5 Best Nurse Practitioner Programs in South Carolina – 2024

Written By: Editorial Staff @ NursingProcess.org

Forty-two of South Carolina’s 46 counties have been designated as rural or medically underserved by the federal government, which means that residents may not have any access to the primary care health services they need. Although graduates of accredited nurse practitioner schools in South Carolina are trained to provide these primary care services, they can only do so in The Palmetto State through a collaborative agreement with a supervising physician located within 45 miles of their practice. CareerOneStop expects the number of NPs in South Carolina to grow by nearly 55 percent over the next decade. The average salary for NPs in this state is more than $109,130 annually. Information about the best nurse practitioner programs in South Carolina for 2024 can be found below.

WHAT ARE THE BEST NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS IN SOUTH CAROLINA (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2024?

(Based on our ranking methodology, the following are the 5 Best NP programs in South Carolina for the year 2024.)

1) University of South Carolina - Columbia

Programs Offered: MSN, DNP and Post-Graduate Certificate

By choosing one of the best nurse practitioner programs in South Carolina you will not only equip yourself with clinical excellence but will also find it easy to gain the trust of employers across the region Clearly, one that stands out among them is the University of South Carolina for its innovative education and research as the school consistently produces nurse leaders who play impactful roles in healthcare, both locally and globally. This NP school can also be a great place for veterans looking at transitioning into civilian life as its veteran-friendly policies provide support at every stage, starting from enrollment to graduation. Whether you are a working nurse or from the military, you can take the next step in your career by enrolling in either of its three NP pathways.

MSN Concentrations: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

If you are keen on earning the status of a certified nurse practitioner in South Carolina, you could consider specializing in either adult-gerontology acute care, family health, or psychiatric mental health, offered in conjunction with this MSN program. To be eligible to apply, you must have completed a BSN with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and hold an unencumbered RN license in SC. Once enrolled, you complete approximately 46 credits of coursework by taking classes in the distance format.

DNP Concentrations: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

With two entry points, you can enter this DNP program either after a BSN or an MSN and achieve evidence-based skills to improve health outcomes for a diverse patient population. With online courses and the option to take classes part-time or full-time, you can easily fit this academic schedule into your busy life. Also, you enjoy the flexibility of completing the clinical experience at your current workplace after seeking approval from the faculty. Depending on your interest, you can choose from the three concentrations in adult-gerontology care, family health, or psychiatric mental health care. You will collaborate with faculty on evidence-based projects and participate in a health policy internship. The BSN to DNP path requires completing 73 to 74 credits and 1000 clinical hours, whereas if you enter the program after an MSN, graduation requirements will be based on your previously completed coursework.

Post-Graduate Certificate Concentrations: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

If you are seeking to expand your nursing practice with specialized skills in adult-gerontology acute care, family health, or psychiatric mental health, then with this post-graduate certificate you can reach this goal of obtaining specialized training. You can take this program as an MSN prepared APRN or non-APRN. To graduate, APRNs require earning around 18 credits, whereas non-APRNs must complete a 32 credit-coursework, after which you will be eligible to take the certification within your chosen population focus.

2) Medical University of South Carolina - Charleston

Programs Offered: DNP and Post-Graduate Certificate

The Medical University of South Carolina, counted among the top nurse practitioner schools in South Carolina is highly ranked by the US News & World Report for its MSN, DNP, and FNP programs. With a rich history of more than 136 years, this nursing school has shaped the careers of many advanced practice nurses who have transformed healthcare for our communities. Over all these years, MUSC has built strong partnerships with health agencies and hospitals, thereby providing NP students with excellent interdisciplinary learning opportunities where they collaborate with other healthcare professionals to improve health and wellness.

DNP Concentrations: Adult NP, Family NP, Pediatric NP, and Psych NP

By completing this DNP program, you will be able to explore leadership positions in a variety of healthcare settings, including health centers, rural clinics, hospitals, ambulatory care centers, and hospitals. The program comes with specialization options in adult-gerontology care, family health, pediatric care, and psychiatric mental health. Depending on your interest, you can choose a track and enter either after completing a BSN or an MSN. Regardless of the specialty, the BSN to DNP path requires completing 75 credits and 1040 to 1310 hours of clinical practice at its simulation lab and through clinical rotations. If you enter the program post an MSN, to graduate you must complete 36 credits and 1000 clinical hours. Both the pathways are available as part-time and full-time schedules, with most of the coursework being offered online and campus visits required only for immersions.

Post-Graduate Certificate Concentrations: Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

This post-graduate nurse practitioner program in South Carolina is meant for APRNs certified in primary/acute care or those who are certified as clinical nurse specialists in psychiatric mental health. By completing the 23 credits and 540 clinical hours you gain the eligibility to take the PMHNP certification exam. The curriculum includes courses in neuroscience, psychopharmacology, psychotherapeutic interventions, and advanced care management of mental health patients.

