[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services projects that by 2030, South Carolina could have an unmet need for [hen-ui-link href=”https://bhw.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/bureau-health-workforce/data-research/nchwa-hrsa-nursing-report.pdf” target=”_blank”]10,400 nurses[/hen-ui-link]. 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?[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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 [hen-ui-link href=”#ranking”]the best nurse practitioner (NP) programs in South Carolina[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Online MSN Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]The Best Nursing Schools in South Carolina[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Whether you’re looking for a two-year associate degree in nursing (ADN), a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/bsn/four-year-bsn-degree/”]four-year bachelor of science in nursing (BSN)[/hen-ui-link], or a graduate degree in nursing, there’s a nursing program in South Carolina for your career goals.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How We Rank Schools”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]We use a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/methodology/”]data-driven methodology[/hen-ui-link] to rank the best nursing programs, making it easy to find a program that meets your needs. Informed by data from the most reputable sources, including the U.S. Department of Education, our methodology is based on metrics that matter most to nursing students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings. This ranking is from 2022.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Choose a Nursing Program in South Carolina[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This guide only includes accredited schools, since [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//what-is-accreditation/”]accreditation is vital[/hen-ui-link] 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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Why Become a Nurse in South Carolina[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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 [hen-ui-link href=”https://meric.mo.gov/data/cost-living-data-series” target=”_blank”]cost of living[/hen-ui-link], at 94.8, is below the U.S. index of 100. South Carolina is also a [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.ncsbn.org/nurse-licensure-compact.htm” target=”_blank”]Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)[/hen-ui-link] state, which means nurses with a South Carolina nursing license can practice in the 39 other compact states.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in South Carolina[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Although salaries are lower than national medians, the [hen-ui-link href=”https://meric.mo.gov/data/cost-living-data-series” target=”_blank”]cost of living[/hen-ui-link] is also lower. With rising demand for nurses, including 9.4% [hen-ui-link href=”https://projectionscentral.org/” target=”_blank”]projected job growth[/hen-ui-link] between 2018 and 2028 and an [hen-ui-link href=”/articles/the-us-nursing-shortage-state-by-state-breakdown//”]anticipated shortage[/hen-ui-link] of 10,400 nurses, salaries trend upward. This makes earning a degree from a nursing school in South Carolina an even more valuable investment.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-table][hen-ui-table-caption]Highest Paying Cities for Nurses in South Carolina[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Top Paying Metropolitan Areas[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Median Salary for RNs[/hen-ui-table-head][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-body][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Spartanburg[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$69,260[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Charleston-North Charleston[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$69,130[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Beaufort[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$67,450[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Florence[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$66,240[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Columbia[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$66,100[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-body][/hen-ui-table]Source: BLS[hen-ui-article-card title=”Nurse Salary in South Carolina” href=”/state/south-carolina/rn-salary/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Steps to Becoming a Nurse in South Carolina[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://llr.sc.gov/nurse/Online/Instructions.aspx#Compact” target=”_blank”]South Carolina is an NLC state[/hen-ui-link], 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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]RN Requirements[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/registered-nursing/rn-licensing-requirements-by-state/”]Like other states[/hen-ui-link], South Carolina requires prospective [hen-ui-link href=”/registered-nursing/”]RNs[/hen-ui-link] to graduate from an [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/adn/”]ADN[/hen-ui-link] or [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/bsn/”]BSN[/hen-ui-link] program and pass the NCLEX-RN examination. The [hen-ui-link href=”https://llr.sc.gov/nurse/” target=”_blank”]state board of nursing[/hen-ui-link] 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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The [hen-ui-link href=”https://llr.sc.gov/nurse/Online/Instructions.aspx” target=”_blank”]full requirements[/hen-ui-link] are on the South Carolina State Board of Nursing website.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]APRN Requirements[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]For [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/advanced-practice-nursing/”]advanced practice registered nurse[/hen-ui-link] (APRN) licensing, you need a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/msn/”]master of science in nursing[/hen-ui-link] (MSN) or a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/dnp//”]doctor of nursing practice[/hen-ui-link] (DNP). You must also pass the board certification examination.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The [hen-ui-link href=”https://llr.sc.gov/nurse/Online/APRNUPDATELEAD.aspx” target=”_blank”]state board of nursing requirements[/hen-ui-link] include a valid South Carolina RN license; confirmation of education and specialization; and, if you intend to prescribe medications, an [hen-ui-link href=”https://llr.sc.gov/nurse/pdf/Prescriptive_Authority_App.PDF” target=”_blank”]application for prescriptive authority[/hen-ui-link], 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.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Other Top Nursing Programs in South Carolina[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-grid columns=”1″ columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”][hen-ui-article-card title=”Top South Carolina RN to BSN Degree Programs” href=”/state/south-carolina/rn-to-bsn/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][hen-ui-article-card title=”Top RN To MSN Programs in South Carolina” href=”/state/south-carolina/msn-programs/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in South Carolina[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How much are nurses paid in South Carolina?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is South Carolina good for nursing?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How many nursing schools does South Carolina have?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]There are 25 state-approved nursing schools in South Carolina that offer two-year ADN or four-year BSN programs. [hen-ui-link href=”https://projectionscentral.org/” target=”_blank”]The BLS projects[/hen-ui-link] 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 [hen-ui-link href=”/articles/why-is-there-a-nursing-shortage//”]projects a shortage[/hen-ui-link] 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.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How do I get my nursing license in South Carolina?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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 [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.llr.sc.gov/nurse/” target=”_blank”]South Carolina State Board of Nursing website[/hen-ui-link] offers complete information, including fees.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Find Nursing Programs in Other States[/hen-ui-heading]