York Technical College Nursing Program Review
Prospective nurses in the northern portion of South Carolina have a variety of options when it comes to choosing a program. Depending on their desired level of education (certificate, diploma, associate degree, or bachelor’s degree), students in the area can choose between studying at York Technical College (YTC, York Tech) in Rock Hill or at the University of South Carolina Lancaster (USC Lancaster, USCL).
York Technical College, founded in 1964, offers a certificate program for nurse assistants, a diploma program for practical nurses, and cooperating with the University of South Carolina Lancaster, also offers an associate degree in nursing. Besides the associate degree program for nursing, the University of South Carolina Lancaster (founded in 1959) hosts a bachelor’s program, in cooperation with the University of South Carolina in Columbia and Piedmont Medical Center.
York Technical College Nurse Assistant Course
In a variety of different formats, York Technical College offers a training course for prospective certified nurse assistants (CNA). Students may enroll in a daytime course, an evening course, a weekend course, or an online blend course. The training program includes in-class instruction (which can be completed online, if the student opts for the online blend version of the course) and clinical instruction, which is scheduled at a local long-term care facility. The course can be completed in as little as five weeks, and leads to a certificate. Graduates are eligible to take the state certification exam for CNAs. York Technical College offers the program several times a semester, through its Corporate and Continuing Education Division.
York Technical College Nurse Assistant Refresher Course
Also through its Corporate and Continuing Education Division, York Technical College offers a refresher course for graduates of a nurse assistant course who wish to prepare for the state certification exam. This course has a lab component, a clinical component, and culminates in a written exam. The course is offered regularly; dates and times vary.
York Technical College Practical Nursing Program
Graduates of the Practical Nursing program earn a diploma in applied science, and may sit for the National Council Licensing Exam for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). In order to earn the diploma, a student must complete forty-one credit hours, which includes credits for background courses (English, biology, psychology) as well as nursing courses and clinical rotations. The program, which starts in the fall, takes three semesters to complete, and prepares students for work as Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN). York Technical College’s Practical Nursing Program is approved by the South Carolina Board of Nursing and accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC).
York Technical College/University of South Carolina Lancaster Cooperative Nursing Program – Associate Degree in Nursing Program
Either at York Technical College in Rock Hill or at the University of South Carolina Lancaster, students may complete the five-semester Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program. This leads to an associate in applied science degree with a major in nursing (AAS in Nursing), prepares the graduate for the National Council Licensing Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), and prepares the graduate for work as a Registered Nurse (RN). Over the course of the program’s five semesters, students must earn a total of sixty-eight credits. This includes general education courses in anatomy and physiology, microbiology, English, college algebra, and psychology. The course sequence begins in the fall, and includes one summer semester. The ADN program at York Technical College/University of South Carolina Lancaster is approved by the South Carolina Board of Nursing and accredited by the NLNAC.
York Technical College/University of South Carolina Lancaster Cooperative Nursing Program – Associate Degree in Nursing Program – LPN/ADN Transition
A graduate of a practical nursing program can complete her associate degree in nursing through the LPN/ADN Transition option. If she enrolls in this program, she will receive fifteen advanced placement credits, which allow her to skip the first three semesters of nursing courses. She must take a transition nursing course (unless she is a graduate of the York Technical College Practical Nursing program). This transition course is offered in the summer and fall semester. After completing this, she can begin the upper-level nursing coursework along with the traditional ADN students in the fall, and graduate in the spring.
University of South Carolina Lancaster/University of South Carolina/Piedmont Medical Center – Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program
Although the University of South Carolina Lancaster is a two-year school, it cooperates with the University of South Carolina in Columbia and Piedmont Medical Center to provide a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. Students in the BSN program can complete all their coursework on the campus in Lancaster, via a combination of classroom instruction and distance learning. The program takes four years to complete, and requires 122 credits in total. A graduate of the BSN program is eligible to take the NCLEX-RN. The BSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and approved by the South Carolina State Board of Nursing.
Contact:
York Technical College
452 South Anderson Road,
Rock Hill, SC 29730
University of South Carolina Lancaster
476 Hubbard Drive,
Lancaster, SC 29720
University of South Carolina Upstate Nursing School Review
The University of South Carolina Upstate (USCU, USC Upstate), originally the Spartanburg Regional Campus of the University of South Carolina, was founded in 1967 in response to the closing of the nursing diploma program at Spartanburg General Hospital. Anticipating a nursing shortage, the college was founded to train nurses for the Spartanburg, South Carolina area. It expanded, added additional programs, and became its own university, although still part of the South Carolina higher education system.
Nursing remains a focus of the University of South Carolina Upstate, although the university also offers degrees in the arts and sciences, business, and education. Through the Mary Black School of Nursing, the University of South Carolina Upstate offers an undergraduate nursing program with different entry points for students with different levels of education. The nursing program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and approved by the South Carolina State Board of Nursing.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Four-Year Track
Each spring and each fall, the Mary Black School of Nursing accepts 112 students into the four-year track of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. Before admission to the BSN program, however, students must complete two years of prerequisites and general education courses. If accepted to the BSN program, they will spend the remaining two years taking nursing classes and completing clinical rotations. Students must take prerequisite classes on the university’s campus in Spartanburg, but they have the option of taking the nursing classes either on campus in Spartanburg or through the University Center of Greenville. Two of the nursing courses are offered online. While the suggested course sequence takes four years to complete, part-time students are also welcome to apply. After completing the prerequisites, part-time students may take up to eight semesters to complete the nursing courses. In total, a student in the BSN program must earn 128 credits in order to graduate. After graduating, he may sit for the National Council Licensing Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) and start working as a Registered Nurse (RN).
Bachelor of Science in Nursing – RN to BSN Track
Through the RN to BSN track of the BSN program, a graduate of an associate-degree program or a diploma program may earn a full BSN degree. Before applying for admission to the RN to BSN program, however, the RN must complete the required sixty-one credits of general education classes. He may do this either through the University of South Carolina Upstate, or at another college. The University of South Carolina Upstate will award him thirty-five advanced placement credits for the lower-level nursing courses. Once all the prerequisites are completed, the RN must earn thirty-two credits of nursing courses at the University of South Carolina Upstate. He can do this in three semesters (including one summer semester) on a full-time basis, but he may also study on a part-time basis. The RN to BSN program starts in the fall only, and the university accepts 100 to 200 students each year. The University of South Carolina Upstate offers the RN to BSN program online and through its center in Greenville.
Contact:
University of South Carolina Upstate
800 University Way,
Spartanburg, SC 29303
University of South Carolina Aiken Nursing School Review
The University of South Carolina Aiken (USC Aiken, USCA), a member of the South Carolina higher education system, traces its roots back to 1961. The college caters mainly to undergraduate students, offering thirty-five different undergraduate majors. The majority of students are commuters (almost 80 percent), and residents of South Carolina (over 90 percent).
Approximately 3000 students are enrolled in the University of South Carolina Aiken’s educational programs, including its program in nursing. The undergraduate nursing program, which offers different tracks for incoming students with different levels of education, is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Council (NLNAC) and approved by the South Carolina State Board of Nursing.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Generic Track
The Generic Track of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is designed for incoming freshman. It takes four years of full-time study to complete. The program consists of 125 credits in total, which includes credits for nursing coursework and clinical rotations as well as nursing prerequisites and general education classes required by the University of South Carolina Aiken. A student on the BSN Generic Track will spend the first three semesters focusing solely on the nursing prerequisites and the general education requirements. In the second semester of her second year, she will transition into her first nursing courses, and will spend the remaining five semesters of her time at the University of South Carolina Aiken focusing on nursing coursework. The suggested course sequence is for full-time students, but students do have the option of studying part-time. After completing the general education requirements and nursing prerequisites, a part-time nursing student may take up to three-and-a-half years (seven semesters) to complete the nursing coursework. After she earns her BSN degree, she is eligible to take the National Council Licensing Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), and may begin her nursing career as a Registered Nurse (RN).
Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Advanced Placement
A graduate of a practical nursing program who is a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) may test out of the very first nursing course: Fundamental Skills. This course is worth five credits, and is usually taken in the second semester of the second year of the BSN program. Other than this, the LPN or LVN must complete the BSN program along the Generic Track.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing – RN to BSN Completion Track
The University of South Carolina offers a special track for graduates of an associate-degree or diploma program who wish to earn a BSN degree. Before beginning the nursing coursework, an RN must complete most of the general education requirements (at least forty-six credits out of the required fifty-five credits). He may do this as a student at the University of South Carolina Aiken, or he may transfer these credits from another school. He will be awarded thirty-three advanced placement credits on the basis of his prior nursing education, and must complete an additional thirty-two credits of nursing coursework at the University of South Carolina Aiken. After earning 120 credits in total, he will receive a BSN degree. Usually, this will take three semesters (not including the forty-six credits of general education classes) on a full-time basis. The RN to BSN curriculum is offered online and on campus, and starts in the fall.
