Florence-Darlington Technical College Nursing: Programs, NCLEX & Requirements (2026)
ACEN-accredited Associate Degree Nursing, an LPN-to-ADN transition track, and a Practical Nursing diploma—offered from FDTC’s Health Sciences footprint in Florence. Budget using the college’s published per-credit tuition and nursing differential; confirm NCLEX-RN (ADN) and NCLEX-PN outcomes in South Carolina Board of Nursing tables plus FDTC’s consumer data.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
FDTC stacks a Pee Dee–focused technical college price point with an ACEN-accredited ADN, an SC BON–approved PN diploma, and an LPN-to-ADN transition for licensed practical nurses—plus transparent TEAS “Proficient” cut scores on the public program pages.
Overview & Why Students Choose Florence-Darlington Technical College
Florence-Darlington Technical College (FDTC) is a public two-year college serving the Pee Dee region from Florence, South Carolina. Its Nursing & Allied Health division publishes three pre-licensure pathways—Associate Degree Nursing (ADN), a Practical Nursing diploma, and an LPN-to-ADN transition—which share competitive, rule-driven admissions (TEAS, GPA floors, prerequisites) spelled out on the official program pages and nursing handbook.
If you want a community-college price schedule with clear residency tiers plus nursing differential fees, FDTC posts per-credit tuition, technology fees, and health-science course fees on its Tuition, Fees, and Payment page.
First-time NCLEX-RN (ADN) and NCLEX-PN pass rates for South Carolina programs are published by the South Carolina Board of Nursing (LLR) in downloadable tables linked from the Board’s NCLEX Statistics page. FDTC also posts an ADN/PN Board Scores summary on its nursing pages. For institution-level licensure results reported to CHE, see FDTC’s Student Achievement Data page (methodology note below).
Reasons students choose Florence-Darlington Technical College
ACEN-backed ADN (NCLEX-RN eligibility)
The ADN program maintains ACEN accreditation with a published evaluation cycle extending to Spring 2030 per FDTC’s nursing program page—useful if you want an associate route to RN licensure with transparent board approvals.
LPN → RN without leaving the Pee Dee
The Nursing Transition track is built for currently licensed South Carolina LPNs who meet additional prerequisites and experience requirements, keeping advanced placement nursing education local.
Practical Nursing diploma pathway
A shorter diploma sequence (48 credits / ~16 months per FDTC) prepares graduates for NCLEX-PN, giving a foothold in nursing before RN bridge options.
Published TEAS benchmarks
FDTC lists ATI TEAS “Proficient” minimums for each track on its website—helpful for applicants who want predictable testing targets before submitting a selective-program packet.
Nursing Programs Offered
FDTC lists the following nursing credentials under its Nursing & Allied Health program search. This guide focuses on the three nursing programs below; refer to the 2025–2026 catalog addendum for codes, prerequisites, and policy updates.
Associate Degree Nursing (ADN)
Associate in Applied Science, 68 credits, about 24 months (day) per FDTC. Graduates may apply for NCLEX-RN. ACEN accreditation and South Carolina Board of Nursing approval are noted on the public nursing program page.
Nursing Transition (LPN to ADN)
Built for LPNs with a current South Carolina license who complete transition prerequisites and meet experience rules on the Nursing Transition Track page. Awards the same AAS nursing credential and NCLEX-RN eligibility as the generic ADN track.
Practical Nursing Diploma
Diploma in Applied Science, 48 credits, three semesters (~16 months) per FDTC. Prepares students for NCLEX-PN; approval is through the South Carolina Board of Nursing as stated on the Practical Nursing page.
Admission rules, course sequencing, and progression standards can change every cycle. Before you apply, match this summary against the Student Nursing Handbook and the registrar’s catalog copy.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
NCLEX-RN (ADN): South Carolina’s Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation publishes first-time NCLEX pass data by program type. Download the NCLEX – RN ADN passing rate PDF linked from the Board’s NCLEX Statistics page and locate the row for Florence-Darlington Technical College (naming may match the PDF exactly). This is the authoritative place to quote a program-specific, first-time NCLEX-RN pass percentage for the ADN track.
NCLEX-PN: Practical Nursing graduates should use the companion NCLEX – PN Passing Rate PDF from the same statistics hub. Because PDFs are refreshed on the Board’s schedule, we point you to the official file rather than echoing a percentage that may be one revision behind.
