10 Best LPN-to-RN Programs in South Carolina – (Online & Campus-Based)
Written By: Darby Faubion, RN, BSN, MBA
LPN-to-RN programs in South Carolina offer an excellent value proposition. By using your LPN training and experience as a foundation to build upon, they’ll teach you skills like critical thinking, patient assessment, and the preparation of nursing care plans. Once you graduate, you can take nursing specialization positions in healthcare facilities throughout South Carolina that weren’t open to you before. As an RN, you’ll make $74,330 annually—46 percent more than you made as an LPN when you averaged $51,060 a year. Demand for your services will go up 11 percent in just 10 years. Interested in learning more? Information on the 10 best LPN-to-RN programs in South Carolina is available in the guide below.
WHAT ARE THE BEST LPN-TO-RN PROGRAMS IN SOUTH CAROLINA (ONLINE AND CAMPUS-BASED)?
Based on our Ranking Methodology, the following are the 10 best campus-based and online LPN-to-RN programs in South Carolina.
1. Horry-Georgetown Technical College - Conway
Program Details: Are you a licensed practical nurse who is ready to take your career to the next level in nursing? If so, Horry-Georgetown Technical College offers one of the best online LPN-to-RN programs in South Carolina! As an LPN, you can earn advanced placement in the program and earn your degree in just three semesters once prerequisites are complete. The school admits students to the program twice each year in the fall and spring semesters.
This LPN-to-RN program in South Carolina offers classroom learning taught by experienced and dedicated faculty combined with clinical practicums at sites, including local hospitals, physicians’ offices, and long-term care facilities. The 71-credit pathway includes 30 prerequisite credits and core nursing courses. You will study in classes, including Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, Family-Centered Nursing, Trends and Issues in Nursing, and Advanced Nursing Concepts. The curriculum includes a broad range of clinical hours designed to complement classroom and laboratory learning. Clinicals are arranged by program faculty and supervised by clinical faculty and/or approved preceptors.
Why Choose This Program
• As a nurse and healthcare educator, I believe it is important to look at a school or program’s history when deciding where you want to earn your degree. Horry-Georgetown Technical College has a history of more than 50 years in nursing education, a true statement of their dedication to the profession!• Graduates of the Horry-Georgetown Technical College LPN-to-RN program have excellent records of performing well-above the national average among first-time NCLEX-RN testers. This high success rate is a strong indicator that the program is designed for student success.
2. Central Carolina Technical College - Sumter
Program Details: The LPN-to-RN program in South Carolina offered at Central Carolina Technical College offers an opportunity for qualified licensed practical nurses to receive advanced placement into the Associate Degree Nursing program. The program admits students in the fall semester of each academic year. The program is designed to be completed in three semesters after completing the required prerequisite courses.
At Central Carolina Technical College, you must earn a total of 66 semester hours to earn an associate degree in nursing. You must complete the required prerequisites before being admitted into the nursing component of the program. You will receive 14 credits toward your degree upon completion of the course, Transition Nursing. The program features classroom learning, which is complemented by structured clinical practicums. Program faculty determine which clinical sites you will attend and identify qualified preceptors at each site.
Why Choose This Program
• Central Carolina Technical College participates in the Statewide Articulation Agreement and has articulation agreements with several public institutions and South Carolina Independent Colleges, making it easy for you to complete your associate degree and then transition to a bachelor’s or graduate degree seamlessly.• The faculty of the LPN-to-RN program at Central Carolina Technical College have broad and diverse experiences in clinical nursing and nursing education. You will gain valuable lessons and insights from them as you prepare to transition from your role as an LPN to becoming an RN.
3. Northeastern Technical College - Cheraw
Program Details: At Northeastern Technical College, you will find another outstanding LPN-to-RN program in South Carolina. After completing transitions coursework and the required prerequisites, students begin the ADN Transitions pathway in the fall and complete the program in just two additional semesters. Classes are available with both day and evening schedules.
Prospective students must complete the first year of general education courses to be considered for admission to the LPN-to-ADN Transition Program. Once admitted, you will complete 19 credit hours, which you will earn in classes such as Complex Health Problems, Trends & Issues in Nursing, and Advanced Nursing Concepts.
In addition to classroom learning, the curriculum incorporates laboratory simulations and clinical practicum experiences. Clinicals are arranged by program faculty and occur at clinical partner sites. All clinicals are completed under the direct supervision of clinical faculty or approved preceptors.