Contact:
University of South Carolina Aiken
471 University Parkway,
Aiken, SC 29801
University of South Carolina Nursing School Review
The University of South Carolina (USC), located in Columbia, is the flagship university of the South Carolina higher education system. The university has a long history of academic excellence, dating back to 1805, and currently serves over 30,000 students in over 300 different degree programs. Among those degree programs are several in the field of nursing, at the undergraduate and graduate level. All programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Through the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, a prospective Registered Nurse (RN) will receive a background in the liberal arts as well as the nursing training that she needs to pass the National Council Licensing Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). During the first two years, students complete lower division coursework, which consists of forty-five credits of general education courses and introductory nursing courses. After completing lower division coursework, a student can apply to the upper division BSN program, which begins in the fall only.
Approximately 200 students are accepted each year, and about sixty students at the University of South Carolina – Lancaster and the University of South Carolina – Salkehatchie may also participate in the upper division nursing coursework. If accepted into the upper division, a student will focus completely on nursing for the next two years, taking classes and completing clinical rotations. In total, a BSN student must earn 122 credits to graduate.
Master of Science in Nursing – Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
After completing a BSN program, an RN may prepare to provide primary care to adults with serious health problems through the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program. This program will prepare him to take the certification exam for Acute Care Nurse Practitioners (ACNP). The course sequence starts in the fall, and can be completed on a full-time or part-time basis. In total, a student must earn at least forty credits and complete clinical hours. He also has the option of taking two elective classes that cover acute care nursing for children. Most courses for the MSN program are offered online.
Master of Science in Nursing – Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
In order to function as a primary caregiver for both adults and children, a BSN-prepared nurse can complete the MSN program, working toward certification as a Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (PCNP) with an emphasis on family care. The courses are offered online, for the most part, although students will have to come to campus occasionally. The program requires forty-five credits total (including clinical hours), and takes six semesters to complete on a full-time basis. Students also have the option of studying part-time. The course sequence begins in the fall only.
Certificate of Graduate Study in Advanced Practice Nursing
An MSN-prepared nurse can become an advanced practice nurse more quickly than a BSN-prepared nurse. In order to take an advanced practice certification exam, she only needs to complete three core graduate nursing classes, and four or five classes in her chosen area of specialization. The University of South Carolina offers two specializations: Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Primary Care Nurse Practitioner/Family Nurse Practitioner. In total, a student must earn twenty-four to twenty-seven credits in order to receive a certificate of graduate study in advanced practice nursing. Classes are available online, and a student must begin the course sequence in the fall.
Certificate of Graduate Study in Advanced Practice Nursing for Certified Nurse Practitioners
A nurse who has earned an MSN degree and already has advanced practice certification can earn certification as an ACNP or PCNP/FNP even more quickly than a nurse who has an MSN degree but no advanced practice certification. He does not need to complete the core graduate nursing classes; he only needs to complete eighteen credits in his chosen area of specialization. The course sequence begins in the fall, and classes are available online.
Doctor of Nursing Practice – BSN Entry (Online BSN to DNP Program)
A BSN-prepared nurse can enter the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program and prepare himself to take on the highest level of clinical responsibility as an advanced practice nurse. The curriculum is intense, as a nurse with a BSN degree must complete coursework leading to advanced practice certification in addition to the DNP coursework. This requires seventy-five credits, if he wishes to specialize as a PCNP/FNP, and sixty-eight credits if he wishes to specialize as an ACNP. On a full-time basis, this requires ten semesters. He also has the option of studying part-time. Over the course of the program, he will complete at least 1000 clinical hours. The course sequence starts in the fall only, and classes are offered online.
Doctor of Nursing Practice – Master’s Entry (Clinical): (Online MSN to DNP Program)
A nurse with an MSN degree and advanced practice certification can earn a DNP degree online in just five semesters of full-time study. In total, she must earn thirty-three credits and complete at least 500 clinical hours. The course sequence begins in the fall only, and courses are available online.
Doctor of Nursing Practice – non-BSN Entry
The DNP program is also open to students who hold a degree in a field other than nursing and are not yet RNs. From this entry point, a student can expect to study on a full-time basis for six to eight years, including summers. The course of study includes any necessary prerequisites for the undergraduate nursing classes, upper division BSN coursework, MSN coursework leading to advanced practice certification as an ACNP or PCNP/FNP, and finally the thirty-three credits of DNP coursework.
Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Science Degree (Online Nursing PhD Program)
The Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD in Nursing) program prepares nurse scholars, researchers, and educators. The University of South Carolina accepts students who have an MSN degree, a BSN degree, or a master’s degree in a field other than nursing. Credit requirements for this doctoral program vary, depending on the incoming student’s education level. An MSN-prepared nurse or nurse with a master’s degree in a field other than nursing needs to earn sixty credits. A BSN-prepared nurse must plan on earning at least eighty-seven credits. Courses are offered online, and the course sequence starts each fall.
Center for Nursing Leadership
There is also a nursing leadership development program for experienced nurses, nurse executives and academics in the healthcare field. The center has the “The Amy V. Cockcroft Nursing Leadership Development Program” which is targeted towards nurse executive leaders and healtcare managers. Training involves enhancing the nurse leaders communication skills, conflict resolution ability, understanding of modern management theory and healthcare systems. The program lasts for one year and takes place in 5 sessions that are each 3 days long.
The Center for Nursing Leadership also offers continuing education credit classes and 6 hours of graduate credit through the University of South Carolina. You will need to have at least a BSN to be elligible for any of the centers classes.
Nursing Scholarships
Each year there are several nursing scholarships available to undergraduate and graduate students that you can apply for. Examples are the:
– Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Scholarship Fund
– Carol R. Collison-Alpha Xi Scholarship
– Bobbi Rossi Memorial Scholarship
– Brenda F. Weaver Memorial Scholarship
– Alpha Xi Nursing Scholarship
Contact:
University of South Carolina – College of Nursing
1601 Greene Street,
Columbia, SC 29208
Trident Technical College Nursing Program Review
Residents of Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties in South Carolina can take advantage of educational opportunities offered by Trident Technical College (TTC, Trident Tech). The college serves about 17,000 students on multiple campus locations, including North Charleston, Moncks Corner, Summerville, St. George, Charleston, Hollywood, and Mount Pleasant. TTC offers over 150 different programs of study, including several in the field of nursing. The nursing program at TTC is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC).
Practical Nursing Diploma
A prospective Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) should enroll in the Practical Nursing Diploma program, which is offered in both the fall and the spring. The curriculum consists of forty-six credits, and includes general education classes, nursing courses, and clinical rotations. A student must commit to three-and-a-half semesters of full-time study in order to earn the diploma. After earning the diploma, a student may take the National Council Licensing Exam for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN).
Practical Nursing Diploma – CNA to LPN
A certified nurse assistant (CNA) can earn four advanced placement credits when he enrolls in the practical nursing diploma program. In order to earn these, he must successfully complete Nursing Care Management I. After passing this, he will be awarded four credits for the first nursing class, called Basic Nursing Care Skills. He must complete the remainder of the Practical Nursing Diploma program along the traditional track.
Associate Degree Nursing – Generic Option
After completing the Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program, a graduate earns an associate in applied science degree with a major in nursing. This makes her eligible to take the National Council Licensing Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). In order to prepare for this exam, a student must commit to five consecutive semesters of full-time study. The program begins in either the spring or the fall, and the curriculum (sixty-eight credits in total) includes general education courses, nursing courses, and clinical rotations. After graduating from the ADN program and passing the NCLEX-RN, a graduate is awarded the title Registered Nurse (RN).
Associate Degree Nursing – CNA to ADN
TTC will award a CNA with four advanced placement credits when he enrolls in the CNA to ADN track of the ADN program. In order to earn these, he must successfully complete Nursing Care Management I. After passing this, he will be awarded four credits for Basic Nursing Care Skills. He must complete the remainder of the ADN program along the generic track.
Associate Degree Nursing – LPN to ADN
A graduate of a practical nursing diploma program who is an LPN can also enter the ADN program with advanced placement standing. She must complete a nursing transition course (only available in the summer), after which she will be awarded credit for the first two semesters of nursing courses. She can then start with the upper-level nursing courses and complete the program in three semesters.
Associate Degree Nursing – Accelerated Option
A student who already holds a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing, or who scores above the 80th percentile on the National League for Nursing Pre-Admission Exam (PAX-RN), is eligible to enroll in the Accelerated Option of the ADN program. A student on this track must complete the general education requirements before beginning the intense, fifteen-month clinical component. If the incoming student does not have any general education classes to transfer, it may take up to two semesters to complete these. If he has already completed the general education courses at a different college, he may proceed directly to the nursing course sequence. The course sequence starts in the summer only; students graduate the following summer.
