Jake Flannigan, NP
June 4, 2025
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) deliver essential patient care services in South Carolina’s healthcare facilities across hospitals, nursing homes, clinics and home health settings. LPNs work under the supervision of registered nurses and physicians to perform vital sign monitoring and medication distribution as well as assist patients with everyday tasks. LPNs serve as essential healthcare professionals in South Carolina especially in rural and underserved areas where healthcare providers face high demand. LPNs provide dedicated compassionate medical care throughout the lifespan of their patients.
Sumter, SC - Public 2-Year - cctech.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Central Carolina Technical College in Sumter, SC, provides a campus-based Practical Nursing Diploma focusing on comprehensive nursing education. This 48-semester-hour program prepares students for the NCLEX-PN exam, emphasizing hands-on clinical experience, critical thinking, and technology in patient care. Approved by the South Carolina Board of Nursing and a candidate for ACEN accreditation, it equips graduates for roles in structured healthcare settings. Admission requirements may change, and no licensure is guaranteed. The program is military-friendly and does not require an entrance exam, as it is a diploma-level offering.
Conway, SC - Public 2-Year - hgtc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Horry-Georgetown Technical College offers a Practical Nursing Diploma program that equips students with essential patient care skills through a 48-credit curriculum. The program includes hands-on clinical experiences and rigorous coursework, preparing graduates for the NCLEX-PN exam. Admission requires a minimum 2.5 GPA, prerequisite courses, and passing the TEAS entrance exam. With multiple campus locations and accreditation, graduates are well-prepared for diverse roles in hospitals, clinics, and extended care facilities, supported by strong employment prospects in South Carolina's healthcare sector.
Kingstree, SC - Public 2-Year - wiltech.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Williamsburg Technical College in Kingstree, SC, provides a 40-week Diploma in Health Science Practical Nursing, totaling 48 credit hours over three semesters. This campus-based program prepares students for the NCLEX-PN exam through classroom, lab, and clinical experiences in healthcare settings. Admission requires a TEAS exam score of at least 60, a 2.0 GPA, and completion of prerequisite courses. Emphasizing hands-on learning and teamwork under RN supervision, it ensures graduates are ready for practical nursing roles.
Rock Hill, SC - Public 2-Year - yorktech.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
York Technical College's Practical Nursing program delivers an intensive, campus-based education focused on direct patient care. Students engage in rigorous coursework covering anatomy, physiology, and chemistry, complemented by diverse clinical rotations in hospitals, community health agencies, and long-term care facilities. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, critical thinking, and effective communication skills, preparing graduates to pass the NCLEX-RN exam. Accredited and approved by the SC Board of Nursing, it features flexible clinical scheduling and multiple admission tracks, with limited enrollment ensuring personalized attention.
Cheraw, SC - Public 2-Year - netc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Northeastern Technical College's Practical Nursing program offers a 48-semester-hour curriculum blending classroom and clinical training, preparing students for the NCLEX-PN exam. Focused on therapeutic, rehabilitative, and preventive care, it includes two semesters plus a summer term with competitive admissions and potential prerequisites. Graduates gain skills for diverse healthcare settings, emphasizing team-based nursing and a strong health sciences foundation.
South Carolina does not provide fully online LPN programs because of clinical requirements yet educational institutions provide hybrid programs which combine flexibility with student-centered learning. The hybrid model enables students to take online general education courses together with laboratory work and clinical rotations through in-person attendance. Students who participate in this educational model can maintain their work-life balance while receiving hands-on clinical experience. Several educational institutions provide evening and weekend classes for nursing students to help adult learners achieve their educational goals.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Northeastern Technical College |
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| Galen Health Institutes-Myrtle Beach |
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| Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College |
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| Certifying Board | South Carolina Board of Nursing, Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation |
|---|---|
| Certification | National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) via Pearson VUE |
| Educational Prerequisite | Graduation from a Board-approved practical nursing program with official transcript and program verification |
| Application & Fees | $70 licensure-by-exam application fee, $200 NCLEX exam fee, optional $10 temporary permit, fingerprint-based criminal background check required |
| Processing Time | Authorization to Test issued in 1–2 weeks, permanent license typically granted within 14 business days after NCLEX passage and background clearance |
| License Renewal | Biennial renewal every two years on April 30 of even-numbered years, $75 renewal fee |
| Continuing Competency | Complete 30 contact hours of Board-approved continuing education or meet alternate competency pathways (certification, academic program, employer verification) each renewal cycle |
| Licensure by Endorsement | $100 endorsement application fee, verification of a current unrestricted LPN license, fingerprint background check, proof of recent nursing practice or completion of a Board-approved refresher, optional $10 temporary permit. |
The salary for Licensed Practical Nurses in South Carolina remains competitive and the job market outlook is positive. The average yearly salary of LPNs throughout South Carolina reaches $56,000 although it varies based on geographic area and work experience along with professional environment. New LPN graduates earn less money at first but their compensation increases throughout their career span as they gain experience and complete more education. The compensation of LPNs working in hospitals alongside specialty clinics grows through their shift work and overtime shifts. The LPN profession shows enduring employment opportunities because of rising demand for healthcare services that accompany an aging population.
| Salary & Career Outlook | South Carolina | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual LVN Salary | $53,817 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $26.00 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$77,575 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | $53,422 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$48,513 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022–2032) | ~12% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~25,400 | ~54,000 |
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Midlands Technical College |
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| Tri-County Technical College |
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| Denmark Technical College |
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The LPN license provides an excellent starting point for nurses who want to build their careers in nursing practice. Most LPNs in South Carolina pursue LPN-to-RN bridge programs after their education to become registered nurses by completing extra training. Prior coursework and experience typically earn credit through these programs thus students need less time to earn their associate degree in nursing. Some colleges enable students to enroll in bridge programs through flexible class schedules that include evening or part-time study. LPNs can earn specialized certifications through education in IV therapy, wound care, and gerontology which improve their skills and increase their compensation. LPNs who have gained experience can move into leadership positions as team leads or charge nurses in nursing facilities that provide long-term care. Most employers support continuing education and encourage their staff to pursue it. The educational pathways help nurses advance in their careers and improve their satisfaction while also expanding their professional opportunities within the ever-evolving healthcare sector.
Additional Nursing Programs in South Carolina
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