Top Nurse Practitioner Programs in South Carolina

The University of South Carolina's online Family Nurse Practitioner MSN program offers a transformative pathway for experienced nurses seeking advanced primary care expertise. Targeting professionals with a minimum of one year nursing experience, this comprehensive program emphasizes comprehensive healthcare delivery across patient lifespans. Students must maintain a competitive 3.0 GPA and provide professional recommendations. The flexible online format enables working nurses to advance their clinical skills while balancing professional responsibilities. No specific entrance exam is mentioned, making the program accessible for motivated nursing professionals seeking to expand their healthcare impact.

• Online program format
• Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
• One year nursing experience required
• Summer and Fall entry
• BLS certification needed
• Professional recommendation required
• Primary care across lifespan focus
• State-specific authorization

University of South Carolina's Adult Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner MSN program provides a comprehensive online pathway for registered nurses seeking specialized critical care expertise. Targeting professionals with one year of nursing experience and a 3.0 GPA, this program prepares nurses to manage complex adult and geriatric patient needs across intensive care, emergency departments, and specialized medical units. Students develop advanced clinical skills and become eligible for national certification, positioning themselves at the forefront of acute care nursing practice.

• Online MSN program
• Acute care nurse practitioner focus
• Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
• 1+ year nursing experience required
• National certification exam eligible

The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) program at the University of South Carolina-Columbia prepares students for holistic mental health care. It integrates neuroscientific principles with psychotherapy and trauma-related care across patient lifespans. The program offers online coursework for flexibility, complemented by hands-on clinical experiences. Graduates are eligible for the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s PMHNP exam. The program spans 47 credits over 8 semesters, including 672 clinical hours. Admission requires a BSN, 3.0 GPA, 2400 hours of nursing experience, and more. Costs vary by residency, with financial aid available.

• Online coursework flexibility
• 47 credits over 8 semesters
• 672 direct clinical hours
• BSN and 3.0 GPA required
• 2400 hours nursing experience needed
• Eligible for PMHNP exam
• Holistic mental health care focus
• Integrates neuroscientific principles
• Hands-on clinical experiences
• Financial aid available

Designed for master's-prepared nurses, the University of South Carolina's Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate provides a strategic post-master's pathway to advanced practice specialization. This targeted program prepares nurses for national certification in primary care across patient lifespans, requiring a 3.0 GPA and offering flexible admission routes. The curriculum combines rigorous coursework with comprehensive clinical training, enabling graduates to enhance their professional credentials and explore diverse employment opportunities in primary care settings, including federally qualified health centers and urban/rural practices.

• Post-master's certificate program
• Primary care across lifespan
• 18-32 credit hours
• 3.0 GPA requirement
• National certification preparation
• Advanced practice nursing focus
• Flexible admission routes
• Interprofessional healthcare training
• Clinical practicum included
• Multiple primary care settings

The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate at the University of South Carolina represents an advanced post-master's opportunity for nurses seeking specialized mental health expertise. Emphasizing neuroscientific principles, psychopharmacology, and holistic treatment approaches, this program prepares practitioners to evaluate, diagnose, and treat complex mental health conditions. Requiring a master's degree and 3.0 GPA, students gain comprehensive training applicable across diverse clinical settings like psychiatric facilities, schools, and community clinics. The curriculum positions graduates for national certification and meaningful psychiatric healthcare roles.

• Post-master's certificate program
• 18-32 total credit hours
• Advanced practice nursing focus
• National certification preparation
• Multiple practice settings available
• Minimum 3.0 GPA requirement
• Holistic mental health approach
• Diverse clinical practicum experiences

• Post-master's certificate program
• Prepares for national certification
• Multiple acute care specialties
• Minimum 18 credit hours
• Requires 3.0 GPA
• Practicum included
• Advanced clinical preparation

• First four D.N.P. programs nationwide
• Clinical Simulation Center training
• Online and on-campus learning
• Evidence-based practice focus

• Top-tier faculty mentorship
• Evidence-based curriculum
• Prepares for national certification
• Interprofessional collaboration focus

• Advanced practice clinical preparation
• Innovative Clinical Simulation Center
• Evidence-based project collaboration
• Prepares for national certification

Francis Marion University's MSN Family Nurse Practitioner program offers a comprehensive 55-credit pathway for BSN-prepared nurses targeting primary care excellence. With 780 clinical practicum hours, students develop advanced skills across patient lifespans through a flexible, predominantly online curriculum. The hybrid program enables full-time completion in 2.5 years, accommodating working professionals. Graduates become AANP and ANCC certification-eligible Advanced Practice Registered Nurses prepared to address critical healthcare needs in diverse community settings. Military-friendly and offering part-time study options, the program emphasizes holistic patient care and provides an optional nursing education certificate.

