South Carolina Nursing Colleges, Degrees & Licenses
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“One piece of advice I would give prospective nursing students is to know their why. Why do they want to become nurses?”
April Rowe, BSN, Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse, Prisma Health
The nursing profession is currently confronted with a number of challenges. Primary challenges to the American nursing workforce include a fluid operational landscape, continued technological innovation and change, the lingering impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, and an aging population whose changing healthcare needs will necessitate changes in how healthcare is conceptualized, developed and delivered. To successfully meet the demands of the moment the nursing profession must be open to change.
South Carolina is especially beset with challenges to its nursing workforce. According to a 2017 report by the National Center for Health Workforce Analysis, South Carolina is among a handful of states projected to have a severe RN workforce shortage by the year 2030. Some estimates suggest the nursing workforce shortage will exceed more than 10,000 nurses by 2030.
Challenges to the South Carolina nursing workforce predated the Covid-19 pandemic. Two major, interrelated factors are at play in many states, including South Carolina. These are an insufficient number of new people entering the profession and a lack of sufficient training opportunities for new nurses. Both factors threaten the size of the future nursing workforce. With more nurses retiring or leaving the profession than entering, the workforce can only shrink in size.
South Carolina is also experiencing a demographic transition, which is happening throughout much of the nation. An aging population will require a shift in how healthcare is imagined and delivered. Because mobility often becomes a greater challenge for the elderly, future healthcare delivery may need to be more decentralized. The geographic distribution of nurses holding particular skills may also need to shift according to where those skills are most needed.
Read on to discover South Carolina’s top undergraduate and graduate nursing programs, salary expectations, and licensing requirements for nursing careers in this state.
Meet the Expert: April Rowe, BSN
April Rowe is a versatile health writer, editor, and journalist based in Greenville, South Carolina. With a robust background in nursing and a passion for effective communication, Rowe has carved out a niche as a health content expert. Her extensive experience includes roles as a magazine editor, proofreader, ghostwriter, and tech reviewer. She specializes in crafting compelling CEU content, newsletters, and various health-related articles aimed at professionals and the general public.
Since May 2022, Rowe has contributed her unique insights and expertise to RNtoPen, which focuses on delivering high-quality, accurate health content. Additionally, Rowe serves part-time as a neonatal intensive care nurse at Prisma Health, a role she has held since December 2022. Her hands-on experience in the NICU, working with critically ill newborns, informs her writing and enhances her ability to convey complex medical concepts with clarity and empathy.
Rowe’s dual roles as a NICU nurse and a health writer allow her to blend clinical expertise with exceptional writing skills, making her an invaluable resource in the health and medical fields. Her dedication to fostering a deeper understanding of healthcare topics is evident in her meticulous and informative content, which aims to educate and empower her audience.
NursingColleges.com: What is something people don’t know about being a registered nurse (RN) or an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN)?
Rowe: One thing that people do not know about being a registered nurse is there is a heavy weight on our shoulders. Each day, when we go to work, people’s lives are in our hands. The type of nursing you do will determine the level of this weight. Nurses must stay focused and cannot become complacent or we can miss very specific details that can seriously affect the outcomes of patients. Nurses play a vital role in healthcare and the well-being of our communities.
NursingCollege.com: What is one piece of advice you would give to a prospective nursing student?
Rowe: One piece of advice I would give prospective nursing students is to know their why. Why do they want to become nurses? Being a nurse is not just about getting a paycheck. Nurses must be kind, caring, and empathetic. We work with people who may be experiencing some of the worst times in their lives, and we must be there for them unconditionally. A career that encompasses caring for others is a true honor.
Accredited Undergraduate Nursing Programs in South Carolina
The University of South Carolina College of Nursing is nationally recognized for the quality of its nursing education programs. The university offers students two undergraduate nursing programs: a traditional bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree program and an RN-to-BSN program.
