Historically, the state is identified for its strong southern convictions and as the place where the Civil War began; academically, those deep-seated beliefs stand out with the desire to provide exceptional educational opportunities through Master’s in Nursing degree programs in South Carolina. Also known as “The Palmetto State,” South Carolina’s economy has transitioned from an agricultural base of primarily cotton to more profitable crops and industries such as tourism and military installations. By maintaining a small corporate income tax rate and virtually no other taxes, they have become the destination of choice for many new businesses and positioned as a corporate leader in the nation. The health care industry in the state has experienced shortages of qualified personnel and the institutions of higher learning listed below offer cutting-edge programs to address this need.
Charleston Southern University, Charleston, SC
College of Nursing
Charleston Southern University was founded in 1964 along the South Carolina coast. It is a Christian liberal arts university, affiliated with the South Carolina Baptist Convention and ranked among America’s Best Christian Colleges. The 3,200 students enjoy a campus encompassing over 300 acres the heart of Charleston. Outdoor recreation is plentiful with a moderate climate and close proximity to sandy beaches, beautiful gardens and plantations. Academically CSU offers 45 undergraduate and six graduate-level degree programs across eight colleges. This institute of higher learning has also been honored with The President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll, VA Yellow Ribbon Program and Military Friendly Schools for its service to veterans and the community.
Master of Science in Nursing (online)
The MSN Nurse Educator curriculum is presented in an online format and prepares the registered nurse to serve as an instructor for nursing students in a health care environment including hospitals, clinics and universities. Skills include curriculum development and evaluation with a foundation based in the spiritual, moral and ethical aspects of nursing. Additional learning outcomes include:
-Improve health care systems through evaluation of teaching and management strategies.
-Promote health, prevent disease and improve the health care environment through the application of knowledge and research.
-Apply learning theory and information technology to classroom and clinical settings.
-Serve as a nurse educator within an academic, community or clinical environment to develop professional nurses committed to lifelong learning.
-Create and apply an educational curriculum and activities based on nursing theory, knowledge and practice.
-Evaluate teaching-learning methods to enhance nursing education.
Accreditations
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. (ACEN – formerly NLNAC)
Contact Information
9200 University Boulevard
Charleston, SC 29406
(843) 863-5501
[email protected]
Clemson University, Clemson, SC
College of Health, Education and Human Development/School of Nursing
Clemson University opened in 1893 as an all-male military school named Clemson Agricultural College. It wasn’t until 1955 that it transitioned to a co-educational, civilian university and expanded its academic program offerings. Today, it is among the “best national public universities” and ranks highest in the United States for both retention and graduation rates. Clemson University’s discerning student body and commitment to world-class research in science and engineering have elevated the institution to seventh place in the nation by SmartMoney magazine among universities with the best “return on investment.”
Master of Science in Nursing
The MSN graduate-level program at Clemson University’s School of Nursing provides students with opportunities to perfect their undergraduate skills to advanced knowledge in specialty nursing tracks. Each emphasis area incorporates nursing theory through core coursework plus advanced practice through simulation methods and clinical rotations.
Adult/Gerontological Nursing (CNS) – This specialization focuses skills on adult and older adult primary care. Course structure provides advanced knowledge in mental health and nursing informatics plus clinical experiences geared toward well and frail elderly patients. Graduates are now eligible to obtain Adult Nurse Practitioner national certification.
Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) – The FNP concentration trains advanced practice aptitude in the primary care of individuals and families in all age groups. A final practicum blends knowledge for care across a lifespan.
Nurse Administration – This curriculum is designed to provide a knowledge base necessary for administrative and manager nursing positions. The program provides proficiency in budgetary, leadership and organizational considerations.
Nursing Education – The Nursing Education track prepares students for positions as college nursing teachers, staff development and continuing education instructors. Proficiencies in curriculum development, clinical research, educational technology and research.
Accreditations
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Contact Information
109 Daniel Drive
Clemson, South Carolina 29634
(864) 656-3311
Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
College of Nursing
The Medical University of South Carolina began as a small private college in 1824 to train physicians. It was the first medical school in the Deep South and was privately funded until 1913 when the state assumed ownership. The Medical College has struggled since first opening with a four-year cessation during the Civil War, reorganization, and at one point only having two students, but it has expanded to a world-class institution with a medical center and six colleges. One of those divisions, the College of Nursing, has been recognized for cutting-edge nursing education by U.S. News & World Report with a No. 2 ranking for online graduate nursing education.
Master of Science in Nursing
With a goal of preparing students as a primary care nurse practitioner, the MSN graduate degree is earned through online programming. Specialty tracks include adult-gerontology, family and pediatric practice. Supervised clinical experiences can be completed at a site convenient to the student’s home if a preceptor is available. Full and part-time study plans are available for balance in scheduling work and school.
Adult Health Nursing in Primary Care NP – This specialty track prepares registered nurses as primary care practitioners for adults with acute and chronic health issues with an emphasis on counseling for health promotion and disease prevention.
