The US Department of Health and Human Services estimates that South Carolina will face a deficit of almost 4,000 licensed practical nurses by 2025. While this is a concern for residents and the state’s health care industry, it can mean promising career opportunities for those looking to enter South Carolina’s nursing workforce as an LPN. The following guide helps aspiring LPNs start working towards their ultimate career goal. Read on to get detailed information on LPN licensure requirements in South Carolina, salary and employment trends throughout the state, and to explore the various LPN programs offered by community colleges and technical schools in this southern state.

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Licensed practical nurses must be licensed in order to practice. This is what South Carolina requires in order to award the license to qualified applicants:

In order to practice as an LPN, a license is required; in order to get that license, applicants must prove that they graduated with a diploma, degree or certificate from an approved nursing program. The dean or director of the nursing program will need to certify as to the completion date in order for the completion to be accepted by the South Carolina Board of Nursing.

South Carolina is a Nurse Licensure Compact State. A nurse who obtains a license in South Carolina and keeps that license in good standing can practice in other states that are also part of the compact agreement. Nurses whose legal residence is in South Carolina should apply for their license in that state, even if they intend to work in another state. These requirements must be met:

LPNs in South Carolina must renew their license every two years. Renewals cost $75. The following are required in order to renew the license:

Nurses are not required to send this information in with their renewal application; however, the state board of nursing routinely conducts audits that might request the proof of competency. Upon this request, nurses should immediately provide records showing competency for the time period of the renewal.

According to Projections Central, South Carolina can expect to see many new LPN positions opening up from 2012 to 2022; 470 annual openings, in fact, which translates to 23.6% employment growth. Employment trends in the state depend upon the healthcare facilities and specific need, as well as geographical area. The charts below detail what graduates of LPN programs in South Carolina might expect from the job market.

South Carolina Association of School Nurses

Those LPNs who choose to work in schools can benefit from this site, which offers information on certification, awards, conferences and other perks.

South Carolina Board of Nursing

This is the one-stop-shop for all things nurses need to know about getting their license, renewing a license, moving to South Carolina from another state, and more.

Student Nurses Association of South Carolina

Aspiring LPNs can find a great deal of information on jobs, interview tips, legislative changes and other points of interest to those in the nursing profession.

National Federation of Licensed Practical Nurses

The NFLPN maintains state chapters in South Carolina. LPNs in the state can turn to this chapter for information on continuing education, new legislation and more.