2023 Best Online Nursing Programs in South Carolina

Becoming a Nurse in South Carolina

You can become a nurse in South Carolina by studying nursing in college and passing a test of your knowledge and skills. You may also earn a license by endorsement, meaning that you hold a license as the equivalent type of nurse in another state.

The South Carolina Board of Nursing grants licenses to future nurses in the Palmetto State. These licenses include credentials for licensed practical nurses (LPNs), registered nurses (RNs), and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). The state's Department of Health and Human Services issues certifications for certified nurse aides (CNAs). 

South Carolina is one of many states that have too few nurses to care for its patient population. Nursing schools are creating fewer new nurses because they don't have enough nurse educators in their ranks. Working conditions are likely to be less than ideal for South Carolina nurses in the near future, though there may be plenty of open positions.

To learn about online nursing programs and requirements in other states, explore our list of accredited nursing degrees by state below:

Nursing Degrees by State

• Alabama
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• California
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Florida
• Georgia
• Hawaii
• Idaho
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• Montana
• Nebraska
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• New York
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Utah
• Virginia
• Washington
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming

How To Get Certified Nursing Assistant Certification in South Carolina

CNA hopefuls must complete a state-approved training program to receive approval to test for their license. The National Nurse Aide Assessment Program exam includes written and applied skills sections. After passing, individuals may register with the South Carolina CNA registry. 

CNAs need to renew their certifications every two years. They must have worked at least eight hours for pay in the previous two years to renew.

How To Get a Licensed Practical Nurse License in South Carolina

LPNs can earn licenses either by examination or endorsement in the Palmetto State. Applicants who don't already have a license must submit verification that they've completed a practical nursing training program. After this, they have to pass the practical nursing version of the National Council Licensure Examination, called the NCLEX-PN. Endorsement candidates don't need to retest but do have to provide proof of licensure in another state.

Both types of applicants must submit their applications to the nursing board along with a photograph of themselves, a copy of their passport or birth certificate, and a copy of their Social Security card. 

LPNs must renew their licenses every two years to stay in good standing. They're required to undergo at least 30 hours of continuing education training in that time.

How To Get a Registered Nursing License in South Carolina

The first step to earning an RN license is graduating from an accredited Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Aspiring RNs need to supply a 2-by-2-inch picture of themselves, official college transcripts, and a copy of their birth certificate in addition to their online application.

Examination applicants then need to pass the NCLEX-RN, while endorsement applicants submit proof of their existing license. Newly minted RNs receive their South Carolina licenses in the mail. 

Like LPNs, South Carolina RNs renew their licenses every two years. They must complete 30 hours of continuing education from approved vendors to qualify, or else submit a verification of competency from their employer.

How To Get an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse License in South Carolina

Aspiring APRNs must hold a current RN license, either from South Carolina or another state in the case of licensure by endorsement. They also need to earn a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and a specialty nursing certification from a board-approved certifying organization.

The individual must declare their specialty and complete their application, which requires a photo of themselves, a copy of their birth certificate, and a copy of their Social Security card. 

Renewing an APRN license is required every two years in South Carolina. An APRN's employer can attest to their competence; otherwise, the nurse must complete 30 or more hours of continuing education.