Compare costs, NCLEX pass rates, and program lengths for accredited LPN schools near North Charleston.
Practical nursing programs in North Charleston typically require 12 months of full-time study, making them one of the fastest entry points into nursing in the Lowcountry.
The region’s hospitals and long-term care facilities depend on LPNs, sustaining demand as the population ages.
Program quality varies widely, however, and NCLEX-PN pass rates, net cost after aid, and scheduling differ enough that a side-by-side comparison matters. For working adults, the deciding factor is often whether evening or weekend clinicals are available. In a metro where LPNs earn a median near $48,000, selecting a program with strong outcomes and a compatible schedule pays back in months, not years.
The Lowcountry offers several practical nursing programs that prepare students for NCLEX-PN licensure and entry-level roles in diverse healthcare settings. Whether you prefer a rural campus, coastal clinical experiences, or a fast-track private option, this list highlights accredited programs within commuting distance of North Charleston.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Central Carolina Technical College | Sumter, SC | $6,000/yr | Pell-eligible students prioritizing low debt | |
Central Carolina Technical College offers a campus-based Practical Nursing diploma that blends 48 credit hours of classroom learning with planned clinical experiences. Approved by the South Carolina Board of Nursing and a candidate for ACEN accreditation, the program emphasizes critical thinking and technology skills for diverse patient populations. With a high percentage of Pell Grant recipients and low median graduate debt, it provides an affordable entry into nursing for students from Sumter and beyond.
| |||||
| #2 | Horry-Georgetown Technical College | Conway, SC | ~$4,000/yr (est.) | Students wanting coastal hospital clinicals | |
Horry-Georgetown Technical College delivers a PN Diploma that integrates classroom instruction, lab practice, and clinical rotations in Grand Strand hospitals and care facilities. The ACEN-accredited program spans 48 credits with a focus on medical-surgical nursing, maternal-child nursing, and pharmacology. Admission is competitive, requiring a TEAS exam and a minimum 2.5 GPA, and graduates are eligible for NCLEX-PN licensure with strong regional employment prospects.
| |||||
| #3 | Williamsburg Technical College | Kingstree, SC | ~$10,000/yr (est.) | Rural learners seeking small class sizes | |
Williamsburg Technical College offers a compact 48-credit Practical Nursing diploma completed in 40 weeks across three semesters. The campus-based program in Kingstree features a 9:1 student-faculty ratio and emphasizes hands-on learning under registered nurse supervision. Admission requires a TEAS score of 60 or higher and a 2.0 GPA, with clinical experiences in rural healthcare settings.
| |||||
| #4 | York Technical College | Rock Hill, SC | ~$6,000/yr (est.) | ||
York Technical College's Practical Nursing program operates from the Chester campus as a limited-enrollment diploma with ACEN accreditation. The curriculum covers anatomy, physiology, and patient care skills, supported by clinical rotations across York, Chester, and Lancaster counties. A first-qualified, first-served admission process and strong graduate earnings data make it a compelling option for Upstate-focused students willing to commute.
| |||||
| #5 | Northeastern Technical College | Cheraw, SC | $7,000/yr (net price) | ||
Northeastern Technical College's 48-semester-hour Practical Nursing diploma can be completed in two semesters plus a summer term. The curriculum blends health sciences theory with clinical training in therapeutic and preventive care, and the college offers a direct LPN-to-ADN transition pathway. Competitive admissions require a TEAS exam, and a criminal background check and drug screening may apply.
| |||||
| #6 | Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College | Orangeburg, SC | $5,000 – $8,000/yr | ||
Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College provides a Practical Nursing diploma with traditional and FLEX models to accommodate various student backgrounds. The ACEN-accredited program boasts a 94% licensure pass rate and 100% job placement, with fall and spring start dates. Located along the I-26 corridor, it is a strong choice for students from the Charleston-Columbia region seeking proven outcomes.
| |||||
| #7 | Galen Health Institutes-Myrtle Beach | Myrtle Beach, SC | $26,000/yr (net price) | ||
Galen Health Institutes-Myrtle Beach is a private institution offering a Practical/Vocational Nursing program that can be completed in 12 months full-time or 21 months part-time. With four start dates per year and no entrance exam, it provides flexible entry for students new to nursing. The campus-based curriculum includes hands-on clinical training and leads to NCLEX-PN eligibility, with graduates reporting strong median earnings ten years out.
| |||||
The table below compares the estimated costs for LPN programs within a 75-mile radius of North Charleston. Sticker tuition can be misleading, so we include the average net price after grants and scholarships (institution-wide figure, not a per-student guarantee) and median federal graduate debt. Public technical colleges like Horry-Georgetown and Central Carolina typically cost far less than private options such as Galen Health Institutes, where the net price approaches $26,000 after aid.
| School | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Net Price After Aid | Median Graduate Debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Horry-Georgetown Technical College | $6,778 | $10,978 | $4,159 | $14,250 |
| Central Carolina Technical College | $6,594 | $9,016 | $5,571 | $9,977 |
| York Technical College | $8,396 | $13,340 | $5,931 | $7,000 |
| Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College | $6,242 | $8,354 | $6,186 | $10,562 |
| Northeastern Technical College | $6,024 | $6,024 | $6,913 | N/A |
| Williamsburg Technical College | $4,800 | $8,592 | $9,887 | N/A |
| Galen Health Institutes-Myrtle Beach | $16,364 | $16,364 | $25,662 | $24,166 |
NCLEX-PN pass rates serve as a transparent measure of how well a program prepares its students for licensure, and in South Carolina, high standards are the norm. The latest statewide figures from the South Carolina Board of Nursing show that first-time test takers passed at a rate of 97.1% in 2024, far exceeding the national average of 88.38%.1 For practical nursing students in the North Charleston area, choosing an LPN program in South Carolina with a strong track record is one of the most important steps you can take.
