ACNP Programs in South Carolina (Online & Campus) – 2026
Written By: Darby Faubion RN, BSN, MBA
Earning a degree from one of the ACNP programs in Rhode Island is an excellent way to distinguish yourself in the Ocean State's competitive healthcare employment market, so you can land top jobs! As an acute care NP, you'll be sought after by hospitals, clinics, emergency departments, and intensive care units across the state. The need for your services—already high—will increase by an additional 45 percent in the next decade, and you'll make $136,710 a year on average. If you're the type of nurse who can stay calm and cool in hectic situations, this is an ideal career track for you. The guide below to the best ACNP programs in Rhode Island has more info.
FOLLOWING ARE THE ACNP PROGRAMS IN SOUTH CAROLINA (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2026
(Based on our Ranking Methodology, we have ranked the campus-based and online ACNP programs in South Carolina.)
1. University of South Carolina - Columbia
Programs Offered: MSN, BSN-to-DNP, and Certificate of Graduate Study
MSN Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
BSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Certificate of Graduate Study Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
At the University of South Carolina, baccalaureate-prepared nurses have two options for pursuing an Adult Gerontology ACNP certification, one of which is the Master of Science in Nursing program. The program admits students for summer and fall entry and takes eight semesters to complete. This MSN pathway features online coursework, on-campus immersions, and face-to-face clinical experiences.
The 46-credit curriculum features classes such as Pharmacological Management of Pediatric, Adult, & Gerontological Patients Across the Lifespan, Management of Acute Care Adult & Gerontological Health Problems, and Advanced Health Assessment & Diagnostic Reasoning. The program includes 784 hours of clinical practicum designed to prepare you with the skills needed to provide high-quality care to adult and gerontological patients in acute care settings.
MSN Admission Requirements: Admission consideration is offered to Registered Nurses who have an active, unencumbered RN license and hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from a nationally accredited nursing program. You must provide a Personal Statement, a current curriculum vitae or resume, three professional references, and official transcripts from all colleges and universities you previously attended. Your transcripts should reflect a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0. You are also required to submit a copy of your current BLS and ACLS certifications and proof of at least 2,400 hours of nursing experience within the previous two years (part-time or full-time), with preference given to candidates with experience in an acute care setting.
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: With a baccalaureate degree in nursing, you also have the option at the University of South Carolina to earn a clinical doctorate and specialize in acute adult gerontologic care. The BSN-to-DNP program can be completed in nine semesters of full-time study or 12 semesters of part-time study. New classes are admitted each summer.
The BSN-to-DNP pathway requires the completion of 73 credits and 1,112 clinical hours. The curriculum covers topics, including Diagnostic Interpretation & Therapeutic Modalities, Principles of Acute Care Adult & Gerontological Complex Health Problems, and Applied Technology in Healthcare. While coursework is delivered primarily online, campus-based immersions are required for some classes.
BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: To be eligible for admission to the BSN-to-DNP program, you need a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from an accredited nursing program, a current, unencumbered RN license in the state where you will complete clinical experiences, current BLS and ACLS certification, and at least 2,400 hours of clinical experience within the last 24 months, preferably in an acute care setting, such as an ICU, critical care, medical/surgical, or emergency department.
You are required to submit a resume or CV, a Personal Goals Statement, three letters of recommendation, a Verification of Work Hours form, and official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions. A GPA of at least 3.0 is preferred. Before receiving an official admission offer, you will be asked to participate in an interview with graduate nursing faculty.
Certificate of Graduate Study Program Details: Just because you have already achieved a graduate degree, that does not mean there is not more you can do, especially in nursing. In fact, one of the things I love most about nursing is that there are limitless opportunities for you to grow academically and professionally. The University of South Carolina embraces the importance of lifelong learning for nurses and offers a Certificate of Graduate Study program. The program is designed for Registered Nurses who have earned a Master of Science in Nursing degree and wish to gain knowledge in a new specialization, expand their scope of practice, and/or serve a new patient population.
The online learning format makes it easier to learn and study when and where it is most convenient for you. Current APRNs can complete the Adult Gerontology ACNP program in just three semesters while non-APRN students take five semesters. The CGS program requires a minimum of 18 credits. Non-APRNs must complete 31 credits. The pathway includes didactic, immersion, and clinical requirements. A total of 784 clinical hours is required to earn the Certificate of Graduate Studies. A GAP analysis will be conducted to review your graduate-level clinical hours and determine the exact amount you need to earn the degree.
Certificate of Graduate Study Admission Requirements: The Certificate of Graduate Studies program admits students with or without a current APRN certification. All candidates must have a BSN and an MSN degree from a nationally accredited program, an unencumbered RN license, and at least 2,400 hours of nursing experience within the last two years, preferably in an acute care setting.
