The city of Spartanburg employs nearly 5,000 nurses at major healthcare providers like Spartanburg Regional Medical Center and Mary Black Health System. It is important for aspiring nurses to understand the variety of nursing roles available and how each differs in education, responsibility, and salary. We outline below the three primary nursing roles.
Certified nursing assistant
A certified nursing assistant (CNA) works under the supervision of a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or registered nurse (RN) to provide basic patient care like bathing, grooming, and feeding. Because CNAs facilitate daily living activities, they are in high demand at institutions that provide assisted living for the elderly. Aspiring CNAs must complete a 100-hour certificate program and successfully pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) examination. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Spartanburg employs 1,260 CNAs who earn $21,360 per year on average.
LPNs administer medications, provide injections, and start intravenous drips. Like CNAs, LPNs work under the supervision of registered nurses and physicians. The first step in an LPN’s education is a 12- to 18-month certificate program, offered at a variety of vocational schools and technical colleges throughout South Carolina. Aspiring LPNs must also pass the NCLEX-PN licensure exam. Spartanburg is home to 680 LPNs earning a median annual salary of $36,840.
Registered nurse
RNs independently coordinate and carry out healthcare activities. These include administering medications, assisting with medical procedures, charting a patient’s progress, supervising CNAs and LPNs, and providing emotional support to patients and families. Aspiring RNs have two educational pathways in South Carolina: a two-year associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) or a four-year bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). Regardless of degree program, a prospective RN must pass the NCLEX-RN licensure exam before practicing. Spartanburg employs 2,800 RNs with an average salary of $53,130.
To help aspiring nurses of all stripes, we’ve compiled below a comprehensive list of nursing schools and programs in the Spartanburg metropolitan area of South Carolina.