Beaufort, South Carolina, October 10, 2025
News Summary
The University of South Carolina Beaufort has been awarded a $3.8 million grant to combat the state’s significant nursing shortage, which stands at 28%. This funding will focus on helping nursing students, particularly from rural areas, by providing scholarships and resources like tutoring and mentoring. The initiative aims to increase yearly nursing graduates and prepare them to meet healthcare demands, especially for underserved populations in South Carolina.
Beaufort, South Carolina – The University of South Carolina Beaufort has been awarded a significant four-year grant of $3.8 million to tackle the critical nursing shortage that South Carolina is currently facing. The state is grappling with a 28% nursing shortage, which is one of the highest in the nation, highlighting an urgent need for healthcare professionals to provide care to its growing population.
U.S. Representative Nancy Mace has been vocal about the nursing crisis affecting the state, drawing attention to a worrying statistic: 14 counties lack OBGYN doctors. This shortage underscores the necessity of increasing the number of healthcare providers, particularly in rural and underserved regions of South Carolina.
Dr. Kim Dudas, the Provost at USCB, emphasized that the grant will primarily focus on investing in young people to help them graduate from nursing programs, thereby addressing the staffing shortfall in the state’s healthcare system. The funding aims to support nursing students in reaching their educational and employment aspirations, essentially reducing the financial burdens that often accompany these career paths.
The grant will provide scholarships to assist nursing students with financial burdens associated with their training and certification. Many of these students are first-generation college attendees or need to maintain full-time jobs while studying, making financial aid essential. In support of these students, the grant will also offer various resources such as tutoring, peer mentoring, educational workshops, and expanded clinical partnerships. Furthermore, a 12-month transition to practice program will be instituted to help facilitate their entry into the workforce.
Eligibility for the grant is limited to South Carolina residents, encouraging graduates to work within the state. Currently, USCB has over 100 nursing students enrolled and anticipates a growth in this number due to the new grant support. The nursing program aims to enhance its graduation rates from 42 to 72 nurses annually with the additional resources provided through the grant.
These funds will also be directed towards covering stipends for nursing students, who often struggle with managing college and living expenses. The aim is to enhance training opportunities for the healthcare workforce particularly in the Bluffton and Beaufort communities.
As part of the initiative, USCB’s nursing program will introduce courses specifically designed for addressing the needs of the rapidly growing aging population. This strategic focus is intended to prepare nursing graduates to meet current and future healthcare demands.
The nursing program at USCB is notable for its exceptional educational standards, holding a 100% pass rate for the NCLEX-RN licensure examination. The institution has also formed a beneficial partnership with Beaufort Memorial Hospital to bolster nursing education and future job placements for graduates.
In July 2024, a $2.8 million training center is set to open, further supporting nursing education through partnerships with various community stakeholders. This state-of-the-art training center will include simulation labs that replicate real hospital environments to provide hands-on training for nursing students and hospital staff alike. Through the use of simulation technologies, nursing students will have the opportunity to practice their clinical skills in an immersive and practical learning setting.
Summary of Grant’s Impact
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Grant Amount | $3.8 million |
| Focus Areas | Rural and underserved regions of South Carolina |
| Projected Nurse Graduates per Year | Increase from 42 to 72 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate | 100% |
| Training Center Cost | $2.8 million |
FAQ
What is the main purpose of the grant awarded to USC Beaufort?
The main purpose of the grant is to address the significant nursing shortage in South Carolina, particularly focusing on supporting nursing students from rural and underserved areas.
How much funding is provided by the grant?
The grant provides a total of $3.8 million over a four-year period.
What resources will the grant offer to nursing students?
Resources include scholarships, financial support, tutoring, peer mentoring, workshops, expanded clinical partnerships, and a 12-month transition to practice program.
Are there any additional training facilities being established?
Yes, a $2.8 million training center is scheduled to open in July 2024, featuring simulation labs designed for nursing students and hospital staff to practice clinical skills.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
USC Beaufort Nursing Program Secures $3.8 Million Grant
Vocational Education Gains Traction in Beaufort, SC
Beaufort County Faces Critical Medical Provider Shortage
New Nursing Program Launches at USCB’s PATH Center
Beaufort Memorial Hospital Opens PATH Career Development Center
New Nursing Training Facility Opens at Beaufort Memorial Hospital
Beaufort County Enhances Healthcare with New VA Clinic and Hospital
Beaufort Approves $73.1 Million Budget for Community Projects
Additional Resources
- Live 5 News
- SC Daily Gazette
- Bluffton Today
- Island Packet
- WJCL
- Wikipedia: Nursing in the United States
- Google Search: nursing shortage South Carolina
- Google Scholar: nursing education grants
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Nursing
- Google News: nursing shortage South Carolina
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