Candidates must provide a Personal Statement, a current CV or resume, three recommendations that attest to their academic ability, personal character, and professional competency, current BLS and ACLS certification, and a copy of their current APRN specialty certification, if applicable.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• If you are searching for an ACNP program in South Carolina with a reputation for excellence, USC is the place to be! Among other accolades, the USC College of Nursing was ranked #1 by U.S. News & World Report in its 2025 Best Graduate Programs.• If you are serious about providing the highest quality care to adult and geriatric patients in acute settings and want to make a difference by contributing to research, USC is a great place to earn your degree. As a student in the ACNP program, you can participate in research assistantships. The school reports more than $10.2 million in research funding, an increase of nearly 20% in the last year.
• The University of South Carolina College of Nursing is led by renowned faculty who are practicing clinicians and nurse scientists. Their dedication to advancing evidence-based practices, setting higher standards in patient care, and improving outcomes is reflected in the classroom and clinical settings.
• While you may identify preceptors for your clinical experiences, you are not alone in the process. USC maintains a list of contracts and agreements and supports students with clinical placements. The College’s Clinical Placement Coordinator is available to answer questions and assist with making clinical connections, ensuring you have diverse opportunities.
HOW MUCH DO ACNP GRADUATES MAKE IN SOUTH CAROLINA?
WHAT STARTING SALARY CAN NEW GRADUATES OF ACNP PROGRAMS IN SOUTH CAROLINA EXPECT?
| Hourly | $42.37 |
| Weekly | $1,695 |
| Monthly | $7,340 |
| Annual | $88,130 |
HOW MUCH CAN GRADUATES OF ACNP PROGRAMS IN SOUTH CAROLINA EARN WITH EXPERIENCE?
| Level of Experience | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Entry-Level | $42.37 | $1,695 | $7,340 | $88,130 |
| 1-4 Years of Experience | $47.94 | $1,918 | $8,310 | $99,720 |
| 5-9 Years of Experience | $56.59 | $2,264 | $9,810 | $117,710 |
| 10-19 Years of Experience | $63.02 | $2,521 | $10,920 | $131,090 |
| 20 Years or More Experience | $75.31 | $3,013 | $13,050 | $156,650 |
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE ACNP SALARY IN SOUTH CAROLINA?
| Hourly | $57.59 |
| Weekly | $2,304 |
| Monthly | $9,980 |
| Annual | $119,790 |
HOW MUCH DO ACNPS EARN IN THE VARIOUS METROS OF SOUTH CAROLINA?
| Metro | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Charleston-North Charleston | $60.90 | $2,436 | $10,560 | $126,680 |
| Columbia | $55.69 | $2,228 | $9,650 | $115,840 |
| Florence | $60.26 | $2,411 | $10,450 | $125,350 |
| Greenville-Anderson-Mauldin | $56.15 | $2,246 | $9,730 | $116,790 |
| Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Beaufort | $52.83 | $2,113 | $9,160 | $109,890 |
| Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach | $55.78 | $2,231 | $9,670 | $116,030 |
| Spartanburg | $58.42 | $2,337 | $10,130 | $121,520 |
| Sumter | $56.36 | $2,254 | $9,770 | $117,220 |
ACNP SALARY IN SOUTH CAROLINA VS. OTHER SALARIES
ACNP SALARY IN SOUTH CAROLINA VS. ACNP SALARY IN THE NATION
| Average South Carolina ACNP Annual Salary | Average National ACNP Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| $119,790 | $131,620 | -$11,830 | -8.99% |
ACNP SALARY IN SOUTH CAROLINA VS. ACNP SALARIES IN OTHER STATES
| State | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| California | $165,480 | -$45,690 | -27.61% |
| Nevada | $152,290 | -$32,500 | -21.34% |
| Washington | $148,940 | -$29,150 | -19.57% |
| New Jersey | $148,560 | -$28,770 | -19.37% |
| Oregon | $148,480 | -$28,690 | -19.32% |
| Massachusetts | $147,520 | -$27,730 | -18.80% |
| New York | $146,310 | -$26,520 | -18.13% |
| Connecticut | $140,320 | -$20,530 | -14.63% |
| New Mexico | $140,100 | -$20,310 | -14.50% |
| Minnesota | $138,300 | -$18,510 | -13.38% |
| District of Columbia | $138,130 | -$18,340 | -13.28% |
| Rhode Island | $136,710 | -$16,920 | -12.38% |
| Hawaii | $135,840 | -$16,050 | -11.82% |
| Arizona | $135,790 | -$16,000 | -11.78% |
| Delaware | $134,300 | -$14,510 | -10.80% |
| Iowa | $134,010 | -$14,220 | -10.61% |
| New Hampshire | $133,920 | -$14,130 | -10.55% |