Pre-Nursing Certificate
Admission to the nursing programs is competitive. So, in order to improve her chances of being accepted, a student has the option of completing a pre-nursing certificate program. This takes two semesters, and consists of twenty-six credits. The classes are general education classes, and they fulfill the general education requirements in the practical nursing and ADN programs. While completing the pre-nursing certificate improves a student’s chances of being accepted into one of the nursing programs, it does not guarantee admission.
Nurse Aide Training Program/Nurse Assistant Certificate in Applied Science
Prospective Certified Nurse Assistants (CNA) have two program options at TTC. Through the nursing department, a student can complete the eight-credit Nurse Assistant certificate in applied science. This includes a CPR class, a general psychology class, and a basic nursing skills care class. Through the Division of Continuing Education and Economic Development, a student can complete the Nurse Aide Training Program. This requires fifty hours of classroom instruction and seventy hours of clinical experience at a local healthcare facility. After completing either program, a student is eligible to take the Nurse Aide Certification exam, which is offered by the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.
Contact:
Trident Technical College
7000 Rivers Avenue,
North Charleston, SC 29406
Tri-County Technical College Nursing Program Review
As the name suggests, Tri-County Technical College (TCTC, Tric-County Tech) serves residents in three South Carolina counties: Anderson, Oconee, and Pickens. The college has four different locations, in Pendleton, Anderson, Easley, and Seneca, and offers over seventy programs of study. Approximately 13,000 students take advantage of the college’s educational opportunities, many of which are in the rapidly expanding health science field, including nursing. The nursing programs are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC).
Practical Nursing Diploma
In order to work as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), a student can complete Tri-County Technical College’s practical nursing diploma program. This takes three semesters (including one summer semester) to complete. Before beginning, however, a student must take a nurse assistant training course, which can be done at the college. Students can start in the fall in Easley, taking classes during the day, or they can start in the spring at the Oconee campus in Seneca, taking classes in the evening. In order to earn the practical nursing diploma, students must earn forty-three credits. This includes twelve credits of general education classes and thirty-one credits of nursing classes and clinical rotations. After earning the practical nursing diploma, a graduate may take the National Council Licensing Exam for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN).
Associate Degree Nursing
A prospective Registered Nurse (RN) can enroll in the Tri-County Technical College Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program and earn an associate of applied science degree with a major in nursing. This requires a total of sixty-eight credits, and includes both general education courses and nursing courses. Before beginning the program, however, a student must take a nurse assistant training course, which can also be done at Tri-County Technical College. The ADN program is offered in both the spring and the fall and students can opt to take classes during the day or in the evening. The curriculum takes five semesters (including one summer semester) to complete. (As of the summer 2013, students can also complete the ADN program in an accelerated format.) After completing it, a student is prepared to take the National Council Licensing Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).
Associate Degree Nursing – LPN Transition to RN
A graduate of a practical nursing diploma program who is a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) can earn up to fourteen advanced placement credits for the ADN program. To do so, the LPN must take a nursing transition class. If he is successful in this class, he will receive the fourteen credits, which allow him to skip the first three nursing classes. He must complete the remainder of the nursing classes and the general education classes in order to graduate and take the NCLEX-RN.
Further Education Options – Health Science Certificate
Tri-County Technical College makes it easy for a student in the ADN program to easily complete a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in nursing (BS in Nursing) through Clemson University. While the student is taking the classes for the ADN program, she simultaneously completes the Health Science Certificate program. This program consists of thirty-six credits, and includes all the classes that the student needs in order to transfer directly from the ADN program into Clemson University’s RN to BSN program. Once she graduates from the ADN program and becomes an RN, she only needs to complete three semesters at Clemson in order to receive a full BS in Nursing degree.
Pre-Nursing Certificate
Admission to the ADN program is competitive, so a student can improve his chances of being accepted by completing the Pre-Nursing Certificate. This consists of thirty-four credits of general education classes (all the general education classes required in the ADN program). Studying full-time, he will need three semesters to complete these classes.
Nursing Prep Certificate
Before enrolling in the ADN program, a student also has the option of completing a ten-credit Nursing Prep certificate. This includes two introductory nursing classes, a class that fulfills the nurse assistant training requirement, and a medical vocabulary class.
Nurse Aide Certificate
Through the Corporate and Community Education department, the college offers a nurse aide training course. The course, which takes four weeks to complete, consists of fifty-two hours of classroom instruction and forty hours of clinical practice. After completing the program, a graduate is eligible to take the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam. The class is offered in all three counties, in both the day and the evening.
Contact:
Tri-County Technical College
7900 Highway 76,
Pendleton, SC 29670
Technical College of the Lowcountry Nursing Program Review
The Technical College of the Lowcountry (TCL, Lowcountry Tech) has a unique history, dating back to the Mather School for the daughters of freed slaves (founded in 1864). Since that foundation, the school gradually shifted focus from elementary education to industrial training, and opened up to boys. In 1988, the school was officially named the Technical College of the Lowcountry.
Now, the college enrolls over 10,000 students of all races in its associate-degree, diploma, and certificate programs. Students can take classes on the main campus in Beaufort, or on one of the satellite campuses in Varnville, Bluffton, and Walterboro. TCL also offers classes on the Merritt Field and Parris Island military bases. Among the college’s many programs are two for prospective nurses, and one for aspiring nurse assistants. Here is a review of the available programs:
Practical Nursing Diploma Program
TCL’s Practical Nursing (PN) program has a three-semester curriculum that prepares students to take the National Council Licensing Exam for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). The practical nursing program is offered on two different campuses: the main campus in Beaufort and the New River campus in Bluffton. Students on the New River campus may occasionally have to travel to Beaufort, as not all nursing classes are always offered on the New River campus. Students must begin in the fall, and must earn forty-two credits total. The practical nursing diploma program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) and approved by the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation Board of Nursing.
Associate Degree Nursing Program
Graduates of the Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program earn an associate of applied science degree with a major in nursing. They are prepared to work as Registered Nurses (RN), after successfully completing the National Council Licensing Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). TCL prepares students for this exam through a five-semester curriculum, which is offered on both the New River and Beaufort campuses. (Students at the New River campus may have to travel occasionally to Beaufort). The curriculum includes general education classes, nursing classes, and clinical rotations, which will take place at healthcare facilities within sixty miles of Beaufort or New River. In total, an ADN student must earn sixty-eight credits. Students may begin the ADN program in either the fall or the spring. TCL’s ADN program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) and approved by the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation Board of Nursing.
Associate Degree Nursing Program – LPN Advanced Placement
A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) who is a graduate of a practical nursing diploma program may apply for advanced placement in the ADN program. While she needs to complete all the general education requirements and most of the nursing classes, she can place out of the first few nursing classes on the basis of her diploma and work experience. An LPN should be able to complete the ADN program in four semesters.
Certified Nurse Assistant Program
TCL regularly offers a training program for prospective certified nurse assistants (CNA) through its department of continuing education. The class takes six to eight weeks to complete, and includes both classroom instruction and hands-on practice at a healthcare facility. Classes are offered in Beaufort, on the Hampton campus in Varnville, and on the New River campus.
Contact:
Technical College of the Lowcountry
921 Ribaut Road,
Beaufort, SC 29902
Spartanburg Community College Nursing Program Review
Spartanburg Community College (SCC) was founded in 1963, as part of the South Carolina Legislature’s decision to actively support and encourage technical education in the state. While the enrollment at Spartanburg Community College was small at first, the school rapidly expanded, opening up satellite campuses and adding new programs in a wide variety of fields.
Now, the college operates out of four locations (Spartanburg, Gaffney, Duncan, and Union), serves over 5000 students, and offers over 100 different associate-degree, certificate, and diploma programs. Among those programs is one program for prospective nurses and one program for prospective certified nurse assistants. Here is a review of the available programs:
Associate Degree Nursing
The Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program at Spartanburg Community College is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) and approved by the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation Board of Nursing. Over the course of five semesters, the ADN program prepares students for careers as Registered Nurses (RN). An ADN student must earn at least sixty-seven credits in order to graduate, and this includes both general education classes and nursing classes. While there are no prerequisites for the program, Spartanburg Community College highly recommends that students complete anatomy and physiology I and II and microbiology before beginning.
The ADN program is only available on a full-time basis during the day; there is no evening or weekend option. Students may begin in either the fall or the spring. Spartanburg Community College welcomes Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) into the ADN program but, unlike most other colleges, does not award advanced placement credits. LPNs must begin at the beginning of the ADN program. Likewise, Spartanburg Community College does not accept transfer credits for any of the nursing classes; a transfer student must retake all nursing classes. Spartanburg Community College awards graduates with an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree with a major in nursing. This makes a student eligible to take the National Council Licensing Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).
