LPN Programs in South Carolina

South Carolina LPN Training

These days, many people are scared to look for a new job because the economy is unstable. Those with a limited education are in an even worse position because there is a greater amount of competition. South Carolina LPN training is one solution to this dilemma. The training programs can be completed in a relatively short period of time, opening the door for an exciting new position in the health care industry.

South Carolina LPN is a specialized course of education that prepares individuals for work as a licensed practical nurse. Many LPNs become employed by hospitals, nursing homes, or mental health facilities, where they are responsible for providing a high level of bedside care to patients. Although many decisions about patient diagnosis and treatment are made by doctors and registered nurses, these individuals depend on vocational nurses to help them make efficient use of their time.

Becoming an LPN in South Carolina

South Carolina is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which means it allows a licensed LPN to practice in another compact state without being licensed in that state. Likewise, a nurse in another compact state who has been granted multi-state privileges is allowed to practice in South Carolina without licensure in the state.

After Completing the Training

After completing the education requirements to become an LPN, an individual must apply for licensure in South Carolina either by examination or by endorsement. Applicants must submit the following items, in addition to the background check and fingerprint card, when applying for licensure by examination:

• A recent, signed and dated passport type photo
• Copy of birth certificate or valid passport
• Copy of social security card or equivalent
• Copy of any applicable legal change-of-name documents
• Completion date for all coursework
• Out-of-state graduates only, in addition to the first 3 items: official transcript
• Foreign graduates only, in addition to the first 3 items: scanned copy of original nursing license, requested Credential Evaluation Service report, and requested TOEFL exam

Once the above application is submitted, the individual must pass the NCLEX-PN in order to become licensed. If the exam is failed, an individual can retest once every 45 days.

Being that South Carolina is a compact state, out-of-state nurses from other compact states can practice there without becoming licensed, but they cannot establish residency in SC. In order to apply for licensure by endorsement in SC, an individual must send, along with the application and verification of the current license, the following items:

• A recent, signed and dated passport type photo
• Copy of vital statistics birth certificate or valid passport
• Copy of social security card or equivalent
• Copy of nursing license in another state or jurisdiction
• Evidence of continued competence
• Proof of residence
• Criminal background check
• Any applicable name change documents
• $100 Application fee ($110 if applying for a temporary license as well)

Additional Resources

• SC Department of Labor: Nursing