SC

South Carolina Continuing Education Requirements

Details about continuing education and license renewal in South Carolina. Jump straight to your profession below.

Registered Nurse (RN) Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Medical Assistant (MA)

When picturing the state of South Carolina, most will probably clump it together with its neighboring state to the north. However, South Carolina has many qualities that make it a unique state of its own. The largest city in South Carolina is Charleston, which has been nicknamed the “Holy City” due to its vast number of historical churches and religious diversities that call it home. Some say that if you’re lucky enough to see the city from across the water, you’ll notice that historical church steeples line most of the city’s skyline.

Charleston is deeply recognized for its large, religiously tolerant culture. If you happen to find yourself working as a nurse in the “Holy City”, you might want to research on ways to make yourself more culturally accommodating to your patients. Some researchers believe that by providing care that meets the cultural, social, and religious needs of the patient and their families, you can improve the results of the patient’s overall quality and care.

As a nursing professional, it’s a good idea to be continuously growing your education and knowledge of patient care. And patient isn’t just limited to physical injuries or illnesses, but expands to the overall well-being of your patient.

South Carolina Registered Nurse (RN)

30 hours · Every two years
Last Updated: Wednesday, March 25, 2026

RNs must complete at least one of the following:

  • 30 contact hours from a continuing education provider recognized by the board
  • Maintenance of certification or re-certification by a national certifying body recognized by the board
  • Completion of an academic program of study in nursing or a related field recognized by the board
  • Verification of competency and the number of hours practiced as evidenced by employer certification on a form approved by the Board.
South Carolina Board of Nursing
Phone803-896-4550
WebsiteVisit Site
Address 110 Centerview Dr
Columbia, SC  29210
Requirements Disclaimer: Although we try to keep our information as up-to-date as possible, ultimately, it is the responsibility of each individual user to understand and keep up-to-date with the requirements of the license possessed.

South Carolina Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)

30 hours · Every two years
Last Updated: Wednesday, March 25, 2026
CEs not required.
Demonstration of competency for Endorsement applications and Biennial Renewal of an active license requires documented evidence of at least ONE of the following requirements during the licensure period/preceding two years:
  • 30 CE
  • Maintenance of certification
  • Completion of academic program in nursing or related field
  • Verification of competencies evidenced by employer certification
APRNs without prescriptive authority must maintain their national certification.

APRNs with prescriptive authority are required to maintain their national certification AND complete 20 hours of pharmacotherapeutics, with 2 of those hours in controlled substances.
South Carolina Board of Nursing
Phone803-896-4550
WebsiteVisit Site
Address 110 Centerview Dr
Columbia, SC  29210
Requirements Disclaimer: Although we try to keep our information as up-to-date as possible, ultimately, it is the responsibility of each individual user to understand and keep up-to-date with the requirements of the license possessed.

South Carolina Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

30 hours · Every two years
Last Updated: Wednesday, March 25, 2026
CEs not required.

Complete at least one of the following:

  • 30 contact hours from a continuing education provider recognized by the board
  • maintenance of certification or re-certification by a national certifying body recognized by the board
  • completion of an academic program of study in nursing or a related field recognized by the board
  • verification of competency and the number of hours practiced as evidenced by employer certification on a form approved by the Board.
South Carolina Board of Nursing
Phone803-896-4550
WebsiteVisit Site
Address 110 Centerview Dr
Columbia, SC  29210
Requirements Disclaimer: Although we try to keep our information as up-to-date as possible, ultimately, it is the responsibility of each individual user to understand and keep up-to-date with the requirements of the license possessed.

South Carolina Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Last Updated: Tuesday, October 8, 2024
CEs not required.
To be eligible for continued enrollment on the South Carolina Nurse Aide Registry, you are required to work as a nurse aide at least one documented day (eight consecutive hours) for pay during the previous twenty-four (24) months, under the supervision of an RN or LPN.

No continuing education is required for renewal. Please check with your facility/employer to ensure your continuing education courses are accepted. 
South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
Phone888-549-0820
WebsiteVisit Site
Address P. O. Box 8206
Columbia, SC  29202-8206
Requirements Disclaimer: Although we try to keep our information as up-to-date as possible, ultimately, it is the responsibility of each individual user to understand and keep up-to-date with the requirements of the license possessed.

South Carolina Medical Assistant (MA)

Last Updated: Wednesday, November 15, 2023
CEs not required.
In South Carolina, medical assistants are not required to obtain licensure or certification from state organizations in order to work in the medical field.
Requirements Disclaimer: Although we try to keep our information as up-to-date as possible, ultimately, it is the responsibility of each individual user to understand and keep up-to-date with the requirements of the license possessed.

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