Why Choose This Program
• Northeastern Technical College is committed to student success. The school offers a broad range of support services for students, including tutoring, academic advising, and career counseling, to promote your success in the program and following graduation.• Northeastern Technical College leverages its strong connections with local healthcare facilities and providers to ensure you have exceptional clinical experiences and to promote networking opportunities.
4. Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College - Orangeburg
Program Details: If you are looking for an LPN-to-RN program in South Carolina that offers scheduling flexibility, Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College has an option worth considering. The three-semester program, known as the LPN-to-ADN FLEX Option, admits students each year in the spring and can be completed in just three semesters. The program features a hybrid format with FLEX program lectures taught online. Simulation labs and clinicals are completed on-site each week.
This LPN-to-RN program requires students to earn 67 total semester credit hours. Credits are earned through general education and core curriculum courses. Additionally, upon completion of a required transition course, you will receive 15 advanced placement credits.
All nursing courses have a corresponding lab or clinical component. These hands-on learning experiences are designed to help you develop advanced nursing skills and competencies, preparing you for a new role as a registered nurse. Clinicals are completed at area healthcare facilities, including hospitals, long-term and assisted living facilities, physicians’ offices, and community health centers.
Why Choose This Program
• Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College reports graduates of its program have outstanding job placement rates. Among students who respond to post-graduation surveys, most report finding job placement within three to six months of completing the program.• Program graduates have outstanding NCLEX-RN pass rates, exceeding state and national levels! Good NCLEX pass rates are a strong indication that the program is high-quality and designed to prepare students for success.
5. Piedmont Technical College - Greenwood
Program Details: Piedmont Technical College is home to another of the best LPN-to-RN programs in South Carolina. Admission to the program is competitive and is limited to 40 students each summer and fall semester.
The LPN-to-RN program features a 66-credit curriculum, including prerequisite courses. Upon completion of Transition Nursing and Transition for Licensed Practical Nurses courses with a minimum grade of “C,” you may be exempted from the first semester of coursework and will receive 16 advanced placement credits.
Students in the program have opportunities to learn in the college’s state-of-the-art simulation lab. The lab is equipped with high-fidelity mannequins and other advanced equipment, allowing you to practice and refine your skills in a safe, realistic environment as you prepare for clinicals and practice as a registered nurse. The curriculum includes five nursing core courses that have corresponding labs or clinicals, giving you opportunities to apply knowledge from lectures to laboratory-simulated or direct patient care.
Why Choose This Program
• At Piedmont Technical College, you will learn from program faculty who come from diverse nursing backgrounds. With decades of combined experience, faculty bring a broad range of skills and knowledge to the classroom.• The LPN-to-RN program in South Carolina at Piedmont Technical College is offered part-time and full-time, making it easy for you to choose a track that is suited to your needs and goals. Part-time students typically graduate in four semesters. Full-time students take two semesters to earn the degree.
6. Trident Technical College- Charleston
Program Details: The LPN-to-RN program in South Carolina offered at Trident Technical College is an excellent option for earning your degree and becoming a registered nurse! Eligible licensed practical nurses enter the second level of the associate degree program and, upon completion, earn an associate in applied science degree. The program combines classroom instruction with campus-based laboratory simulations and clinical practicums.
The LPN-to-RN program is a 68-credit pathway that includes general education and clinical nursing courses. Some of the classes you will take include Complex Health Problems, Health Promotion for Families, and Nursing Management & Leadership. Clinical practicums include diverse opportunities to provide care to patients of all ages with varying health issues.
Why Choose This Program
• Trident Technical College is dedicated to your success. The school offers academic and career counseling to all students. Additionally, the school offers crisis intervention and stress management to help students in times of need.• The LPN-to-ADN program at Trident Technical College is eligible for South Carolina Need-Based Grants, South Carolina Lottery-Funded Tuition Assistance, and South Carolina Workforce Industry Needs Scholarship (SCWINS). SCWINS covers the cost of tuition, course-related expenses, and fees of up to $5,000 per year, which means you could earn your degree at no cost to you!
7. Tri-County Technical College - Pendleton
Program Details: Tri-County Technical College offers a three-semester LPN-to-RN program in South Carolina. The program admits students in the fall and spring semesters of each academic year. While a few elective nursing courses are available online during the third clinical semester, because of the nature of clinical and lab components, most nursing classes are delivered in a campus-based format.
