Best South Carolina LPN to RN/BSN Programs 2026
South Carolina’s programs provide educational pathways for LPNs seeking RN credentials. Students learn advanced nursing theory, clinical reasoning, and patient management. Clinical rotations ensure readiness for licensure and expanded career opportunities.
2026 Best LPN to RN Programs in South Carolina
Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College
Orangeburg, SC - Public 2-Year - octech.edu
Associate - LPN to ADN Flex Option
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College's LPN to ADN Flex Option is a hybrid program tailored for Licensed Practical Nurses, blending online lectures with essential on-site labs and clinicals. It requires 67 semester hours and competitive admission, including a current LPN license, general education prerequisites, and ATI testing for advanced credit. Graduates earn an Associate in Applied Science in Nursing, gaining skills in family-centered care, mental health nursing, and management of complex health issues. Designed for working professionals, this flexible pathway enhances career prospects without a specified entrance exam, focusing on practical advancement in nursing.
- 67 semester hours required.
- Hybrid online and on-site learning.
- Competitive admission process.
- Current LPN license required.
- ATI testing for advanced credit.
- General education prerequisites needed.
- Online lectures with on-site labs.
- Clinicals included in curriculum.
- Associate in Applied Science awarded.
- Designed for working professionals.
Central Carolina Technical College
Sumter, SC - Public 2-Year - cctech.edu
Associate - LPN to ADN Option
Campus Based - Visit Website
Central Carolina Technical College's LPN to ADN Option offers licensed practical nurses an accelerated, campus-based route to become registered nurses. This program emphasizes clinical experiences in structured healthcare settings, requiring a 2.5 GPA in general education courses and current LPN licensure. Students must pass the NLN Nursing Acceleration Challenge Exam and complete 66 semester hours, with flexible schedules for working professionals. Graduates are well-prepared for the NCLEX-RN exam, gaining enhanced critical thinking and technological skills for dynamic nursing roles, and the program is accredited and military-friendly.
- Accredited Nursing Program
- 66 Total Semester Hours
- Designed for Licensed Practical Nurses
- Clinical Experience Focused
- NCLEX-RN Exam Preparation
- Minimum 2.5 GPA Required
- Current LPN Licensure Needed
- Flexible Clinical Schedules
- Health Science Career Alignment
Horry-Georgetown Technical College
Conway, SC - Public 2-Year - hgtc.edu
Associate - Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) – Advanced Placement
Campus Based - Visit Website
Horry-Georgetown Technical College's Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) Advanced Placement program provides a fast-track option for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and Paramedics to advance their careers by building on prior healthcare experience. This campus-based program requires candidates to have a 2.75 GPA, complete general education prerequisites, and pass the TEAS exam with a score of at least 65. It emphasizes comprehensive clinical training across various healthcare environments, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for diverse nursing roles. With 71 credit hours and a minimum grade of C in courses, the accredited program offers strong employment prospects without a specified concentration.
- Advanced Placement for LPNs, Paramedics
- Accredited Nursing Program
- Comprehensive Clinical Training
- 2.75 GPA Requirement
- Multiple Campus Locations
- TEAS Exam Required
- Diverse Healthcare Career Paths
- 71 Total Credit Hours
- Minimum C Grade Requirement
Aiken Technical College
Graniteville, SC - Public 2-Year - atc.edu
Associate - LPN to ADN
Campus Based - Visit Website
Aiken Technical College's LPN to ADN program in Graniteville, SC, is accredited by the South Carolina Board of Nursing and ACEN, preparing licensed practical nurses for the NCLEX-RN exam. It uniquely offers evening classes for flexibility, blending theory with hands-on clinical practice to emphasize patient safety and effective care. Graduates benefit from seamless transfer opportunities to institutions like USC Aiken and Medical University of South Carolina, fostering career advancement without requiring an ACT or SAT exam, as it's an associate degree program.
- Accredited by SC Board of Nursing.
- Evening classes for flexibility.
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
- Combines theory and clinical practice.
- Seamless transfer to universities.
- Focus on patient safety.
- Designed for LPNs advancing careers.
- Accredited by ACEN.
- Offers practical skills training.
- Emphasizes effective patient care.
