How to Become a Registered Nurse in South Carolina

Registered nurses can make a positive impact on patients, families, and the entire healthcare system. If you have the calling to become a nurse, you’ll need passion and the right education, but the specifics of licensing vary from state to state. In South Carolina, you will need to go to school, train, pass your licensing exam, and undergo a background check.  

Complete Training to Become an RN in South Carolina

Like any aspiring healthcare professional, you’ll need to complete training before you can begin your career. One way to complete your training is through a bachelor’s degree program that can prepare you through both didactic coursework and clinical practice. You’ll take biology, chemistry, and anatomy classes that will help you understand the human body, as well as psychology, communication, and ethics courses that can teach you how to better interact with people. Look for a program that gives you hands-on experience in labs or through a clinical rotation in the field so you can better prepare for the career ahead.

State Requirements for Licensure in South Carolina

As you near the end of your degree program, you will need to prep for the next step: licensure. Before you can earn your license, you’ll need to take and pass the NCLEX-RN exam. And before you can sit for the exam, you’ll need to fill out some paperwork required by the state board.

About six weeks prior to graduation, you should fill out an application for licensure from the South Carolina Board of Nursing. You’ll need to complete the application and submit:

• A copy of your birth certificate or passport
• A 2”x2” photograph, signed and dated
• A license fee of $90-$100
• A copy of your social security card or permanent resident card
• Name change documents, if applicable

It can take up to two weeks for the board to process your application. Once it does, you can register for the NCLEX-RN exam. When you register online, you’ll need to submit your social security number, the Certificate of Endorsement page from your license application, and an exam fee of $200.

Take the NCLEX-RN

Once you register for the exam, you’ll be able to schedule an appointment to take the test. You must schedule the appointment within 30 days of registration. What can you expect from the exam? The NCLEX-RN consists of between 75 and 145 question that will test your knowledge of coordinated care and infection control, health promotion and maintenance, psychosocial integrity, and physiological integrity. The exam will be administered via computer and you’ll have up to five hours to complete it. You will get a break after two hours, but you can take escorted breaks when you need to. How can you prepare for it?

• Schedule a block of study time three-to four days each week.
• Use mnemonics or memorization techniques to make the more technical terms and concepts easy to remember.
• Use a study buddy who can help quiz you. You can also “teach” them lessons to help you remember details and definitions.
• Take mock exams. The Pearson VUE website offers a free exam tutorial with practice questions to help you get a feel for the exam.

When you answer 95% of the questions correctly, or if the computer assess that your final ability estimate is above the passing standard, you’ll pass the exam. If you do not pass the exam the first time, you will be able to retake it again within 45 days. Once you pass, you’ll be licensed and ready to start your career as a registered nurse.

Are you ready to take the first step toward your career? At Limestone University, we offer a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program that can prepare you for a rewarding career as a registered nurse. Our program will provide you with the knowledge and skills you’ll need to succeed in the field.