The 68-credit curriculum includes general education and major course requirements. After completing Intermediate Nursing Concepts in the first semester, you will be awarded nine credit hours for advanced standing placement. To ensure you have adequate opportunities to provide patient care, clinical assignments are arranged by program faculty.
Why Choose This Program
• Tri-County Technical College reports high retention rates among students in the LPN-to-RN program, which is a good indicator of student satisfaction and success.• Graduates of the program have excellent job placement rates following completion of the program and obtaining their RN licenses. Additionally, employers responding to surveys indicate they are highly satisfied with program graduates, stating that they are well-prepared, professional, and an asset to their organizations. Having been a hiring manager, I can tell you that employer satisfaction is a great sign that the program is a good option.
8. Aiken Technical College - Aiken
Program Details: At Aiken Technical College, licensed practical nurses can complete an associate degree in nursing in just three semesters, including one transition semester. The school offers this LPN-to-RN program in South Carolina with options for taking classes during the day or evenings. New classes begin in the fall and
spring of each year.
The program features a 65-credit curriculum consisting of 30 general education credits and 35 nursing credits. Some course offerings include Psychiatric & Mental Health Nursing, Nursing Concepts & Clinical Practices, and Nursing Care of Children. After completing the course Transition Nursing in the first semester, you will be awarded six advanced placement credits and be exempt from taking Fundamentals of Nursing.
Classes are conducted on campus, and clinicals occur in off-campus clinical facilities. The School of Nursing has a variety of clinical partnerships with accredited healthcare facilities. The lead instructor for each clinical course determines which sites and preceptors are used based on site availability.
Why Choose This Program
• Evening class offerings make this LPN-to-RN program in South Carolina a perfect choice for working students or those with family and other responsibilities.• Aiken Technical College has articulation agreements with four-year colleges and universities, making it possible for graduates of the LPN-to-RN program to transition smoothly and earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
9. Florence-Darlington Technical College - Florence
Program Details: Florence-Darlington Technical College is home to another of our featured LPN-to-RN programs in South Carolina. The program admits students in the fall semester after completing prerequisite requirements and takes an average of 24 months, or four semesters, to complete. Classes are scheduled during the day on campus and are combined with lab simulations and off-site clinical practicums, which may be held during the day, evenings, or on weekends.
To earn the Associate of Applied Science degree, you must complete 68 total credits. With your active, unrestricted LPN license, you are eligible to receive 15 credits for prior learning. The college offers modern facilities, including simulation labs with state-of-the-art equipment where you can practice hands-on learning in a realistic environment. Clinical practicums are an integral part of the nursing program. You will have opportunities to work in hospitals, community health centers, and other affiliate clinical sites providing direct patient care.
Why Choose This Program
• All nursing students at Florence-Darlington Technical College are assigned a student advisor who remains with them throughout the program.• The LPN-to-RN program in South Carolina at Florence-Darlington Technical College offers low teacher-to-student ratios, making it possible for you to have individualized attention and assistance throughout the program to promote your success.
10. Midlands Technical College - Columbia
Program Details: The LPN-to-RN program in South Carolina at Midlands Technical College offers an awesome opportunity for licensed practical nurses who want to become registered nurses. The program admits students once per year in the fall semester, and after completing general education and prerequisite course requirements, it takes three semesters to complete.
The 50-credit curriculum includes classroom instruction, preclinical experiences in the nursing skills lab, a state-of-the-art simulation lab, and clinical externships and internships. In this program, you will study Contemporary Nursing Practice, Health Promotion for Families, Management of Patient Care, and Principles of Management & Leadership. Required clinical experiences are arranged by program faculty through affiliations with local healthcare facilities and providers.
Why Choose This Program
• As a nurse and healthcare educator, I believe one of the best ways to gauge a program’s value is by listening to current and former students. Midlands Technical College LPN-to-RN program graduates report high satisfaction rates when surveyed about their experiences in the program.• The Midlands Technical College Foundation sponsors more than 60 scholarships annually. Additionally, local hospitals, including Baptist Medical Center, Providence Hospital, and Lexington Medical Center, offer nursing student scholarships. A financial aid advisor at the school can help you apply for scholarships and other types of financial assistance to help offset the expenses related to earning your degree.