• 55 credit hour program
• 780 clinical practicum hours
• Fully online courses
• Fall semester admission
• Certification exam preparation
• 2.5 year full-time completion
• Part-time study option
• Lifespan primary care focus
• Optional nursing education certificate

Francis Marion University's Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program delivers a hybrid MSN degree combining online coursework with minimal campus visits. Designed for working professionals, the 55-semester-hour curriculum includes 780 practicum hours focusing on comprehensive mental health care. Students gain theoretical knowledge and practical skills, preparing for national certification and advanced practice roles. The program addresses growing mental health service demands, offering flexibility and a robust educational experience for nurses passionate about psychiatric care and making significant healthcare impacts.

• Hybrid program format.
• 55 semester hours required.
• 780 practicum hours.
• Eligible for national certification.
• Minimal campus visits.
• Focus on psychiatric mental health.
• Flexible for working professionals.
• Comprehensive knowledge and skills.
• Prepares for advanced practice roles.
• Addresses growing mental health demand.

Francis Marion University's Post-Master's Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate provides MSN-prepared nurses an advanced specialized pathway. Spanning 23-27 credit hours with 780 clinical practicum hours, the fully online curriculum offers individualized learning through a comprehensive gap analysis. Designed for professionals seeking to expand mental healthcare expertise, the program prepares students for national certification exams. Emphasizing rural healthcare and lifespan population management, graduates are positioned to serve critical mental health needs in underserved communities with flexible, personalized educational approaches.

• 23-27 credit hour certificate
• 780 clinical practicum hours
• Fully online curriculum
• Individualized gap analysis
• Prepares for AANP/ANCC exams
• MSN degree required
• Serves lifespan population
• Advanced practice focus
• Rural healthcare emphasis
• Flexible learning options

Francis Marion University's BSN to FNP/DNP track transforms BSN-prepared nurses into doctoral-level Family Nurse Practitioners through an intensive 70-credit hour program. Completed in three calendar years, the hybrid curriculum provides fully online courses with 1,080 clinical hours. Students gain advanced clinical expertise and leadership preparation, becoming eligible for AANP and ANCC certification. The program offers a seamless educational progression, ensuring working professionals can efficiently advance their nursing careers with comprehensive, flexible learning strategies.

• 70 credit hour program
• 1,080 total clinical hours
• Fully online with hybrid courses
• Three-year full-time track
• Eligible for AANP/ANCC certification

Francis Marion University's Doctor of Nursing Practice with Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner concentration offers an online program for RNs and APRNs. Requiring a BSN or MSN with a 3.0 GPA, the curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, leadership, and policy development. Focused on improving healthcare services in rural populations, students complete practicum experiences and a capstone project. The program prepares graduates for high-demand acute care roles, integrating innovative healthcare approaches and leadership skills for transformative patient care.

• Online program.
• BSN or MSN entry.
• 3.0 GPA required.
• RN license needed.
• Focus on rural healthcare.
• Capstone project required.
• Practicum experiences included.
• Leadership and policy focus.
• Evidence-based practice emphasis.
• Prepares for acute care roles.

• Hybrid program format.
• 70 credit hours required.
• 1,080 clinical hours.
• Prepares for AANP/ANCC exams.
• Full-time in 3 years.
• Part-time options available.
• Fall admission only.
• Minimal campus visits.
• Advanced pharmacology included.
• Health policy coursework.

• 72 credit hours
• 1,080 clinical hours
• Hybrid program
• 3-year completion
• Fall admission
• AANP/ANCC eligible
• Advanced pharmacology
• Health policy focus
• Psychiatric disorders management
• Minimal campus visits

Anderson University's MSN in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner offers a transformative educational experience for advanced practice nurses. This hybrid program integrates sophisticated online learning with strategic campus intensives, providing a comprehensive 51-credit curriculum targeting mental healthcare across all age demographics. Students engage in 750 clinical hours, developing sophisticated diagnostic and treatment skills for diverse mental health conditions. Designed for Bachelor's-prepared nurses with recommended clinical experience, the program prepares graduates for lucrative positions in clinics, hospitals, and community health centers, with potential earnings between $95,000 and $115,000 annually.

