Our 2024 curated list of the best online nursing programs in South Carolina is designed to provide aspiring nurses with options that match their needs. Below, we've included the colleges in South Carolina that offer online nursing programs and have available NCLEX data, making it simpler to choose a nursing program with a proven track record of producing graduates with the best pass rates. For inclusion on our list, colleges are based on the following criteria:
- The nursing school has a primary location in South Carolina
- The school offers an online nursing degree at the bachelor's level or an online RN to BSN.
- The nursing school has publicly available for 2023, which is sourced from South Carolina's government reports. Pass rates are listed for the baccalaureate degree level.
- Either all or the vast majority of coursework is completed online. Many of the best online nursing programs still require some in-person clinical hours, internships, or practicums.
2025 Best Online Nursing Programs in South Carolina
School | NCLEX Pass Rate | Online Enrollment |
---|---|---|
Lander University | 100.0% | 794 |
University of South Carolina - Columbia | 98.31% | 3,171 |
Anderson University - SC | 97.1% | 872 |
University of South Carolina-Upstate | 96.62% | 1,184 |
Medical University of South Carolina | 96.49% | 599 |
Clemson University | 92.99% | 2,208 |
University of South Carolina - Aiken | 91.36% | 1,245 |
Francis Marion University | 88.31% | 352 |
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 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
- 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
- Washington D.C.
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
How To Get Certified Nursing Assistant Certification in South Carolina
CNA hopefuls must complete a 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.
If tuition is a concern, we've also highlighted the most affordable nursing degrees.
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.
Future APRNs might be intrigued by several OnlineU resources, including How To Become a Nurse Anesthetist, Guide to Online Nurse Practitioner Degrees, and 2023 Best Online Nurse Practitioner Degree Programs.
Student Reviews of Online Nursing Programs
I did the RN-BSN and appreciated the consistency of assignments, with discussion questions and papers on specific due dates. Teachers were responsive and papers graded within 7 day window all but one time. I have already recommended it to my friends. I am very glad to be graduating without any debt.
Review Date: 4/3/2022
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Olivet Nursing ABSN Program is akin to the burning cross they have in their University logo. They want students to burn and die at this school and only interested in their money. Staff are faculty are unsupportive and always complaining about things rather than helping students. They will create reasons to get you out if they do not like you. A classmate in my cohort was kicked out of the ABSN program for a random reason and for complaining about a Professor here for unfair treatment. He is in ton... Read More
Review Date: 5/17/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
My time at Azusa Pacific University Online RN to BSN program was the best. The professors were very helpful and the content of the classes were appropriate. I felt the integration of Christian values was very well done. I strongly recommend this accelerated program for the seasoned RN looking to advance his/her career.
Review Date: 2/9/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I am only writing this review because I believe the only people writing reviews on this website have had a poor experience. I have loved my journey with Olivet but it does come with it's challenges. This is a web blended program which means everything is online expect exams and skills which you will go to campus for once or twice a week. This program is not for you if you cannot devote your time for 16 months. If you have to work full or part time, do not go to this program because you won't succeed.... Read More
Review Date: 7/1/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I wish I would’ve done my research before deciding to go here because I definitely would’ve attended a different nursing school. The campus I attend is very unorganized and majority of the time they don’t answer the phone when you call to speak to student services. Not only that, but they stole my financial aid refund during my first semester here. To put the icing on the cake they are a for profit school and they look for any way to cipher money out of people. They consistently increase tuition... Read More
Review Date: 9/6/2022
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
Minnesota State University-Mankato had a very thorough Bachelor's of Science in Nursing Program. As with many programs it was extremely competitive to get in, however it was not impossible. There were a variety of options for clinical sites throughout Southeastern Minnesota. I feel this allowed for more opportunities especially when choosing our locations for our last semester clinical rotation. There were many courses utilizing the Simulation Lab as well as community learning opportunities.
Review Date: 5/29/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I attended the University of Southern Indiana for both of my Bachelor's degrees - in Public Relations and in Nursing. USI had a rigorous and challenging nursing undergraduate program. The professors challenged me to perform my best, while being available and supportive throughout my time there. Everyone - from professors, adjunct faculty, and administrators - were on your side and wanted nothing but the best for the students. I felt I received a quality education there and it served me well, during... Read More
Review Date: 3/9/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
The University of Scranton has bestowed upon me the greatest nursing education I could have ever imagined. The professors and advisors I have encountered along the way at "Da U" have changed me for the better and have guided me each step of the way in achieving the ultimate success of obtaining my Bachelor's Degree. The University of Scranton is a community of learning but also a community in which friendships are built and close relationships develop because the smaller size of the school allows... Read More
Review Date: 8/21/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
It is a awesome school. Has the education of a big school but with a small school feel.
Review Date: 7/22/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Immaculata University offered an accelerated BSN program to nurses who wanted to move forward in their profession and still maintain a balanced family life. The admission staff visited job sites for recruitment and assistance with the enrollment process. The program considered work experience as part of the credit requirements and offered multiple scholarship opportunities. The satellite campus was also convenient to my home and place of employment. The instructors were very knowledgeable in their... Read More
Review Date: 9/21/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Mt. Mercy provided me with everything I needed to be a competent nurse working on the floor. The program when I attended, allowed me to take my boards after my junior year and then work as a nurse throughout my senior year while I finished out my Bachelor's program which was very beneficial, although I believe the program has now changed.
Review Date: 5/31/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
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