Florence-Darlington Technical College
Florence, SC - Public 2-Year - fdtc.edu
Associate - LPN to ADN Transition
Campus Based - Visit Website
Florence-Darlington Technical College's LPN to ADN Transition program is a 24-month campus-based associate degree pathway designed for Licensed Practical Nurses in South Carolina. It requires a current LPN license, a minimum 2.75 GPA, prerequisite courses, and successful TEAS test scores for admission. The ACEN-accredited curriculum spans 68 credit hours with day classes and multiple clinical practice courses, focusing on advanced clinical skills, critical thinking, and NCLEX-RN preparation. Graduates are equipped for roles as Registered Nurses, benefiting from South Carolina's competitive mean salary of $77,610. This program emphasizes hands-on learning and professional development without a specified concentration.
- 24-month Associate Degree program
- NCLEX-RN exam preparation
- 68 total credit hours
- Day program format
- ACEN accredited program
- Requires current LPN license
- Multiple clinical practice courses
- TEAS test required for entry
- Comprehensive nursing curriculum
South Carolina LPN to RN Program Overview
Eligibility and Admission Requirements
South Carolina LPNs who plan to bridge to RN status apply to LPN to ADN or LPN to BSN programs and, upon graduation, seek RN licensure by examination. Common admission items in South Carolina include:
- Current, unencumbered LPN license. South Carolina is a Nurse Licensure Compact state, so a multistate LPN license with privilege to practice in South Carolina is typically acceptable.
- Official transcripts showing graduation from an approved practical nursing program.
- College prerequisites completed with minimum grades set by the school, often including:
- Anatomy and Physiology I and II with labs
- Microbiology with lab
- English Composition
- General Psychology and Human Growth and Development
- College Algebra or Statistics
- Nutrition
- Minimum cumulative GPA in prerequisite coursework, commonly in the 2.5 to 3.0 range.
- Entrance testing such as TEAS, and dosage calculation competency.
- Background check, drug screen, and immunizations required for clinical placement; BLS for Healthcare Providers certification; proof of health and liability insurance.
- Skills validation and advanced placement evaluation based on LPN education and experience. Many programs prefer recent LPN practice and may require 6 to 12 months of work experience for advanced standing.
- Compliance with additional program or clinical partner requirements, such as TB screening and physical exam.
Graduation from a South Carolina Board of Nursing approved program is required to sit for the NCLEX-RN and apply for RN licensure. For state approval and licensure details, see the South Carolina Board of Nursing.
Program Curriculum and Accreditation
LPN to RN bridge curricula build on your practical nursing foundation and add the RN-level knowledge, judgment, and leadership required for independent practice. You can expect:
- Transition to professional nursing concepts and role socialization
- Health assessment with advanced physical exam techniques
- Pharmacology and safe medication administration across the lifespan
- Adult medical-surgical nursing, including complex and chronic care
- Maternal-newborn and pediatric nursing
- Mental health and community health nursing
- Pathophysiology, evidence-based practice, and informatics
- Leadership, delegation, quality and safety, and preparation for NCLEX-RN
- Hands-on labs, high-fidelity simulation, and hundreds of supervised clinical hours in accredited South Carolina facilities
Accreditation and approval matter in South Carolina. Programs must be approved by the South Carolina Board of Nursing to qualify graduates for RN licensure. Many schools also hold programmatic accreditation from ACEN for ADN programs or CCNE for BSN programs, and institutional accreditation from SACSCOC. Accreditation supports eligibility for federal financial aid, employer recognition, smoother transfer to RN to BSN or graduate programs, and confidence that the curriculum prepares you for the NCLEX-RN and practice.
LPN to RN Schools and Classes
Across South Carolina, LPN to RN education is offered by public technical colleges, community colleges, and universities. Options include campus-based programs serving urban and rural regions, as well as hybrid formats. Admission is competitive, and advanced placement for LPNs can shorten the nursing sequence once prerequisites are complete.
