No, an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) program is not the same as a Registered Nurse (RN). An ASN is a type of academic degree program in nursing, while an RN is a professional title and license awarded after passing the NCLEX-RN exam. You earn an ASN degree to become eligible to take the RN licensure exam and once passed, practice as a Registered Nurse. ASN is a two-year academic degree program that prepares students for entry-level nursing positions.

The Associate of Science in Nursing program at South College is designed for completion in 21 months (full-time).  Prior academic background could affect this length if some prerequisite courses have already been completed

Yes! We are institutionally  accredited by SACSCOC (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges) and for the ASN, most campuses are programmatically accredited by ACEN (Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing) and also approved at the state level by multiple Boards of Nursing including North Carolina, Georgia, Indianapolis, Tennessee, Florida, Texas, and Pennsylvania. Two campuses only recently gained approval for ASN (Asheville, North Carolina and Indianapolis, Indiana).  These campuses are applying for Candidacy with ACEN for this program. More information regarding accreditation status can be found here: https://www.south.edu/about/accreditations-and-approvals/

No, an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) program is not the same as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) program which is usually a certificate or diploma program.  Earning an ASN degree qualifies graduates to attempt the NCLEX-RN exam to become a Registered Nurse (RN), while completion of an LPN program qualifies graduates to attempt the NCLEX-PN exam.  These designations lead to different levels of licensure, responsibility, and patient care scope. Key Differences

• Education & Degree:

• • ASN: An Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) is a two-year degree that requires a more comprehensive nursing education and leads to becoming a Registered Nurse (RN).

• • LPN: A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) earns a diploma or certificate after a shorter, typically one-year, program.

Cohorts begin based on enrollment and approval from the respective state board of nursing. All applicants must meet South College’s general admission requirements to enroll in core or general education courses; however, general admission does not guarantee admission to the nursing program. Application deadlines are available through the School of Nursing and the Admissions Department. Admission decisions are based on a holistic review of academic qualifications, educational experiences, and standardized test scores. The School of Nursing reserves the right to update or modify admission criteria as necessary. Applicants must meet the following requirements for admission without stipulation:

• Meet general admission requirements to South College.
• Submit a School of Nursing application by the published deadline.
• Complete prerequisite courses with a grade of C or higher.
• Entrance Exam:
  • Achieve a minimum ATI TEAS score at the Basic academic preparedness level or an equivalent passing score on the HESI A2*.
  • Scores below this threshold will not be considered for admission.
• Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50 for both general education/core prerequisite courses and required science prerequisites.

• Complete the required drug test and background check before the first day of class.*
• Attend the nursing orientation in full on the scheduled date.

Clinical hours in an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) program are hands-on, supervised training in various healthcare settings to develop fundamental nursing skills and competence. Students rotate through different specialties like mental health, pediatrics, and adult health, gaining practical experience under the guidance of experienced nurses and instructors before taking the NCLEX-RN exam. The specific number of hours and the scheduling of clinicals vary by state and nursing program, but they are a mandatory component of the curriculum.  At South College we require set number of clinical hours per quarter at a variety of healthcare settings.

Yes – please scroll up on this page for more information for those that qualify.

What is the tuition for South College?

Tuition and fees for South College students vary by program, and tuition rates are tiered based on the number of credits taken each quarter. For example, in our undergraduate programs, students taking 10-20 credits per quarter are charged one quarterly tuition rate based on their program, while students in the same program taking 1-5 or 6-9 credits are charged different tuition rates. Our tuition rates are designed such that South College students who take a high number of credits per quarter may be able to complete their program at a lower total cost than students who take fewer credits per quarter. Contact our admissions team who can help you prepare the budget for the field of study you want to pursue. And don’t forget we also offer numerous grants, scholarships, and financial aid packages to those that qualify.

Does South College offer Financial Aid?

Yes! Financial aid for South College is available to those who qualify. Students at South College have access to a range of financial aid to provide the economic assistance they need to pay for college. Aid is available in the form of scholarships, grants and awards, work-study programs, and loans. We’re happy to participate in numerous federal, state, and private student aid programs, and to offer funding directly. In addition to federal and state financial aid, South College institutional grants can reduce out-of-pocket expenses for qualified military-affiliated students, first responders, and recent high school graduates. Visit our financial page or contact our admissions team. We want you to succeed! Let us help you give your dream direction and address your financial aid questions.

Is South College Accredited?

