South Carolina has over 33,000 RNs who earn an annual mean salary of about $60,000. In fact, the Florence metropolitan area has one of the highest concentrations of RN jobs in the U.S. Despite this, there is still a statewide shortage of nurses that's projected to worsen.
RNs work in a variety of settings. Over 20,000 RNs are employed in South Carolina's hospitals. Physicians' offices employ the next highest number of RNs in the state, followed by ambulatory centers and nursing homes.
Becoming an RN can be as easy as attending one of several LPN to ADN programs at technical colleges across the state. LPN to BSN programs are available, as well. Most programs offer a combination of traditional and online learning. Some colleges have flexible weekend or evening schedules. The Student Nurses' Association of South Carolina has a list of current awards and scholarships. Your workplace may also offer tuition reimbursement as a benefit. Learn more about being an RN at the South Carolina Nurses Association, South Carolina Board of Nursing, or the South Carolina Hospital Association.
South Carolina Schools to Consider
Greenville Technical College (Greenville, SC). Founded over 40 years ago, GTC has expanded to a four-campus system. Among the requirements for admission to the advanced placement ADN program is active licensure and current employment in an acute or long-term care facility.
Midlands Technical College (Columbia, SC / West Columbia, SC). With six campuses, MTC is one of South Carolina's largest technical colleges. After completing admission requirements, LPNs may be admitted directly into the fourth semester of the program.
South Carolina State University (Orangeburg, SC) . Located on 160 acres, SCSU was founded in 1896. Their LPN to BSN program is CCNE accredited.
