South Carolina Clinical Nurse Specialist License Requirements
Complete guide to becoming a Clinical Nurse Specialist in South Carolina
Reduced practice: a CNS performing medical acts must have physician support and a written practice agreement (SC Code 40-33-20(20), 40-33-34).
Prescriptive Authority: CRNAs not required to obtain prescriptive authority for anesthesia
1 Education Requirements
Degree Required
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Program Requirements
- Complete accredited Clinical Nurse Specialist program
- Hold active RN license in the state
- Clinical hours as specified by program
2 National Certification
Certification Body
ANCC or AACN
Required
Yes
American Nurses Credentialing Center or American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
3 Fees
Initial Licensure
| Application Fee | $30 |
| Total | $40 |
Renewal
| Renewal Fee (every 2 years) | $145 |
Continuing Education Requirements
Pharmacology: 20 hours required
45 hrs pharmacology initial; 20 renewal; 15 hrs controlled substances
Prerequisites
To become a Clinical Nurse Specialist in South Carolina, you must first hold an active RN license. South Carolina is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), so you may hold a multistate RN license.
State Board of Nursing
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Other APRN Types in South Carolina
Clinically reviewed by Clinical Review Team
Based on 5 official sources • Last verified: June 2026