If you are a registered nurse (or are thinking of becoming one) read on to find the information you need, from licensing info, continuing education requirements, job & salary outlook, top hospitals, and nursing associations. Let us help you find your dream job!
In this article, we will cover:
- Licensing information
- Steps for renewing an South Carolina nursing license
- Continuing education requirements
- Job & salary outlook for nurses in South Carolina
- Top hospitals in South Carolina
- Nursing organizations & associations in South Carolina
- Basic steps for licensing and certification
- Contact information
Licensing information
Below are the fees for becoming a nurse in South Carolina whether you are a first-time nurse or are moving to South Carolina from another state. For more information visit the South Carolina licensing page.
Licensing fees by examination (first-time nurses):
- NCLEX fee: $200
- Application fee: $90 (RN); $70 (LPN); $30 (APRN initial license)
- Temporary license: $10
Licensing fee by endorsement (already have RN licensure):
- Application fees: $100 (RN/LPN); $130 (APRN)
- Temporary permit: $10
License renewal fees:
- Application fees: $75 (RN/LPN); $105 (APRN)
South Carolina is a nursing compact state, which allows nurses to hold multi-state licenses.
*Fees are subject to change.
**Most states require a background check, but prices are not always listed.
Steps for renewing a South Carolina nursing license
- Verify the status of your license
Visit the Verification page in order to confirm your license.
- Complete Continuing Education Requirements before your license expires
You can complete your nursing CEUs online, on your schedule, and 100% free with Incredible Health.
- Go to the South Carolina Board of Nursing website to renew your license
Visit the Renewal Information page for specifics. South Carolina is a compact state. If your Primary State of Residency is in another compact state do not apply for licensure in South Carolina unless you are declaring South Carolina as your Primary State of Residency.
Continuing education requirements
Registered Nurses (RNs) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs)
Registered nurses and licensed practical nurses in South Carolina will need to fulfill one of the following conditions every two years:
- Complete 30 contact hours from a recognized education provider
- Maintenance of certification or recertification
- Complete an academic program of study in nursing or a related field
- Employer certification to verify competency and number of hours practiced
Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs)
Every two years, APRNs will be required to maintain national certification or complete 30 hours of continuing education.
APRNs (NPs, CNMs, and CNSs)
South Carolina nurses in these categories who have prescriptive authority will have to complete 30 contact hours every two years, 20 of which should be in pharmacotherapeutics related to their specialty. The nursing professionals should also complete 2 hours in prescribing controlled substances.
Incredible Health offers ANCC-accredited continuing education courses for nurses in all 50 states, 100% free and online. The South Carolina Board of Nursing accepts courses that are ANCC accredited.
Earn your CEUs free
Our easy online CE courses are ANCC-accredited and 100% free for nurses.
Job and salary outlook for nurses in South Carolina
Due to the shortage of nurses, these healthcare professionals are in high demand. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics estimates the profession will grow by about 9% between 2020 and 2030. The average wage for RNs is $82,750.
We can also help you check out salary estimates to help determine if South Carolina is the right state for you.
[ MORE: Average nurse salary in South Carolina ]
Top hospitals in South Carolina
If you’re not already picking up the phone to call movers, maybe this list of the best hospitals in South Carolina will sway you in the right direction. Here are the top hospitals according to U.S. News and World Report:
- MUSC Health-University Medical Center – Charleston, SC: This hospital is a member of the Magnet Recognition Program® and is nationally ranked in 3 adult specialties and 4 pediatric specialties and rated high performing in 4 adult specialties and 13 procedures and conditions. Some specialties include:
- Ear, Nose & Throat (#14 in the nation)
- Gynecology (#17 in the nation)
- Cancer (#39 in the nation)
- Learn more
- Bon Secours St. Francis Health System-Greenville – Greenville, SC: This hospital is a member of the Magnet Recognition Program® and is rated high performing in 11 adult procedures and conditions. Some specialties include:
- Colon cancer surgery
- Kidney failure
- Back surgery
- Hip & knee replacement
- Learn more
- McLeod Regional Medical Center – Florence, SC: This facility is rated high performing in 10 adult procedures and conditions. Some specialties include:
- Lung cancer surgery
- Heart attack & heart failure
- Diabetes
- Stroke
- Learn more
- Spartanburg Medical Center – Spartanburg, SC: This facility is rated high performing in 10 adult procedures and conditions. Some specialties include:
- Colon & lung cancer surgery
- Aortic valve surgery
- Heart bypass surgery
- Learn more
*Magnet status – Awarded by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and is considered the “gold standard” for excellence in nursing practice and care. Hospitals must meet certain criteria and apply to be designated.
Nursing organizations and associations in South Carolina
Once you become a registered nurse (or even if you’re in the process), joining a nursing organization or association will give you access to networking, job opportunities, and a wealth of information shared between fellow nurses. Here are a few of the organizations and associations for nurses in South Carolina:
South Carolina Nurses Association – The mission for this association is “to represent all South Carolina registered nurses in a membership organization to promote and advocate the role of the nurses.”
Student Nurses Association of South Carolina – The mission of this association is “to mentor nursing students preparing for initial licensure as registered nurses and to convey the standards, ethics, and skills that the students will need as responsible and accountable leaders and members of the profession.”
Upstate Nurse Practitioner Association – “The Upstate Nurse Practitioner Association will promote the professional goals of excellence in practice, education, and political advocacy for nurse practitioners, the healthcare community and consumers.”
Check out the comprehensive list of national organizations as well.
Basic steps for licensing and certification
Step 1: Education
Attend an accredited nursing school to earn either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). An ADN will take between 18 and 24 months to complete, while you can expect to spend roughly four years to earn a BSN. If you already have an ADN, there is an ADN to BSN bridge program that allows you to earn a BSN in 12-18 months. There is also an RN to BSN bridge which takes three semesters of nursing courses to be completed in one year. These programs will save you time and money. The more education you have, the better your chances of landing your dream job.
Step 2: Licensing
When you are six weeks away from graduation, you can apply to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam. There are 75 to 265 questions on the NCLEX-RN with a five-hour time limit for completion. If you do not pass the NCLEX-RN on your first attempt, you must wait 45 days before you can try again.
The NCLEX includes questions on the following topics to test nursing candidates’ knowledge:
1. Safe and effective care environment
2. Health promotion and maintenance
3. Psychosocial integrity
4. Physiological integrity
Step 3: Experience
This step in the process is to gain hands-on experience. This will provide you with invaluable opportunities to work with patients making you attractive to future employers.
Step 4: Certification
The final step is to obtain certifications for your chosen career. Requirements for earning a certification vary so it is important to check with the governing body for information. Incredible Health offers free courses in order to obtain or renew certification requirements. Create a free account to access professional development mandates and get instant certificates.
Expert advice from nurses like you
Join the free Incredible Health Nurse Community to get career advice, support, and tips from experienced fellow nurses.
Contact information
South Carolina Board of Nursing
Phone: (803) 896-4550
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://llr.sc.gov/nurse/
Synergy Business Park
Kingstree Building
110 Centerview Drive
Columbia, SC 29210