Coursework commonly includes:
- Transition course that bridges LPN competencies to RN scope
- Advanced adult health, cardiac and respiratory care, and perioperative nursing
- Gerontology, palliative, and end-of-life care
- Maternal-newborn, pediatrics, and family-centered care
- Psychiatric-mental health and community/public health
- Clinical judgment, interprofessional communication, and care coordination
- IV therapy, telemetry interpretation, and advanced skills check-offs
Career Outlook
Registered nurses in South Carolina work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, ambulatory surgery centers, long-term care and rehabilitation, home health and hospice, behavioral health, schools, public health, and correctional health. Schedules vary by setting. Inpatient roles often use 12-hour shifts with nights, weekends, and holidays, while many outpatient positions follow weekday hours.
Compared with LPNs, RNs in South Carolina perform comprehensive assessments, develop and manage nursing plans of care, administer and titrate higher-acuity therapies, lead teams, and provide patient education for complex conditions. This broader scope can open opportunities in specialty units, charge roles, care coordination, and progression to BSN and graduate education. Employers across the state report ongoing demand for prepared RNs, particularly in medical-surgical units, perioperative services, behavioral health, and rural health facilities. RNs typically earn higher wages and have wider mobility, including eligibility for a multistate RN license if residency and compact criteria are met.
LPN to RN Program Length
- Full-time LPN to ADN: commonly 3 to 4 semesters of nursing courses after prerequisites. If general education prerequisites are pending, plan for an additional 1 to 2 semesters.
- Part-time LPN to ADN: often 5 to 7 semesters of nursing coursework, allowing reduced credit loads while working.
- Evening and weekend formats: designed for working LPNs, with labs and clinicals scheduled outside standard business hours. Timelines are similar to or slightly longer than full-time pathways due to limited clinical blocks.
- LPN to BSN: typically a longer sequence than LPN to ADN, reflecting added coursework in research, population health, and leadership. Full-time may span about 6 to 8 semesters post-prerequisites, with part-time options extending further.
Advanced placement can reduce time to completion by granting credit or waivers for early nursing courses after skills validation and competency checks.
2026 Fastest LPN to RN Programs in South Carolina
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College |
|
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| Trident Technical College |
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| Tri-County Technical College |
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Tuition and Costs
- Public LPN to ADN programs: in-state tuition for the nursing sequence commonly totals about $6,000 to $14,000, depending on credits needed after advanced placement. Fees are additional.
- Public university LPN to BSN options: in-state tuition for the nursing sequence often ranges from about $12,000 to $30,000, varying by institution and transfer credits.
- Additional expenses: textbooks and digital resources $1,200 to $2,000, uniforms and clinical supplies $300 to $800, immunizations, background check, and drug screen $150 to $400, BLS certification $60 to $100, liability insurance, and course and testing fees. NCLEX-RN and state licensure application fees apply after graduation.
- Housing and living: South Carolina rents vary by region. In larger metros such as Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville, a one-bedroom apartment often ranges around $800 to $1,200 per month, with lower costs in many rural areas. Budget for utilities, transportation to clinical sites, and parking.
Exact costs vary by college district, residency, and the number of prerequisite credits you must complete.
2026 Affordable LPN to RN Programs in South Carolina
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Midlands Technical College |
|
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| Florence-Darlington Technical College |
|
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| Trident Technical College |
|
|
Can I Take LPN to RN Classes Online?
In South Carolina, LPN to RN programs may offer hybrid delivery. General education and some nursing theory courses are commonly available online, while skills labs and all direct patient care clinical hours occur in person at approved South Carolina sites with qualified faculty or preceptors. Fully online pre-licensure pathways are not typical because supervised clinical education is required for RN licensure eligibility.
Many schools accommodate working LPNs with blended formats and evening or weekend labs and clinicals. If considering an out-of-state distance program for clinical placement within South Carolina, verify that it has appropriate authorization and meets South Carolina Board of Nursing standards before enrolling.
LPN to RN Licensure Requirements in South Carolina
NCLEX-RN Exam Information
Graduates of LPN to ADN or LPN to BSN bridge programs must pass the NCLEX-RN to become licensed as a Registered Nurse in South Carolina. After you submit an RN licensure by examination application to the South Carolina Board of Nursing, you register for the NCLEX-RN and receive an Authorization to Test. The exam is administered year-round at Pearson VUE testing centers. Results are transmitted to the Board, and licenses are issued to candidates who meet all requirements and pass the exam. The Board’s application portal and guidance outline required documents, transcript submission, and background check steps for first-time RN applicants.
