Nurses are an essential part of the healthcare system.
The 6 Cs all nurses should use in their day-to-day work environment include care, compassion, communication, commitment, courage, and competence.
Working as an RN can be gratifying if you are up for the challenges.
This job is mentally, physically, and emotionally demanding on nurses.
The hours can be long, but the trade-off is an excellent remuneration package, great advancement opportunities, and a healthy work-life balance.
5 Registered Nurse Schools in South Carolina
The following five schools have been approved by the South Carolina Board of Nursing. Candidates who complete the various nursing programs are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination.
1. Galen College of Nursing – Myrtle Beach
Galen College offers a two-year Associate Degree program (ADN) for students who wish to become an RN.
The school is located in Myrtle Beach, SC.
Galen college is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate and baccalaureate degrees in nursing.
Their ADN program features first-hand learning with a solid clinical-based curriculum that will prepare you to take the NCLEX-RN licensure exam, which you are eligible to write and pass after earning your degree.
Students are only allowed to retake writing the NCLEX-RN exam if they fail the first attempt.
Students may take the exam every 45 days up to a year.
Tuition at Galen College starts at $400 per quarter credit hour for general studies and $415 per quarter credit hour for nursing courses.
There are additional costs and fees, including book fees.
2. ECPI University
ECPI University is accredited and offers accelerated degree programs in, among others, healthcare and nursing.
The school is located in Columbia, SC.
The school offers a two-year ADN program for students who wish to become RNs.
ECPI provides its students with the necessary knowledge to prepare them to take the NCLEX-RN licensure exam, which they are eligible to write and pass after earning their degree.
Tuition per semester for an undergraduate at ECPI University is $9,900 with no added book costs.
3. Fortis College
Fortis College is fully accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) and the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).
The school is located in Columbia, SC.
Fortis offers a two-year Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program and prepares their students to take the NCLEX-RN licensure exam, which they can write and pass to become an RN.
The program helps candidates by preparing them with the necessary clinical, practical, and academic skills to succeed in an entry-level position in this field.
According to College Factual, the in-state and out-of-state tuition & fees start at $14,216 per year.
Tuition is not determined by residency.
4. Limestone University
Limestone University is fully accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award associate, baccalaureate, and master’s degrees in nursing.
The school is located in Gaffney, SC.
The schools offer a BSN program that teaches their students coursework and clinical-based knowledge they will need if they wish to become RNs.
Students are eligible to write and pass the NCLEX-RN licensure exam to qualify for a license.
The school offers a bachelor’s degree in nursing in a traditional face-to-face format.
The RN to BSN and Master’s degree programs are offered online.
The curriculum combines clinical coursework and experience with didactic coursework to prepare students for an entry-level position in the field of nursing.
Tuition at Limestone college starts at $12,600 for 18 semester hours.
5. Greenville Technical College
Greenville Technical College is fully accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.
The school is located in Greenville, SC.
Greenville Technical College offers an ADN degree program.
Students who graduate from this program are known for their clinical proficiency in various clinical settings.
The program combines general studies and nursing courseware that may be completed in four semesters.
The curriculum is designed to inspire critical thinking in prospective nurses.
The program aims to integrate theory with hands-on experience.
Students are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN licensure exam upon completion of the program.
Tuition starts at $318.00 for in-county students per credit hour.
Registered Nurse Schools in South Carolina – Summary Table
Top 5 Schools in South Carolina
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Galen College of Nursing - Myrtle Beach | 920 Doug White Dr. Suite 120, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572 |
| ECPI University | 250 Berryhill Rd Suite 300, Columbia, SC 29210 |
| Fortis College | 246 Stoneridge Dr. Suite 101, Columbia, SC 29210 |
| Limestone University | 1115 College Dr, Gaffney, SC 29340 |
| Greenville Technical College | 506 S Pleasantburg Dr, Greenville, SC 29607 |
Salary
Registered Nurses working in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, are compensated based on their qualifications and years of experience.
The salary range for an RN, depending on the exact position in this city, is $53,598 to $96,120.
The salary will also depend on the facility that the RN is working in.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Registered Nurse (RN)s in South Carolina
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Columbia | $61,540 |
| Charleston | $63,060 |
| North Charleston | $63,060 |
| Greenville | $63,080 |
| Rock Hill | $65,370 |
| Mount Pleasant | $63,060 |
| Spartanburg | $62,070 |
| Hilton Head Island | $62,000 |
| Sumter | $59,380 |
| Florence | $59,860 |
Regional Salary in South Carolina
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charleston-North Charleston, SC | 9,350 | $76,880 | $36.96 | $95,160 | $61,250 |
| Columbia, SC | 7,680 | $73,580 | $35.37 | $94,060 | $58,220 |
| Florence, SC | 2,870 | $70,050 | $33.68 | $83,030 | $46,280 |
| Greenville-Anderson-Mauldin, SC | 8,650 | $74,530 | $35.83 | $84,830 | $51,580 |
| Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Beaufort, SC | 1,350 | $67,850 | $32.62 | $80,280 | $47,300 |
| Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC-NC | 2,760 | $71,540 | $34.39 | $83,120 | $55,170 |
| Spartanburg, SC | 3,680 | $75,840 | $36.46 | $93,190 | $59,880 |
| Sumter, SC | 700 | $69,060 | $33.2 | $81,040 | $52,220 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a license to work as an RN in South Carolina?
Yes, to be able to work as an RN, you must graduate from nursing school, write and pass the NCLEX-RN licensure exam and submit all necessary documents to receive your license.
Is there a demand for RNs in South Carolina?
The demand for RNs continues to grow across the United States.
Research states that there will be a significant shortage of RNs shortly due to long-enured employees reaching retirement, a shortage of trained nurses, and a high turnover rate.
Is working as an RN in South Carolina stressful?
You are faced with many challenges as a nurse daily.
It can become very stressful and frustrating if you are not patient.
How long is an RN license valid?
South Carolina Nursing Licenses are valid for two years.
After that, you must renew your license before the expiration date to continue practicing in the nursing profession.
Is South Carolina a compact state?
South Carolina is a part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC).
This means licensed RNs or LPNs don’t need to obtain a license in another compact state.
They may practice across the US in another compact state.