• 51 total credit hours
• Hybrid program format
• 750 clinical training hours
• Covers all population age groups
• Bachelor's in Nursing required
• 1-2 years nursing experience recommended
• 5 semesters full-time option
• 8 semesters part-time option
• Certification exam preparation

Anderson University's MSN Family Nurse Practitioner track provides a comprehensive hybrid program designed to elevate nursing professionals' clinical capabilities. This 49-credit curriculum combines flexible online learning with targeted on-campus sessions in Greenville, requiring 750 clinical hours across diverse populations. Tailored for both full-time and part-time students, the program prepares nurses for board certification and advanced practice roles in family practice, urgent care, and related healthcare settings. With a prerequisite of a nursing bachelor's degree and recommended clinical experience, graduates can anticipate competitive salaries between $90,000 and $110,000, reflecting the program's rigorous training approach.

• 49 credit hours
• Hybrid program
• 750 clinical hours
• 5 semesters full-time
• 8 semesters part-time
• Board certification eligible
• Average salary $90k-$110k
• Bachelor’s in Nursing required
• 1-2 years experience recommended
• On-campus sessions in Greenville

Anderson University's MSN Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner track offers an innovative hybrid program targeting advanced nursing professionals. This 51-credit curriculum combines flexible online coursework with minimal campus visits, emphasizing comprehensive mental and behavioral health training. Students complete 750 clinical hours across all age groups, developing sophisticated skills in psychiatric assessment and treatment. Designed for Bachelor's-prepared nurses with recommended clinical experience, the program prepares graduates for board certification and lucrative career opportunities. With potential annual earnings between $95,000 and $115,000, the program represents a strategic pathway to specialized mental healthcare practice.

• 51 credit hours
• Hybrid program format
• 750 clinical hours
• Focus on all age groups
• Average salary $95,000-$115,000
• Bachelor's in nursing required
• 1-2 years experience recommended
• Prepares for board certification

Anderson University's Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate provides an accelerated pathway for experienced Family Nurse Practitioners seeking specialized mental health credentials. This innovative hybrid program delivers comprehensive training through 24 credit hours and 750 clinical hours, emphasizing psychiatric assessment and treatment. Designed with working professionals in mind, the curriculum features predominantly online coursework with brief on-campus intensives. Graduates can anticipate significant career advancement, with potential salaries around $135,000 in South Carolina. Ideal for nurses wanting to transition into specialized psychiatric care, the program requires prior masters/doctorate in Family Nurse Practitioner and offers robust certification exam preparation.

• Mostly online certificate program
• 24 total credit hours
• 750 clinical hours requirement
• Hybrid learning format
• 15-month program duration
• Requires masters/doctorate in FNP
• Certification exam preparation
• Average salary $135,000
• Small cohort learning
• Experienced nursing faculty

Anderson University's Doctor of Nursing Practice in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner represents a pinnacle of advanced nursing education. This rigorous 77-credit program equips nurses to become expert mental health practitioners through an innovative hybrid model combining online coursework and critical campus intensives. Students complete 750 clinical hours and a guided scholarly project, developing comprehensive skills in treating mental and behavioral health disorders across population groups. Targeting BSN-prepared nurses with clinical experience, the program positions graduates for high-demand roles with competitive salaries ranging from $95,000 to $115,000, emphasizing leadership and advanced clinical expertise.

• 77 total credit hours
• Mostly online hybrid format
• 750 clinical training hours
• 3-year program duration
• BSN degree required
• National certification preparation
• Covers all population age groups
• Competitive salary potential

• 75 total credit hours
• Hybrid online/campus program
• 750 clinical training hours
• 9-semester completion track
• DNP Scholarly Project included
• 1-2 years nursing experience recommended
• Bachelor's in Nursing required

MUSC's Master of Science in Nursing with Family Nurse Practitioner concentration prepares advanced practice nurses for comprehensive primary care. The online program integrates telehealth, behavioral health, and palliative care, focusing on patient assessment, diagnosis, and treatment across the lifespan. Students develop leadership skills, explore health systems design, and engage with evidence-based practice. With some required campus visits, the curriculum readies graduates for certification exams and diverse advanced practice roles.

• Online program format.
• Focus on Family Nurse Practitioner.
• Integrates telehealth and behavioral health.
• Prepares for certification exams.
• Includes leadership and health systems design.
• Evidence-based practice focus.
• Some campus visits required.
• Broad patient population focus.
• Covers palliative care topics.
• Prepares for advanced practice roles.

MUSC's Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner MSN program equips advanced practice nurses to address complex behavioral health challenges. Offering both online and campus options, the curriculum covers psychotherapy and medication management across all age groups. Students explore critical topics including telehealth, substance use, and palliative care, with a strong emphasis on evidence-based practice, leadership, and health policy. The program prepares graduates for certification exams and diverse healthcare environment careers.

