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South Carolina Nursing License

South Carolina Nursing License

The specialty of a nurse is among the most demanded jobs in the United States. Hence there are loads of job opportunities.

Besides health care settings, you will also have the opportunity to work in doctor’s offices, urgent care centers, pharmacies, schools, and many other locations.

If you are a smart, adaptive and educated person, who is interested in nursing, then you should obtain your nursing license and become a licensed nurse.

This article is to educate you on the main requirements to become a licensed nurse in the state of South Carolina.

How do I get a South Carolina nursing license?

Obtain your degree

Nurses need to have a strong educational foundation to practice as nurses with clients in the future. Therefore, without completing a good nursing program, you cannot become a professional nurse.

The South Carolina Board of Nursing requires future nurses to attend a professional nursing program and graduate from it. This way, you will earn an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree.

In addition to earning a degree, there are many top programs in South Carolina at associate or baccalaureate level. These programs provide necessary skills and education for future nurses.

It is always a good idea to make sure that the nursing program is state-approved. This is even more actual when choosing a coursework online program.

If you have already obtained nursing education in another US state, then it must be similar to South Carolina programs.

Check this list of approved nursing schools in South Carolina

  • Charleston Southern University (Charleston)
  • Medical University of South Carolina (Charleston)
  • Midlands Technical College (West Columbia)
  • University of South Carolina (Columbia)
  • Greenville Technical College (Greenville)
  • Coastal Carolina University (Conway)
  • Horry-Georgetown Technical College (Myrtle Beach)
  • Central Carolina Technical College (Sumter)
  • Piedmont Technical College (Greenwood)
  • Northeastern Technical College (Cheraw)

Apply for licensure

When you finish the educational requirements, you can apply for licensure. Click here to apply for the nursing license.

Pay attention to the fact that the South Carolina Code of Laws requires that license applicants provide a social security or alien identification number.

Contact Information

South Carolina Board of Nursing
110 Centerview Dr
Columbia, SC 29210
TEL: 803-896-4550
FAX: 803-896-4515

Attach the required paperwork to your application

  • Recent 2″ x 2″ passport type photo, signed & dated
  • Birth certificate or a valid passport (copy)
  • Social security card and permanent resident card (copy)
  • legal documents that authorize a change in name, if applicable (copy)
  • Certificate of completion of nursing courses (provided by the director)

Take the NCLEX

Future nurses are required to take and pass the National Council Licensure Examination to test their nursing knowledge and comprehension. To take the exam, register online here. Note that you will need to pay $200 non-refundable fee for each examination attempt.

When you are waiting for the examination, you may apply for a temporary permit to work as a graduate nurse until you get your official nursing license.

In case you fail the exam, you will be able to retake it after 45 days.

If you do not manage to pass the exam within three years of graduation, then you must re-qualify to take the examination. For this purpose, you must complete an approved nursing education program. It will assess your knowledge, skills, and abilities to practice nursing in South Carolina.

Criminal Background Check

All applicants for a nursing license are subject to criminal history check. When the South Carolina Board of Nursing receives your application, they will send you directions on how to process your fingerprints.

Please pay attention to the fact that past felonies may have a bad influence on the outcome of the license. However, sometimes the Board considers the nature of the crime or felony.

How do I renew my nursing license in South Carolina?

In the state of South Carolina, license renewal occurs every two years. Accordingly, you must renew your nursing license when it is due to expire.

With this purpose in mind, you will need to complete 30 contact hours of continuing education for renewal. An alternative to this may be obtaining a National certification. On the other hand, completing an academic program in nursing or a related field may also be an option.

To renew the license online, click here. Then, log into your account and fill in your user ID and password.

In case you do not remember your user ID or password, click on the “I Forgot/ Do Not Know My User ID/I Forgot My Password” link and answer the security questions.

LPNs and RNs should pay $75 renewal fee, and APRNs should pay $105.

Seda S

Seda S

Seda has four years of professional experience as a multilingual content writer. She employs SEO principles and rules to come up with original and SEO-friendly articles. Seda also has editing, proofreading, researching, and translating skills, which help to produce better content. She has written a number of articles for a wide range of websites that look for unique and genuine content. She has written targeted content for consumer portions, and she is specialized in writing guest posts, digital marketing, wellness, beauty, and other articles. Furthermore, she has prepared guides and helping materials for websites, which help people seeking licensure in all areas. Seda has also used brand new writing techniques and style based on the article while contributing to readability, accuracy, and tonality.

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