How To Become a Nurse in South Carolina 2025

Nurses are fundamental to the national healthcare system. Nurses also make up its largest portion, with more than 4.7 million registered nurses (RNs) working across the country, according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN).

With this sector of the public health industry on the rise, many people are interested in learning how to become a nurse. This article reviews the steps to earn RN licensure, accredited nursing programs, career outlooks, and more. Read on to learn more about how to become a nurse and begin your nursing education journey in South Carolina.

What Does an RN Do?

A certified registered nurse provides patient care, collaborates with doctors and other healthcare team members, and offers medical advice and emotional support to patients and their families. Some RNs oversee nursing assistants, home health aides, and licensed practical nurses (LPNs).

An RN's specific duties can include:

• administering medicines and treatments
• monitor and operate medical equipment
• observe patients' physiological health statuses
• perform diagnostic tests and help analyze the results
• record patients' medical histories and symptoms
• educate patients and their families about managing injuries and illnesses

How Long Does It Take To Become a Nurse in South Carolina?

The exact time it will take to become a nurse in South Carolina depends on your chosen degree path. An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) generally takes two years to complete, while a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) takes four years in total. You can earn a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in two to three years.

Accelerated nursing programs are an option if you have prior education or nursing experience. LVNs can enroll in LVN to RN programs and graduate with their ADN degrees in about one year. If you have a non-nursing bachelor's degree, you can opt for an accelerated BSN program, known as an ABSN, and graduate in 16 months or fewer. There are many accelerated nursing programs online.

3 Steps To Become a Registered Nurse in South Carolina

The following steps outline the path to earning your RN licensure in South Carolina, including the educational requirements for nurses.

Step 1: Enroll in a Nursing Program

You must enroll in an accredited nursing school program to earn either your ADN, BSN, or a more advanced nursing degree. If your goal is to become a nurse practitioner, you'll need at least a master's degree in nursing. The degree program you select depends on your ultimate career goals.

Regardless of the degree program you choose, it must be approved by the South Carolina State Board of Nursing and be accredited by an independent organization. The two main accrediting bodies are the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

Step 2: Pass the Licensure Exam

Once you've earned your nursing degree, you must take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). The NCLEX-RN exam is run by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCBSN) and ensures that nurses uphold national quality care standards. Pearson VUE is the company that administers the exam at testing centers in South Carolina.

The NCLEX-RN exam tests candidates on four basic components of nursing: physiological integrity, psychosocial integrity, health promotion and maintenance, and safe and effective care environments. You receive either a passing or a failing grade on the exam, as it is not scored on a numerical scale.

Step 3: Apply for Licensure

You will submit your application for your nursing license to the South Carolina Board of Nursing. Required documents for your RN license application include your official school transcripts, a copy of your passport or birth certificate, and a declaration that South Carolina is your primary state of residence, among other items. You will also need to undergo a background check.

Top Nursing Degree Programs in South Carolina

The following nursing degree programs are all accredited and approved by the South Carolina Board of Nursing. We highlight a selection of ADN and BSN programs; online nursing programs are also popular pathways for students looking to become registered nurses.

1. Technical College of the Lowcountry

Technical College of the Lowcountry (TCL) is a small public school located in Beaufort, SC. TCL offers a 68-credit hour ADN program that can be completed in as few as five semesters over two years. The curriculum is conducted in person and consists of general education courses, in addition to science and nursing theory courses.

Nursing students gain hands-on practice at TCL's high-tech simulation equipment during lab work. Clinical experiences take place at healthcare facilities throughout Beaufort, Hampton, Jasper, and Colleton counties.

• Estimated tuition cost: $214 per credit (in-state); $462 per credit (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: ACEN

2. Central Carolina Technical College

Located in Sumter, SC, Central Carolina Technical College has a two-year ADN program that emphasizes critical thinking, technology, and sensitivity in its approach to patient care. The coursework for this program is given in person, and clinical rotations take place at various healthcare settings around the area. The curriculum is a total of 66 credit hours taken over the course of five semesters.

