South Carolina has a growing, complex healthcare system that is in need of highly trained nurses. The demand for skilled registered nurses in the state is poised to keep growing in the coming years. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the average salary of a registered nurse in South Carolina at nearly $69,580 annually, making it a wise career choice for those looking for an opportunity in the healthcare sector.

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Cities in South Carolina

Best RN Programs in South Carolina

Selecting the best nursing school in South Carolina can be difficult. To make the process easier first look for a school that supports students towards licensure and beyond. A great way to measure this is through NCLEX-RN "pass rates." We have ranked the top 10 nursing schools in South Carolina by analyzing current and historical NCLEX-RN "pass rates", meaning the percentage of graduates who pass the exam, out of the 31 RN programs in the state. Programs reviewed include schools that offer an Associate in Nursing (ADN/ASN), BSN, or Direct-Entry MSN Degree.

For more information on our top nursing school rankings, see our Methodology Page (https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/).

1.

Williams-Brice Building, 1601 Greene St, Columbia, SC 02920

Score: 99.29

The University of South Carolina offers undergraduate and graduate nursing programs of excellence to shape the future of nursing’s workforce. U of SC's undergraduate program produces the largest number of BSN graduates in the state, has excellent NCLEX pass rates, and high employability.

Program Details

  • Programs: BSN
  • Phone: (803) 777-7412
2.

452 S Anderson Rd, Rock Hill, SC 29730

Score: 98.33

Not just meeting the needs of the health care system, but surpassing them is the basis of the ADN program offered at York Technical College. York Tech is dedicated to providing excellence in education, which translates to excellence in graduates.

Program Details

  • Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to ADN
  • Phone: (803) 327-8000
3.

320 Stanley Ave, Greenwood, SC 29649

Score: 98.16

Greenwood’s Lander University offers a pre-licensure BSN program that is CCNE-accredited. The curriculum builds upon a liberal arts foundation, providing an innovative and holistic approach to nursing education. Hospital and community medical experiences are weaved in as well.

Program Details

  • Programs: BSN
  • Phone: (864) 388-8000
4.

99 Jonathan Lucas St, Charleston, SC 29425

Score: 95.51

The Medical University of South Carolina, located in Charleston, offers an accelerated BSN program that can be completed in just 16 months (four consecutive semesters). Students enrolled in this popular program are taught the knowledge and skills necessary for successful real-world nursing, with particular emphasis on leadership, care coordination and communication.

Program Details

  • Programs: BSN
  • Phone: (843) 792-8515
5.

School of Nursing, 508 Edwards, Clemson, SC 29634

Score: 95.50

The Clemson University BSN program strives to prepare a generation of compassionate nurses through its CCNE-accredited curriculum. Enrolled students take courses in biology, psychology, chemistry, writing, and more to get a well-rounded education, and juniors and seniors get to enjoy hands-on learning in clinical settings.

Program Details

  • Programs: BSN
  • Phone: (864) 656-3311
6.

506 S Pleasantburg Dr, Greenville, SC 29607

Score: 94.38

Greenville Technical College boasts one of the largest ADN programs in the state. Nursing graduates from Greenville Tech are welcome additions to the health care industry, as employers have expressed their confidence in the skillset brought to the table by the graduates.

Program Details

  • Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to ADN
  • Phone: (864) 250-8000
7.

471 University Pkwy, Aiken, SC 29801

Score: 94.20

The University of South Carolina - Aiken offers a traditional BSN program for students who want to make a difference in the nursing world. Over 124 total credit hours, enrolled students learn nursing essentials such as Health Assessment, Pathophysiology, Adult Health, and much more.

Program Details

  • Programs: BSN
  • Phone: (803) 648-6851
8.

2276 Jefferson Davis Hwy, Graniteville, SC 29829

Score: 94.19

The best clinical settings, a variety of practical scenarios, and rigorous theoretical teachings are all the makings of a stellar nursing program. Aiken Technical College offers all of that and more through its nursing school offerings, including an Associate in Applied Science degree pathway.

Program Details

  • Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to ADN
  • Phone: (803) 593-9231
9.

316 Boulevard, Anderson, SC 29621

Score: 93.65

Anderson University educates ambitious nursing students with a renowned Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) degree pathway. This program can be completed in just 15 months, and includes courses in Community Health, Leadership, and much more.

Program Details

  • Programs: BSN
  • Phone: (864) 231-2000
10.

601 MLK Jr. Avenue, Kingstree, SC 29556

Score: 93.64

Located in Kingstree, Williamsburg Technical College offers an ADN program for aspiring RNs. This 68 credit-hour program is designed to be completed in 5 semesters, and blends classroom lecture, simulation labs, and hands-on clinical experience to create well-rounded nurses.

Program Details

  • Programs: Associate in Nursing
  • Phone: (843) 355-4110

ADN Programs in South Carolina

If you are looking to enter the nursing profession, earning an Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) is a quick and cost-effective way to do so. The ADN program takes only 2 years to complete, making it a great choice for those wanting to begin working quickly. They are also commonly offered at junior colleges as well as technical colleges, making them accessible to a wide array of students from all around the state.

