Clemson University houses one of the top nursing schools in South Carolina and boasts designation from the National Center of Excellence in Nursing. Clemson offers programs at the bachelor's, master's, and doctorate levels, along with an accelerated bachelor's in nursing for non-nursing bachelor's degree-holders and a completion track for registered nurses (RN) pursuing their bachelor's in nursing.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services projects that by 2030, South Carolina could have an unmet need for 10,400 nurses. With 25 fully-accredited nursing schools in South Carolina and more nursing programs applying for approval, how do you choose the best option for your needs?
This guide identifies the top nursing programs in South Carolina, outlines salary and employment prospects, and explores how to earn a South Carolina nursing license.
Keep reading to learn more about becoming a nurse in South Carolina, or go straight to our list of the best nursing schools in South Carolina or our list of the best nurse practitioner (NP) programs in South Carolina.
The Best Nursing Schools in South Carolina
Whether you're looking for a two-year associate degree in nursing (ADN), a four-year bachelor of science in nursing (BSN), or a graduate degree in nursing, there's a nursing program in South Carolina for your career goals.
Our Methodology: We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best nursing schools in South Carolina, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including: academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.
#1 South Carolina Nursing Schools and Programs
Clemson University
Clemson, SC - 4 years
- Online + Campus
#2 South Carolina Nursing Schools and Programs
Anderson University
Anderson, SC - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Baptist-centered Anderson University offers online and continuous learning that includes nursing programs at all degree levels. Specializations focus on registered nursing (RN), family nurse practice, and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. Most programs feature hybrid instruction with required clinical hours at student-selected healthcare sites. Non-nursing bachelor's degree-holders and RNs can earn an accelerated bachelor's degree.
#3 South Carolina Nursing Schools and Programs
University of South Carolina-Columbia
Columbia, SC - 4 years
- Online + Campus
University of South Carolina's nursing programs train new nurses and also provide opportunities for RNs to earn their bachelor's or master's degree in nursing, accommodate career changes to nursing, and offer specialized study through doctorates and post-graduate certificates.
Many courses can be completed online. Doctoral programs are offered in hybrid format.
#4 South Carolina Nursing Schools and Programs
Spartanburg Community College
Spartanburg, SC - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Spartanburg Community College offers an associate degree in applied science in nursing (ADN) that prepares graduates for RN licensure exams and entry-level nursing positions or further nursing study at the bachelor's or graduate levels.
SCC's 68-credit curriculum combines coursework in the sciences with nursing principles and theories. Students also complete clinical rotations at affiliated healthcare facilities.
#5 South Carolina Nursing Schools and Programs
Charleston Southern University
Charleston, SC - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Baptist-based Charleston Southern University lists nursing programs leading to bachelor's and master's degrees. The BSN is available in traditional and accelerated formats that include simulation labs and clinical rotations. Accelerated program enrollees can opt to complete their courses online.
Master's students can concentrate on leadership and healthcare administration or nursing education.
#6 South Carolina Nursing Schools and Programs
Trident Technical College
Charleston, SC - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Offering four nursing programs, Trident Technical College features a new nursing and science building with a simulation center to augment coursework and clinical experiences.
Students can earn an ADN, pursue a licensed practical nurse (LPN)-to-ADN track, obtain a practical nursing diploma, or opt for a pre-nursing certificate.
#7 South Carolina Nursing Schools and Programs
Tri-County Technical College
Pendleton, SC - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Tri-County Technical College's Health Education Division offers associate degrees in traditional and practical nursing, an accelerated ADN, and an LPN-to-ADN bridge program. Pre-nursing certificate and practical nursing diploma tracks are also available to complete prerequisites for entering associate degree programs.
#8 South Carolina Nursing Schools and Programs
Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College
Orangeburg, SC - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Students can earn a practical nursing diploma or an ADN at Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College. Through a transfer partnership, OCtech offers an RN-to-BSN track for RNs who want to earn their ADN at OCtech and their BSN at the University of South Carolina Upstate.
#9 South Carolina Nursing Schools and Programs
Horry-Georgetown Technical College
Conway, SC - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Horry-Georgetown Technical College's Health Science Department lists two credentialing options for nursing students: an ADN and a practical nursing diploma.
On-campus instruction at HGTC's Grand Strand and Georgetown campuses complements clinical rotations at local healthcare organizations to prepare graduates to take their LPN or RN exams.
#10 South Carolina Nursing Schools and Programs
Francis Marion University
Florence, SC - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Francis Marion University's nursing programs span all degree levels and offer tracks for first-time students, licensed RNs interested in completing their bachelor's degree, doctoral students, and master's-level concentrations for specialists in family nurse practice, nursing education, and psychiatric mental health.
FMU offers many of its nursing program classes online or in hybrid format.
