Beaufort, South Carolina, October 24, 2025
News Summary
The University of South Carolina Beaufort has received a $3.8 million federal grant to combat the nursing shortage in South Carolina. The initiative, supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration, will enhance nursing education by recruiting and retaining students, providing financial aid, and increasing the number of qualified nursing professionals in underserved areas. With a projected nursing shortfall of 20% by 2036, this program aims to bolster healthcare in the state as the aging population increases demand for skilled nurses.
Beaufort, South Carolina
The University of South Carolina Beaufort (USCB) has secured a significant $3.8 million federal grant aimed at addressing the critical nursing shortage in South Carolina. This initiative, backed by the Health Resources and Services Administration, will last for four years and focuses on increasing the number of qualified nursing professionals in underserved and rural communities throughout the state.
South Carolina is projected to experience a 20 percent shortfall in registered nurses by 2036. The urgency for more nursing staff comes in light of the fact that the state is expected to have over a million residents aged 65 and older by 2030, which will increase the demand for skilled healthcare providers in the region.
To combat this imminent crisis, USCB’s program aims to recruit and retain a diverse group of nursing students while simultaneously enhancing the quality of clinical instruction they receive. The initiative will support up to 64 students each year through various forms of financial aid, peer mentoring, tutoring, and a 12-month transition-to-practice program.
Professor Lynne Hutchison, who directs the Lowcountry IMPACT project, has emphasized the importance of a multi-pronged approach to effectively train nursing students. This program not only aims to improve educational outcomes but also addresses workforce sustainability in nursing.
USCB’s collaborative partners in this initiative include Beaufort Memorial Hospital, Novant Health, and Friends of Caroline Hospice, which will provide essential practical training opportunities for nursing students. The initiative is particularly relevant as South Carolina currently faces a 28% nursing shortage, with some counties even lacking OBGYN doctors.
Congresswoman Nancy Mace has lent her support to the grant application, highlighting the critical need for solutions to South Carolina’s nursing crisis. The program offers scholarships and a range of support resources designed to help nursing students graduate and enter the workforce equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge.
Eligibility criteria for the grant requires students to be South Carolina residents, encouraging graduates to work within the state post-graduation. Currently, USCB has over 100 nursing students, and with the new funding, the university aims to significantly increase this figure.
To further bolster nursing education, South Carolina lawmakers are advocating for additional funding measures, such as $5 million for tuition reimbursement for graduate nursing degrees. The South Carolina Bold Career Pathway program also aims to reimburse tuition for students who commit to teaching nursing in state universities, reflecting a growing interest in nursing education careers, as evidenced by a 159% increase in enrollment in the Bold Career Pathway program.
The ongoing nursing faculty shortage remains a pressing issue, with over 65,000 qualified applicants being turned away from nursing schools due to inadequate faculty availability. Proposed budget measures include $5 million intended to increase nursing faculty salaries at public universities across South Carolina, scheduled to take effect in July once finalized.
Key Details of the USCB Nursing Initiative
- Grant Amount: $3.8 million
- Support for Students: Up to 64 students annually
- Types of Support: Financial aid, tutoring, peer mentoring, practical training
- Current Nursing Enrollment: Over 100 students
- Projected Nursing Shortage: 20% by 2036
FAQs
What is the total amount of the grant secured by USCB for the nursing program?
The total amount of the grant secured by USCB for the nursing program is $3.8 million.
What will the program support for nursing students?
The program will support up to 64 students annually through financial aid, peer mentoring, tutoring, and a 12-month transition-to-practice program.
What is the projected nursing shortage in South Carolina?
South Carolina is projected to experience a 20 percent shortfall in registered nurses by 2036.
What has led to nursing students being turned away from schools?
Over 65,000 qualified applicants have been turned away from nursing schools due to insufficient faculty.
Key Features Chart
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Grant Amount | $3.8 million |
| Yearly Support for Students | 64 students |
| Support Initiatives | Financial aid, tutoring, peer mentoring, transition-to-practice program |
| Projected Nursing Shortage | 20% by 2036 |
| Current Nursing Enrollment | 100+ nursing students |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
USCB Secures $3.8 Million Grant to Support Nursing Students
USC Beaufort Secures $3.8 Million Grant for Nursing Program
USCB Receives $3.8 Million Grant to Fight Nursing Shortage
USC Beaufort Secures $3.87 Million Grant for Nursing Program
University of South Carolina Beaufort Receives Major Grant to Tackle Nursing Shortage
USCB Secures $3.8 Million Grant to Combat Nursing Shortage
New Nursing Cohort Begins at USCB’s Beaufort Memorial PATH Center
Beaufort Memorial Hospital Partners with USCB for Nursing Training Center
Beaufort County Faces Health Care Access Crisis Amid Growth
Beaufort Memorial Launches Innovative Career Development Center to Combat Healthcare Workforce Shortages
Additional Resources
- Live 5 News
- Post and Courier
- WLTX
- Island Packet
- SC Daily Gazette
- Wikipedia: Nursing in the United States
- Google Search: Nursing shortage South Carolina
- Google Scholar: Nursing education South Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Nursing Education
- Google News: Nursing shortage
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