RN Reciprocity and Nurse Licensure Compact
South Carolina licenses out-of-state RNs by endorsement. If you hold an active license from another U.S. jurisdiction and South Carolina is not your primary state of residence, you may practice in South Carolina if you possess a valid multistate license from another Compact state. If you relocate your primary residence to South Carolina, you must apply for a South Carolina multistate license and meet all state requirements.
South Carolina is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact, which allows eligible RNs to hold one multistate license and practice in all other Compact member states without obtaining additional single-state licenses. RNs licensed in non-Compact states, or those who do not qualify for a multistate license, must apply for South Carolina licensure by endorsement and complete the Board’s verification and background check process.
Licensure Requirements
- Graduate of an approved nursing education program that prepares candidates for RN licensure.
- Completed application for RN licensure by examination or endorsement through the South Carolina Board of Nursing.
- Official transcripts sent directly from the nursing program to the Board for first-time applicants.
- Fingerprint-based state and federal criminal background check as directed by the Board.
- Registration for and successful completion of the NCLEX-RN for applicants by examination.
- For international graduates, education equivalency evaluation and English language proficiency as required.
License Renewal
- Renewal cycle: RN licenses renew every two years in even-numbered years. The Board announces the renewal window and deadline each cycle; complete renewal before the posted deadline to avoid license lapse.
- Continuing competency: RNs must meet the Board’s continuing competency requirement during each renewal period. Acceptable options include one of the following: completion of approved continuing education, maintenance of national certification, completion of an academic program of study related to nursing, or employer-verified competency and practice. Keep documentation on file in case of audit.
- Practice status: Do not practice if your license is expired or inactive. Reactivation requires meeting Board requirements, which may include additional competency or education.
Average LPN State Salary in South Carolina
$58,430
2024 LPN Pay reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Average RN State Salary in South Carolina
$84,930
2024 RN Pay reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
LPN to ADN Bridge Program
Program Length:
Typically 1 to 2 years (12-24 months). Many programs can be completed in about three semesters.
Credential Awarded:
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Associate in Applied Science in Nursing (ASN).
NCLEX-RN Eligibility:
Yes. Upon graduation, students are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).
Program Focus:
This pathway concentrates on providing the core clinical skills and knowledge necessary for entry-level registered nursing roles. The curriculum is designed to build upon the LPN's existing experience, focusing on patient care, critical thinking, and preparation for the NCLEX-RN exam.
Average In-State Tuition in South Carolina:
The estimated total cost for in-state students at community and technical colleges is approximately $13,600. However, tuition can vary, with some institutions offering programs for a total cost between $6,800 and $7,000 for in-county residents.
Best For:
LPNs who want the quickest route to becoming an RN, are budget-conscious, and intend to enter the RN workforce promptly.
School Types:
Community colleges and technical colleges are the primary providers of LPN to ADN bridge programs in South Carolina.
LPN to BSN Bridge Program
Program Length:
Generally 2 to 4 years. The duration depends on the specific program structure and the number of transferable credits from the LPN's previous education. For LPNs, a traditional four-year BSN can often be completed in as few as three years.
Credential Awarded:
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
NCLEX-RN Eligibility:
Yes. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN to become licensed as a Registered Nurse.
Program Focus:
LPN to BSN programs provide a more comprehensive education that includes the core clinical skills of an ADN program, supplemented with coursework in nursing theory, research, leadership, and public health. This broader focus prepares graduates for a wider range of nursing roles and further graduate studies.
Average In-State Tuition in South Carolina:
Tuition varies significantly between institutions. For example, in-state undergraduate nursing tuition at a public university like Francis Marion University is around $11,160 per year. Private universities, such as Anderson University, may have an average net price of around $29,359 per year. South University, a private institution, has an undergraduate tuition of approximately $16,452 per year.
Best For:
LPNs aiming for leadership or specialized nursing roles, planning to pursue graduate education, or seeking employment in healthcare systems that prefer or require a BSN degree.
School Types:
Universities and four-year colleges, with some offering online or hybrid formats to accommodate working LPNs.
Choose LPN→ADN If:
- Faster Completion Time: The shorter program length allows for a quicker transition to the role of a Registered Nurse, enabling an earlier entry into the RN job market.