The traditional BSN program is a four-year program composed of two years of lower-division coursework consisting of a number of subjects, including biology, chemistry, psychology, and English, and two years of upper-division nursing courses. Highly motivated, skilled students may also apply to the Smart Start Program. Admission to this program provides students automatic admission into the university’s Upper Division and access to nursing honors classes as soon as their first year of studies. Additional features include a state-of-the-art simulation center and opportunities to study abroad at all levels of the nursing program.
The RN to BSN program is a cutting-edge online program designed to meet the needs of currently working RNs. It features a comprehensive and interdisciplinary curriculum. Students also complete a capstone practicum before graduating. Graduates are well-prepared for leadership and managerial roles in various healthcare settings. This program may be completed in as little as twelve months.
- Location: Columbia, SC
- Duration: One or four years, depending on program selection
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Anderson University (AU), ranked by both U.S. News & World Report and The Princeton Review as a top regional university in the South, offers a 123-credit traditional bachelor of science degree program in nursing. Anderson University is recognized as one of the fastest-growing private universities in the country. Its educational mission is grounded in its attention to its four pillars: great academics, great faith, great hospitality, and great purpose.
Nursing students learn the skills to work in various nursing specializations, including pediatric, surgical, adult, and geriatric care. Graduates are prepared to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to become registered nurses. The BSN curriculum is focused on developing Christ-centered, highly qualified nursing professionals skilled in providing holistic nursing care. This program is thus especially suited for students who draw inspiration for their nursing career from their Christian faith.
AU is also recognized as having one of the most robust international study programs in the Southeast. Prospective nursing students interested in international learning opportunities should contact the Center for Global Engagement to learn more. The Center for Global Engagement offers short-term programs, mission trips, faculty-led experimental-learning programs, and longer programs of one semester duration in many other nations.
- Location: Anderson, SC
- Duration: Four years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Lander University is a well-respected university that offers high-demand and market-driven programs to talented, motivated students in South Carolina and elsewhere. Lander’s degree programs are offered within a liberal arts environment designed to create highly qualified and easily marketable graduates. Lander University programs are designed to foster creativity, scholarship, critical and independent thinking, respect for diversity and inclusivity, and a commitment to community engagement and responsible citizenship.
The Lander University bachelor’s degree program in nursing features a curriculum built on a strong liberal arts foundation. Students learn about the scientific and theoretical foundations for nursing and the technology and practices commonly used for modern, 21st-century practice. The program is noteworthy for its emphasis on teaching practitioners to teach patients the value of preventative health care. Such a caregiving model is noteworthy as much of American healthcare is often more focused on symptom management than cultivating healthy lifestyles that may act as effective preventative medicine. The curriculum is based on an innovative, holistic approach to health care known as the Neuman Systems Model.
- Location: Greenwood, SC
- Duration: Four years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Francis Marion University offers students two professional nursing education pathways. Students can complete a traditional, pre-licensure BSN program or an online RN-to-BSN program.
The traditional program is a four-year degree composed of two years of prerequisite courses (59 credits) followed by 61 credits of nursing courses in the final two years of study. The first two years of coursework consist of general education courses and nursing prerequisite coursework. Students also complete 500 clinical hours of hands-on experience during their four semesters of nursing study. After graduation, students are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam.
The RN-to-BSN program is designed for practicing RNs with an associate’s degree or diploma in nursing. Nurse students develop new knowledge and thereby expand their future career prospects and gain access to advanced degree programs. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, evidence-based practice, and leadership skills development. After completing any general education coursework requirements, full-time students can complete the required 30 semester hours in just eleven months.
- Location: Florence, SC
- Duration: One or four years, depending on program choice
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Coastal Carolina University offers several pathways for undergraduate nursing students. Options include a traditional four-year BSN program, a pre-licensure partnership program, and an RN-to-BSN completion program.
The traditional bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program is a full-time, pre-licensure program for students without a nursing degree. Students gain clinical experience in placements throughout coastal South Carolina. Students first enter the university as pre-nursing students. Once they complete core coursework and nursing prerequisites, they become eligible for entry into upper-level BSN nursing coursework. Upon graduation, students can take the NCLEX-RN exam and become licensed to practice.
