How to Become a Registered Nurse in South Carolina

The latest estimates by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics show that 2,982,280 Registered Nurses (RNs) were working in the US in 2019. 46,860 out of those RNs were working in South Carolina. As for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses (LPNs and LVNs), the total employment figure for the US was 697,510 in 2019, with 9,930 of those working in South Carolina.

If you want to become a nurse, you need to have fulfilled certain requirements. On top of that, you should also have certain qualities to work as a nurse professionally.

Read the following guide to understand what becoming a nurse entails.

Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics

Between 2018 and 2028, RNs are expected to enjoy a 12% growth in employment. On the other hand, Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses will experience an 11% rise in employment opportunities. Both job growth figures are higher than the average of all other occupations. These estimates have been taken from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The income figures for nurses in South Carolina are different for RNs and LPNs and LVNs. Registered Nurses in the state earned $64,840 (annual mean salary) in 2019, while Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses made $42,190 (annual mean income) in 2019.

1. 1. Complete the Required Education

The educational requirements are different for Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses since their job duties are different. To become an RN, you need to have a bachelor’s degree at least to enter the profession. On the other hand, if you want to become an LPN, then a postsecondary nondegree award will suffice in most cases. Having better educational credentials than the minimum requirement will help your job prospects.

2. 2. Clear the Licensing Test

Nurses all across the US have to clear the NCLEX to apply for a license. This is a mandatory requirement. Registered Nurses have to pass the NCLEX-RN test whereas Licensed Practical Nurses have to clear the NCLEX-PN test.

3. 3. Clear Background Checks and Get License

Once you have cleared the NCLEX stage, you can apply for your nursing license with the state board. You might also have to submit your fingerprints and background history. Once those have been vetted, you will be given your license and you can start applying for jobs.

It takes around 1 to 2 years to become a Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse. If you want to become a Registered Nurse, it will take you somewhere between 4 to 6 years to complete all the steps.

The following are the requirements to become a nurse in South Carolina.

The income figures for nurses in South Carolina are different for RNs and LPNs and LVNs. Registered Nurses in the state earned $64,840 (annual mean salary) in 2019, while Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses made $42,190 (annual mean income) in 2019.