• Online and campus options.
• Focus on telehealth and psych-mental health.
• Includes opioid and substance use topics.
• Prepares for certification exams.
• Evidence-based practice focus.
• Leadership and health policy included.
• Full-time and part-time study plans.
• Covers all age groups.
• Diverse healthcare settings career paths.
• Includes palliative care education.

MUSC's Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate addresses critical mental health workforce demands, offering specialized training in assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. With a projected 45% job growth, the program prepares advanced practice nurses for comprehensive mental health care across diverse populations. Students gain expertise in medication management and psychotherapy, positioning graduates to work in various healthcare settings. The curriculum emphasizes holistic approaches, interprofessional learning, and provides optional psychodynamic psychotherapy certification.

• 45% projected job growth
• Holistic mental health approach
• Interprofessional learning environment
• Specialized psychotherapy training
• Optional psychodynamic psychotherapy certificate
• Multiple patient population options
• Certification exam preparation
• Telemedicine and diverse care settings

MUSC's Family Nurse Practitioner DNP program provides advanced nurses with comprehensive primary healthcare training across all life stages. The online curriculum develops expertise in treating acute and chronic conditions while cultivating holistic care skills. Students participate in on-campus intensives learning specialized procedures like contraception insertion. Graduates gain versatile professional capabilities for diverse healthcare environments, including pediatric practices, skilled nursing centers, and hospitalist roles, with optional nurse educator course opportunities.

• Online Post-BSN DNP program
• Lifespan healthcare education
• Interprofessional learning environment
• Clinical hours in primary care
• Specialized procedural training
• Flexible employment opportunities
• Optional nurse educator courses

MUSC's Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner DNP program addresses critical mental health workforce shortages with projected 45% job growth. The online track offers comprehensive training in mental health assessment, diagnosis, and treatment, integrating interprofessional learning and specialized therapy modalities. Students explore flexible specialization options across patient populations, developing advanced skills in medication management and psychotherapeutic techniques. The program prepares graduates for national certification with diverse clinical placement opportunities.

• Online Post-BSN DNP Track
• 45% Job Growth Projection
• Multiple Clinical Specialization Options
• Interprofessional Learning Environment
• National Certification Eligibility
• Diverse Clinical Placement Opportunities
• Optional Psychotherapy Certificate

• Online DNP program
• Primary care specialist track
• Broad patient age range
• Multiple clinical practice settings
• Expert faculty leadership

• Online program format.
• Focus on Adult Gerontology Acute Care.
• Combines MSN and DNP degrees.
• Telehealth and behavioral health included.
• Some campus visits required.
• No GRE required.
• RN license and BSN needed.
• Preferred 3.0 GPA.
• Rolling admissions.
• Prepares for advanced clinical roles.

• Online DNP Pediatric NP Track
• Care for children pre-natal to 21
• Certification exam preparation
• Expert pediatric clinical training
• Comprehensive primary care focus

Clemson University's Master of Science in Nursing with an Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner concentration is a hybrid program based in Greenville, SC, tailored for RNs seeking expertise in elderly care. It emphasizes advanced clinical skills through coursework and practicums, requiring a BSN, 3.25 GPA, active RN license, and 600 clinical hours. No entrance exam is mentioned for this master's level program, and it is military-friendly with scholarship opportunities.

• Hybrid program delivery format
• Specialized adult/gerontology focus
• Practicum in primary care settings
• Minimum 3.25 GPA requirement
• Located in Greenville, SC campus

Clemson University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program offers a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration in a hybrid format, preparing nurses for leadership roles with a focus on primary care. The 74-credit hour curriculum includes evidence-based practice, healthcare policy, and 1000 clinical hours, culminating in a DNP project. Admission requires a nursing degree and 3.25 GPA; no entrance exam is specified for this doctoral program, and it supports post-baccalaureate and post-masters students.

• Hybrid 74-credit hour program
• Family Nurse Practitioner concentration
• 1000 total clinical hours
• Evidence-based practice focus
• Leadership and policy training
• Comprehensive DNP project required
• Post-baccalaureate and post-masters tracks

Clemson University's DNP program with an Adult/Gerontology concentration is a hybrid offering that blends online learning with clinical rotations, focusing on evidence-based practice, policy, and inter-professional collaboration. It requires 1000 clinical hours, a 3.25 GPA, RN licensure, and 600 recent clinical hours for admission. No entrance exam is noted for this doctoral level, and financial aid like graduate assistantships is available, ideal for nurses pursuing healthcare innovation leadership.

• Hybrid program format
• Adult/Gerontology concentration
• 1000 clinical hours required
• 3.25 GPA admission requirement
• RN licensure needed
• 600 recent clinical hours
• Focus on evidence-based practice
• Healthcare policy and advocacy
• Inter-professional collaboration
• DNP project completion