Nursing Options in Columbia SC Area
If you work well with a variety of people, have a deep interest in the medical industry, and want to help those in your community, you may be a good fit for a nursing program in Columbia. Columbia is one of the largest cities in South Carolina, with over 133,000 residents. Whether you want to become an LPN, RN, or advanced practice nurse, your skills can contribute to the excellence of health care in Columbia.
Columbia nursing school options are diverse, and you can likely find the program you are looking for, whether it be LPN programs in Columbia, SC or a Master’s degree program in the area. Take some time to select the type of nursing program you are looking for below, then request the information you need to make a decision about where to attend.
Life and Career Options in Columbia
One of the benefits of living in a major city like Columbia is the variety of health care employers that are in the immediate vicinity. As a nursing student, you may be able to get a job as a CNA or health aide. In addition to getting much-needed experience in the medical industry, you may be able to get help with educational expenses.
HealthSouth supports students that want to become nurses. If you work at Lexington Medical Center, you can look into tuition assistance as well as on-site clinical education options. Palmetto Health supports its student employees in many different ways.
Hospitals in Columbia SC
Palmetto Health is also one of the many Magnet recognized facilities in Columbia. Magnet facilities, recognized by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, work towards new advances in nursing and have high nursing standards. Lexington Medical Center is a prominent Magnet facility in Columbia.
Curriculum, Costs, and Financial Aid
One of the first factors that many people consider in their school choice is cost. Luckily, there are many schools in the Columbia area, so you can take your time looking into tuition and financial aid for each school.
Midlands Technical College is a low-priced option for many students. Residents pay $153 per credit and non-residents pay $459 per credit. The University of South Carolina charges $10,791 per year for residents and $28,461 per year for non-residents. If you attend the Medical University of South Carolina, you can expect to pay $33,388 per year if you’re a resident. Non-residents pay $59,852 per year.
Nursing Schools in Columbia, SC
Scholarships are a popular option for nursing students. If you join the South Carolina Nurses Foundation as a student member, you might qualify for annual scholarships. Roper St. Francis has a nursing scholarship program that is designed for high-performing nursing students.
Though nursing courses vary from school to school, each nursing school tends to have a fairly similar curriculum. You spend two to four years completing nursing and general education courses that educate you on various aspects of the profession. You may take specialty courses like Adult Health Nursing, Pediatric Nursing, and Medical-Surgical Nursing. However, you’ll likely need to start with general nursing and science courses. Your first year in nursing school may be spent taking courses like Fundamentals of Nursing, Pharmacology for Nurses, and Anatomy & Physiology. The combination of classroom learning and practical clinical experience can prepare you for a rewarding career in the health care sector.
To find out more about entry level nursing programs in Columbia, SC, along with advanced nursing degrees, click on the type of degree you want below. You will find a listing where you can request nursing program information directly from our site.