Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) programs in South Carolina provide a fast pathway for students who already hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree and want to transition into nursing. Typically completed in 12 to 24 months, these intensive programs combine classroom study, simulation labs, and clinical rotations to prepare graduates for licensure as registered nurses.
South Carolina is a promising place to pursue nursing education, with respected universities and major healthcare providers offering diverse clinical opportunities. The state faces ongoing nursing shortages in both rural areas and growing metro regions like Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville, making ABSN graduates highly sought after in the workforce.
What Is an ABSN Program?
An Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program offers a fast-track pathway for those holding a non-nursing bachelor’s degree to transition into nursing. These programs condense the traditional BSN into an intensive 12 to 24-month format, blending classroom instruction, simulation labs, and clinical rotations to prepare students for licensure.
Coursework typically includes pharmacology, health assessment, nursing ethics, and population health—all supported by hands-on experiences to cultivate practice-ready RNs.
If you’re navigating your options, you may want to explore affordable ABSN programs for budget-conscious choices or check out the best accelerated BSN programs to find schools with strong reputations and outcomes.
Upon completing an accredited ABSN program, you’ll be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam, the required licensure test to become a registered nurse in South Carolina and across the U.S.
Why Choose an ABSN Program in South Carolina?
South Carolina offers several advantages for students considering an Accelerated BSN program, making it an attractive choice for career changers entering the nursing profession.
Strong Demand for Nurses
Like much of the U.S., South Carolina faces a shortage of registered nurses, particularly in rural and underserved areas. This translates into steady job opportunities for ABSN graduates across the state.
Respected Nursing Schools
The state is home to well-established universities and colleges that provide accredited ABSN pathways. These schools emphasize rigorous academic preparation alongside practical clinical experiences, ensuring students are ready for licensure.
Diverse Clinical Training Opportunities
Students benefit from partnerships with major healthcare systems such as Prisma Health, MUSC Health, Bon Secours St. Francis, and Roper St. Francis Healthcare. These partnerships give students exposure to a variety of patient populations and healthcare environments.
Competitive Salaries and Cost of Living
Registered nurses in South Carolina earn competitive wages relative to the state’s cost of living, which is lower than the national average. For ABSN graduates, this balance means strong career opportunities alongside a more affordable lifestyle.
Notable ABSN Programs in South Carolina
Several universities in South Carolina offer Accelerated BSN pathways tailored for students who already hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree. While program length, structure, and delivery formats may vary, each combines rigorous coursework with clinical experiences that prepare graduates for RN licensure.
| Institution | Location | Program |
| Anderson University-South Carolina | Anderson | Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) |
| Charleston Southern University | Charleston | Accelerated BSN |
| Clemson University | Clemson | Accelerated Second Degree Nursing |
| Medical University of South Carolina | Charleston | Accelerated BSN |
Accreditation and Licensing Considerations
Before applying to an Accelerated BSN program in South Carolina, it’s important to understand how accreditation and licensing impact your path to becoming a registered nurse.
Importance of Accreditation
Accreditation ensures that nursing programs meet rigorous educational standards. In South Carolina, ABSN programs are typically accredited by one of two national organizations:
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
Graduating from an accredited program is critical for:
- Eligibility to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam
- Access to federal financial aid
- Meeting employer expectations, as most hospitals require degrees from accredited schools
South Carolina Board of Nursing
The South Carolina Board of Nursing regulates RN licensure in the state. To practice as a registered nurse, graduates must:
- Complete an accredited nursing program
- Pass the NCLEX-RN exam
- Submit an application and background check through the Board
Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)
South Carolina is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). This agreement allows nurses licensed in South Carolina to practice in other compact states without obtaining additional licenses, making it easier for ABSN graduates to pursue opportunities beyond state lines.
Admission Requirements
Admission to Accelerated BSN programs in South Carolina is competitive, as these programs are designed for motivated students who can handle an intensive academic and clinical schedule. While requirements vary by school, most ABSN programs share several common criteria.
Typical ABSN Admission Criteria
- Non-Nursing Bachelor’s Degree
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing from a regionally accredited institution. - Prerequisite Coursework
Many programs require applicants to complete specific science and general education courses within the past 5–10 years. Common prerequisites include:
- Anatomy and Physiology I & II
- Microbiology
- Chemistry
- Nutrition
- Statistics
- Developmental or Lifespan Psychology
- Anatomy and Physiology I & II
- Minimum GPA
Most South Carolina ABSN programs expect a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, though some schools may accept slightly lower GPAs if other application elements are strong. - Application Materials
Programs often request:
- Résumé or CV outlining academic, work, and volunteer history
- Personal statement or essay describing motivations for entering nursing
- Letters of recommendation from academic or professional references
- Résumé or CV outlining academic, work, and volunteer history
- Healthcare or Volunteer Experience
Although not always required, prior experience in healthcare or community service is often viewed favorably and can strengthen an application.
Program Costs and Financial Aid
Accelerated BSN programs in South Carolina are a significant investment, but the long-term earning potential and strong job market for registered nurses can make them worthwhile. Tuition and fees vary widely depending on the institution, program format, and whether the school is public or private.