The prelicensure partnership program, also known as the 1+2+1 program, is a collaborative degree program between Coastal Carolina University (CCU) and Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC). Students attend pre-nursing classes at CCU during their freshman year. During the next two years, students take classes at HGTC to earn an associate of applied science (AAS) degree. After completing their AAS and passing the RN licensing exam, students return to CCU for their final year of studies to complete the coursework necessary to attain their BSN.
The RN-BSN completion program is a hybrid program tailored to RNs seeking to advance their education and career prospects. Students study subjects such as health assessment, community health nursing, health policy, nurse research, and leadership. In addition to traditional coursework, students also complete self-directed learning to gain skills in nursing practice and leadership.
- Location: Conway, SC
- Duration: Up to four years
- Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
Accredited Graduate Nursing Programs in South Carolina
Charleston Southern University
Charleston Southern University offers a flexible master of science in nursing degree program designed for students who also have separate lives as working professionals. Students choose one of two tracks. These tracks are nursing leadership and healthcare administration, and nursing education. Both programs are offered online and feature a combination of nursing education and Christian beliefs and practices designed to ultimately create caring, effective professionals.
The MSN in nursing leadership and healthcare administration track is a faith-based graduate nursing program that prepares nurses to serve in leadership and administrative roles. The curriculum includes instruction in diverse leadership and organizational theories and advanced problem-solving skills critical to successfully addressing issues in modern healthcare. Particular subject areas include models of leadership, strategic planning, program development and management, financial management, and evidence-based healthcare delivery.
The MSN in nursing education prepares nurses to serve in faculty/nurse educator roles within academia, hospital, clinic and other settings. The program uses a cohort model and offers ten five-week classes within a 12-month period. The curriculum trains students to develop and evaluate the curriculum and to successfully implement effective teaching strategies that recognize and respect the various dimensions of the nursing profession.
- Location: Charleston, SC
- Duration: Sixteen months for full-time students
- Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
The University of South Carolina (USC) offers many options for nursing professionals seeking an advanced degree. The seven master’s degree programs USC offers are entry to practice nursing, adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioner, family nurse practitioner, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, healthcare leadership, nursing education, and nursing informatics. This entry profiles details for three of these programs. Prospective students should consult the school website to do deeper research.
The master’s entry to practice nursing (MEPN) prepares students already holding a non-nurse bachelor’s degree to enter the nursing profession. This 68-credit program consists of in-person courses, clinical experiences, and online courses and can be completed over five consecutive semesters.
The adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioner (AGACNP) program trains students to provide direct patient care and management in acute and complex care settings for adults and elderly patients. Graduates are trained in patient assessment, clinical decision-making, treatment planning, and varied procedures. This 46-credit program requires eight semesters to complete.
The psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner program prepares students to provide psychiatric mental health services to patients across the lifespan. Students enjoy the flexibility of online courses, complete hands-on clinical experience under the supervision of a preceptor, and may also gain experience in providing telehealth services to rural residents. This program is also eight semesters long and features 47 credits and a 672 direct clinical hour requirement.
- Location: Columbia, SC
- Duration: Two to four years, depending on the program and pace of study
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Clemson University is a land-grant, state-supported institution of higher education. The University’s School of Nursing is nationally recognized for the quality of its baccalaureate, master’s and doctoral nursing programs. The mission of the Clemson University School of Nursing emphasizes teaching, research, and service to the people of South Carolina, the entire nation, and the world at large. Graduates are healthcare professionals highly skilled in research, outreach, and evidence-based nursing practice.
The master of science with a major in nursing program offers a choice of three study concentrations. These are family nurse practitioner (FNP), adult/gerontological nurse practitioner (A/GNP), and nursing educator. The FNP concentration focuses on primary care of individuals and families. Students complete clinical experiences for each age group and later complete a final practicum.
