Beaufort, South Carolina, October 17, 2025
News Summary
The University of South Carolina Beaufort has received a significant $3.8 million federal grant to address an impending nursing shortage in South Carolina. Over the next four years, the grant will support 64 new nursing students annually and provide financial support, mentoring, and a transition program for students, particularly focusing on recruitment from rural and underserved areas. The initiative aims to enhance the training of nursing professionals as the state anticipates 13,600 nursing vacancies by 2036.
Beaufort, South Carolina – The University of South Carolina Beaufort (USCB) has secured a significant four-year, $3.8 million federal grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). This funding is aimed at addressing a crucial nursing shortfall anticipated to occur in South Carolina within the next decade, with projections indicating that the state will face 13,600 nursing vacancies by 2036.
Professor Lynne Hutchison, the director of the project, has stated that this grant positions USCB to effectively meet the future nursing needs in the state. Under the program, the university will support 64 new nursing students annually, expanding their capacity to train the next generation of nursing professionals.
The federal funds will be utilized to provide enhanced financial support, which includes mentoring and a 12-month transition to practice program specifically designed for nursing students. An important emphasis of the initiative is to recruit nursing students from rural and underserved areas in South Carolina, ensuring representation from diverse backgrounds.
Financial assistance will be available in the form of stipends for nursing students, aimed at helping to cover both college and living expenses. This strive for affordability is intended to alleviate some of the financial burdens faced by students entering the nursing field. The nursing program at USCB promises to enhance the training offered to students who are preparing to enter this in-demand healthcare profession.
According to the South Carolina Institute of Medicine and Public Health, by 2030, the number of residents aged 65 and older in the state will surpass one million. Consequently, this demographic shift will lead to a heightened demand for nursing professionals to meet the healthcare needs of an aging population.
USCB’s nursing program has garnered notable recognition, boasting a 100% pass rate for the NCLEX-RN exam, which is the national licensure examination for registered nurses. This commendable achievement emphasizes the quality of education provided at the university.
The grant initiative aims to improve job placement prospects for graduates, particularly within the local healthcare workforce. This includes opportunities in hospitals, nursing homes, and urgent care clinics in Bluffton and Beaufort, which are essential to the community’s healthcare infrastructure.
Dr. Kim Dudas, the interim Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, highlighted the competitive nature of the HRSA grant process, expressing gratitude for the recognition of USCB’s strengths in nursing education.
Additionally, USCB has recently broadened its nursing curriculum through a collaborative effort with Beaufort Memorial Hospital, which has enhanced practical training opportunities and resources for students. Furthermore, a new $2.8 million training center has been established, providing essential facilities such as classrooms and clinical simulation labs for nursing students and hospital employees.
The grant initiative will also deliver various resources, including tutoring, peer mentoring, student success workshops, and expanded clinical partnerships. To be eligible for these resources, students must be residents of South Carolina and have the intent to work in the state after graduation.
Summary of Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Grant Amount | $3.8 million |
| Duration | Four years |
| Annual Student Support | 64 new nursing students |
| Expected Nursing Vacancies in SC by 2036 | 13,600 vacancies |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate | 100% |
| New Training Center Investment | $2.8 million |
FAQ
What is the amount of the grant awarded to USCB?
The University of South Carolina Beaufort has been awarded a four-year, $3.8 million federal grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).
What is the primary goal of the grant?
This grant is aimed at addressing a significant nursing shortfall predicted to occur in South Carolina within the next decade, with the state expected to have 13,600 nursing vacancies by 2036.
How many nursing students will the program support each year?
The program intends to support 64 new nursing students each year.
What kind of support will the grant provide to nursing students?
Funds from the grant will provide enhanced financial support, mentoring, and a 12-month transition to practice program for nursing students.
What is the focus of the student recruitment under this grant?
There is a particular emphasis on recruiting nursing students from rural and underserved areas in South Carolina.
What are the eligibility requirements for the grant?
Eligibility for the grant requires students to be residents of South Carolina with the goal of working in the state after graduation.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- SC Daily Gazette: USC Beaufort Nursing Students to Receive Financial Aid
- Wikipedia: Nursing in the United States
- WIS TV: SC University Awarded Grant to Combat Nursing Shortage
- Google Search: Nursing Shortage South Carolina
- Bluffton Today: Beaufort Memorial Welcomes USCB Nursing Students
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Nursing
- Spectrum Local News: South Carolina Nursing Grant
- Google News: South Carolina Nursing Grant
- Quiver Quant: Congresswoman Nancy Mace Announces Grant
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
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