Earning a practical nursing license is a smart way to enter the nursing field or advance your career. The first step to becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is completing an accredited program.
The best way to find an LPN program near you is to use our directory. Let’s take a closer look at what LPN programs entail and explore some of the top LPN programs in South Carolina.
What Should I Expect from an LPN Program in South Carolina?
LPNs need to be well-educated in all aspects of the medical field to provide the best possible care for patients. The core curriculum includes:
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Nursing Fundamentals
- Pharmacology
- Human Growth and Development
- Maternal/Child Nursing
LPN programs typically include a lot of hands-on training. Training in a live setting allows students to develop the skills they need to care for patients safely and effectively.
It usually takes about one year to finish an entry-level LPN program. The length of training depends on different factors, such as the program you choose to attend and your experience level.
Tuition for classes in South Carolina averages around $100-$200 per credit. However, there are scholarships and grants available to help offset the cost. In addition, many employers offer tuition reimbursement programs.
LPN Classes in South Carolina
You can browse through programs to find classes near you. Once you find a program that looks interesting, visit the school’s website for more information.
LPN School Locations
South Carolina’s State Requirements for LPNs
To be an LPN in South Carolina, you must meet the following requirements:
- Earn a certificate from an accredited LPN program.
- Pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN).
- Apply for your state license through the South Carolina Board of nursing.
You’ll need a temporary license to work while your license is being processed. This 60-day permit will allow you to work as a Graduate – PN until your unrestricted license is processed. If you fail the exam, you can retake it.
If you are an LPN moving to South Carolina from a non compact nursing state, you’ll need to submit a licensure by endorsement form online.
What are the Details of the LPN Exam in South Carolina?
You must register with Pearson VUE and pay any associated fees before you can schedule a time to take the test. The National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) itself costs $200.
What are the regulating bodies for LPNs in South Carolina?
The South Carolina Board of Nursing is the governing body for all practical nurses in the state. In total, the board oversees more than 9,000 licenses.
What Should I Expect Working as an LPN?
LPNs have a wide range of responsibilities depending on their place of employment. The majority of practical nurses work in hospitals, but there are opportunities to work in nursing homes, doctor’s offices, and a large number of other settings.
LPNs typically work around 40 hours per week. They usually work during the day, but evening and night shifts are available at most workplaces.
How Much Do LPNs Get Paid in South Carolina?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median wage for LPNs in South Carolina was $22.34 per hour and $46,470 per year in 2021.