Graduates are eligible for national certification as family nurse practitioners. The A/GNP concentration focuses on primary care for adults and older adults. Intensive training in gerontology prepared graduates to successfully address the diverse and often complex needs of both healthy and frail elderly patients. Finally, the nursing educator concentration prepares nurses to work as educators in academic, continuing education and staff development environments. Coursework trains students in curriculum development, current issues and research in teaching and learning.
- Location: Greenville, SC
- Duration: Varies depending on the program and pace of study
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Upstate University of South Carolina
The Upstate University of South Carolina Mary Black College of Nursing offers an online master’s degree in nursing program with three concentration options: nursing education, nursing leadership, and clinical nurse leader.
Graduates of the nursing education concentration may serve as educators of current and future nurses. They may teach in academic, clinical, and staff development settings. This program includes a 375 clinical hour practicum requirement. The nursing leadership concentration prepares graduates to assume leadership roles in academic and practice settings and features a 187 clinical hour practicum requirement. The clinical nurse leader concentration trains people to become advanced generalists skilled in providing complex direct patient care and oversight of care coordination.
Graduates of this concentration are eligible for CNL certification through the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). This program includes a 500 clinical hour practicum requirement.
- Location: Spartanburg, SC
- Duration: Two years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Nursing School Accreditation
Academic nursing programs are typically accredited by one of two accrediting organizations. These are the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Accreditation is a process that benefits the academic institutions and programs receiving accreditation as well as the students who attend these programs. It provides formal recognition that an academic program meets necessary educational, professional and other standards to be considered a trustworthy provider of quality training in a certain discipline. Accreditation provides prospective and enrolled students peace of mind. By knowing an academic degree program is accredited, students can be confident their decision to pursue a degree will be a secure and worthwhile investment of their time and money.
In South Carolina, nursing professionals both seek and renew their licenses through the South Carolina Board of Nursing. The South Carolina Board of Nursing licenses both LPNs and RNs. Some states are considered Nurse Licensure Compact states. In such states, the state permits nurses to practice in multiple states using a single license that may not necessarily have been obtained in the state where they seek to practice. An advantage of this licensure portability model is that it reduces nurses’ time navigating bureaucracy before being permitted to practice in a state they have just moved to. South Carolina is a nurse licensure compact state.
South Carolina offers two paths for licensure. Those already licensed in another state can secure South Carolina licensure via something called licensure by endorsement. Newly trained nurses who have never been licensed anywhere can seek licensure by examination. In this pathway, eligible professionals take and pass the NCLEX-RN exam. Upon completing all education, examination and other requirements, a nurse becomes licensed to practice in South Carolina. Because licensing requirements often differ at least somewhat by state, prospective nursing students and existing nursing professionals should thoroughly research their best available options.
Continuing education is typically required to maintain a current nursing license. If a nurse decides to move out of state or pursue work in a different specialization, the nurse may need to fulfill additional education or other requirements.
How Much Do Nurses Make in South Carolina?
These numbers represent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics from May 2023—the latest data available as of August 2024.