Featured Online MSN Programs
How to Choose a Nursing Program in South Carolina
This guide only includes accredited schools, since accreditation is vital to education and career success. Important considerations include total cost (tuition and other expenses, along with financial aid); the NCLEX-RN pass rate; acceptance rate; graduation rate; program format; curriculum; and location and where you can find clinical placement, especially if you plan to attend online.
Why Become a Nurse in South Carolina
The high demand for nurses in South Carolina puts nursing school graduates in an excellent position for job hunting. While the median salary for nurses is $66,050, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the cost of living, at 94.8, is below the U.S. index of 100. South Carolina is also a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state, which means nurses with a South Carolina nursing license can practice in the 39 other compact states.
In addition, South Carolina hosts some of the most beautiful cities and tourist areas of the U.S., including Myrtle Beach, Charleston, and Hilton Head Island. If you like beaches, landscaped gardens and parks, or fine southern cuisine, South Carolina has much to offer.
Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in South Carolina
Both the cost of living and median annual nursing salaries in South Carolina are lower than figures for the U.S. overall. The median salary for a registered nurse (RN) in South Carolina is $66,050, according to the BLS, compared to $75,330 nationally. Similarly, the median salary for an NP is $98,940, compared to $111,680 nationally.
Although salaries are lower than national medians, the cost of living is also lower. With rising demand for nurses, including 9.4% projected job growth between 2018 and 2028 and an anticipated shortage of 10,400 nurses, salaries trend upward. This makes earning a degree from a nursing school in South Carolina an even more valuable investment.
Some of Charleston's most beautiful locations also offer the highest salaries in the state. Many of these cities host academic medical centers. If you are looking for an even higher salary, the lower Savannah South Carolina nonmetropolitan area's average salary for an RN is $72,920.
Top Paying Metropolitan Areas | Median Salary for RNs |
---|---|
Spartanburg | $69,260 |
Charleston-North Charleston | $69,130 |
Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Beaufort | $67,450 |
Florence | $66,240 |
Columbia | $66,100 |
Steps to Becoming a Nurse in South Carolina
South Carolina is an NLC state, so you can practice in South Carolina if you have a license from another NLC state. However, if you transfer residence to South Carolina, you must apply for a South Carolina license.
RN Requirements
Like other states, South Carolina requires prospective RNs to graduate from an ADN or BSN program and pass the NCLEX-RN examination. The state board of nursing also requires that you submit a copy of your driver's license, passport number, or equivalent identification and a notarized signature affidavit with a 2 x 2 color passport photo form.
You must pass a criminal background check. If you attended nursing school in South Carolina, have your school submit a certificate of endorsement form. If you graduated from a nursing school in another state, have your school send official transcripts.
The full requirements are on the South Carolina State Board of Nursing website.
APRN Requirements
For advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) licensing, you need a master of science in nursing (MSN) or a doctor of nursing practice (DNP). You must also pass the board certification examination.
The state board of nursing requirements include a valid South Carolina RN license; confirmation of education and specialization; and, if you intend to prescribe medications, an application for prescriptive authority, with 45 hours in completed pharmacology coursework in the last two years prior to applying. This requirement must include at least 15 hours in controlled substance pharmacology or a graduate-level pharmacology course within the last two years.
The Best Nurse Practitioner Programs in South Carolina
If you want more professional autonomy or a higher salary, you may want to consider earning an MSN or a DNP to become a nurse practitioner. This guide helps you identify the best NP programs in South Carolina for your career goals and preferred specialty area.
Other Top Nursing Programs in South Carolina
Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in South Carolina
How much are nurses paid in South Carolina?
The median salary for South Carolina nurses is $66,050, but salaries vary based on location and experience. In the rural lower Savannah area, for example, the average salary for an RN is $72,920, because of the higher demand. The median salary for a nurse practitioner is $98,940
Is South Carolina good for nursing?
While the median salary for nurses in South Carolina is below the national median, so is the cost of living. Since South Carolina is an NLC state, attending nursing school in South Carolina allows you to practice in other NLC states. Many people move to South Carolina to enjoy affordable coastal living.
How many nursing schools does South Carolina have?
There are 25 state-approved nursing schools in South Carolina that offer two-year ADN or four-year BSN programs. The BLS projects a 9.4% growth in nursing jobs between 2018 and 2028 in South Carolina. In addition, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services projects a shortage of 10,400 nurses from 2014-2030. Because of the high demand, earning a nursing degree in South Carolina can be a great investment for your future.
How do I get my nursing license in South Carolina?
To obtain licensure in South Carolina, you must graduate nursing school with an ADN or a BSN degree, pass the NCLEX-RN exam, submit verification of your identity and eligibility to work in the U.S., and pass a criminal background check. The South Carolina State Board of Nursing website offers complete information, including fees.
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