Pass rates directly influence your timeline to licensure. A high pass rate indicates that a program’s curriculum aligns well with the exam. A low rate can signal gaps in instruction that lead to retakes, extra study time, and delayed entry into the workforce. Because each failed attempt requires a waiting period and additional fees, attending a program with a proven record of success saves both time and money.
Trident Technical College, the primary public LPN program serving North Charleston, reported a 100% NCLEX-PN pass rate for its 2024 graduating cohort.1 This perfect score reflects rigorous classroom and clinical preparation. In the following year, 2025, the program produced 34 graduates,2 underscoring its consistent output of well-prepared entry-level nurses.
While Trident Tech’s results are publicly available, pass rates for other programs within a 75-mile radius, including ECPI University North Charleston and Technical College of the Lowcountry, were not included in the state board’s 2024 report. Prospective students should ask these schools directly for their most recent first-time pass rates. When evaluating any program, look for rates that consistently meet or exceed the state’s 97.1% benchmark. Trident Tech’s performance shows that top-tier preparation is achievable locally, giving graduates an edge on exam day.
Program length varies by school and format. Trident Technical College’s diploma can be completed in one year, while other area programs may offer extended or accelerated tracks. Below are the details for one of North Charleston’s top options.
Practical nursing admissions have grown more standardized, yet each school sets its own bar. In North Charleston, LPN candidates should expect a mix of minimum GPAs, entrance exams, LPN prerequisites, and health documentation, though the exact combination differs by program.
Regardless, preparing early is essential. Gather immunization records and any prior transcripts well before your application deadline.
Trident Technical College uses rolling admissions2, so you can apply anytime for the next available cohort (currently Fall 2027)1. Many other programs, however, operate on fixed deadlines, so missing a cut-off can delay your start by a semester or more.
Because LPN cohorts are often small and competitiveness varies, apply to multiple schools. Casting a wider net reduces the risk of being waitlisted and keeps your career timeline on track.
LPNs in North Charleston can expect wages that hew closely to South Carolina’s statewide figures, though the metro area’s dense healthcare market often pushes pay higher for experienced nurses.
While the BLS does not break out salary data specifically for the Charleston-North Charleston MSA, South Carolina’s statewide numbers provide a reliable reference. Licensed practical nurses in the state earn a median annual wage of $59,050, which translates to about $28.39 per hour.1 The middle 50% fall between $52,180 and $62,760.1 At the low end, the 10th percentile sits at $48,140, and at the high end, the 90th percentile reaches $69,910.1 For context, the national median is $62,340 (or $29.97 per hour),2 roughly $3,300 above South Carolina’s median. In the Charleston area, a high concentration of hospitals and skilled nursing facilities helps keep LPN salaries competitive, with many positions offering hourly rates above the state average.
Demand for LPNs in the Charleston region remains strong, fueled by population growth and an aging demographic. Notable employers include MUSC Health, Roper St. Francis Healthcare, and Trident Medical Center, as well as long-term care providers like NHC Healthcare and White Oak Manor. Home health agencies are another major source of LPN jobs, often providing flexible schedules and mileage reimbursement. The national outlook for LPNs is steady, and Charleston’s expanding healthcare infrastructure suggests local employment opportunities will continue to grow.
Program-level earnings data for LPN graduates in the Charleston area is not publicly available, but entry-level pay generally tracks the lower percentiles of the statewide range. New LPNs can expect to start near the $48,000, $52,000 mark and, with a year or two of experience, move toward the median. Earning an IV therapy certification or completing an LPN-to-RN bridge program can further boost earning potential. Employers in the area also frequently offer shift differentials and sign-on bonuses, which can meaningfully increase total annual compensation.
LPNs looking to advance can either transition into registered nursing through a bridge program or sharpen their existing skills with focused certifications, each path offers distinct advantages. For those aiming to become an RN, Trident Technical College offers an LPN-to-ADN bridge that awards an Associate in Applied Science in Nursing. The program spans 24 months and prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN licensing exam. Admission requires active South Carolina LPN licensure and a clear background check, though no prior work experience is needed. Note that recent Trident PN graduates may need to follow standard ADN admission steps if they completed their program within the past two years. While some accelerated bridge programs can be finished in 12-18 months, Trident’s extended timeline allows a measured transition. Tuition details should be confirmed directly with the college, as costs can change.
Specializations provide a quicker alternative. Earning an IV therapy certification or wound care credential can increase your earning potential without the longer commitment of a full RN bridge. These skills are in demand in long-term care and home health settings around North Charleston, making them a practical step for LPNs who want to boost their pay while staying in primary bedside roles.
When evaluating LPN programs in North Charleston, prospective students should consider scheduling flexibility, total cost, and student outcomes. The questions below address common concerns to help you make an informed decision.
