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Accredited LPN Programs & Colleges in South Carolina
Greenville Tech, Midlands Tech, Trident Tech (Charleston), Florence-Darlington Tech, and other campuses offer practical nursing certificates at affordable tuition. Programs run 12 months with clinical placements across the state's healthcare network. All programs are approved by the South Carolina Board of Nursing.
| School | City | Type | Program Length | Approx. Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greenville Technical College | Greenville | Technical College | 12 months | $5,400 |
| Midlands Technical College | Columbia | Technical College | 12 months | $5,600 |
| Trident Technical College | Charleston | Technical College | 12 months | $5,200 |
| Florence-Darlington Technical College | Florence | Technical College | 12 months | $5,000 |
Tuition figures are approximate and reflect in-state rates. Contact each school for current pricing, financial aid, and enrollment deadlines. Always confirm the program is approved by the South Carolina Board of Nursing.
Online & Hybrid LPN Programs in South Carolina
No South Carolina LPN program is fully online — clinical training at approved facilities is required. Some technical colleges offer limited hybrid coursework options. SC's 16-campus coverage means proximity to a campus is rarely an issue.
Hybrid programs are ideal for working adults, parents, or anyone who needs scheduling flexibility. Typical hybrid programs cover 40–60% of coursework online, with the remainder as on-site clinical hours at approved partner hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and clinics.
For a complete list of online-friendly LPN programs available to South Carolina residents, visit our dedicated guide:
Requirements to Enroll in a South Carolina LPN Program
SC technical college programs use competitive admissions with standard prerequisites. NLC compact membership makes SC licensure particularly valuable with access to neighboring NC, GA, TN, and VA. South Carolina's growing healthcare sector means employment demand is consistent statewide.
- High school diploma or GED equivalent
- Minimum age of 18 (some programs accept students at 17 with parental consent)
- Completed prerequisite courses — typically includes basic math, English, and introductory biology or anatomy & physiology
- Passing score on an entrance exam (TEAS or HESI A2 are most common)
- Criminal background check and drug screening
- Current CPR/BLS certification (American Heart Association)
- Up-to-date immunization records including TB test, Hepatitis B, and flu vaccine
Quick Facts: LPN Licensing in South Carolina
After completing an approved program, graduates must pass the NCLEX-PN examination and apply for licensure through the South Carolina Board of Nursing. Most candidates receive their results within 48 hours of testing.
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LPN Salary & Job Outlook in South Carolina
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, May 2024 OEWS data), LPNs in South Carolina earn an average of $58,430 per year ($28.09/hour). This places South Carolina below the national LPN average of $62,340.
Salaries in South Carolina typically range from $43,400 for entry-level positions to $72,800 for experienced nurses in high-demand specialties or metro areas.
LPN Salary by City in South Carolina
| City / Metro Area | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Charleston | $61,200 |
| Columbia | $59,800 |
| Greenville | $58,400 |
| Myrtle Beach | $57,200 |
Job Outlook
Employment of LPNs in South Carolina is projected to grow 4% over the next decade — about as fast as average for all occupations. The state sees approximately 1,200 annual job openings for LPNs, driven by retirements, career transitions, and growing demand in skilled nursing facilities and home health.
Where LPNs Work in South Carolina
The majority of LPNs in South Carolina work in skilled nursing facilities and long-term care, which together employ roughly 35% of the state's practical nurses. Other common employers include hospitals, physician offices, home health agencies, and outpatient care centers. Shift differentials for evenings, nights, and weekends can add $2–$5/hour on top of base pay.
First Job Tips for New LPN Graduates
Landing your first LPN position in South Carolina is usually straightforward given current demand. Skilled nursing facilities and long-term care centers actively recruit new graduates and often offer sign-on bonuses. Staffing agencies are another option — they can place you quickly and often pay above-average hourly rates. Once you have 6–12 months of experience, you'll qualify for positions in hospitals, clinics, and specialty practices.
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Explore More Nursing & Healthcare Careers in South Carolina
Whether you're starting out or planning your next credential, these guides can help:
South Carolina
South Carolina LPN Scope of Practice — What You Can and Can't Do
South Carolina LPNs are regulated by the SC Board of Nursing under LLR. SC is an NLC state. SC has published Advisory Opinion #9b on LPN IV therapy and #30 on IV push in dialysis.
You Can Direct Patient Care
- Medication administration (oral, IM, SubQ, topical, rectal, inhaled)
- Focused assessments and ongoing monitoring
- Wound care and dressing changes
- Vital signs and point-of-care testing
- Foley catheter insertion and management
- Tracheostomy care and suctioning
- Contributing to care plans
- Supervising CNAs/UAPs
Conditional IV Therapy
- LPNs may perform expanded IV therapy after completing additional education and training
- Advisory Opinion #9b describes peripheral and central IV therapy responsibilities for LPNs
- Advisory Opinion #30 addresses LPN IV push medications specifically in dialysis settings
- Must work under direction of an RN or physician
- LPNs CANNOT administer blood products or chemotherapy without specific authorization
You Cannot RN-Only Functions
- Comprehensive assessments
- Creating or modifying care plans
- Blood product or chemotherapy administration (without specific authorization)
- Triage
- Independent practice
South Carolina LPN-to-RN Bridge Programs
| School | Format | Timeline | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greenville Technical College | On-campus + clinical | 12–16 months | ADN bridge in Greenville |
| Trident Technical College | On-campus + clinical | 12–18 months | ADN bridge in Charleston |
| Excelsior University | 100% Online | Self-paced | Online + local clinicals, no waitlist |
South Carolina Board of Nursing Contact
- Website: llr.sc.gov/nurse
- Phone: (803) 896-4550
- Address: 110 Centerview Dr, Columbia, SC 29210
Ready for the Next Step?
Bridge from LPN to RN — Expand Your Scope and Your Paycheck
Tired of scope limitations? RNs earn 35–50% more, perform initial assessments, create care plans, start IVs without extra certification, and run triage. Bridge programs let you earn your RN while you keep working.
Explore LPN-to-RN Bridge Programs →