3) Clemson University - Clemson

Programs Offered: MSN

If you aspire to become a nurse practitioner in South Carolina who is adept at evidence-based practice and critical thinking you may want to shortlist Clemson University. Here, NP students are provided with a travel opportunity to central or South America to treat patients in areas with limited medical access such as jungles and other remote places. This is a great opportunity as without any access to modern diagnostic methods when you assess the patients, the learning that happens can greatly help hone your critical thinking skills. Also, a clinical experience at a Latino clinic is a unique opportunity where you work independently to offer patient care, collaborating with other healthcare professionals to improve the health of Hispanic patients.

MSN Concentrations: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) - Primary Care and Adult/Gerontological Nurse Practitioner (A/GNP) - Primary Care

This MSN-NP program, commonly considered as one of the best nurse practitioner programs in South Carolina, builds up on your baccalaureate degree in nursing by focusing on theory, research, and role development of an advanced practice nurse. The coursework is designed to prepare you for advanced practice roles of family health and adult-gerontology primary, so you can enroll in the track that matches your interest. To graduate, you require completing 46 to 47 credits in core MSN, APRN, and specialty-specific courses. Some of the core courses you take include health care policy & economics, pathophysiology, pharmacotherapeutics, nursing research, and advanced assessment for nursing.

4) Anderson University-South Carolina - Anderson

Programs Offered: MSN, DNP, and Post-Graduate Certificate

Are you exploring South Carolina nurse practitioner schools that offer advanced nursing education grounded in Christian values? If so, Anderson University is a faith-based nursing school that prepares advanced practice nurses to serve the community. If you are keen on providing high-quality, compassionate patient-centric care you could consider enrolling in either one of its MSN, DNP, or postgraduate nurse practitioner programs in South Carolina, depending on your educational background and career goals. The intersection of Christian values and nursing has produced nurses who treat patients in a holistic manner, caring for the body, mind, and soul.

MSN Concentrations: Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Available in two specialization options, FNP and PMHNP, this nurse practitioner program in South Carolina is open to BSN graduates who hold an active RN license in the U.S. The 48-credit coursework comprises courses in advanced pathophysiology, physical assessment, pharmacology, and specialty-specific courses. Classes are offered in a hybrid format with clinical training at the simulation lab and through clinical rotations. Upon completion of the 15 months of coursework, you will be eligible to take the certification exam within your chosen population foci.

DNP Concentrations: Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

If you are a problem solver driven by results, then advancing your nursing career with this DNP degree can be a prudent choice. Not only will you attain the pinnacle of nursing education, but upon graduation, you will explore high paying jobs across the healthcare field. To qualify for this DNP program which comes with two specialization options, you must be an RN with a bachelor’s degree. In nine semesters or three years, you will be eligible to get certified within your chosen specialty. To graduate, you must complete 74 credits in an evidence-based coursework. Also, you must undergo 1,100 hours of clinical practice.

Post-Graduate Certificate Concentrations: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

As an advanced primary care provider, if you are keen on expanding your role by acquiring specialized skills in mental health then you may want to consider this post-graduate certificate program which is open to MSN-FNP graduates. The program is one of the two such mental health post-graduate nurse practitioner programs in South Carolina. The 22-hour curriculum is designed to prepare you as a holistic caregiver who can promote mental health and prevent disease.

5) Francis Marion University - Florence

Programs Offered: MSN and BSN to DNP

Francis Marion University offers one of the most affordable nurse practitioner programs in South Carolina, so if you are looking at advancing your nursing education without breaking the bank, this nursing school could be your best bet. Here, besides the competitive tuition costs, you receive quality education within a close-knit environment where class sizes are maintained at 15:1. As an NP student, you will graduate with excellent clinical skills & knowledge that are much in demand with employers in the state and throughout the nation.

MSN Concentrations: Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

To qualify for this MSN program, you must have completed a BSN and hold an unencumbered RN license. Part-time and full-time enrollment is available with specialization options in family health and psychiatric mental health. The program is a combination of didactic coursework, and clinical training at the simulation lab and through clinical rotations. Upon completion of the program, you will be eligible to take the certification exam and get certified within your chosen specialty.

BSN to DNP Concentrations: Family Nurse Practitioner

This BSN to DNP pathway is a three-year plan of study that trains BSN prepared RNs with a doctoral degree. The program which does not come with an opt-out option before completing the entire coursework requires you to earn a total of 70 credits and complete 1170 clinical hours. Graduates of this program trained with the highest level of clinical skills and knowledge are effectively improving health outcomes in the state for individuals and families across the lifespan.


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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What are the Total Number of Accredited NP Programs in South Carolina?

The American Association of Nurse Practitioners reports that currently there are Fifteen accredited nurse practitioner programs in South Carolina.




Nurse Practitioner Programs in Nearby States

Georgia

North Carolina

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