Licensed Practical Nurse Salaries
| United States | South Carolina | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 630,250 | 8,970 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $60,790 | $56,430 |
| 10th percentile | $45,670 | $45,740 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $59,730 | $56,710 |
| 90th percentile | $77,870 | $67,380 |
Registered Nurse Salaries
| United States | South Carolina | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 3,175,390 | 48,790 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $94,480 | $81,390 |
| 10th percentile | $63,720 | $60,780 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $86,070 | $78,380 |
| 90th percentile | $132,680 | $98,980 |
Nurse Anesthetist Salaries
| United States | South Carolina | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 47,810 | 290 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $214,200 | $233,920 |
| 10th percentile | $139,980 | $87,330 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $212,650 | $209,870 |
| 90th percentile | >$239,200 | >$239,200 |
Nurse Midwife Salaries
| United States | South Carolina | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 6,960 | 70 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $131,570 | $95,940 |
| 10th percentile | $87,320 | $31,740 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $129,650 | $103,060 |
| 90th percentile | $177,530 | $124,290 |
Nurse Practitioner Salaries
| United States | South Carolina | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 280,140 | 5,470 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $128,490 | $116,940 |
| 10th percentile | $94,530 | $95,660 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $126,260 | $112,510 |
| 90th percentile | $168,030 | $140,160 |
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Licensure in South Carolina
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
|
In South Carolina LPN applicants must have the following requirements:
|
LPNs in South Carolina need to renew their licenses every two years. To renew, candidates must meet one of the following competency requirements:
Candidates must submit a renewal application and pay the $75 fee. |
Registered Nurse (RN) Licensure in South Carolina
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina Board of Nursing | South Carolina as an RN applicants must have the following requirements:
|
South Carolina requires that their RNs renew their licenses every two years. To renew, candidates must meet one of the following competency requirements:
Candidates must submit a renewal application and pay the $75 fee. |
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Licensure in South Carolina
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
|
In South Carolina, a CNS must meet the following requirements to be eligible for a license:
|
South Carolina CNS licenses are renewed every even year. All licenses must be renewed by April 30th every even year. CNSs without prescriptive authority simply need to maintain their national certification. CNSs with prescriptive authority are required to maintain their national certification and complete 20 hours of pharmacotherapeutics with two of those hours in controlled substances. Renewals cost $105 without prescriptive authority and $145 with. |
Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) Licensure in South Carolina
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| In South Carolina, a CNM must meet the following requirements to be eligible for a license:
|
South Carolina CNM licenses are renewed every even year. All licenses must be renewed by April 30th every even year. It is the responsibility of the licensee to renew their license. Nurses must review the competency requirements for renewal based on their specialty. |
Nurse Practitioner (NP) Licensure in South Carolina
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
|
In South Carolina, an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) must meet the following requirements to be eligible for a license:
|
South Carolina APRN licenses are renewed every even year. All licenses must be renewed by April 30th every even year. It is the responsibility of the licensee to renew their license. APRNs without prescriptive authority simply need to maintain their national certification. APRNs with prescriptive authority are required to maintain their national certification and complete 20 hours of pharmacotherapeutics, with two of those hours in controlled substances. Renewals cost $105 without prescriptive authority and $145 with. |
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CNRA) Licensure in South Carolina
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| In South Carolina, a CRNA must meet the following requirements to be eligible for a license:
CRNAs are not required to obtain prescriptive authority to administer anesthesia |
South Carolina CRNA licenses are renewed every even year. All licenses must be renewed by April 30th every even year. It is the responsibility of the licensee to renew their license. Nurses must review the competency requirements for renewal based on their specialty. APRNs without prescriptive authority simply need to maintain their national certification. CRNAs with prescriptive authority are required to maintain their national certification and complete 20 hours of pharmacotherapeutics, with two of those hours in controlled substances. Renewals cost $105 without prescriptive authority and $145 with. |
Bernd Geels
WriterBernd Geels is a Berlin, Germany-based freelance writer and artist. He holds an undergraduate degree in atmospheric science and two graduate degrees. He completed his most recent graduate degree in international environmental studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies in 2011. He is interested in healthcare, climate change, marine conservation, indigenous science and refugee issues. You can reach him directly at [email protected].
Rachel Drummond, MEd
WriterAt NursingColleges.com, Rachel Drummond has applied her extensive experience in education and mindfulness to elucidate the importance of self-care for nursing students since 2022. Through her writings, she underscores the role of mental and physical well-being in fostering resilient and compassionate healthcare professionals.
Rachel is a writer, educator, and coach from Oregon. She has a master’s degree in education (MEd) and has over 15 years of experience teaching English, public speaking, and mindfulness to international audiences in the United States, Japan, and Spain. She writes about the mind-body benefits of contemplative movement practices like yoga on her blog, inviting people to prioritize their unique version of well-being and empowering everyone to live healthier and more balanced lives.