- Lower Cost: ADN programs at community and technical colleges generally have significantly lower tuition rates compared to four-year university BSN programs, making it a more financially accessible option.
- Immediate Career Advancement: It provides a direct path to increased earning potential and expanded job opportunities compared to an LPN role.
- Foundation for Future Education: An ADN serves as a solid foundation for later pursuing an RN to BSN bridge program, allowing individuals to spread out the cost and time commitment of their education.
Choose LPN→BSN If:
- Broader Career Opportunities: A BSN is often a prerequisite for leadership, management, research, and specialized clinical roles within nursing.
- Higher Earning Potential in the Long Term: While initial salaries may be comparable to ADN-prepared RNs, a BSN can lead to higher-paying positions over the course of a career.
- Meeting Employer Preferences: Many hospitals and healthcare systems in South Carolina, particularly Magnet-designated facilities, now prefer or require a BSN for their registered nurses.
- Pathway to Advanced Degrees: A BSN is the necessary foundation for pursuing Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degrees, which are required for advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) roles such as nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, and nurse anesthetist.
List of LPN to RN Programs in South Carolina
Charleston, SC
Trident Technical College
- Associate - Nursing - ADN - LPN to ADN
Campus Based - Website
- 68 Total Credit Hours
- LPN Transition Option
- NCLEX-RN Exam Preparation
- Clinical Skills Training
- Accredited Nursing Program
- Specialized Nursing Courses
- Comprehensive Prerequisites
Conway, SC
Horry-Georgetown Technical College
- Associate - Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) – Advanced Placement
Campus Based - Website
- Advanced Placement for LPNs, Paramedics
- Accredited Nursing Program
- Comprehensive Clinical Training
- 2.75 GPA Requirement
- Multiple Campus Locations
- TEAS Exam Required
- Diverse Healthcare Career Paths
- 71 Total Credit Hours
Florence, SC
Florence-Darlington Technical College
- Associate - LPN to ADN Transition
Campus Based - Website
- 24-month Associate Degree program
- NCLEX-RN exam preparation
- 68 total credit hours
- Day program format
- ACEN accredited program
- Requires current LPN license
- Multiple clinical practice courses
- TEAS test required for entry
Graniteville, SC
Aiken Technical College
- Associate - LPN to ADN
Campus Based - Website
- Accredited by SC Board of Nursing.
- Evening classes for flexibility.
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
- Combines theory and clinical practice.
- Seamless transfer to universities.
- Focus on patient safety.
- Designed for LPNs advancing careers.
- Accredited by ACEN.
Greenwood, SC
Piedmont Technical College
- Associate - LPN to ADN Transition Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Competitive 40-student admission
- 69 total credit hours
- Requires active PN license
- Minimum 3.0 prerequisite GPA
- ACEN accredited program
- Campus locations: Greenwood/Laurens
- Prepare for NCLEX-RN exam
Orangeburg, SC
Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College
- Associate - LPN to ADN Flex Option
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 67 semester hours required.
- Hybrid online and on-site learning.
- Competitive admission process.
- Current LPN license required.
- ATI testing for advanced credit.
- General education prerequisites needed.
- Online lectures with on-site labs.
- Clinicals included in curriculum.
Pendleton, SC
Tri-County Technical College
- Associate - LPN Transition to RN
Campus Based - Website
- 37 total semester credit hours
- Designed for Licensed Practical Nurses
- Requires current multi-state PN license
- Clinical and theoretical nursing education
- Comprehensive healthcare skill development
Sumter, SC
Central Carolina Technical College
- Associate - LPN to ADN Option
Campus Based - Website
- Accredited Nursing Program
- 66 Total Semester Hours
- Designed for Licensed Practical Nurses
- Clinical Experience Focused
- NCLEX-RN Exam Preparation
- Minimum 2.5 GPA Required
- Current LPN Licensure Needed
- Flexible Clinical Schedules
West Columbia, SC
Midlands Technical College
- Associate - Transition Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Two-year Associate Degree program
- ACEN accredited nursing program
- Comprehensive clinical training
- Multiple campus delivery options
- Preparation for NCLEX-RN exam
- Estimated total cost: $13,600
- Diverse healthcare career paths
- State Board of Nursing approved
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