Navigate The Decision-Making Process With Darby Faubion’s Advice For Students Eyeing LPN-To-RN Programs In The State Of South Carolina
If you are eyeing LPN-to-RN programs in South Carolina, there are some things I believe are essential to consider. As a nurse educator, I urge you to seek out accredited programs like those featured in this article. It is also important to know NCLEX pass rates for programs, as this is a good indicator of how well the program prepares students for the role of being a registered nurse. Look at public reviews about the schools and programs to see what current and former students say about them.
While knowing what a school offers you is important, it is crucial that you know what you are willing to do to earn your degree. For example, a few other things to consider are whether you can commit to a full-time program or if you need to pursue your degree part-time, whether in-person, hybrid, or online learning is best for you, and how you will pay for your degree. Once you determine the things that are important to you, you can weigh those with what each school offers and make a choice that is best for you.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED
1. Starting LPN VS. RN Salary In South Carolina: How Much More Can You Earn As An RN?
| RN Average Starting Annual Salary | LPN Average Starting Annual Salary | Difference | |||
| Number | % | ||||
| $60,780 | $45,740 | +$15,040 | +32.88% | ||
| (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) | |||||
2. Experience-Wise LPN VS. RN Salary In South Carolina: How Much More Can You Earn As An RN?
| Level of Experience | RN | LPN | Difference | ||
| Number | % | ||||
| Entry-Level | $60,780 | $45,740 | +$15,040 | +32.88% | |
| 1-4 Years of Experience | $67,440 | $50,020 | +$17,420 | +34.83% | |
| 5-9 Years of Experience | $78,380 | $56,710 | +$21,670 | +38.21% | |
| 10-19 Years of Experience | $87,590 | $60,990 | +$26,600 | +43.61% | |
| 20 Years or More Experience | $98,980 | $67,380 | +$31,600 | +46.90% | |
| Average Salary | $81,390 | $56,430 | +$24,960 | +44.23% | |
| (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) | |||||
3. Metro Wise LPN VS. RN Salary In South Carolina: How Much More Can You Earn As An RN?
| Metro | RN Average Annual Salary | LPN Average Annual Salary | Difference | ||
| Number | % | ||||
| Charleston-North Charleston | $86,010 | $58,720 | +$27,290 | +46.47% | |
| Columbia | $80,790 | $58,280 | +$22,510 | +38.62% | |
| Florence | $92,840 | $52,450 | +$40,390 | +77.01% | |
| Greenville-Anderson-Mauldin | $79,210 | $56,330 | +$22,880 | +40.62% | |
| Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Beaufort | $74,970 | $56,240 | +$18,730 | +33.30% | |
| Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach | $76,310 | $52,690 | +$23,620 | +44.83% | |
| Spartanburg | $77,120 | $58,000 | +$19,120 | +32.97% | |
| Sumter | $79,140 | $53,840 | +$25,300 | +46.99% | |
| (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) | |||||
4. LPN VS. RN Job Outlook In South Carolina: Is The Job Outlook For RN Better Than LPN?
| Occupation | Employment | New Employment Growth (2020-2030) | |||
| 2020 | 2030 | Number | % | ||
| RN | 47,050 | 52,040 | +4,990 | +10.61% | |
| LPN | 9,860 | 11,010 | +1,150 | +11.66% | |
| Difference | +37,190 | +41,030 | +3,840 | -1.06% | |
| (Source: Careeronestop.org) | |||||
5. LPN VS. RN Job Openings In South Carolina: Are There More Job Openings For RN Compared To LPN?
| Occupation | New | Replacement | Annual Job Openings (New + Replacement) | ||
| RN | 499 | 2,571 | 3,070 | ||
| LPN | 115 | 785 | 900 | ||
| Difference | +384 | +1,786 | +2,170 | ||
| (Source: Careeronestop.org) | |||||
6. Average LPN-To-RN Salary In South Carolina VS. Average LPN-To-RN Salary In The Nation: Who Earns More?
| Average South Carolina LPN-to-RN Annual Salary | Average National LPN-to-RN Annual Salary | Difference | |||
| Number | % | ||||
| $81,390 | $94,480 | -$13,090 | -13.85% | ||
| (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) | |||||
Darby Faubion, RN, BSN, MBA
Darby Faubion is a nurse and allied health instructor with over 20 years of clinical experience. Her work history includes clinical experience in pediatrics, mental health, addiction and behavioral disorders, geriatrics, wound management, and communicable disease. Darby has worked in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home health and hospice agencies. Darby also has experience as a nursing and allied health educator at both community college and university levels. Her love for nursing and nursing education led to her becoming a test-taking strategist and NCLEX prep coach.