How to Become an RN in South Carolina: 5 Steps
Looking for a breakdown of how to become an RN in South Carolina? RNs in the Palmetto State work in hospitals, clinics, home health agencies, and more. If you’re ready to join the nearly 49,000 registered nurses working in SC, here’s how.
South Carolina is actively addressing nursing shortages and improving healthcare access across the state. Plus, with a lower cost of living than the national average, South Carolina can be an appealing place to start or advance your nursing career. Learning how to become a registered nurse in South Carolina could help you step into a rewarding and in-demand profession.
What Does an RN in SC Do?
Nurses in South Carolina work in hospital systems, rehabilitation centers, outpatient clinics, and other healthcare settings to keep communities healthy. There are many different ways to be a nurse. If you choose to complete the steps for how to become an RN in South Carolina, here are some of the clinical areas you could work in:
- Emergency nursing: Treating patients with urgent medical needs in emergency rooms and trauma centers.
- Cardiac care: Assisting in the treatment of patients with heart and vascular conditions.
- Community health: Planning and carrying out health promotion initiatives, often in underserved communities.
- School nursing: Promoting student health, managing chronic conditions, and responding to medical emergencies in educational settings.
- Hospice and palliative care: Supporting patients with life-limiting illnesses and ensuring comfort in their final stages of life.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Nursing License in South Carolina?
It typically takes between two and four years to complete the steps that teach you how to become an RN in South Carolina. Like in other states, there are two main educational paths:
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): 2-year degree offered at community and technical colleges
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): 4-year degree offered at universities and private colleges
If you already have a bachelor’s degree in another field, an accelerated nursing program could be a quicker option, with some programs taking as little as one year. Whether you choose a standard degree program, direct entry, or an online nursing degree, be sure that the program is approved by the SC Board of Nursing (SCBON). This will ensure that you’re qualified for licensure after you graduate.
Looking for top BSN programs in South Carolina? Consider these well-regarded universities:
- University of South Carolina – Columbia
- Anderson University
- Charleston Southern University
- Clemson University
- Francis Marion University
If you’re seeking an ADN degree, check out these top-ranked schools:
- York Technical College
- Greenville Technical College
- Aiken Technical College
- Williamsburg Technical College
- Trident Technical College
How to Become an RN in South Carolina: 5 Steps
Step 1: Complete Nursing School
Every nursing specialty starts with completing a prelicensure nursing program. You can compare NCLEX pass rates for South Carolina nursing schools to see which programs best prepare students for licensure.
Whether you choose an ADN or BSN, nursing coursework will cover essential topics like the following:
- Anatomy and physiology
- Medical-surgical nursing
- Pharmacology
- Pediatric nursing
- Maternal and newborn care
- Psychiatric and mental health nursing
- Pathophysiology
Need help paying for nursing school? Working as a nursing assistant could be a great option. You’ll earn income and become familiar with basic nursing care, such as bed baths, vital signs, and patient safety. You can work as an unlicensed nursing assistant in SC or complete the certification process to become a CNA. Find CNA jobs in South Carolina.
Another great option is becoming a nurse extern. Many South Carolina hospitals offer externship programs that allow students to rotate through different departments, gaining hands-on experience while exploring potential specialties. Check out student nurse jobs in South Carolina.
Step 2: Apply for Licensure by Exam
The South Carolina Board of Nursing (SCBON) oversees the RN licensing process. To begin, create an account on their online portal and submit your application for licensure.
You’ll need to provide to following documents when you apply:
- Copy of a valid driver’s license, state-issued ID, passport, or military ID
- Copy of your social security card or resident alien registration form (if you were born in another country and submit a resident alien form, you’ll need a social security card before your final license will be issued)
- Notarized signature affidavit, including a color passport photo form
- Proof of legal name via vital statistics birth certificate, valid passport, marriage certification, divorce decree, or court order
- Verification of lawful presence form
- $90 fee ($100 if it includes a temporary license)
South Carolina is a compact state, and there are additional application requirements for multistate licensure. This will allow you to practice in other states, such as North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. Learn more about getting licensed in nursing compact states.
Once your state application is submitted, the next step is registering for the NCLEX-RN. Visit the NCLEX registration page to enter your legal name, nursing program details, and the state where you’re seeking licensure. You’ll also need to pay a $200 exam fee.
After your application is approved, you’ll receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) via email. You have 90 days to schedule and take your exam, so plan ahead to secure your preferred testing date.
If you’ve graduated and have applied for licensure in SC, you can begin working as a nurse even if you don’t yet have your license in hand. You’ll need to acquire a graduate nurse temporary license to do so and pass the NCLEX within 90 days to remain qualified to work.
Step 3: Pass the NCLEX-RN
This is a key step in the process of how to become an RN in South Carolina. Some students choose to purchase additional NCLEX prep courses and review materials in the weeks leading up to the exam. This can help improve your confidence and may give you a better chance of passing. Here are the content areas covered on the NCLEX:
- Safe and effective care environment
- Psychosocial integrity
- Physiological integrity
- Reduction of risk potential
- Physiological adaptation
You can view your NCLEX score two business days after your test date with Pearson VUE’s Quick Results page. Official exam reports will be available through the SCBON within six weeks. What if you don’t pass the NCLEX on the first attempt? In South Carolina, you can retake the test every 45 days for up to one year after your first try. If you don’t pass after a year, you’ll need to complete a remediation plan and submit it to the Board.
After you pass the exam, the Board will approve your license and you’ll be able to find it on the NURSYS licensure lookup system.
Step 4: Start Your Job Hunt
Ready to find RN jobs in SC? New grads in South Carolina can work in acute care residency programs, inpatient long-term care facilities, ambulatory care, and more. Consider applying to some of the top hospitals in the state:
- MUSC Health – Charleston
- Roper Hospital
- Lexington Medical Center
- Grand Strand Regional Medical Center
- McLeod Regional Medical Center
- Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Hospital
- Spartanburg Medical Center
As you start applying for nursing positions, use our guides on writing a great new grad resume and cover letter. And check out our fresh tips on finding your next nursing job:
On average, what is an RN salary in South Carolina? A nurse in SC makes an average of $81,930 per year, but salaries vary by location and specialty. If you’re open to relocation, check out RN roles in these major SC cities:
Step 5: Keep Your License Up to Date
Your South Carolina RN license is valid for two years, and you must renew by April 30 of even-numbered years. To maintain an active license, you’ll need to meet the continuing education (CE) requirements set by the South Carolina Board of Nursing. Stay on top of renewal deadlines and requirements by checking out our guide to renewing your SC nursing license.
Find Roles for Nurses in SC
Now that you know how to become an RN in South Carolina, why not check out opportunities in the Palmetto State? IntelyCare can send you personalized notifications that let you know when jobs open up specific to your schedule needs, specialty, and location. Learn more today.