Certified Nursing Assistant
The quickest way into the nursing field is through a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program, such as the one at Spartanburg Community College. Through the eight-credit CNA-Basic training program, students learn the fundamentals of nursing care, including helping patients with their personal care, controlling infections, and feeding and transporting patients. The program takes one semester to complete, and is offered in the fall, spring, and summer. There are no prerequisites.
The curriculum includes both classroom instruction and a clinical rotation in a long-term care facility. Students in the CNA program focus solely on nursing skills; they do not need to complete any general education classes. A graduate of the program will receive a certificate, and is eligible to take the Nurse Assistant Certification exam. If he successfully passes this exam, he will be listed as a CNA on the CNA registry maintained by the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation Board of Nursing. He is then eligible to seek entry-level employment in the nursing field.
Contact:
Spartanburg Community College
800 Brisack Road,
Spartanburg, SC 29303
South Carolina State University Nursing School Review
South Carolina State University (SC State, SCSU) in Orangeburg, founded in 1896, is a historically black college and has a rich history of civil rights activism. As of 1966, the university has accepted students of all races. Now, over 5000 students are enrolled in its programs, mostly at the undergraduate level, although the university does offer a few graduate programs as well.
SC State, through its College of Business and Applied Professional Sciences, offers a bachelor’s degree in nursing, with three different tracks. The nursing program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and approved by the South Carolina State Board of Nursing.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Pre-licensure
A freshman at SC State University may enroll in pre-nursing classes. Pre-nursing classes include classes in the humanities and sciences. If she successfully completes these classes, maintaining a GPA of at least 2.8, she may apply for admission to the nursing program. Admission is competitive, so applicants with the highest GPA will receive preference. Once enrolled in the nursing program, she will spend the next three years completing nursing classes, clinical rotations, and additional general education classes. In total, she must earn at least 127 credits in order to graduate. After she graduates, she may seek work as a Registered Nurse (RN), as long as she passes the National Council Licensing Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).
Bachelor of Science in Nursing – LPN to BSN
A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) who is a graduate of a practical nursing diploma program may enroll in South Carolina State University’s BSN program, on a special LPN to BSN track. Like a student in the pre-licensure BSN track, a student on the LPN to BSN track must complete 127 credits in order to graduate. However, an LPN has the option of transferring in up to seventy-two credits of general education classes. Alternatively, if he wishes, he may complete these courses at South Carolina State University. South Carolina State University also offers the College Level Examination Program (CLEP), which allows the LPN to test out of some of the general education courses (up to fifteen credits). Through the American College Testing – Proficiency Evaluation Program (ACT/PEP), the LPN can also earn advanced placement credits for nutrition, nursing science I, professional nursing development, fundamentals I, fundamentals II, and pharmacology (twelve credits maximum). Based on how many general education credits the LPN must earn and his performance on the ACT/PEP, the length of the LPN to BSN program can vary considerably.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing – RN to BSN
A graduate of an associate-degree or diploma program will receive advanced standing in the BSN program. On the basis of her work experience and nursing coursework, she will receive thirty-three advanced placement credits toward the first two years of nursing coursework. In addition to these advanced placement credits, she can transfer in credits from any general education classes she has completed. To earn the BSN degree, she must complete any missing general education classes, and must take sixteen credits of upper-level nursing courses.
Contact:
South Carolina State University
300 College St. NE,
Orangeburg, SC 29117
Piedmont Technical College Nursing Program Review
From its main campus in Greenwood, as well as through its other six campuses in the surrounding area, Piedmont Technical College (founded in 1966) offers associate degrees, certificates, and diplomas in a wide variety of fields. In response to a growing need for trained healthcare professionals, the college opened its health sciences department in 1981.
As part of this development, Piedmont Technical College (PTC) started two programs in the nursing field: one at the associate-degree level and one at the diploma level. The nursing programs are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, and approved by the South Carolina State Board of Nursing.
Practical Nursing Diploma Program
A student who wishes to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) can begin the Practical Nursing Diploma program in either the fall or the spring. The fall program takes place on the main campus in Greenwood; the spring program is offered on the Laurens campus. A student in the program must commit to full-time study, taking classes during the day and completing the clinical rotations during the day, night, evening, and weekend. Before beginning the program, a student must complete thirteen credits of prerequisite classes, including anatomy and physiology, contemporary math, English composition, and general psychology. After completing these, she may begin the three-semester course sequence, earning thirty-two additional credits. Upon graduation, she will receive a diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing. After this, she is eligible to take the National Council Licensing Exam for Practical Nurses (NLCEX-PN).
Associate Degree Nursing Program
Graduates of the Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program receive an associate in applied science (AAS) degree with a major in nursing. In order to earn this degree, a student must complete a five-semester course sequence. Before beginning, however, he must take anatomy and physiology I and II, English composition, intermediate algebra or probability and statistics, general psychology, and a humanities elective. With these finished, he can start the nursing courses and clinical rotations, earning a total of sixty-eight credits. The program is offered only on the Greenwood campus, during the day. Piedmont Technical College accepts thirty-two students for the ADN program in the both the fall and the spring. Graduates of the ADN program are eligible to take the National Council Licensing Exam for Registered Nurses (NLCEX-RN).
Associate Degree Nursing Program – LPN to ADN Nursing Program
A graduate of a practical nursing program can earn fifteen advanced placement credits for the ADN program, and complete the AAS degree with a major in nursing in just three semesters. Before starting the three-semester course sequence, the LPN must take anatomy and physiology I and II, English composition, intermediate algebra or probability and statistics, general psychology, a humanities elective, and a nursing transition course. LPNs may only begin the three-course nursing sequence in the fall, on the Greenwood campus.
Associate of Arts with Nursing Transfer Track
Piedmont Technical College cooperates with Lander University to provide a track for students who wish to earn a full Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. Students on this track will take sixty credits of general education courses at Piedmont Technical College before beginning the ADN course sequence, and while completing the ADN course sequence. Once a student on this track completes both the Associate of Arts (AA) degree with Nursing Transfer Track and the ADN program, he can transfer to Lander University to complete his BSN through the RN to BSN program. He only needs to earn thirty-two additional credits at Lander University. The AA with Nursing Transfer Track program is only offered on the Greenwood campus.
Contact:
Piedmont Technical College
620 N. Emerald Road,
Greenwood, SC 29648
Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College Nursing Program Review
Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College (OCtech, OCTC) opened in 1968, under the name Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical Education Center. Its mission was, and still is, to provide technical training to residents of the surrounding area, in order to keep industry alive and thriving in South Carolina. Seeing the rapid expansion of the healthcare field, Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College opened its health sciences department in 1988. As part of this department, the college offers training programs for prospective nurses and nurse assistants. The nursing programs are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC).
Diploma in Applied Science, Major in Practical Nursing
By earning forty-eight credits, a student can complete a diploma in applied science with a major in nursing. This diploma makes him eligible to take the National Council Licensing Exam for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) and to work as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). The program begins in the fall, and takes three consecutive semesters to complete. A student in the program takes seventeen credits of general education/nursing support classes; the rest of the curriculum consists of nursing coursework and clinical rotations at local healthcare facilities.
Associate in Applied Science, Major in Nursing
A student who is willing to commit to five consecutive semesters of full-time study can earn an associate in applied science with a major in nursing through the college’s Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program. This degree makes her eligible to take the National Council Licensing Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) and to work as a Registered Nurse (RN). The course of study requires sixty-eight credits in total: thirty credits of general education coursework and thirty-eight credits of nursing coursework and clinical rotations. The program begins in the fall only, and includes one summer semester.
Associate in Applied Science, Major in Nursing – LPN Advanced Placement Option
A graduate of a practical nursing program can enter the ADN program with advanced standing. If the LPN completes anatomy and physiology I and II, contemporary math, general psychology, human growth and development, and English composition (the general education classes that are required in the first year of the traditional ADN program), and successfully completes a nursing transition course, he can skip the ADN program’s first year of nursing courses. He will receive fifteen advanced placement credits, and will begin with the upper-level coursework of the ADN program. The nursing transition class is offered in the spring only, so he must begin then. After completing this class, he then transitions into the summer semester of the ADN program and graduates the following spring.
Certificate in Health Science, Major in Nursing Assistant
Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College offers the Certificate in Health Science, Major in Nursing Assistant program each spring and each fall. The class includes both classroom instruction and hands-on experience in a long-term care facility. The curriculum consists of three classes, worth eight credits all together. Upon graduation, a student will receive a certificate and be eligible to take the competency exam for state certification as a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA).
Contact:
Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College
3250 St. Matthews Road,
Orangeburg, SC 29118
Midlands Technical College Nursing Program Review
With seven campuses in the Columbia area, Midlands Technical College (MTC) serves the residents of Richland and Lexington counties. It was founded in 1974, as the result of a merger of three career-training schools. Now it enrolls over 18,000 students. From Midlands Technical College, students can move directly into careers or can transition to four-year colleges and universities.
