Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) College of Nursing

The Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) was established in 1824 as a private college for the purpose of training physicians. In 1913, the state of South Carolina took over control and MUSC is now a public university.

The College of Nursing opened in 1882.

Undergraduate

Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN) - Online

The RN-BSN degree program is designed for students holding an Associate degree in Nursing. The degree can be completed in 12 months and is administered online. Clinical hours are live or virtual. Before entering the program, students must complete 60 hours of prerequisites from an accredited school.

Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN)

Motivated students who would like to complete the BSN sooner can do so through the ABSN program. This program is a 16-month, four consecutive semester program, including a Summer semester. It is on campus and includes clinical and lab components.

There is no waiting list and students must have at least a 3.0 GPA for admission.

Graduate

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) - Online

After completion of the BSN, Students are able to enter the program for an MSN. Students can choose an area of adult-gerontology, family and/or pediatric practice tracks. Graduates are eligible for certification as a nurse practitioner. 

Clinical practice arrangements are the responsibility of the individual student and can be completed in his/her area of residence.

Full- and part-time plans of study are available.

Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia

This program is no longer accepting applications. The last Master's of Science in Nurse Anesthesia class graduated in December 2018. The AFN Division has converted to the entry level Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice.

Adult-Gerontology Health Nurse Practitioner

The Adult-Gerontology Health Nurse Practitioner program is for nurses who would like to specialize in primary ambulatory and population-based care.

After graduation, students are eligible to sit for the national certification exam to become an Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (ANP).

Family Nurse Practitioner

Students in this program collaborate with physicians and other healthcare professionals to deliver care to patients in a variety of ambulatory settings. After graduation, students are eligible to obtain national certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP).

Pediatric Nursing Practitioner

Nurses seeking specialization as a pediatric nurse practitioner will be prepared to care for the healthcare needs of infants, children, and adolescents. The main focus of the program is evidence-based pediatric care that is delivered in a variety of pediatric settings.

The National Certification Board of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners and Nurses has approved the program.

Upon graduation, students are eligible to sit for the national certification Nurse Practitioner (PNP) exam. After passing the exam, the certified Nurse Practitioner is then eligible to seek state prescriptive authority.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) APRN - Online

A majority of the DNP courses are delivered online with an exception of a few courses that require a visit to campus.

The DNP program offers a practice-focused doctoral program in nursing. Upon graduation, the student receives both an MSN and the DNP.

Entrance to the school can be through a BSN or MSN completion. Specialty areas include adult-gerontology, family, pediatric, and psychiatric mental health tracks. After completion of the program track, the student becomes eligible to sit for the respective examination to become a certified nurse practitioner.

During the last year of the program, a practice improvement project is required. Full- and part-time plans of study are available.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Nurse Executive Leadership and Innovations - Online

The Nurse Executive Leadership and Innovations program prepares graduates to practice at the highest executive level. A few courses require a visit to the campus.

Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP - Post Masters)

The MUSC Anesthesia for Nurses (AFN) post-master's Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) program is designed for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) who already hold a master's degree in nurse anesthesia or a related field. The program utilizes a hybrid model of online and on-campus educational sessions. 

Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Science (PhD) - Online

The PhD in Nursing Science program is a fast track program designed for students to graduate in as little as three years of full-time study or four years of part-time study.

Applicant Requirements (not all inclusive)

• BSN from NLNAC or CCNE accredited program
• GPA of at least 3.5 from the undergraduate and/or graduate degree-granting institution
• Nurses: Current RN licensure in the state of residence
• Evidence of scholarship (published article, thesis, written innovation, etc.)
• Curriculum Vita
• Personal statement
• 3 letters of reference
• Faculty Interviews (2)
• Demonstrate computer literacy

Accreditation

The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredited the BSN, MSN and DNP programs.

The Medical University of South Carolina Anesthesia for Nurses (AFN) program is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA).

The Medical University of South Carolina is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Rankings

US News & World Report (2019)

• #6 (tie) in Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs
• #2 (tie) in Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs for Veterans
• #21 in Best Nursing Schools: Master's
• #14 (tie) in Best Nursing Schools: Doctor of Nursing Practice
• #29 (tie) in Nursing-Anesthesia
• #409 (tie) in Best Global Universities

The Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) has been ranked in the top two percent of universities worldwide, according to the Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) 2018-19 report.