Family NP – The online Family NP program prepares students to serve as health care providers for children and adults with common health conditions and to work with physicians and other health providers. Upon conferral, graduates are eligible for national certification.
Pediatric Nursing NP – Graduates of the PNP option are qualified to serve the health care needs of infants, children and adolescents. Students learn methods for assessment, diagnosis, treatment and evaluation of patients and families. Upon completion, graduates are eligible for both national certification and prescriptive authority.
Nurse Educator (online) – This certification program prepared students with competencies to become an advanced practice nurse and train future nurses in an academic setting, staff development or continuing education role.
Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia
The Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia degree program educates students in all facets of nurse anesthesia for the safe administration of anesthesia to patients in the perioperative period. Competencies in critical thinking, interventions and patient management are evaluated throughout the clinical stage of the program. Clinical opportunities are available in a large teaching hospital, community hospital and rural practices for anesthesia administration to all patients and ages.
Accreditations
Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME)
Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA)
Contact Information
45 Courtenay Drive
MSC 203
Charleston, SC 29425-2030
(843) 792-8515
[email protected]
South University, Columbia, SC
College of Nursing and Public Health
South University, Columbia, SC College of Nursing and Public Health South University, students are assigned to professional faculty team members for guided instruction throughout the learning process. Programs are designed with working adult students’ scheduling concerns in mind. All programs utilize the same curricula (whether on campus or online) with the same quality instruction but with more learning options. Online programs provide instruction while incorporating advising, student community, tutoring and career services.
Master of Science in Nursing (available only online as one of five specializations)
The Master of Science in Nursing online degree program was developed for a rapidly changing health care industry where adult learners require the flexibility to balance school, work and family. Registered nurses holding a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree will also be able to select specializations in the same convenient online format.
Adult Health Nurse Practitioner (available only online)
The specialization track focuses on advanced practice skills to assess and care for acute and chronic illness for adult patients. Coursework includes instruction in pharmacology, assessment methods and nursing theory. Students must also complete three adult health practicum courses prior to graduation.
Nurse Educator (available only online)
The MSN with specialization in Nurse Educator emphasis is designed for registered nurses interested in training future nurses to meet the demanding health care industry and/or staff development in a clinical environment. Skills include curriculum development, assessment and evaluation. Credentials and experience may vary by instructor. Some specializations have additional licensure requirements. It is up to each student to review the national and state licensure requirements for licensure, as well as the eligibility criteria to sit for licensure exams.
Accreditations
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Contact Information
9 Science Court
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 799-9082
University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC
College of Nursing
South Carolina College was founded in 1801 in response to the growing pressure from Thomas Jefferson to unite Carolinians after the American Revolution. Offering traditional programs for the most elite citizens, it became one of the most influential colleges in the South. Evolving over 200 years, the present day University of South Carolina follows its strong heritage by earning top-tier designation through the Carnegie Foundation for research activity and community designation. In addition, its nearly 32,000 students enjoy learning opportunities through 324 unique degree options.
Master of Science in Nursing
Graduate students of the MSN program can follow several specialty tracks for advanced nursing practice. They can be completed in traditional on-campus or non-traditional online formats. All programs are fully accredited under the rigorous standards of the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Acute Care Clinical Specialist – This specialization prepares nurses in caring for acutely ill patients – primarily adults and elderly adults. Coursework focuses on health promotion and health concerns related to aging.
Acute Care Nurse Practitioner – This track provides skills for primary care mainly in rural and underserved areas and populations. Graduates of this program are qualified as nurse practitioners for patients of all ages and diversities.
Master of Science in Nursing/Master of Public Health (Dual Degree)
This dual Master’s Degree program is a collaboration between the College of Nursing and the Arnold School of Public Health. It leads to MSN/MPH degrees and provides key nursing skills for caregivers in public and community settings. There are thesis and non-thesis options requiring 51 or 54 credit hours, respectively.
Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (Family Adult and Pediatric) – Two options for the Primary Care Nurse Practitioner allows students to choose an adult/gerontology or pediatric practice segment. Both programs are fully accredited and graduates will be eligible for national certification.
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner/Specialist or Clinical Specialist – The MSN: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner track offers three emphasis areas including adult, child/adolescent and psychiatric clinical nurse specialist. All three patient groups provide skills needed for assessment, intervention and diagnosis. Graduates are eligible for national certification as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
Masters of Nurse Anesthesia
The Masters of Nurse Anesthesia graduate-level program combines didactic coursework, simulations and clinical rotations at the beginning of the program. Students find an enriched education with experiences in rural, community and military practice settings. A conversion program to doctoral degree is currently being evaluated to meet increased health standards.
Accreditations
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA)
Contact Information
1601 Greene St.
Columbia, SC 29208
(803) 777-7412
South Carolina has a long history of higher learning opportunities. As the population ages and more elderly adults move to warmer climates, the curricula for Master’s in Nursing Degree Programs in South Carolina will be in higher demand to prepare qualified nurses with the necessary skills to provide care.
Another helpful resource:
Top 15 Best Online Master’s in Nursing (MSN)- Leadership Degree