Through its Department of Nursing on its Airport Campus in West Columbia, Midlands Technical College prepares students for careers in the field of nursing. The school’s nursing programs are approved by the South Carolina Board of Nursing and accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC).
Practical Nursing Diploma Program
After three semesters of study, a student in the Practical Nursing Diploma program (PN) is prepared to take the National Council Licensing Exam for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN), and for a career as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). To complete the program, a student must earn forty-four credits over the course of the three semesters. The first semester is devoted to background courses in nutrition, pharmacology, algebra, psychology, anatomy and physiology, and nursing fundamentals. Once these are completed, a student can move on to nursing courses and clinical rotations. Upon finishing the three semesters, a graduate will receive a diploma in practical nursing. The Practical Nursing Diploma Program begins each fall and each spring.
Associate Degree Nursing
A graduate of the Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program receives an Associate in Applied Science degree with a major in nursing. This makes him eligible to take the National Council Licensing Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), and for a career as a Registered Nurse (RN). In order to earn the degree, he must first complete the three-semester practical nursing curriculum, alongside the practical nursing students. At the end of the third semester, when the practical nursing students graduate, a student in the ADN program continues on to two additional semesters of advanced nursing coursework. In total, he must earn sixty-eight credits to complete the program. The ADN program, like the PN program, begins each fall and spring.
Associate Degree Nursing – LPN Advanced Placement (LPN to RN Program)
A graduate of a practical nursing program can become an RN by completing the ADN program through the LPN Advanced Placement track. Before beginning the LPN Advanced Placement track, however, she must take English composition, psychology, and anatomy and physiology. Once these prerequisites are completed, she can complete the remaining co-requisite coursework (a nursing transition class, a second semester of anatomy and physiology, and probability and statistics) and the last two semesters of the ADN nursing coursework. This requires two or three semesters of study. If the LPN has completed the Midlands Technical College Practical Nursing Diploma program, graduated later than 2002, and has been out of school for less than thirteen months, the nursing transition course will be waived. After completing the ADN program, an LPN will receive an associate in applied science with a major in nursing, and may take the NCLEX-RN.
Certified Nurse Assistant Program
Through its Department of Continuing Education, Midlands Technical College offers a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) program. The class takes 102 hours to complete, and includes classroom instruction and a clinical rotation in a long-term care facility. Graduates are eligible to take the Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation Services Exam.
Contact:
Midlands Technical College
Airport Campus
1260 Lexington Drive,
West Columbia, SC 29170
Medical University of South Carolina Nursing School Review
The Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), founded in 1824, was the first medical school in the Deep South, and only the tenth medical school in the United States. While the university still focuses on training physicians, it has branched out since its foundation to include training programs for many other types of healthcare professionals, including dentists, biomedical research scientists, pharmacists, physician assistants, physical therapists, and nurses.
Through its College of Nursing, the Medical University of South Carolina offers programs for nurses at the baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral level. All nursing programs are fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and approved by the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation Board of Nursing.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) – Accelerated
Approximately 80 percent of students who enter the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ACC BSN) program already have a bachelor’s degree in another field. If an incoming student does not have a full bachelor’s degree, she does need to earn at least sixty credits of general education classes and nursing prerequisites at another college before beginning the ACC BSN program. The program begins twice a year, in the fall and the spring, and sixty students are accepted each semester. Once a student begins the program, she studies full-time for sixteen consecutive months. In total, she earns sixty-one credits at the Medical University of South Carolina, and is awarded a BSN degree. After graduation, she can take the National Council Licensing Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), and pursue a career as a Registered Nurse (RN).
Master of Science in Nursing – Nurse Practitioner
In order to provide primary care to patients, an RN can complete the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program at the Medical College of South Carolina. The incoming RN must hold a BSN degree. The program is hybrid in format; students can complete most of the coursework online but they do have to visit campus for several sessions over the course of the program. Students may opt to study full-time or part-time. In total, a student in the program must earn sixty credits, and complete clinical hours. Depending on the specialty chosen, the clinical hours required can vary. An MSN student can work toward certification as an Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (ANP), which requires 480 clinical hours, as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), which requires 810 clinical hours, or as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP), which requires 540 clinical hours.
Master of Science in Nursing – Nurse Anesthesia
Through the College of Health Professions (rather than the College of Nursing), the Medical University of South Carolina offers an MSN in Nurse Anesthesia program. This program has accreditation from the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs. Applicants must be RNs, with a full bachelor’s degree, and must have at least one year of work experience. The program takes seven consecutive semesters, including two summer semesters, to complete. Students spend the first year in the classroom, and the remaining sixteen months completing clinical rotations.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (Online DNP Program)
The Doctor of Nursing Practice program trains nurses to take on the highest level of clinical responsibility. The program is offered mostly online, although students will have to travel occasionally to campus. Students may study either full-time or part-time; the time required to complete the program depends on the incoming nurse’s level of education. There are two tracks for the DNP program:
Post-MSN Track
A nurse who has already completed an MSN program and has advanced practice certification as nurse practitioner can complete the DNP program in just two years on a full-time basis. In total, he has to earn thirty-six credits to receive the DNP degree. A nurse who is a Clinical Nurse Specialist or has an MSN in nursing administration may be able to enroll in the post-MSN track, depending on his coursework and experience. A nurse with an MSN in nursing education is not eligible for the post-MSN track.
Post-BSN Track
An RN who does not have an MSN degree has to complete the master’s-level coursework before beginning the DNP coursework. At the master’s-level, she can choose to specialize in adult-gerontology, family medicine, or pediatrics, working toward certification as an ANP, FNP, or PNP. After completing the master’s-level coursework and earning certification, she can transition into the DNP coursework. In total, she must earn seventy-one credits. She can do this in just three years, if she chooses to study full-time.
Nurse Educator Certificate
A nurse who is enrolled in the MSN or DNP program may complete a course sequence that leads to a nurse educator certificate. This is not a dual major, and it is not open to nurses who are not in the MSN or DNP program. Students are required to take three classes, worth ten credits. The College of Nursing highly recommends that students complete an additional three-credit teaching practicum.
Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (Online PhD in Nursing Program)
The Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD in Nursing) program trains nurse researchers and scientists. The Medical University of South Carolina offers this program completely online. The program includes residency hours, and culminates with a dissertation. Depending on the incoming student’s level of education, the time required to complete the program can vary. There are two tracks for the PhD in Nursing program:
Post-MSN Track
If the incoming nurse has already earned an MSN degree, he needs to earn sixty-two credits in order to complete the online PhD in Nursing program. This will take three to four years of full-time study.
Post-BSN Track
A nurse who has a BSN degree must earn at least seventy-eight credits in order to complete the online PhD in Nursing Program. This includes both MSN-level and PhD-level coursework. However, the MSN-level coursework will not prepare her for advanced practice certification. If she wishes to purse advanced practice certification, she must complete additional coursework on top of the seventy-eight credits. Studying on a full-time basis, a student on the Post-BSN track can complete the PhD program in four years.
Post-Doctoral – Health Services Research/Academic Generalist Fellowship
In collaboration with the Divisions of General Pediatrics and General Internal Medicine and the College of Pharmacy, the College of Nursing offers a post-doctoral fellowship that provides nurses (as well as other healthcare professionals with doctoral degrees) with the opportunity to conduct research, teach, and hone professional/management skills. Coursework is based on the Master of Science in Clinical Research curriculum, which is offered through the Department of Biostatistics, Bioinformatics, and Epidemiology. The fellowship is for two to three years.
Contact:
Medical University of South Carolina
171 Ashley Avenue,
Charleston, SC 29425
Marion County Technical Education Center Nursing Program Review
Marion County Technical Education Center (MCTEC), which was founded in 1968, provides high school students from Marion County, South Carolina with the opportunity to learn a professional skill while, at the same time, earning a high school diploma from a traditional high school. MCTEC offers eight different training programs, each of which takes two years to complete. Students can use the skills they learn through these programs to enter the work force directly from high school, or they can transfer college credits (eight credits per program) toward a college-level work-training program.
For students who are considering a career in the rapidly expanding healthcare field, MCTEC offers a health sciences program, which can serve as a transition into entry-level work in the healthcare field, or as a stepping stone to a college program. In addition to its introductory health sciences program, MCTEC is the host of the Marion County School of Practical Nursing, which provides training for students who wish to take the National Council Licensing Exam for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). Here is a review of the two available programs of study in the health services field:
Practical Nursing Program
Students in the practical nursing program must complete two phases, each of which is nine months long. Phase I, which begins in August and wraps up in May, is part-time. Students take classes in the morning. Phase I focuses on background courses in nutrition, anatomy and physiology, nursing fundamentals, and nutrition. After taking the summer off, students return for Phase II. Phase II runs from August to May, and is full-time. Three days a week, students receive in-class instruction, and two days a week, students complete clinical rotations. In total, a student in Phase II will spend nearly 450 hours getting hands-on practice. After completing the program, a student receives a diploma in practical nursing, and may take the NCLEX-PN. If he passes the test, he will be able to pursue a career as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). If, at some point in his career, he decides to return to school to become a Registered Nurse (RN), he will receive fifteen advanced placement credits toward the nursing coursework at another South Carolina school. The program at Marion County School of Practical Nursing is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC), and approved by the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation Board of Nursing.