Yes! South College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award degrees at the doctorate, educational specialist, master’s, baccalaureate, and associate levels, as well as certificates. With over 100 programs and concentrations and campuses on multiple states the state authorizations have been obtained. Visit the link to see the full listing. It is the student’s responsibility to contact the appropriate licensing board to confirm whether a South College program will meet the requirements for professional licensure in that state. South College will assist with this information for fully online programs. For onground/hybrid programs, the institution ensures that the program meets requirements for the state in which the campus is located.

How do I apply to South College?

Visit South College and see for yourself what the college has to offer. Campus tours include a personal admissions consultation, campus facility tour and more! When you are ready to start your journey at South College, submit an online application or speak with an admissions representative. Once your application is received, we will begin building your personalized plan to pursue the chosen degree or certificate program based on your interest. We want you to have the best possible educational experience. To learn more about the educational opportunities available for your future, Apply today!

Do you Offer Housing?

South College offers a wide range of degree and certificate programs in areas such as business, healthcare, legal studies, education, criminal justice, and technology. At this time, we do not currently offer housing options. Our expansive online study and hybrid options allow our students to learn wherever they are located, and often with the flexibility of their own convenient time. With academic advisors that support the students throughout their tenure at South College, along with tutors, study groups, and a student success team, students at South College have resources at their fingertips to assist them in their educational pursuits and may be able to guide towards housing areas close to the campus of their choice. The individual attention and support provided by our faculty and staff helps to set us apart. Students interested in a more personalized learning experience are often attracted to South College over other larger universities and colleges in our campus locations. Request more information about South College today!

Looking for South College Consumer Information?

South College was founded in 1882 and focused on serving students who want a hands-on, relevant education that can have a meaningful impact on their lives. South College strives to provide quality instruction, resources, and support services based on systematic and ongoing assessment and evaluation of objectives/outcomes to ensure the development of student abilities necessary for the achievement of positive student outcomes and the mission/vision of the college. The institution establishes policies and procedures to maintain compliance with applicable federal, state, and accrediting requirements. Click below to learn all about South College’s history, and who we are as an institution today.

Does South College accept Transfer Students?

Yes! Credit for transfer work may be given if it was taken at an accredited collegiate institution, if it is equivalent to courses offered at South College, and if it carries a grade of C or better. Any coursework taken over seven years ago may be denied transfer credit if the material is outdated. Policies for the acceptance of any graduate level transfer credit are determined by the associated program faculty within guidelines determined by the institution. We want students to succeed and will do our best to help you in your journey to apply transfer credits to those who qualify. Contact admissions for assistance for your transfer individualized plan and consideration and learn about transfer specifications and time limits by course here:

What Kind of Certificate & Degrees does South College Offer?

South College is a regionally accredited private co-educational, institution with non-residential campuses in Knoxville and Nashville, Tennessee; Asheville, North Carolina; Atlanta, Georgia; Indianapolis, Indiana; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Orlando, Florida. Students can pursue academic programs at all levels, including professional certificates and associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. New academic programs are added frequently in response to local, regional, and national employment trends, and South College is committed to providing programs at all levels with innovative course content and teaching platforms. Explore all the programs and come back often as we regularly add new programs that may spark your interest!

Online vs On-Campus – What Is Best?

Since its founding 140 years ago, South College‘s mission has been to serve students who want a hands-on, professional focused education. Today this means offering traditional classroom experiences along with accelerated, hybrid, and online learning options. It means small class sizes, modern labs, and campuses that are convenient to large numbers of students. Most of all, it means experienced instructors who provide real world experiences in their classes and lead in-depth discussions on the concepts taught. South College also offers non-traditional distance-learning programs, allowing students to earn a college degree online providing more flexibility with the same level of quality education and experience from all academic programs offered. This option is great for potential students who are working a full-time job or are not in travel distance to one of the learning sites. Online vs. campus? You decide. Get the student experience you desire in the program that fits your style best on your road to success!

Does South College Have Programs for Active or Retired Military?

As an institution of higher education, South College recognizes its responsibility to society and supports both institutional and individual commitments to service. South College encourages its administration, faculty, and staff to invest their knowledge, experience, and expertise in community, professional, and institutional service. South College’s core values of excellence, responsibility, and integrity serve as the foundation for assessing the quality of institutional, school/departmental, and individual performance in achieving this mission. South College is grateful for the service and sacrifice of our military and their families. We are happy to provide the South College Military Grant to support our military – past and present – in the pursuit of their education and skill development. The South College Application Fee is waived for all active-duty military members, veterans, their spouses, and their dependent children who receive this Grant.