Supplemental school disclosure: FDTC’s nursing program pages link an ADN/PN Board Scores PDF that summarizes historical board performance for applicants who want a single FDTC-hosted document.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN (ADN) first-time pass rate | See the current South Carolina Board of Nursing NCLEX-RN ADN PDF for Florence-Darlington Technical College. |
| NCLEX-PN first-time pass rate | See the South Carolina Board of Nursing NCLEX-PN PDF. |
| Institution-level licensure exams (context) | FDTC’s consumer information page reproduces a CHE/SCTCS table for April 1, 2022–March 31, 2023 showing 86.82% of 129 first-time testers passing aggregated licensure exams reported through the CHE cycle. This is not a substitute for the Board’s NCLEX-RN-specific ADN row—use it only as a high-level FDTC snapshot. |
| Source | South Carolina Board of Nursing — NCLEX Statistics; FDTC Student Achievement Data. Confirm cohort years with the Board and FDTC Nursing. |
NCLEX outcomes change by cohort and PDF edition. Always confirm the latest first-time pass rates with the South Carolina Board of Nursing and FDTC before you choose a start term.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
Requirements for international students and internationally educated nurses vary by institution and state. Use the points below as a checklist; verify everything with Florence-Darlington Technical College and the South Carolina Board of Nursing.
- English-language proficiency: TOEFL, IELTS, or other requirements and minimum scores for this school.
- Transcript / credential evaluation: WES, CGFNS, or other evaluators required by the school.
- South Carolina Board of Nursing: For RN licensure (with or without a U.S. degree), confirm NCLEX eligibility and document requirements with the Board.
- Immigration & visa: Program eligibility for F-1 or other visa types and impact on clinical placements.
Policies change frequently. Verify with Florence-Darlington Technical College’s international office and the South Carolina Board of Nursing.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
FDTC nursing programs are selective-access. Public FAQ blocks on the ADN, PN, and Transition pages list prerequisite courses, biology repeat/age rules, TEAS score minimums, GPA thresholds, and a requirement to attend an in-person Career Talk before applying. Always download the latest Student Nursing Handbook because numerical cut scores can shift when ATI updates “Proficient” level definitions.
Application timeline
| Entry Term | Deadline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Upcoming nursing cycle (example) | Apr 1 – May 15, 2026 (listed on FDTC events calendar) | FDTC published a “Nursing and Allied Health Application Period” spanning these dates; confirm the active window for your intended cohort on Campus Life → Events. |
| Other terms | Not publicly disclosed in a single static table | Watch the nursing events calendar, Visix screens, and FDTC social posts—the Career Talk and application announcements are distributed the same way. |
Admissions snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | Not publicly disclosed |
| Minimum GPA (ADN generic track) | 2.75 program GPA / 2.0 cumulative GPA with prerequisite grades of “C” or better per ADN FAQ. |
| Minimum GPA (PN) | 2.0 program GPA / 2.0 cumulative GPA per Practical Nursing FAQ. |
| TEAS | Required. ADN (generic): Overall 65.3, Reading 69.2, Math 64.7, English 63.6, Science 54.5 (Proficient). PN: Overall 58.7, Reading 69.2, Science 54.5 (Proficient). Transition: Same Proficient profile as ADN with expanded prerequisites; also requires SC LPN license + one year of practice. |
| TEAS attempts | Up to four attempts per year, 30-day gap, scores valid four years (per FDTC nursing FAQs). |
| Biology freshness | BIO courses may be no older than five years at application; limited repeats—see FAQ for details. |
Honest tip: Build your plan around the TEAS “Proficient” profile before you spend money on Nursing application fees—FDTC publishes the numeric thresholds explicitly, so there is little guesswork if you read the ADN vs PN FAQ blocks carefully.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
FDTC posts tuition by credit hour and residency tier on its Tuition, Fees, and Payment page (SC Technical College System rates). Nursing adds a $50/credit hour differential for both the ADN and Practical Nursing programs, and most nursing courses also fall under the $60/credit hour Health Sciences Education Course Fee plus the $10/credit hour technology fee. Build a conservative estimate by stacking base tuition + nursing differential + course/technology fees, then add books, uniforms, immunizations, and travel to clinical sites.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Base tuition (examples) | Florence / Darlington / Marion counties $185 per credit · Other South Carolina residents $196 · Out-of-state $274 · International students $363 (must establish residency ≥1 year before term start for in-state tiers). |