Health Science I and II
Juniors and seniors at high schools in Marion County (both public and private) are eligible to enroll in MCTEC’s Health Science I and II program. While this program does not prepare students for any specific licensing exam, it does give students an introduction to a wide range of careers in the health sciences field, from nursing to lab work to radiology. Students receive hands-on instruction in CPR and first aid as well as academic instruction in subjects such anatomy and physiology. A graduate of the Health Science I and II program will have all the information she needs to make an informed decision about her career path in the healthcare field.
Contact:
Marion County Technical Education Center
2697 U.S. 76,
Marion, SC. 29571
Lander University Nursing School Review
Lander University (LU) in western South Carolina, originally named Williamston Female College, was founded in 1872. It is now a public, co-educational school, offering undergraduate programs in the liberal arts, sciences, business, education, and nursing, as well as graduate programs in education. Lander University prides itself on the small-school atmosphere; the student population is relatively small (around 3000 students) and the ratio of students to faculty is seventeen to one.
As part of its College of Science and Mathematics, the Lander University Department of Nursing offers undergraduate programs for prospective nurses and for Registered Nurses (RN) who wish to continue their education. It does not offer any graduate-level nursing programs. Lander University’s nursing programs are accredited by both the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), and approved by the State Board for Nursing for South Carolina. Here is a review of the available programs:
Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Pre-licensure Track
An incoming freshman can pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree through the pre-licensure track. This requires four years of full-time study. A student will spend the first year completing general education requirements. At the end of the first year, she is eligible to apply to the Department of Nursing for admission to the BSN program. Through the next three years, then, she will take general education courses and nursing courses. Clinical rotations in local healthcare facilities begin in the third year of the BSN program. In total, over the course of four years, she will earn 126 credits. After graduating, she is eligible to take the National Council Licensing Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Lander University boasts a high rate of success for its BSN graduates; 95 percent of BSN graduates pass the NCLEX-RN on the first try. Those who are successful with the licensing exam earn the title of RN.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Honors Program
By invitation only, some students in the BSN pre-licensure track may participate in Lander University’s honor program. The honors program grooms nursing students to transition to graduate-level research and advanced clinical practice by providing opportunities for research, presentations, and publication.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Online RN to BSN Degree Option
An RN who wishes to pursue graduate-level nursing education and advanced certification will need to earn a full BSN. Lander University offers an online option for RNs who are graduates of Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) programs or diploma programs to earn the full BSN degree. Before enrolling in the RN to BSN program, an RN must complete courses in English, anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and statistics. Like the traditional BSN students, students in the RN to BSN program must earn a total of 126 credits to graduate. However, an incoming RN can earn up to thirty-nine advanced placement credits toward the first nursing courses. He can complete the remainder of the nursing courses and the general education courses online, and he can arrange to complete clinical rotations in a location that is convenient for him. RNs may begin the RN to BSN program at any time, and can study on a full-time basis or on a part-time basis.
Contact:
Lander University
320 Stanley Avenue,
Greenwood, SC 29649
Horry Georgetown Technical College Nursing Program Review
On its three campuses in Conway, Georgetown, and Myrtle Beach, Horry Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) offers associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates. The college was founded in 1966 to serve the residents of Horry and Georgetown counties, and now over 10,000 students enroll in the college’s for-credit courses. In addition to degree-seeking students, HGTC serves about 18,000 students in its non-credit, continuing education classes.
As a professional training school, one of HGTC’s main areas of focus is the health sciences field. It offers a variety of programs in this rapidly expanding field, including several in the field of nursing. The nursing programs are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) and approved by the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation Board of Nursing.
Practical Nursing Program
HGTC’s Practical Nursing program begins in the fall semester, and takes three consecutive semesters of full-time study to complete. Students in the program take a combination of nursing courses and general education courses, including anatomy and physiology, English composition, psychology, and math. In total, a student must earn forty-eight credits over the course of the three semesters. After successfully completing the course of study, a student will be awarded a diploma in practical nursing. After this, she is eligible to take the National Council Licensing Exam for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). If she passes the exam, she will earn the title of Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN).
Associate Degree Nursing Program
Graduates of the Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) Program receive an associate in applied science degree. In order to earn this, a student in the ADN program must complete five semesters of full-time study. The ADN program begins three times a year, in the fall, spring, and summer. In addition to nursing classes and clinical rotations, the ADN course of study includes nine core courses (two semesters of anatomy and physiology, two semesters of English composition, college algebra or statistics, psychology, public speaking, and a humanities elective). In total, an ADN student must earn sixty-eight credits in order to graduate. Once he finishes the program, he can take the National Council Licensing Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). If he passes the exam, he may begin his career as a Registered Nurse (RN).
Associate Degree Nursing Program – Advanced Placement for LPNs
An LPN has the option of applying for advanced placement standing in the ADN program, which will allow her to complete the ADN program in three or four semesters. On the basis of her practical nursing diploma, HGTC will award her thirteen credits toward the fundamental nursing courses (the nursing courses which a traditional ADN student would complete in the first two semesters). The LPN must complete the remainder of the program requirements, both upper-level nursing courses and general education courses, in order to graduate. LPNs can enter the ADN program in either the fall or the spring; summer admission is not available.
Contact:
Horry Georgetown Technical College
2050 U.S. 501,
Conway, SC 29528
Horry Georgetown Technical College – Georgetown Campus
4003 South Fraser Street,
Georgetown, SC 29440
Horry Georgetown Technical College – Conway Campus
743 Hemlock Avenue,
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Francis Marion University Nursing School Review
Located just outside Florence, South Carolina, Francis Marion University (founded in 1970) serves the Pee Dee region of South Carolina. About 95 percent of the students at this state school are from South Carolina. They can pursue undergraduate degrees in the liberal arts, business, education, and nursing, and graduate degrees in business, education, and psychology.
While Francis Marion University (FMU) has hosted nursing students since 1998, it didn’t found its own Department of Nursing until 2004. Prior to that, Francis Marion University hosted students from the Medical University of South Carolina School of Nursing. Francis Marion University acted as a satellite campus of the Medical University of South Carolina. Now, Francis Marion University itself offers several different degree paths for prospective nurses and Registered Nurses (RN) who wish to continue their education. All nursing programs (which are offered through the College of Liberal Arts) are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC).
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
In order to earn Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from Francis Marion University, a student must spend two years completing general education courses in the humanities, sciences, social sciences, and math. In total, he must earn fifty-nine credits in his first two years. After this, he can focus on nursing coursework. The next two semesters include sixty-one credits of nursing coursework. A student can expect to spend nearly 1000 hours completing clinical rotations during these two years. He may begin the two-year sequence of nursing courses in either the fall or the spring. After four years, he earns his BSN degree and is eligible to take the National Council Licensing Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).
Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Second-Degree Students
Francis Marion University’s BSN program is well suited for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing. As the traditional BSN program is neatly divided into two parts, one for general education courses and the other for nursing courses, a second-degree student can skip the first part and begin immediately with the two-year sequence of nursing courses. However, if she is missing any prerequisites (which include several science classes, psychology, and statistics), she will need to complete these before beginning the nursing sequence of courses.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing – RN to BSN Track
Through Francis Marion University’s Department of Nursing, an RN who is a graduate of an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program or a diploma in nursing program can earn a full BSN. Before enrolling in the program, he will meet with a program advisor who will evaluate his transcript. The advisor will determine how many (if any) general education courses the RN needs to complete and, working with a committee, will determine how many advanced placement credits the incoming RN should receive for his previous nursing coursework and his work experience. Based on this evaluation of his transcript, the advisor will map out an appropriate course of study. The length of the RN to BSN program will vary, then, depending on this evaluation.
Contact:
Francis Marion University
4822 E Palmetto Street,
Florence, SC 29502
Florence-Darlington Technical College Nursing Program Review
Florence-Darlington Technical College (FDTC), founded in 1963, offers professional training programs to residents of Florence, Darlington, and Marion counties. Over 5000 students take advantage of the opportunities provided, taking classes at the main campus in Florence, as well as at the satellite campuses in Hartsville, Lake City, Mullins, and at the health sciences campus in downtown Florence. At the downtown Florence health sciences campus, Florence-Darlington Technical College offers several nursing programs, which are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) and approved by the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation Board of Nursing.
