PRACTICAL NURSING: DIPLOMA

ANSWER THE CALL

Get the skills you need to become an LPN, and get on the path to a great career in the Lowcountry and beyond.

Technical College of the Lowcountry’s Practical Nursing (PN) diploma program prepares students for eligibility for licensure to work as Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs).

This 42-credit-hour college diploma program includes general education, science and nursing classes taught over a one-year / three-semester time frame. The full-time program is offered during the day.

See the curriculum

APPLICATION INFORMATION

Certify Your Skills

Earn valuable industry credentials! Coursework qualifies students to apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN) exam.

NCLEX-PN Results, Technical College of the Lowcountry

Year	TCL Pass Rate %	National Pass Rate %
2017	60	83.91
2018	100	85.93
2019	100	85.63
2020	100	83.09
2021	100	79.60
2022	100	79.93

Accreditation & Accolades

The Practical Nursing Diploma program at The Technical College of the Lowcountry located in Beaufort, South Carolina is accredited by the:

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 975-5000

The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Practical Nursing program is Continuing Accreditation.

View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program at https://www.acenursing.us/accreditedprograms/programSearch.htm

View Job Placement data here.
View the program’s student completion rates here.

South Carolina Department of Labor and Licensing and Regulation Board of Nursing
Synergy Business Park, Suite 202, Kingstree Building 110 / Centerview Drive; P.O. Box 12367 / Columbia, SC 29211-2367 / website

Technical College of the Lowcountry is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees. Degree-granting institutions also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Technical College of the Lowcountry may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

Related Programs

Health Sciences Application Process

MASSAGE THERAPY: CERTIFICATE

MEDICAL ASSISTING: CERTIFICATE

NURSING (ADN): ASSOCIATE IN APPLIED SCIENCE

PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT: ASSOCIATE IN APPLIED SCIENCE

RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY: ASSOCIATE IN APPLIED SCIENCE

SURGICAL TECHNOLOGY: ASSOCIATE IN APPLIED SCIENCE

Career Coach

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Important Dates

January 16 – April 3, 2023 for Fall 2023 Classes Applications closed.

Quick Facts

A CAREER THAT PAYS

South Carolina’s annual mean wage for a Licensed Practical Nurses is $51,060.

GROWING DEMAND

Employment is projected to grow 12% from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations.

FAST TRACK

The program can be completed in three semesters (in just one year)!

JOB OUTLOOK

South Carolina’s annual mean wage for a Licensed Practical Nurses is $51,060. Employment of licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses is projected to grow 12 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations.

As the baby-boom population ages, the overall need for healthcare services is expected to increase, according to to 2022 reports from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

PROGRAM COST

Total Program Tuition: 42 credits x $214 per credit = $8,988.

Remember, this is before S.C. Lottery Tuition Assistance and other financial aid, which could drop your costs by more than half. In fact, after financial aid, many TCL students attend for free. See more about paying for TCL.

*Based on Fall 2022 in-state, in-service-area tuition. Your actual cost may differ. Does not include fees, books and other costs. Qualifications vary.

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

“I didn’t want to go into debt, and TCL is very affordable. Plus, former students spoke very highly of the program.”

Lindsay Richardson

Nursing Graduate

FAQS & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Important Additional Requirements

Applicants interested in the nursing program must first complete the college admission application process. You will then make an appointment to meet with a Health Sciences Advisor. Acceptance into the college does not guarantee admission into a Nursing program. Applications for admission to the Nursing program may only be obtained from Health Sciences Advisors. Participation in the program requires a national background check and a drug screen. Nursing classes are offered at Beaufort and New River campuses and may require attendance at either. Call 843.525.8267 for additional information and to schedule an appointment with an advisor.

LPNs may seek advanced placement in the program.

Is this program for you?

Yes, particularly if you:

• are well organized and focused.
• enjoy patient interaction and caring for others.
• have good time management skills.
• looking to get into the nursing field fast.