With over 15 schools offering ADN programs in South Carolina, becoming an RN in the state is easily within grasp.

What to Look For in an ADN Program in South Carolina

There are a few important things to remember when comparing different ADN programs. Keep the following in mind:

Accreditation

Choosing an accredited ADN program is of great importance. It is advised to check for national accreditations, including ones from major players like the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and/or the American Association of Colleges of Nursing's Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). In addition to this, you'll want to make sure that your preferred program is recognized at the local level by the South Carolina Board of Nursing.

Licensing

To gain your RN license from the South Carolina Board of Nursing, you'll need to take the National Council Licensure Examination for licensure as a Registered Nurse (NCLEX). Do some research on prospective ADN programs to ensure that the curriculum will fully prepare you to take this test. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2,357 people took the NCLEX exam for the first time in the state in 2015, and 89.3% received licenses.

Program Outcomes

The following are just a few of the program outcome statistics that you'll want to check for, as these are a good indication of a successful program:

  • Graduation rate
  • Licensure exam pass rate
  • Graduate satisfaction
  • Employment rate

The ADN program at Greenville Technical College in Greenville, SC, is just one example of a properly accredited program in the state.

ADN Program Admission Requirements in South Carolina

Admission requirements can vary from school to school. Here are a few examples of common ADN program requirements:

  • GPA of 2.75 on all required general education and support courses
  • Proof of CPR certification for Health Care Providers prior to and throughout the curriculum
  • Criminal background check prior to acceptance
  • Minimum required scores from TEAS exam

Tuition and Costs of ADN Programs in South Carolina

Knowing what to expect when it comes to cost is a major part of deciding on an ADN program. You'll have the main expense of tuition, which may or may not include additional items such as textbooks, uniforms, lab fees, and more. Be sure to account for additional costs such as these when comparing programs, and always double-check with your school to see what's included with tuition.

To give you an idea about what to expect, ADN program tuition at Midlands Technical College, which has campuses throughout the state, is $12,784 plus applicable fees and equipment costs.

Advantages of ADN Programs

ADN programs have gained in popularity due to the relatively short length of duration, coupled with the accessibility and lower cost of the program (compared to traditional 4-year degrees). If you are wanting to start working as a nurse soon, and/or have budget constraints, an ADN is a great route to get you where you want to be.

LPN to RN Programs in South Carolina

For Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) looking to advance their careers, LPN to RN bridge programs are a popular choice. These programs allow LPNs to become RNs by building on the education and skills they already hold. Prospective students can choose between an LPN to ADN or an LPN to BSN program.

LPN to ADN/BSN Programs

For entry-level registered nursing roles, an LPN to ADN program is a great option. This is the shortest route for an LPN to become an RN; students can typically complete these programs in just a few semesters. For example, Central Carolina Technical College in Sumter offers an LPN to ADN program that requires 66 semester hours and features Fall and Summer admissions. For those interested in a higher nursing degree, LPN to BSN programs are ideal, since they culminate in the most common RN degree (the Bachelor of Science in Nursing). While no South Carolina schools offer an in-person LPN to BSN program, national online options are available. Admissions requirements for LPN to RN programs may include:

  • High school diploma or GED
  • Graduation from an accredited LPN program
  • Current, active LPN license
  • Minimum GPA of 2.5

BSN Programs in South Carolina

If you're looking for a traditional college experience, a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a 4-year program that offers plenty of opportunities. As a more advanced degree, the BSN will give you the option to hold a much wider array of nursing jobs in addition to providing increased salary potential.

South Carolina has over 10 schools that offer BSN programs.

What To Look For in a BSN Program in South Carolina

Choosing which school to earn your BSN from is one of the most important decisions you will ever have to make. To ensure that you are picking wisely, it's a good idea to research and compare different programs in your area. Look at things like cost, program outcomes, accreditation, and location to help you make your decision. Some schools offer online courses. Some offer accelerated programs to help you finish even faster. And if you are already an RN, some schools even offer a specialized RN to BSN program.

Clemson University, located in Clemson, SC, is a great example of a school in the state that offers a fully accredited BSN program.

BSN Program Length in South Carolina

Completing a BSN program will generally take you 4 years. This can be shorter if you decide on an accelerated program, or if you are doing an RN to BSN, which takes closer to 2 years depending on what courses you need to take. Be sure to inquire with your school of choice to see what kind of program options are available to you, and how long each of them will take.

BSN Program Admission Requirements in South Carolina

The following is a sampling of items that tend to be required for admission into a BSN program. It's advised to inquire directly with your prospective school to see what their particular requirements are.

  • 3.0 cumulative GPA, with a grade of C or better for pre-requisite courses
  • Score a combined verbal and quantitative SAT score of at least 1000 or better, or an ACT score of 22 or better
  • Submit the ATI test score

Tuition and Costs of BSN Programs in South Carolina

There are many factors to take into consideration when comparing the costs and fees of BSN programs in the state. Remember that in addition to tuition, you will have to pay for extras such as textbooks and lab fees, and these additional expenses may or may not be included in your school's tuition rates.