Practical Nursing Program
The Practical Nursing Program is a three-semester course sequence that prepares students to successfully take the National Council Licensing Exam for Practical Nurses (NLCEX-PN) and find entry-level work as Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN). The three-course sequence begins in the fall, and wraps up in the summer. Students in the Practical Nursing Program take a combination of nursing support classes (in anatomy and physiology, math, English composition, and psychology) and nursing courses. They also complete clinical rotations. In total, over the three semesters, students must earn forty-eight credits.
Associate Degree Nursing Program
The Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program prepares students for the National Council Licensing Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) and careers as Registered Nurses (RN). Before beginning the program, a prospective RN must take prerequisite courses in anatomy and physiology, psychology, English composition, and college algebra. With these completed, he may begin the ADN course sequence. Over the course of the next five semesters, he will take nursing classes and additional general education/nursing support classes, and complete clinical rotations. In total, he must earn sixty-eight credit hours to graduate. An ADN student has the option of beginning the nursing sequence of courses in either the fall or the spring. Upon graduation, he will receive an Associate in Applied Science Degree with a major in nursing.
Associate Degree Nursing Program – LPN to ADN Transition Program
An LPN’s career potential will increase drastically if she earns an ADN degree and becomes an RN, so Florence-Darlington Technical College provides an easy path for her to do so. Like the traditional ADN students, she must complete prerequisites in anatomy and physiology, psychology, English composition, and college algebra. The incoming LPN will receive advanced placement credits toward the lower-level nursing courses. So with the prerequisites completed, the LPN only needs three semesters on a full-time basis to complete the ADN program. In total, she must earn thirty-two credit hours. Special approval is necessary if the LPN wishes to study on a part-time basis.
Certified Nursing Assistant Program
Through Florence-Darlington Technical College’s Continuing Education department, a student can complete the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program. While the other nursing programs are offered on the health sciences campus in downtown Florence, this program is offered on the main campus in Florence. The program includes forty-four hours of classroom instruction and forty-four hours of clinical practice in a long-term care facility. After completing the program, a student is eligible to take the state exam for CNAs and seek entry-level work in a healthcare facility.
Contact:
Florence-Darlington Technical College
2715 W. Lucas Street,
Florence, SC 29502
Charleston Southern University Nursing School Review
Charleston Southern University (CSU), a Christian university affiliated with the South Carolina Baptist Convention, serves just over 3000 students. The university offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees; the university does not offer any doctoral programs. Although the university was founded in 1964, its nursing school is a more recent addition. The Derry Patterson Wingo School of Nursing was founded in 1994, and the first nursing students graduated with bachelor’s degrees in 1998. The nursing programs that it offers are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) and approved by the South Carolina Board of Nursing.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BS in Nursing) program takes four years of full-time study to complete. During the first year, a student takes pre-nursing courses in the liberal arts, sciences, and math. She begins studying nursing in her second year, and continues taking general education courses at the same time. In total, she must earn at least 128 credits over the course of four years in order to graduate. Sixty-one of these credits are for nursing classes; sixty-seven are for general education classes. After graduating from the program, a student is ready for a career as a Registered Nurse (RN), as long as she successfully passes the National Council Licensing Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).
Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Online RN to BSN Option
CSU provides an opportunity for RNs who hold an associate degree or diploma to complete a full BS in Nursing degree. Like the students in the traditional BS in Nursing program, RNs must earn 128 credits in order to graduate. However, incoming RNs will receive thirty-four advanced placement credits toward some of the nursing courses, in consideration of their nursing education and experience. In addition to these advanced placement credits, if they have completed any classes that fulfill CSU’s general education requirements, they may transfer these as well. An RN can complete the nursing classes needed to finish the BS in Nursing degree in as little as one year, studying full-time. He may also choose to study part-time, which will lengthen the time required to complete the program. The length of the program can also vary depending on how many of the required sixty-seven general education classes he needs to complete. All classes are offered online, in order to accommodate a full-time work schedule. An incoming RN can begin the program in the fall, spring, or summer.
Master of Science in Nursing , Nurse Educator Track – BSN to MSN
The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program began in 2009. Students in the MSN program work toward certification as Nurse Educators. For incoming students who already have bachelor’s degrees, the program consists of thirty-nine credit hours, and includes a teaching practicum. Students begin in the fall semester, and study through the spring, summer, and following fall semesters. They graduate sixteen months after beginning the program. After graduation, they may take the National League for Nursing exam for Nurse Educators.
Master of Science in Nursing, Nurse Educator Track – ADN to MSN
The MSN program is also open to RNs who are graduates of an associate degree in nursing (ADN) program. These students need nineteen months to complete the program. They start in the summer semester, taking three courses at the undergraduate-level to prepare them for the graduate-level coursework. These courses can be completed online. They enter the MSN program in the fall along with the rest of the students, and complete the MSN coursework over the course of the following sixteen months. In total, an RN who holds only an associate degree must earn forty-nine credits in order to graduate and take the certification exam.
Contact:
Charleston Southern University
9200 University Blvd.,
North Charleston, SC 29406
Central Carolina Technical College Nursing Program Review
Central Carolina Technical College (CCTC), originally named Sumter Area Technical Education Center, was founded in 1962 in order to offer technical training to residents of Sumter, Clarendon, Kershaw, and Lee Counties. The college offers associate degrees, certificates, and diplomas, as well as non-credit and continuing education classes. From Central Carolina Technical College, students can go directly into careers, or they may transfer into four-year schools.
As part of its Health Sciences Division, Central Carolina Technical College prepares students for direct entry into the nursing field. The college offers two nursing programs, both of which have accreditation from the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLCAC) and approval from the South Carolina Department of Labor Licensing and Regulation (LLR) Board of Nursing.
Practical Nursing Diploma in Applied Science Program (Major in Nursing (PN)(NDIP))
Central Carolina Technical College awards a diploma in applied science to graduates of the practical nursing program. In order to complete the program, a student must earn a total of forty-eight credits. This includes both general education classes as well as nursing courses. Most of the general education classes must be completed before entering the three-semester nursing sequence; students may take these during any semester. The nursing classes, however, only begin in the fall. Students in the LPN program graduate the following summer. The practical nursing program prepares graduates for careers as Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN), after they have passed the National Council Licensing Exam for Practical Nurses (NLCEX-PN).
Associate Degree in Applied Science Major in Nursing
A student who wishes to enter the nursing field as a Registered Nurse (RN) should complete the Associate Degree in Applied Science Major in Nursing (ADN) program. This requires sixty-eight credit hours in total. Before beginning the nursing courses, a student must take anatomy and physiology, English composition, and a math course; these can be taken during any semester. Once he has completed these, he is ready to start the five-semester course sequence for the ADN program. He can start the course sequence in the fall or the spring. The five semesters include additional general education classes, as well as nursing classes and clinical rotations. After earning the necessary sixty-eight credits, an ADN student may take the National Council Licensing Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).
Associate Degree in Applied Science Major in Nursing – LPN to ADN
Central Carolina Technical College offers a special track for LPNs who wish to become RNs. They can complete the LPN to ADN bridge program. The LPN to ADN program begins in both the fall and the spring. Before applying, however, an LPN must fulfill the prerequisite requirements. These include anatomy and physiology, beginning algebra or probability and statistics, English composition, introduction to computers, and psychology. Once these are complete, she may take an online, three-credit course called Transition Nursing. If she is successful in this course, she will receive eighteen advanced placement credits toward the lower-level nursing courses. Including these eighteen credits and the prerequisite credits, she must earn sixty-eight credits total in order to receive the associate in applied science degree. This should take three semesters (including one summer semester) if she begins in the fall and four semesters (including one summer semester) if she begins in the spring.
Contact:
Central Carolina Technical College
506 N. Guignard Drive,
Sumter, SC 29150
Aiken Technical College Nursing Program Review
Aiken Technical College (ATC), founded in 1972, is one of the sixteen members of the South Carolina Technical College System. Over 3000 students take classes at the college each year for credit and over 10,000 students each year participate in the non-credit, continuing education courses. From Aiken Technical College, students can enter the workforce directly, or transfer into a four-year school. Among its professional training programs, Aiken Technical College offers several in the health sciences field, including nursing. Students can train to become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) or Registered Nurses (RN). Both programs have accreditation from the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC).
Practical Nursing Diploma in Applied Science
The Practical Nursing program awards graduates with a diploma in applied science, which allows them to take the National Council Licensing Exam for Practical Nurses (NLCEX-PN) and start their careers as LPNs. As LPNs, they will be able to perform entry-level nursing duties, under the direct supervision of RNs and doctors. The practical nursing diploma program trains students for this career through a combination of general education courses, nursing courses, and clinical instruction. Before beginning the nursing program, a practical nursing student must complete prerequisites in anatomy and physiology, college algebra, English composition, and psychology. Once these are completed, he starts the nursing component of the program, which requires three semesters. In total (including prerequisites), he must earn forty-seven credits in order to graduate. The practical nursing program begins in the spring semester.