| Nursing differential | $50 per credit hour additional for ADN and Practical Nursing (FDTC differential tuition table). |
| Common fees (selected) | Activity fee $50/term; Technology fee $10/credit; Health Sciences course fee $60/credit (see FDTC table for exclusions). |
| Program credit totals (planning) | ADN & Transition: 68 credits per FDTC · Practical Nursing: 48 credits. |
| Source | FDTC Tuition, Fees, and Payment. Confirm current amounts with the Business Office (843-661-8311). |
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
Outcomes for FDTC nursing applicants fall into three buckets: (1) board pass rates summarized on this page via South Carolina LLR PDFs, (2) college-wide employment/placement statistics reported for graduate surveys, and (3) aggregate licensure testing figures collected in CHE reporting cycles. Treat each metric separately—placement and aggregate licensure percentages are not interchangeable with NCLEX-RN ADN cohort data.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN (ADN) & NCLEX-PN | Use SC Board of Nursing PDFs linked in the NCLEX section for cohort-specific, program-level pass rates. |
| CHE-reported first-time licensure exams (FDTC) | April 1, 2022–March 31, 2023: 86.82% (112 passed / 129 first-time testers) per the FDTC consumer information page citing SCTCS/CHE cycle data. |
| Graduate placement (examples) | FDTC’s Student Achievement Data page lists 85.14% placement (550 / 646) for the 2021–22 graduate survey cohort and multi-year headline percentages in the high 80s–90s for earlier cycles—confirm definitions (employed vs continuing education) in the source table. |
| Source | FDTC Student Achievement Data; SC Board of Nursing NCLEX Statistics. |
Is Florence-Darlington Technical College the Right Fit for You?
FDTC fits learners who want an SC public technical college price structure, can meet TEAS Proficient targets, and plan to stay in-region for PN or ADN clinical assignments. It is rarely the right first stop for applicants seeking an entry BSN on the same campus—those students typically bridge after RN licensure.
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Prefer APPLIED SCIENCE nursing diplomas/degrees with ACEN oversight on the ADN and transparent Board of Nursing approval statements.
- Already live in Florence, Darlington, or Marion counties and can access the lowest posted tuition tier.
- Want a Practical Nursing credential first, then a structured LPN-to-ADN transition while maintaining a South Carolina license.
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Need an on-campus Bachelor of Science in Nursing without first completing RN licensure elsewhere.
- Cannot commit to daytime intensive clinical schedules—or are unable to attend mandatory in-person Career Talk sessions.
- Expect guaranteed clinical placements at a single named hospital; assignments vary and are controlled by program capacity and agency contracts.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Florence anchors the Pee Dee region’s referral network. Large employers such as McLeod Health and MUSC Health Florence Medical Center help concentrate inpatient volume, while community hospitals, long-term care operators, and outpatient clinics dot Darlington, Marion, and surrounding counties. FDTC nursing students should expect a mix of rural and urban experiences—actual affiliate agreements rotate over time.
| Facility / system | Relevance |
|---|---|
| McLeod Health (Florence) | Major regional health system headquartered in Florence; common reference point for Pee Dee clinical careers. |
| MUSC Health Florence Medical Center | Academic-community partner presence in Florence offering tertiary services for the region. |
| Regional long-term & outpatient care | Practical Nursing graduates often launch careers in skilled nursing and physician practices—align employer research with SC license data from LLR Nurse Lookup. |
Student Experience & Campus Life
Nursing & Allied Health programs advertise delivery at FDTC’s Health Science Campus, with didactic, lab, and clinical components spanning several semesters. Student life still reflects a commuter-heavy technical college: many learners balance work and family, relying on advising, the testing center (TEAS), tutoring, and PDRTA transit partnerships highlighted on fdtc.edu. Review the nursing handbook for skills lab expectations, uniform codes, and clinical professionalism standards.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Florence, SC
- Address
- 2715 W. Lucas Street, Florence, SC 29502-0548, US
- Telephone
- +1-843-661-8324 (main) · 800-228-5745 (toll-free)
- Admissions
- 843-661-8289 · admissions@fdtc.edu
- Website
- fdtc.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Visit the official Florence-Darlington Technical College ADN page, download the Student Nursing Handbook, and add the ADN/PN Board Scores PDF to your research folder.
- Review the prerequisite course list in the school catalog and compare it to your transcripts.