As an example, the cost for a BSN at the University of South Carolina Upstate, located in Spartanburg, SC, is $5,604 per semester for in-state students, in addition to a matriculation fee, technology fee, health fee, security fee, and a nursing course fee.

Advantages of BSN Programs

BSN programs are perfect for the nursing student who is looking to attend a 4-year bachelor's degree in return for increased job opportunities and pay upon graduation. It is also a great choice for RNs who want to advance their careers for those same reasons.

MSN Programs in South Carolina

With just a bit more schooling, you can earn a Master's of Science in Nursing degree (MSN). This is essential if you want to become a Clinical Nurse Specialist, Certified Nurse Midwife, or Nurse Practitioner, among other specialties. This graduate-level program will also lead to increased earnings.

There are a handful of programs at South Carolina schools that offer an MSN.

MSN Program Length in South Carolina

Generally speaking, an MSN will take 2-3 years to complete, depending on a number of factors. Many schools offer flexible schedules, which may include night courses or online courses, to cater to busy working registered nurses who have time constraints. Ask your prospective school about what type of schedules they offer for their MSN program so you can get a full picture of the time commitment.

MSN Admission Requirements in South Carolina

Some typical admission requirements for MSN programs in the state include:

  • Minimum 3.0 GPA from all previous institutions attended for an undergrad degree
  • Three letters of reference
  • A personal goal statement
  • Current unencumbered RN license in the state of residence

Tuition and Costs of MSN Programs in South Carolina

You will want to educate yourself on MSN costs so that you can choose your program wisely. Remember to factor in additional costs and fees as well as tuition.

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Getting a South Carolina Nursing License

South Carolina regulations for licensure have the following criteria to be met or submitted when applying.

Application for licensure by examination should also include paid fees and supporting documentation such as:

  • Copy of birth certificate or passport
  • Passport type photo 2" x 2" - signed and dated
  • Copy of Social Security Card
  • Verification of Education from the Dean or Director of Nursing Program
  • Registration for NCLEX exam- eventual successful completion
  • Criminal Background Check

Licensure by endorsement should include a completed application, fees, include the information above, as well as these documents:

  • Copy of Nursing License
  • Proof of continued Competency
  • Proof of residency - driver's license, voter's registration card, or state-issued ID
  • Verification of Licensure from originating state - paper request or NURSYS

Learn more about SC RN license information at the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation.

Accelerated Nursing Programs in South Carolina

A full-time commitment of 12 to 18 months can move your career on an upward trajectory. Colleges in South Carolina are offering accelerated degrees in nursing that can help put your career on a fast track to advancements. Although these programs require your full focus, which means no outside work while completing them, they offer degrees in short periods of time. When looking at an accelerated program look into the required courses you might have to complete before program entrance will be granted. Tuition fluctuations coincide with the number of credits we might have to obtain prior to commencing the degree program.

Continued List of All RN Programs in South Carolina

Here is a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs.

RankedSchoolProgramScoreWebsite
11.
Greenville, SC 29614 | Phone: (864) 242-5100
Programs: BSN
92.84
12.
North Charleston, SC 29406 | Phone: (843) 574-6111
Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to ADN
92.08
13.
Florence, SC 29506 | Phone: (843) 661-1362
Programs: BSN
91.07
14.
Spartanburg, SC 29305 | Phone: (864) 592-4600
Programs: Associate in Nursing
91.05
15.
Sumter, SC 29150 | Phone: (803) 778-1961
Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to ADN
89.90
16.
Pendleton, SC 29670 | Phone: (864) 646-1338
Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to ADN
89.46
17.
North Charleston, SC 29406 | Phone: (843) 863-7000
Programs: BSN, Accelerated BSN
88.45
18.
Charleston, SC 29420 | Phone: (843) 606-5902
Programs: Associate in Nursing
88.05
19.
Columbia, SC 29210 | Phone: (803) 678-4800
Programs: Associate in Nursing
87.77
20.
Greenville, SC 29615 | Phone: (864) 438-5018
Programs: Associate in Nursing
87.70
21.
Orangeburg, SC 29118 | Phone: (803) 536-0311
Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to ADN
86.70
22.
Spartanburg, SC 29303 | Phone: (864) 503-5440
Programs: BSN
86.17
23.
Newberry, SC 29108 | Phone: (800) 845-4955
Programs: BSN
85.66
24.
Florence, SC 29501 | Phone: (843) 661-8140
Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to ADN
84.95
25.
Conway, SC 29526 | Phone: (843) 347-3186
Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to ADN
84.45
26.
Columbia, SC 29205 | Phone: (803) 738-8324
Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to ADN
83.79
27.
Greenwood, SC 29646 | Phone: (800) 868-5528
Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to ADN
83.53
28.
Beaufort, SC 29902 | Phone: (843) 525-8211
Programs: Associate in Nursing
82.54
29.
Beaufort, SC 29902 | Phone: (843) 521-4100
Programs: BSN
80.63
30.
Charleston, SC 29409 | Phone: (843) 225-3294
Programs: BSN
67.78
31.
Cheraw, SC 29520 | Phone: (843) 921-6900
Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to ADN
64.24

Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.

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