Associate Degree in Nursing
Aiken Technical College awards graduates of the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program with an Associate Degree in Health Science with a Major in Nursing. In order to earn this, a student must complete a total of sixty-eight credits. First, she must complete prerequisites in anatomy and physiology, English composition, college algebra, and psychology. She can then enroll in the ADN program, which takes five consecutive semesters to complete (excluding prerequisites). The curriculum consists of a combination of general education and nursing courses. After completing the five semesters, a graduate is eligible to take the National Council Licensing Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). An ADN student can start the prerequisites at any time; the nursing sequence starts only in the fall and the spring semesters.
Associate Degree in Nursing – LPN to ADN
On the basis of his practical nursing diploma and his work experience, an LPN can enter the ADN program with advanced standing. Before he starts the nursing sequence of classes, though, he must complete any missing prerequisites in anatomy and physiology, English composition, college algebra, and psychology. Once these are completed, he can start the nursing sequence. With his advanced standing in the ADN program, he only needs three semesters to complete the nursing courses. In total, he needs fifty-three credit hours in order to earn the ADN. Once he is finished with the program, he may take the NCLEX-RN. An incoming LPN can take the prerequisites in any semester, but he must enter the LPN to ADN nursing sequence in either the summer or the fall.
Certified Nurse Assistant Program
Through the Training and Business Development Division, Aiken Technical College offers a training program for prospective Certified Nurse Assistants (CNA). The class consists of fifty-two hours of classroom instruction (which can be completed either online or on campus) and 40 hours of clinical experience in a long-term care facility. After completing the program, a graduate receives a certificate, and is eligible to take the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam, administered through the state.
Certified Nurse Assistant Program – Further Education Options
After completing the CNA program, a student may opt to complete a short, three-hour training class that focuses specifically on skills that will be tested on the NNAAP exam. This is offered on campus only. If, after earning certification as a CNA, a student wishes to specialize in caring for patients with dementia, she can complete the Advanced CNA: Dementia Specialist class. This requires twenty-four hours, and is offered on campus.
Contact:
Aiken Technical College
2276 J. Davis Highway,
Graniteville, SC 29829
Greenville Technical College Nursing Program Review
In an era when advanced education is more important than ever many people are turning to schools that offer strong training in their particular desired field at a cost that is not prohibitive. Greenville Technical College (GTC, Greenville Tech) in South Carolina strives to offer both, giving students a dependable resource for personal and career-building knowledge and skills at an approachable cost without sacrificing quality of faculty or technology.
Nurse Program Review
Nursing is one of the most dynamic and rapidly-growing industries in today’s workforce. Changes in healthcare and the lengthening of life expectancy causes a high demand for Nursing professionals that is not being filled. Greenville Tech is dedicated to providing the education and skills necessary to introduce competent and compassionate nurses to the healthcare system. Students have several program options that allow each to pursue his individual aspirations. The dedicated faculty and state-of-the-art teaching resources afforded by GTC creates a learning environment that nurtures development of well-rounded, adaptable professionals.
Associate Degree Nursing (RN) Program
This program is designed for the student that aspires to a career as a beginning-level nurse in medical settings such as a doctor’s office, acute care hospital, rehabilitation center or long-term care facility. Students that successfully graduate from this program are eligible to sit for nationally approved state board exams to earn licensure as Registered Nurses. Once licensed students can elect to seek immediate employment or pursue furthered educational opportunities. This program is structured into three phases, in which there are several “blocks”. Each block is progressively more difficult that the one prior and must be taken in sequence in order for the student to properly build upon the material offered. Students will engage in both classroom and clinical experience learning. Clinical experiences, offered through interaction with both human subjects and sophisticated simulations, give students hands-on practice applying the concepts discussed during the theory portion of the course.
Patient Care Technician Certificate Program
Patient Care Technicians are not technically nurses as they are not licensed. However, they work under the direct supervision of professional nurses and offer beneficial assistance both to these RNs and the patients. The responsibilities of a PCT are primarily supportive in nature, meaning graduates will see to the hygienic, nutrition, hydration and emotional needs of patients rather than the medical needs. This Certificate Program can be completed in one semester of focused study and prepares students for employment through long-term care facilities, government agencies and private practice.
Post RN Specialty Courses
Students interested in more complex responsibilities and opportunities within their careers are offered Post RN Specialty Courses. These courses allow students to advance their Registered Nursing education in order to seek roles within such specialty areas as the ER, trauma units and oncology departments. Students participate in clinical experiences with real patients in such areas and are expected to posses adequate malpractice insurance to protect themselves during these situations.
Advanced Placement Nursing
Certain applicants may be eligible for Advanced Placement in the Nursing Program. GTC allows students with adequate scores on the ASSET or COMPASS examinations, or current LPN licensure to challenge portions of the Nursing Curriculum to allow students to complete the program more quickly. Students interested in this opportunity must present documentation of experience and abilities that will qualify them for Advanced Placement. This documentation should include professional references.
Nursing Transfer Track
Students hoping to advance their Registered Nursing education by earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree are encouraged to pursue the Nursing Transfer Track. Through this program students are prepared to transfer the knowledge and skills acquired through the specified Associate in Applied Sciences Degree Program to a partnering institution. These students will earn licensure as Registered Nurses and then be able to move on to the prescribed course work that will allow them to earn a BSN. These credentials make the graduate more attractive to potential employers and prepares him for furthered education opportunities.
Contact:
Greenville Technical College
506 S Pleasantburg Drive
Greenville, SC 29607
Phone: (864) 250-8000
Clemson University Nursing School Review
A beautiful oasis in a bustling area, Clemson University (CU) in South Carolina offers students tremendous opportunity for learning and growth through its many degree programs. Originally established as a military school according to the wishes of Thomas Green Clemson who dreamed of rehabilitating his beloved South, Clemson now awards over 1,100 degrees a year to its varied and devoted students.
Nursing Program Review
The Nursing Program at Clemson University embodies the school’s core value of excellence, providing a thorough progression of study for all students interested in careers in the dynamic and fast-paced field of nursing. Students are encouraged to reach their full potential and reach for personal and professional aspirations as they study under the guidance of highly qualified, passionate faculty members.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Program introduces students to a generalized Nursing education and prepares them to sit for state board exams to earn licensure as Registered Nurses. These nurses are crucial members of medical teams, working under the direct supervision of such medical professionals as physicians and dentists and offering supervision to lower-level Licensed Practical Nurses, RNs help to develop and implement treatment plans for a variety of patients. This program instills a sense of responsibility not just for the medical needs of a patient but for the interpersonal, emotional and spiritual needs as well. This four-year program incorporates both classroom lecture and clinical experiences to provide theoretical and application knowledge and skills. Early clinical experiences are offered in highly advanced simulation environments to give students a safe introduction to the techniques. Later in the program students will encounter actual hospital patients and learn to offer physical and compassionate care.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing for Registered Nurses Program
This program is intended for Registered Nurses already holding valid licensure who want to increase their credentials through earning a BSN. This hybrid course of study offers flexibility to busy RNs needing to fulfill professional and personal obligations while also pursuing an advanced education. Students engage in both classroom participation and online courses throughout the fall, spring and summer semesters until the full progression is completed in approximately 12 months.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Program
The MSN Program at Clemson University provides several avenues for building upon a graduate student’s Bachelor Degree. Students choose from six tracks of study: Child/Adolescent Nursing, Adult/ Gerontological Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult/ Gerontological Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Administration, and Nursing Education. Each of these specialty areas prepares students for advanced roles and responsibilities within their career field, including becoming a primary care provider for diverse populations. Interested students must present references, satisfactory GRE scores earned within the five years prior to application, and documentation of valid, unrestricted licensure.
Doctor of Philosophy in Healthcare Genetics Program
Clemson is proud to offer the first Interdisciplinary Program culminating in a PhD in Healthcare Genetics. This degree is awarded to exceptional students seeking positions in the fields of research, political implications and healthcare systems as they apply to Nursing. The courses within this program are taught by highly skilled professionals within multiple disciplines. Graduates from this program make a tremendous impact on contemporary Nursing and the healthcare field as a whole.
Leadership Certificate Program
Offered to all students in the College of Health, Education and Human Development, the Leadership Certificate Program is a condensed course that instills in students the skills and attitudes necessary to embrace roles of leadership within the community and their chosen career fields. This program is intended for upper level students entering the end of their programs. Completion of the program earns the student recognition in the form of degree insignia and a certificate.
Contact:
Clemson University
109 Riggs Hall,
Clemson, SC 29634
Phone: (864) 656-3311