• Estimated tuition cost: $232 per credit (in-state); $338 per credit (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: ACEN

3. Tri-County Technical College

Tri-County Technical College is located in Pendleton, SC, and has an ADN program that can be completed in two years. The associate degree nursing program consists of 68 credit hours conducted over four semesters. Tri-County Technical College also offers an LPN to RN transition track that can be completed at an accelerated pace.

Financial aid is distributed via federal and state grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study programs. Nursing students must apply for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine their eligibility for financial assistance.

• Estimated tuition cost: $265 per credit (in-state); $530 per credit (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: ACEN

4. Francis Marion University

Francis Marion University (FMU) is a small public school in Florence, SC, offering a traditional BSN degree program. In addition to general education requirements, the BSN curriculum consists of 61 semester hours of nursing theory coursework. Courses include nursing pharmacology, psychiatric and mental health nursing, and leadership and management.

Nursing students are assigned a faculty adviser who assists with academics and schedule planning and serves as their student advocate. Several scholarships are provided specifically for nursing students through FMU's School of Health Sciences.

• Estimated tuition cost: $10,384 per year (in-state); $20,768 per year (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: CCNE

5. University of South Carolina

The University of South Carolina (USC) is based in Columbia, SC, and offers a traditional BSN program on its main campus. Coursework for USC's BSN program consists of classroom instruction, lab simulations, and clinical experiences. Courses include clinical nutrition, genetics and society, and population health nursing.

Nursing students are required to enroll in the program full-time. Graduates of USC's nursing programs rank in the top 1% in the U.S. with their first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates.

• Estimated tuition cost: $12,688 per year (in-state); $35,972 per year (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: CCNE

Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in South Carolina

Nurses are in demand across the United States, including South Carolina. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there will be about 194,500 nursing job openings each year for the next decade.

How much a nurse earns depends on their degree level and particular industry specialization. For example, a registered nurse with an ADN working in an entry-level position will make less than a nurse practitioner with an MSN. On average, the median salary for registered nurses is $93,600 per year.

FAQs About How To Become a Nurse in South Carolina

This section addresses frequently asked questions about becoming a nurse in South Carolina, including topics such as nursing degree costs and educational prerequisites.

How Much Does a Nursing Degree Cost in South Carolina?

The cost of a nursing degree varies greatly according to school, degree level, transfer credits, and financial assistance. Degree costs can range from $6,000 to $34,000 for an ADN degree and $44,000 to $232,000 for a BSN.

Generally speaking, public schools are less expensive than private schools and offer reduced tuition rates for South Carolina residents. Scholarships, grants, and work-study programs help keep nursing degree costs low. Online colleges that accept FAFSA offer other affordable ways to earn your education.

What Are the Prerequisites for a Nursing Degree?

The prerequisite courses you'll need depend on your chosen nursing degree. ADN programs generally require a high school diploma or GED and high school-level chemistry and biology courses.

BSN programs have more education prerequisites that need to be completed at the college level. These can be taken as self-paced nursing prerequisites online or as part of your lower-level classes before moving into nursing theory courses in your BSN program.

Having the right equipment helps your coursework go smoothly. Choosing one of the best laptops for nursing students will help in your continuing education.

What Is the Fastest Way To Become a Nurse?

The fastest way to become a nurse involves leveraging your prior education and experience to bypass general education courses and move directly into nursing theory coursework. You can become an RN in about one year using accelerated degree pathways.

If you are just beginning your education journey, an ADN is the fastest degree path to becoming a registered nurse. You can complete your ADN program and be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam in two years.

What Is the Easiest Nursing Degree?

Nursing careers are rewarding but challenging, and likewise, no nursing degree program is generally considered easy. The pathway that is most fulfilling for you depends on your ultimate career goals and timeline.

While not necessarily the easiest nursing degree, an ADN requires less time overall than a BSN or MSN. You can earn your ADN on a part-time or full-time basis, thus easing some pressure if you have work and family commitments.

Find a Nursing Degree

Whichever nursing degree pathway you choose, there is help along the way. We invite you to connect with our partner institutions on Learn.org and find out which best fits your needs as you launch your nursing career.