7 Best Online Nursing Programs in South Carolina

The state of South Carolina offers an array of online nursing programs for aspiring students.

Throughout the programs, students are given the chance to experience a wide range of courses and clinical experiences that expand their current knowledge and skill sets.

In addition to the coursework, students are offered the chance to interact with expert faculty members who are committed to providing quality education.

This article contains the seven best South Carolina online nursing degrees and the steps necessary for becoming a certified registered nurse in the state.

Best Online Nursing Programs in South Carolina

Continue reading to learn about these South Carolina online nursing degree programs that are available through online learning, including online RN to BSN programs.

1. Clemson University

Clemson University's online RN to BSN program offers registered nurses the opportunity to earn their bachelor's degree. The program is offered fully online and students are able to complete the programs in just 12 months.

Throughout the program, students take courses in:

• professionalism
• community and family nursing
• health care genetics
• leadership and management
• research

2. Anderson University

Anderson University's RN to BSN program provides nurses the opportunity to earn their bachelor's degree in a faster and less expensive way. The program consists of ten nursing courses as well as a nursing-related senior project.

The 28-credit program is given in a self-paced format that encourages its students to complete at their own convenience.

If the courses are taken consistently, the program can be completed in 15 months. If taken intermittently, the program must be completed within 36 months from the start of nursing courses.

3. University of South Carolina Aiken

University of South Carolina - Aiken is a CCNE-accredited RN to BSN program that prepares its students for a variety of roles.

Potential roles include:

• clinical research nurse
• nursing director
• charge nurse
• public health nurse
• quality assurance coordinator
• case management nurse

The online program consists of nine nursing courses that total 31 credit hours and can be completed in as few as 12 months. Toward the end of the program, students are required to participate in 40 clinical hours.

4. University of South Carolina UPSTATE

The RN to BSN track offered by the University of South Carolina UPSTATE is another great opportunity for actively licensed nurses to expand their skill sets and careers. The program teaches its students the necessary knowledge and skills to practice in a variety of healthcare settings.

The highlights of the program are:

• classes begin five times throughout the year
• RN to BSN track can be completed in one year
• full-time or part-time options available
• curriculum is led by expert faculty members
• CCNE and SACS accredited
• online students are charged in-state tuition

The program can be completed in one calendar year.

5. Newberry College

Newberry College also offers an online RN to BSN degree advancement program that is designed for working RNs to earn their bachelor's degrees. The courses are offered over 7.5-week terms with five sub-terms for the year.

The program consists of 32 semester hours of credit for required nursing and elective courses. The program is designed to be completed in three semesters or in six semesters.

6. Charleston Southern University

The online accelerated nursing program offered by Charleston Southern University is given in two different tracks for registered nurses to pursue a master's degree. One track is directed towards nursing leadership and healthcare administration while another is geared towards nursing education.

Each program combines nursing knowledge with hands-on learning projects to allow students to gain first-hand experience. The time frame to complete the program can vary, but typically, the program can be completed in 16 months.

7. University of South Carolina

The University of South Carolina offers a variety of online nursing degree programs.

The degree programs offered by the university are:

• RN to BSN
• Master of Science in Nursing
• Doctor of Nursing Practice

Each of these programs is given in an online format that allows students to learn at their own pace and schedule.

Along with the virtual classroom experience, the students participate in online meetings, group projects, and online discussions.

Other Online Nursing Degree Programs Available to Residents in South Carolina

Here is a list of online nursing programs that South Carolina residents can enroll in. These out-of-state programs include some of the easiest RN to BSN programs online. There are also both traditionally paced and self-paced RN to BSN programs.

Purdue Global

Purdue Global offers an online RN to BSN degree program that is offered in two different ways: excel track and standard.

The ExcelTrack consists of a personalized curriculum where the program allows some students to use their professional work experience to gain credit for courses through assessments. The program can be completed in as few as 12 months.

The standard track allows students to follow the curriculum that is set by the institution. This program can be completed in as few as 18 months.

Liberty University

Liberty University's online RN to BSN program is dedicated to providing a flexible and affordable education to its students. Both full-time and part-time students are eligible to complete the program in just 12 months.

The university allows its students to transfer in at least 39 hours toward the degree program.

Throughout the program, students learn:

• the skills and competencies needed to excel in nursing
• critical thinking and management skills
• the foundational nursing skills needed to advance their careers
• organizational theory practices that are needed for management roles

Regent University

Regent's RN to BSN program prepares its students for a variety of different careers, such as:

• nursing
• occupational therapy
• physical therapy
• health education
• health administration

The four main learning pillars of the program are:

• assess patient pathologies
• apply modern techniques for health assessments and treatment methods
• manage health information systems and data management for safer patient well-being
• meet new industry requirements, increase earning potential and enjoy career-advancement opportunities

Types of Nursing Programs Offered Online in South Carolina

Most of the online nursing programs offered in South Carolina are directed towards actively licensed RNs who are looking to complete their bachelor's degrees.

The majority of the RN to BSN programs can be completed between 12 to 24 months, depending on the student's pace.

Read More: 6-Month RN to BSN Programs

What Are the Educational Requirements for a Nursing Degree?

There are many educational requirements for nurses, based on desired career path. The most popular degree is the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. The degree typically takes four years to complete. Students with prior credits may be eligible to complete the degree faster.

Nurses can also have an Associate Degree in Nursing. These programs typically take two years to complete.

Aspiring nurses also have the option of enrolling in an accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. These programs can be completed in 11 to 18 months.

Licensing Requirements for Nurses in South Carolina

There are two ways to become a licensed nurse in South Carolina: examination or endorsement.

Becoming licensed through examination is the more popular way. After students receive either an Associate Degree in Nursing, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, or an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing, candidates are then eligible to apply to the South Carolina Board of Nursing.

The application process consists of submitting:

• official transcripts
• proper identification
• criminal background check
• registration for the NCLEX exam

Once all required documents are submitted to the board, then a candidate receives their license.

Candidates who are actively licensed in another state may also apply for licensure by endorsement in South Carolina.

The following documents are required:

• out-of-state license verification
• criminal background check
• verification of legal name through valid identification
• necessary competency

Start Your Nursing Degree Online

There are many flexible options for pursing a South Carolina online nursing degree for individuals who are looking to advance their careers.

If you or someone you know is interested in earning a nursing degree, please visit the institution's official website for more information on their enrollment process.