-of-the-art patient simulation lab

Midlands Technical College

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

Associate - Registered Nurse (ADN)

Campus Based - Visit Website

The campus-based Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program at Midlands Technical College in West Columbia, SC, integrates biological/social sciences, nursing theory, and clinical practice to prepare students for RN licensure. Core studies include patient assessment, pharmacology, medical-surgical, mental health, and family health nursing. With a state-of-the-art simulation lab and clinical affiliations, the ACEN-accredited, state-approved curriculum spans 68 credit hours over five semesters (28 months), offering Fall, Spring, and Summer starts and an LPN-to-ADN pathway. Admission requires prerequisite courses and a 2.0 GPA. Recent NCLEX-RN pass rates reached 93.6% in 2023 and 92.9% in 2024, with a 97% job placement rate. Total tuition is $14,008.

ACEN, South Carolina Board of Nursing accredited
$14,008 total program tuition
28-Month program
Complete in 5 semesters (28 months)
68 total credit hours
3 start dates per year
Starts fall/spring/summer
96% licensure pass rate
97% job placement rate
2.0 GPA minimum

Fortis College-Columbia

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

Associate - Associate Degree in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Fortis College-Columbia's Associate Degree in Nursing program blends classroom theory with hands-on clinical training, preparing students to care for patients across hospitals and clinics. The curriculum covers assessment, patient education, critical thinking, medical-surgical nursing, pharmacology, and mental health. NCLEX pass rates for recent cohorts were 85.42% (2022), 91.48% (2023), and 93.55% (2024). The hybrid format combines on-campus labs with online coursework, offering flexibility while retaining face-to-face support. Licensed practical nurses can fast-track via an LPN-to-RN pathway. A partnership with Denver College of Nursing creates online RN-to-BSN and MSN progression options. Career services assist with job placement, and financial aid is available for eligible students.

Prepares for NCLEX-RN
Financial aid available
LPN/LVN entry path available
Hybrid on-campus and online courses
Career services for graduates
RN to BSN pathway through DCN

*U.S. Department of Education institutional data (IPEDS 2025).

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

Choosing the next step in your nursing education can be a big decision. We've put together a handy list of RN to BSN and RN to MSN programs across the country. Each entry includes the school's city and state, program highlights, and a direct link to the program page. Whether you're looking to advance your nursing career or specialize further, this table makes it easy to compare options and find the right fit for your goals.