| Texas | $133,180 | -$13,390 | -10.05% |
| Wisconsin | $131,460 | -$11,670 | -8.88% |
| Maryland | $131,110 | -$11,320 | -8.63% |
| Utah | $130,930 | -$11,140 | -8.51% |
| North Dakota | $130,870 | -$11,080 | -8.47% |
| Pennsylvania | $130,550 | -$10,760 | -8.24% |
| Illinois | $129,990 | -$10,200 | -7.85% |
| Alaska | $129,240 | -$9,450 | -7.31% |
| Vermont | $129,170 | -$9,380 | -7.26% |
| Montana | $127,680 | -$7,890 | -6.18% |
| Idaho | $127,580 | -$7,790 | -6.11% |
| Oklahoma | $127,360 | -$7,570 | -5.94% |
| Wyoming | $126,570 | -$6,780 | -5.36% |
| Indiana | $126,320 | -$6,530 | -5.17% |
| Maine | $125,930 | -$6,140 | -4.88% |
| Ohio | $125,860 | -$6,070 | -4.82% |
| Colorado | $124,960 | -$5,170 | -4.14% |
| Nebraska | $124,640 | -$4,850 | -3.89% |
| North Carolina | $124,550 | -$4,760 | -3.82% |
| Georgia | $124,100 | -$4,310 | -3.47% |
| South Dakota | $123,930 | -$4,140 | -3.34% |
| Virginia | $123,810 | -$4,020 | -3.25% |
| Michigan | $123,620 | -$3,830 | -3.10% |
| Florida | $122,630 | -$2,840 | -2.32% |
| Kansas | $122,180 | -$2,390 | -1.96% |
| Louisiana | $121,560 | -$1,770 | -1.46% |
| Mississippi | $120,350 | -$560 | -0.47% |
| South Carolina | $119,790 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Missouri | $119,520 | +$270 | +0.23% |
| West Virginia | $116,210 | +$3,580 | +3.08% |
| Arkansas | $116,170 | +$3,620 | +3.12% |
| Kentucky | $113,060 | +$6,730 | +5.95% |
| Alabama | $112,700 | +$7,090 | +6.29% |
| Tennessee | $106,250 | +$13,540 | +12.74% |
ACNP SALARY IN SOUTH CAROLINA VS. OTHER NURSE SALARIES IN SOUTH CAROLINA
| Type of Nurse | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Nurse Anesthetist | $233,920 | -$114,130 | -48.79% |
| Acute Care Nurse Practitioner | $119,790 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Nurse Midwife | $95,940 | +$23,850 | +24.86% |
| Registered Nurse | $81,390 | +$38,400 | +47.18% |
| Nursing Instructor and Teacher, Post-secondary | $81,230 | +$38,560 | +47.47% |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse | $56,430 | +$63,360 | +112.28% |
| Nursing Assistant | $34,590 | +$85,200 | +246.31% |
ACNP SALARY IN SOUTH CAROLINA VS. SALARIES OF OTHER CLOSELY RELATED OCCUPATIONS IN SOUTH CAROLINA
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Dentist | $182,970 | -$63,180 | -34.53% |
| Podiatrist | $159,340 | -$39,550 | -24.82% |
| Pharmacist | $134,960 | -$15,170 | -11.24% |
| Veterinarian | $127,400 | -$7,610 | -5.97% |
| Acute Care Nurse Practitioner | $119,790 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Optometrist | $114,430 | +$5,360 | +4.68% |
| Physician Assistant | $114,310 | +$5,480 | +4.79% |
| Radiation Therapist | $94,940 | +$24,850 | +26.17% |
| Physical Therapist | $94,280 | +$25,510 | +27.06% |
| Occupational Therapist | $88,520 | +$31,270 | +35.33% |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $85,670 | +$34,120 | +39.83% |
| Audiologist | $82,610 | +$37,180 | +45.01% |
| Dental Hygienist | $76,950 | +$42,840 | +55.67% |
| Chiropractor | $72,810 | +$46,980 | +64.52% |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED
1. Who Accredits ACNP Programs In South Carolina?
| S.No. | Accrediting Agency |
| 1 | Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) |
| 2 | Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) |
2. How Many Accredited ACNP Schools Are There In South Carolina?
| 1 |
3. On Average, How Much Does An Acute Care NP Make Per Hour In South Carolina?
| $57.59 |
4. On Average, How Much Does An Acute Care NP Make Per Week In South Carolina?
| $2,304 |
5. On Average, How Much Does An Acute Care NP Make Per Month In South Carolina?
| $9,980 |
6. On Average, How Much Does An Acute Care NP Make Per Year In South Carolina?
| $119,790 |
7. What Is The Job Outlook For ACNPs In South Carolina?
| 10-Year Job Outlook (2020-2030) |
| +60.68% |
Darby Faubion RN, BSN, MBA
Darby Faubion is a nurse and Allied Health educator with over twenty years of experience. She has assisted in developing curriculum for nursing programs and has instructed students at both community college and university levels. Because of her love of nursing education, Darby became a test-taking strategist and NCLEX prep coach and assists nursing graduates across the United States who are preparing to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
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