Make a career change to nursing
This unique program provides the opportunity to gain education and experience as a direct-care provider of nursing in a variety of settings. Graduates will be eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX).
The MEPN program is a total of 68 credits over 5 consecutive semesters. The MEPN program offers courses through a combination of synchronous face-to-face classes, required clinical experiences in SC Midlands area, and online courses.
Full-time plan of study, on-campus with in-person clinicals required in SC Midlands area.
Semester 1
- NURS 701 - Introduction to Nursing Practice and Theory
- NURS 709 - Pathophysiological Concepts for Nursing Practice
- NURS 711 - Pharmacotherapeutics for Nursing Practice
- NURS 712 - Health Assessment for Nursing Practice +
Semester 2
- NURS 713 - Nursing Practice Fundamentals + *
- NURS 716 - Maternal, Newborn and Pediatric Nursing + *
- NURS 721 - Gerontological Nursing Care
Semester 3
- NURS 723 - Medical Surgical Nursing Practice I *
- NURS 729 - Psychiatric Nursing Practice *
- NURS 730 – Population Health Nursing
- NURS 745 - Nursing Ethics, Policy & Advocacy
Semester 4
- NURS 726 - Medical Surgical Nursing Practice II *
- NURS 746 - Informatics, Technology, and Emerging Issues B
- NURS 750 - Transition to Nursing Practice I *
- NURS 789 - Statistical and Research Methods for Nursing Practice A
Semester 5
- NURS 747 - Leadership and Safety for Nursing Practice
- NURS 748 - Care Coordination and Outcomes Management in Nursing Practice
- NURS 751 - Transition to Nursing Practice II +*
- NURS 791 - Seminar in Nursing Research A
Total 68 credits / 784 direct clinical hours
+on campus immersion
*course requires clinical hours
#course offered in 5- week Summer term only
Aindicates A term, B indicates B term. If not noted, full semester course.
Pre-requisite courses must be completed before the September 1 application deadline. All pre-requisites must be completed within the last 5 years, each with a grade of C or better, before your application will be reviewed.
- Anatomy & Physiology 1 and 2 with lab (ex. BIOL 243, BIOL 243L, BIOL 244, BIOL 244L),
- Microbiology with Lab (ex. BIOL 250, BIOL 250L),
- Chemistry with Lab (ex. CHEM 102/102L or CHEM 111/111L AND CHEM 112/112L).
- Human Growth and Development (ex. PSYC 420).
Courses should be completed at a regionally accredited university. Please check our Transfer Table for guidance on equivalent courses.
- Bachelor's Degree from a nationally accredited program
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale from previous undergraduate course work
- Three professional references - these should come from individuals with a master’s or higher in their chosen profession who can evaluate your potential for success in a graduate program. Letters of recommendation cannot be used in lieu of our recommendation form. Recommendations from family members are not appropriate.
- Personal goal statement reflecting MSN program outcomes
- Current CV or resume
- GRE not required
- Pre-requisite courses
- Basic Life Support CPR certification prior to the start of the program. One of the
following is required:
- American Heart Association BLS for Healthcare Provider course
- American Heart Association Basic Life Support Provider course
- American Red Cross BLS/CPR for Healthcare
- Military Training Network Healthcare Provider (in accordance with the curriculum of the American Heart Association for the BLS for the Healthcare Provider).
International Students
- The College of Nursing requires a course-by-course evaluation for all international transcripts by an approved NACES agency prior to the application review.
- For additional requirements specific to international students, please visit the Graduate School website.
Official transcripts must be sent to The Graduate School. Review the degree requirements before you apply.
The MEPN program accepts students for spring entry only.
Spring entry admission cycle
- Application opens May 1
- Early decision deadline July 1
- Final decision deadline September 1
Resident Status |
Estimated Total Cost |
In-State |
$44,455 |
Out-of-State |
$86,020 |
Out-of-State with Nursing Scholarship |
$62,335 |
Additional costs associated with this program will be paid out of pocket. Additional tuition and fee information is on the Bursar's Office Tuition and Fees website. Financial aid is available. Complete the FAFSA form on the university’s Financial Aid website to determine your eligibility. The College of Nursing also offers general scholarships.
*Estimated costs are for new students who first enroll in the 2025-26 academic year and are subject to change.
Request More Information
Williams-Brice Building, Room 208
1601 Greene Street
Columbia, SC 29208
803-777-9080
NURSGRAD@mailbox.sc.edu
Meet the experts
-
MEPN Program Director
Eboni Herbert Harris, PhD, APRN, FNP-BC, CNE
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MEPN Graduate Academic Advisor
Tawanie H. Pointer