Top Nursing Schools & Programs in South Carolina

The Citadel Military College of South Carolina offers a campus-based Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program emphasizing leadership and caregiving. It requires a 3.0 GPA and B grades in math and science courses, with an ACT or SAT exam likely needed for admission. The curriculum includes nursing fundamentals, health assessment, pharmacology, and advanced care for special populations, with unique research opportunities for evidence-based projects. Veteran students receive special consideration, and the program prepares cadets for nursing careers through rigorous academics and hands-on experience, accepting 24 students annually.

• 3.0 GPA requirement.
• B grades in math/science.
• 24 cadets accepted yearly.
• Introduction to Nursing course.
• Focus on leadership skills.
• Sophomore year fundamentals.
• Junior year acute care.
• Senior year special populations.
• Research opportunities available.
• Veteran admission consideration.

The Citadel Military College of South Carolina provides a hybrid Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program through the Swain Department of Nursing, designed for adult students with evening coursework and clinicals for flexibility. Admission requires a 3.0 GPA and B or better in math and science courses, with an ACT or SAT exam likely needed. The five-semester program focuses on quality education for nursing leaders, with application deadlines on October 1 for early decision and March 1 for final decision, accommodating work and family commitments.

• Evening coursework for flexibility.
• Hybrid program type.
• Five-semester completion.
• 3.0 GPA requirement.
• 'B' or better in math/science.
• October 1 early decision deadline.
• March 1 final decision deadline.
• Designed for adult students.
• Quality education focus.
• Evening clinical experiences.

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) at the University of South Carolina-Upstate is a hybrid program in Spartanburg, combining online and in-person learning for flexibility. It requires 126 credit hours and includes clinical rotations at regional medical centers, supported by a state-of-the-art Simulation Center and esteemed faculty. The program boasts a 97% first-time NCLEX pass rate, and admissions may require ACT or SAT scores as part of university criteria. Additional features include dual degree options, summer abroad opportunities, and financial aid availability.

• Hybrid program format.
• 126 credit hours required.
• 97% NCLEX first-time pass rate.
• State-of-the-art Simulation Center.
• Clinical rotations at regional centers.
• Dual degree in biology available.
• Summer abroad opportunities.
• High demand for graduates.
• Flexible learning options.
• Esteemed faculty guidance.

Charleston Southern University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing offers a comprehensive education with both traditional four-year and accelerated 18-month pathways, integrating Christian values and hands-on training through human patient simulators and clinical rotations in regional hospitals. Accredited by ACEN, the program prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN exam and diverse nursing careers, with no entrance exam required for admission to this bachelor's level program.

• ACEN Accredited Nursing Program
• Traditional and Accelerated BSN Options
• Christian Values Integration
• Competitive NCLEX Pass Rates
• Clinical Experience in Hospitals
• Human Patient Simulator Labs
• Multiple Career Path Options
• Comprehensive Clinical Training

The Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Charleston Southern University is an 18-month hybrid program for those with prior college credits, combining online coursework with on-campus labs and weekend clinical rotations. Admission requires a 3.0 GPA in prerequisites, specific math and science courses, and letters of recommendation, but no entrance exam is needed for this bachelor's level program, focusing on fast-track preparation for nursing roles.

• 18-month program duration
• Hybrid online and on-campus
• Starts Summer II only
• 3.0 GPA prerequisite requirement
• 58-60 credit hours prerequisite
• Two letters of recommendation
• Lab sessions on weekday evenings
• Clinical rotations on weekends
• Comprehensive nursing curriculum
• Focus on diverse healthcare needs

The University of South Carolina-Columbia's B.S.N. program prepares students for nursing careers through a curriculum that integrates classroom learning, clinical hours, and advanced simulation lab experiences. It emphasizes leadership, research, and specialized skills, with a top 1% NCLEX pass rate nationally and two NLN Center of Excellence designations. The program requires an ACT or SAT entrance exam for admission, reflecting its commitment to high standards in nursing education.

• Top 1% NCLEX pass rate.
• Two NLN Center of Excellence designations.
• $20 million in grant funding.
• State-of-the-art simulation lab.
• Combines clinical and classroom learning.
• Focus on leadership and research.
• Prepares for diverse healthcare settings.
• Innovative teaching techniques.
• Committed to community health.

Francis Marion University's Pre-Licensure BSN program in Florence, SC, features a 2+2 structure, requiring 59 lower division and 61 nursing credit hours with 500 clinical hours. Admission is competitive, needing a 3.0 GPA, 2.6 science GPA, and prerequisite completion with a C or better. The program emphasizes personalized advising, diverse clinical experiences, and prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN exam, focusing on professional nursing care across all age groups. As a bachelor's level program, it may require ACT or SAT entrance exams, though specifics are not provided in the data.

• 2+2 program structure
• 500 clinical hours
• Eligible for NCLEX-RN
• 3.0 GPA requirement
• 2.6 science GPA needed
• Personalized faculty advising
• Diverse clinical settings
• Competitive admission
• Focus on all age groups
• Professional nursing practice