Tuition Ranges for ABSN Programs in South Carolina
Most ABSN programs in the state cost between $30,000 and $65,000. Public universities may offer lower tuition for in-state students, while private schools typically fall on the higher end of this range.
Students should also budget for additional expenses, including:
- Clinical and lab fees
- Textbooks and digital resources
- Nursing uniforms and equipment (such as stethoscopes and lab kits)
- Health requirements (immunizations, drug screens, background checks)
- NCLEX-RN exam registration and state licensure fees
Financial Aid Options
- Federal and State Aid
Filing the FAFSA is the first step toward accessing federal student loans and grants. Eligible South Carolina residents may also qualify for state-based programs such as the South Carolina Need-based Grant. - Nursing Scholarships and Grants
Scholarships are available through national organizations, local healthcare providers, and state-specific groups such as the South Carolina Nurses Foundation. - Employer Tuition Assistance
Some healthcare systems in the state, including Prisma Health and MUSC Health, may offer tuition reimbursement or loan repayment support for employees. - Loan Forgiveness Programs
Nurses willing to work in underserved areas may qualify for federal loan forgiveness initiatives, such as the Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program, or state-level incentives aimed at addressing rural healthcare shortages.
Career Outlook for ABSN Graduates in South Carolina
Graduates of Accelerated BSN programs in South Carolina step into a healthcare environment where the demand for nurses remains strong, especially in both metro areas and rural communities.
RN Salary Expectations in South Carolina
According to O*NET OnLine, registered nurses in South Carolina earn an average annual wage of $79,900. The lowest 10% of earners make $64,200 or less, while the top 10% make $102,040 or more.
Earnings vary by region:
- Charleston–North Charleston: $80,620 average
- Columbia: $80,100 average
- Greenville–Anderson–Greer: $79,580 average
- Spartanburg: $79,550 average
- Myrtle Beach–Conway–North Myrtle Beach: $82,680 average
For comparison, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a national median wage for registered nurses of $93,600 as of 2024, with the top 10% earning more than $135,000. This means South Carolina RN salaries are somewhat below the national average but still competitive given the state’s lower cost of living.
Job Growth and Demand
South Carolina faces an ongoing nursing shortage, particularly in rural regions where healthcare access is more limited. While state-level projections vary, national data from the BLS shows a 6% employment growth rate for RNs between 2023 and 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. This equates to nearly 197,200 new jobs nationwide and about 194,500 annual openings due to workforce turnover and retirements.
Major Employers and Work Settings
ABSN graduates in South Carolina can expect to find opportunities with:
- Major hospital systems such as Prisma Health, MUSC Health, and Bon Secours St. Francis
- Regional hospitals and community clinics serving smaller towns and rural areas
- Outpatient specialty clinics and surgical centers
- Long-term care and home health organizations
- Public health and school-based nursing positions, addressing broader community needs
With competitive salaries relative to the state’s cost of living, and a clear demand for nursing professionals, South Carolina offers a supportive job market for ABSN graduates ready to begin their nursing careers.
Tips for Choosing the Right Program
Selecting the right Accelerated BSN program in South Carolina requires weighing several factors to ensure the program aligns with your personal, academic, and career goals.
Verify Accreditation and NCLEX-RN Pass Rates
Make sure the program is accredited by CCNE or ACEN and approved by the South Carolina Board of Nursing. Reviewing a school’s NCLEX-RN pass rates can provide valuable insight into how well it prepares students for licensure.
Evaluate Clinical Placement Opportunities
Clinical experience is central to nursing education. Research where programs place their students for clinical rotations—whether at major systems like Prisma Health, MUSC Health, or Bon Secours St. Francis or at smaller regional facilities. Strong partnerships often translate into better training and potential job connections.
Consider Program Length and Format
Most ABSN programs in South Carolina range from 12 to 24 months. Some may offer hybrid models that combine online coursework with in-person labs and clinicals, while others are fully campus-based. Consider your schedule, learning style, and ability to commit to a full-time workload.
Compare Costs and Financial Aid
Look beyond tuition to calculate the total cost of attendance, including lab fees, uniforms, supplies, and licensure expenses. Research financial aid options, such as scholarships through the South Carolina Nurses Foundation, federal aid via FAFSA, and employer tuition reimbursement programs.
Factor in Location and Start Dates
Some programs offer multiple start dates per year, while others admit students only once annually. Proximity to your home or to healthcare systems where you may want to work after graduation can also play a key role in your decision.
FAQ: ABSN Programs in South Carolina
Are there online or hybrid ABSN programs in South Carolina?
Yes. While no ABSN program can be fully online due to lab and clinical requirements, some schools in South Carolina offer hybrid formats, allowing students to complete didactic coursework online while fulfilling labs and clinicals in person.
Do schools accept prior credits?
Yes. Because ABSN programs are designed for students with an existing bachelor’s degree, most general education credits transfer. However, students often need to complete science prerequisites such as anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and chemistry before beginning the program.
Can students work while enrolled?
Due to the fast pace and demanding nature of ABSN programs, most schools strongly discourage working while enrolled. Students in longer formats (18–24 months) may be able to manage limited part-time work, but balancing employment with coursework and clinicals is challenging.