Your Guide to the Best Online RN to BSN Programs in SC

In-Depth Profiles of Online RN to BSN Programs in South Carolina

As a nurse, you are on the front lines of the healthcare field, helping patients of all ages and conditions find both immediate and long-term relief. You might have become an RN because you found it rewarding to help those in need and see tangible results for your efforts. Now, you can advance your nursing career with South Carolina’s online RN to BSN programs.

Online programs offer a convenient and affordable way to uplevel your education, credentials, and resume. Thanks to asynchronous coursework, you can choose when and where you study for your bachelor’s degree. And with regular deadlines and check-ins with instructors, you’ll get the support and structure you need to complete your assignments on time. In RN-to-BSN programs, in-person clinical requirements are usually completed where you live—making it more accessible than ever to complete your four-year degree. Let’s take a closer look at online RN-to-BSN programs in South Carolina.

All You Need to Know: Student FAQs

Enrolling in an online program, especially one in a hands-on field like healthcare, can be intimidating. You likely have questions about admissions, graduation, and everything in between. That’s why we’ve compiled and answered some of the most common FAQs about earning an RN to BSN online in South Carolina below.

What should I look for in an RN to BSN degree program in South Carolina?

When searching for an RN to BSN program, nursing school accreditation is far and away one of the most important things to look for. If your school is not accredited, you may struggle to receive financial aid and find work in the nursing field after graduation. You should also research schools’ NCLEX pass rates, which are considered a reflection of its ability to adequately prepare graduates for nursing jobs. Other important considerations are the cost of tuition, the program’s delivery format (fully remote, traditional, or hybrid), and the number of clinical hours required, as well as any specific factors that matter to or interest you.

How long is an RN to BSN program in South Carolina?

Generally speaking, it takes between 12 to 24 months to complete a South Carolina RN to BSN program online. Many schools have generous transfer credit policies and accelerated classes to help you graduate quickly. But how long it takes to complete an RN to BSN program online in SC depends on you. It will vary based on how many required courses you have already taken and whether you are attending school full or part-time. For example, if you’ve already earned an associate degree and completed prerequisite general education courses, then you could graduate in as little as a year.

How much do RN to BSN programs in South Carolina cost?

Once again, it depends. An online RN to BSN degree in South Carolina may be more expensive if you are attending a private institution versus a public institution, or if you are enrolled in a traditional program versus an online or hybrid program. On average, though, RN to BN programs cost anywhere from $4,500 to $6,500 per semester. Upstate University of South Carolina, for instance, charges $5,604 per semester for full-time RN to BSN students. Given this variety, it’s important that you take the time to research the costs of the programs that interest you before you enroll.

Is there financial aid available to South Carolina RN to BSN students?

Yes. If you are attending an online RN to BSN program in South Carolina, you have several financial aid options. The first step is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Then you can research and apply for grants, scholarships, student loans, and even work-study programs to help offset the cost of your education. The type and amount of aid available to you depends on several qualifying factors, including your academic history, need, financial and family status, military service, and previous awards. An excellent place to start researching these options in depth is the FAFSA website.

What requirements must I meet to apply for admission to RN to BSN programs in South Carolina?

Each program comes with a unique set of requirements. However, most RN to BSN programs in South Carolina require applicants to possess an associate degree or diploma in nursing and an RN license. Some programs require students to complete prerequisite courses in basic subjects like math, English, and the humanities. Your school will also request previous education records via transcript. Typically, RN to BSN programs in South Carolina want to see a minimum GPA of 2.5-3.0 GPA in all collegiate courses. Other requirements vary by institution; for instance, many require students to demonstrate excellence in English and writing.

South Carolina’s Best-Ranked Online RN to BSN Bridge Programs

When considering RN-to-BSN programs in South Carolina, you’ll find a wealth of options, from hybrid programs in your hometown to fully online programs offered from colleges throughout the state. So, which should you choose? Luckily, we’ve done the research for you. Below, you’ll find our rankings of the best online RN to BSN bridge programs in South Carolina. Our metrics depend on data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and consider online course availability, tuition, aid awarded, and more. For more information on how we rank schools, read about the rankings.

RN to BSN Career and Salary Outlook

Although RNs aren’t required to earn BSNs before beginning their careers, doing so provides nurses with benefits RNs with only associate degrees don’t have. Rather than being limited to RN positions in healthcare settings, you will be qualified to take on positions as insurance specialists, health coaches, health educators, medical writers, pharmaceutical sales representatives, baccalaureate-prepared nurses, medical researchers, and more. It also puts you in a position to pursue additional education, including nurse practitioner and DNP programs.

Earning a BSN will inevitably make you a more well-rounded nurse, which in turn can lead to better outcomes for your patients. This is because nurses with BSNs typically have better communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, enabling them to be more effective in treating patients from all backgrounds. Most employers know this, too, and prefer to hire candidates with a BSN.

Plus, earning a BSN increases your earning potential significantly. The amount graduates make obviously depends in part on their experience, but education is also a factor in compensation. Ziprecruiter reports the average ADN salary as $74,535, while BSNs make $82,606 per year. So, whether you’re applying for entry, mid, or senior-level positions, a BSN will help you make more money from the get go.