- If required, register for the TEAS, HESI, or other entrance exam. Confirm on the admissions page which test and minimum scores apply for your target semester.
- Draft a list of questions for an admissions counselor or the nursing program advising office.
- Reach out to current nursing students or alumni (e.g. via LinkedIn) to ask about clinical experiences and satisfaction.
- Draft talking points for any future nursing program interview or essay prompts (FDTC’s selective programs may use structured application materials—confirm with admissions).
- Check the application deadline for your target term and set reminders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Florence-Darlington Technical College award a BSN degree?
No. FDTC offers an Associate in Applied Science for ADN (NCLEX-RN) and Nursing Transition graduates and a Diploma in Applied Science for Practical Nursing (NCLEX-PN). Students who want a BSN typically pursue RN licensure first, then an RN-to-BSN program at a four-year partner—confirm articulation with FDTC advising.
Where should I look first for Florence-Darlington Technical College NCLEX pass rates?
Use the South Carolina Board of Nursing NCLEX Statistics PDFs for ADN RN and PN cohorts. FDTC’s ADN/PN Board Scores PDF is a helpful secondary reference. Confirm the newest reporting year before you compare schools.
What TEAS scores does FDTC require for ADN compared with Practical Nursing?
Per FDTC’s public FAQs (2025–2026 handbook era), generic ADN applicants need ATI TEAS Proficient subscores: Overall 65.3, Reading 69.2, Math 64.7, English 63.6, Science 54.5. Practical Nursing lists Overall 58.7, Reading 69.2, Science 54.5 at Proficient. Transition-track students use the ADN profile but must also meet LPN experience and additional coursework rules.
How much is tuition per credit at Florence-Darlington Technical College for nursing?
FDTC (2025–2026 schedule on its tuition page) lists $185/credit for Florence, Darlington, and Marion county residents, $196 for other in-state residents, $274 out-of-state, and $363 for international students—before the $50/nursing-credit differential and mandatory fees such as the $10 technology fee and $60 health-sciences course fee. Multiply by 68 credits (ADN) or 48 credits (PN) only as a rough planner; electives and repeats change totals.
Does the Nursing Transition program at FDTC require work experience?
Yes. The transition FAQ states applicants need an unencumbered South Carolina LPN license and at least one year of practice as an LPN, alongside higher prerequisite and GPA expectations than the generic ADN track.
Is FDTC’s Associate Degree Nursing program accredited?
FDTC publishes ACEN accreditation status with historical and future site-visit dates on the ADN and transition pages. Practical Nursing is described as approved (not ACEN-accredited) by the South Carolina Board of Nursing. Always verify current status with ACEN, LLR, and FDTC before enrolling.
How often can I retake the TEAS for Florence-Darlington Technical College nursing admissions?
FDTC allows up to four attempts per year with at least 30 days between attempts; scores remain valid for four years. Details appear identically on the ADN and PN FAQ sections.
When is the next Florence-Darlington Technical College nursing application window?
FDTC’s public events calendar listed a nursing application period of April 1 through May 15 for the 2026 cycle. Application dates move annually—treat the calendar listing as the source of truth and corroborate with nursing advisement.
References
- Florence Darlington Technical College — ADN programfdtc.edu/academics/programs/nursing
- FDTC — Tuition, Fees, and Paymentfdtc.edu/tuition-fees-and-payment
- FDTC — Student Achievement / licensure outcomesfdtc.edu/…/student-achievement-data
- South Carolina Board of Nursing — NCLEX statisticsllr.sc.gov/nurse/stats.aspx
- South Carolina LLR — NCLEX-RN ADN PDFNCLEXRNPassRate.pdf
- South Carolina LLR — NCLEX-PN PDFNCLEXPNPassRate.pdf
- National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)ncsbn.org
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Registered Nursesbls.gov/ooh
Editorial Standards & Review
About the author: Francesco Di Siena, RN, writes evidence-based nursing education guides for NurseOnShift.
Review: This page was reviewed by Araceli Collado, RN, focusing on FDTC tuition tables, TEAS/GPA disclosures, ACEN vs SC BON approval language, and correct sourcing for South Carolina NCLEX PDFs versus aggregate CHE licensure figures.
Disclaimer: This page is for general reference only. It does not constitute professional, admissions, or financial advice. Requirements, deadlines, tuition, and policies change; always verify with the institution and the South Carolina Board of Nursing.
Published: 2026-03-31 · Last reviewed: March 31, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy