20 Best LPN to RN Programs in Charleston, SC – 2026

LPNs looking to advance their careers in nursing have numerous excellent LPN to RN programs to choose from in the Charleston, South Carolina area. An LPN to RN bridge program allows Licensed Practical Nurses to build on their existing medical knowledge and clinical experience to earn an Associate‘s Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor‘s of Science in Nursing (BSN) within 1-2 years of full-time study.

Earning an RN credential opens up greater career opportunities, higher salaries, and more advancement potential compared to working as an LPN. The Charleston job market is quite strong for RNs, with an expected 14% growth in nursing positions through 2026. Meanwhile, the median annual wage for South Carolina RNs is $66,750 – nearly $25,000 more than LPNs in the state typically make per year.

So what are some of the top LPN to RN programs near Charleston? There is an excellent range of accredited schools, from affordable community college options to selective universities. When researching programs, be sure to look at metrics like admission requirements, cost per credit hour, clinical hour requirements, format and duration of study, plus reviews from current nursing students.

Here is our ranking of the 20 best LPN to RN programs in Charleston and what makes them stand out:

1. Trident Technical College

Trident Tech’s ADN transition program for LPNs includes nursing-specific prerequisites before applying, then three semesters of nursing coursework if admitted. The program emphasizes critical thinking, quality care and competence in core nursing areas.

• Accredited by ACEN
• Testing pass rates consistently above average
• Lower cost public college tuition
• Offered on Main Campus in North Charleston

2. Horry-Georgetown Technical College

Bridge LPNs into Horry-Georgetown’s highly regarded ADN program in just 12 months at this two-campus system near Myrtle Beach. Skills from LPN background maximize success on NCLEX exam and transition to RN practice.

• ACEN-accredited Associate Degree pathway
• High 1st-time pass rate above 90% on NCLEX
• LPN to ADN takes 3 semesters after prerequisites met
• Offered at Georgetown and Grand Strand campuses

3. Midlands Technical College

Midlands Tech has multiple campuses where LPNs can leverage prior learning into an ADN. Their bridge program is just 2-3 semesters, when accounting for completed nursing prerequisites.

• Public state college known for nursing training
• 90%+ first-time NCLEX exam pass rate
• Coursework blends online and on-campus components
• Offered at Airport, Beltline and Harbison locations

4. Medical University of South Carolina

MUSC‘s highly competitive 15-month Hybrid BSN program for non-nurses allows some transfer credit from LPN backgrounds. Get your BSN efficiently from a nationally top-50 ranked nursing school.

• Selective admission with 3.0 GPA preferred
• BSN degree from prestigious medical university
• Heavy focus on evidence-based practice
• Combination of online and simulation learning

5. South University

This private 4-year college offers an accelerated BSN track for LPNs lasting just 5 consecutive semesters. Transfer up to 75 credits then focus your studies on highly-applicable BSN nursing curriculum.

• Fully accredited regional college
• Blended course delivery combining online and labs
• Located close to downtown Charleston
• Transfer credit for LPN licensure and classes

6. ECPI University

If getting your BSN quickly is the priority, ECPI University’s year-round program gets LPNs to their Bachelor’s degree within just 8 months. Previous nursing coursework results in transfer credit to accelerate completion timeline.

• Private career-focused college options in Charleston
• Fast-paced consecutive BSN schedule
• Credit for prior LPN training reduces duplication
• Note that program only launched in 2022

7. Chamberlain University

Chamberlain offers advanced nursing education options at their North Charleston campus, including an RN to BSN pathway tailored for licensed LPNs. Study part-time or full-time while balancing work obligations.

• 3-year private college nursing degree
• Campus located close to airport
• Blended online and in-person course formats
• Strong focus on developing leadership skills

8. South Carolina State University

This public historically black college provides an affordable LPN to ADN bridge pathway. Build a foundation for lifelong nursing education in small class settings with caring instructors.

• Tailored 2-year transition program
• Leaders in improving diversity in nursing
• Located in Orangeburg, SC
• Note 2.5 GPA requirement to apply

9. Anderson University

This private Christian university allows LPNs to transfer into either their traditional BSN pre-licensure track or a specialized RN to BSN program for licensed nurses.

• Faith-based institution with 100+ years history
• Main campus located in upstate South Carolina
• Solid BSN degree to prepare for grad school
• Transfer up to 64 credit hours from LPN program

10. Limestone University

Pursue your four-year nursing Bachelor‘s in Limestone’s accelerated track for non-nurses with healthcare backgrounds – this allows LPNs to complete core classes faster.

• Career placement rate of nearly 100%
• Small private college focused on teaching
• Located in Gaffney, SC close to Charlotte
• Note high NCLEX first-try pass rate

11. University of South Carolina Aiken

USC Aiken welcomes LPN transfer students into their competitive BSN program. Priority admission consideration given to LPNs meeting full eligibility standards.

• Public university with array of programs
• Located in Aiken along SC-Georgia border
• Majority of graduates take nursing jobs in-state
• Focus on evidence-based practice

12. Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College

OCtech offers an affordable LPN to ADN transition program on its modern campus an hour outside Charleston. Small class sizes ensure lots of individual instruction and hands-on learning.

• Public two-year technical college
• Success coaching available for all students
• 660-hour Associate Degree pathway
• Note prerequisite math/science courses

13. Florence-Darlington Technical College

Fast-track your ADN via Florence-Darlington‘s transition program for non-nurse college graduates and career changers like LPNs. Affordable tuition with credits transferrable to a future BSN program.

• Public commuter college near Charleston
• Three-semester program option
• Provides necessary experiential learning
• Also offered fully online if desired

14. Central Carolina Technical College

Central Carolina Technical College welcomes LPNs interested into its organized yet flexible Associate Degree Nursing curriculum. Finish your ADN efficiently even while working.

• Public two-year college pathway
• Choice of Sumter or Online options
• Combines virtual and on-campus elements
• Emphasizes development of clinical judgement

15. York Technical College

This Rock Hill community college offers an Advanced Placement LPN transition program. Upon completing, take the NCLEX-RN exam for licensure, then consider RN to BSN options.

• Public tech college close to Charlotte
• Advance into program based on space available
• Strong reputation regional nursing school
• Option to study in evening/weekends

16. Greenville Technical College

Located in the growing upstate region, LPNs have an accelerated pathway to earning Associate Degrees at Greenville Tech. Affordable programs that set students up for career success.

• Large public commuter school
• Treatment of diverse populations addressed
• Partners with local medical facilities
• Greenville location still < 3 hours from Charleston

17. North Greenville University

This Christian institution offers an RN to BSN program tailored specifically for licensed LPNs and RNs. Go at your own pace with flexible online courses while working.

• Private Baptist university
• Rolling admission cycles 6 times per year
• Faith-based nursing curriculum
• Located 40 minutes from Greenville

18. Charleston Southern University

Charleston Southern is a faith-based institution providing a Biblically-integrated BSN curriculum. The program offers forgiving transfer policies benefiting LPN students seeking their Bachelor’s Degree.

• Private Christian university
• Located in North Charleston
• Students get mission-focused education
• Note program rigor and selectivity

19. Southern Wesleyan University

SWU offers an affordable accelerated nursing track for students with non-nursing degrees – this also applies to licensed LPNs. Complete your BSN efficiently and near Charleston.

• Private Christian college option
• Central campus located inland at Lake Keowee
• Aspiring nurses get strong spiritual foundation
• 16-month second degree BSN pathway

20. Piedmont Technical College

While based in Greenwood, SC a couple hours from Charleston, Piedmont Tech‘s ADN program offers remote options for LPNs through online and virtual simulation instruction.

• One of top technical colleges in SC
• cutting-edge educational technology
• virtual reality medical simulation
• 75%+ first-time pass rate on NCLEX

Earning an ADN or BSN by leveraging prior LPN licensure and coursework is a smart career move for licensed practical nurses seeking better job prospects and higher salaries. Charleston offers multiple affordable and reputable “LPN to RN bridge programs” across the region to choose from.

Do your due diligence researching each school’s admission requirements, costs, format and program outcomes. But rest assured there are ample opportunities to advance your nursing education efficiently in Charleston or via online options. The result will be gaining the versatile RN credential leading to jobs in dozens of healthcare settings.