If you’re looking to start a career as a Licensed Practical Nurse in the Greenville area, two strong options stand out: ECPI University and Tri-County Technical College. Whether you’re looking for an accelerated, tech-forward experience or an affordable, community-based program, both schools offer paths to LPN licensure with hands-on clinical training and flexible class schedules.
Not sure which is right for you? Keep reading to explore the key differences between these programs and decide which one best fits your goals, budget, and timeline.
ECPI University
ECPI University’s Practical Nursing diploma program at the Greenville, South Carolina campus offers an accelerated, hands-on path to becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). Designed to be completed in just 15 months, the program provides a blend of classroom instruction, simulation labs, and real-world clinical experiences. With day and evening class options available, this program supports students with different scheduling needs—ideal for adults balancing work or family obligations.
The curriculum focuses on core nursing concepts, from pharmacology and anatomy to medical-surgical and acute care nursing. Students will gain essential skills like administering medications, monitoring vital signs, and communicating effectively with patients and healthcare teams. Clinical rotations are an integral part of the program and may be scheduled during weekdays, evenings, or weekends, depending on facility availability.
The total tuition cost for the program is approximately $38,880, not including the $570 technology fee per semester. Textbooks are loaned at no cost, and students receive access to tech tools and support through the fee. Financial aid, scholarships, and military tuition assistance are available to help cover expenses.
Upon completion, graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN exam, a required step to becoming a licensed LPN in South Carolina. ECPI’s use of standardized testing tools throughout the program helps prepare students for this exam.
ECPI’s Greenville campus offers a structured, fast-paced route to a nursing career, with a strong emphasis on career readiness, exam preparation, and hands-on learning.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost | Approximately $9,720 per semester, totaling $38,880 for the 15-month program. Additional fees include a $570 technology fee per semester. Textbooks are provided at no cost during the program. |
| Duration | 15 months (approximately 60 weeks), divided into 4 semesters. |
| Class Schedules | Day classes: 4–5 days/week, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM. Evening classes: 4–5 evenings/week, 5:30 PM–10:30 PM, with some weekend sessions. Clinical hours may include day, evening, or weekend shifts. |
| Online Classes? | No, the Practical Nursing program is campus-based and requires in-person attendance for classes and clinical experiences. |
| Requirements | Applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent, meet minimum TEAS IV or V scores, and fulfill state-specific requirements, including background checks and physical health standards. |
| Location | 1001 Keys Dr. #100, Greenville, SC 29615 |
| Phone | 864.438.5018 or Toll-Free: 844.611.0627 |
| Website | https://www.ecpi.edu/locations/greenville-sc |
Tri-County Technical College
Tri-County Technical College (TCTC) in Easley offers a diploma in Practical Nursing that prepares students to become entry-level LPNs. This is a face-to-face program with both day and evening class options, making it accessible for working adults. The program is financial aid eligible, offers fall and spring semester entry, and includes a competitive clinical entry process. Tuition rates vary by residency, starting around $2,780 per semester for local students.
Program Overview
The Practical Nursing diploma program at TCTC is structured to give students the clinical and classroom experience they need to assist doctors and registered nurses in a variety of healthcare settings. Whether it’s helping patients with daily tasks, administering basic care like taking blood pressure, or reporting vital changes to an RN or physician, the training is designed to meet the realities of modern healthcare.
Students move through three semesters of coursework, covering everything from medical-surgical nursing to maternal and child care. Upon graduation, students are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-PN licensure exam.
Course Format and Scheduling
The program is offered in-person at the Easley campus and provides day and evening schedules, depending on student needs and faculty availability. Clinical training is built into the curriculum and must be completed in healthcare settings, which may require daytime, evening, or weekend availability.
Because TCTC runs on a semester system, new students can enter the Practical Nursing program during either the fall or spring semester, depending on seat availability.
Curriculum Breakdown
The Practical Nursing program consists of 48 credit hours that cover general education courses, nursing fundamentals, and hands-on clinical training. Here’s a look at what students will study:
- First Semester: Biology, English Composition, Intro to Medical-Surgical Nursing, Practical Nursing Skills
- Second Semester: Pharmacology, Intermediate Medical-Surgical Nursing (Levels II and III), Anatomy & Physiology I
- Third Semester: Maternal/Infant/Child Nursing, Special Topics, Anatomy & Physiology II, General Psychology, Statistics
The courses are designed to be sequential, meaning students must complete earlier nursing courses before progressing to more advanced ones.
Tuition and Fees
TCTC’s tuition is credit-hour based, with rates varying depending on where you live. For in-county students (Anderson, Oconee, Pickens), tuition starts at around $2,780 per semester for full-time study (12+ credits). Out-of-county South Carolina residents pay closer to $3,770, and out-of-state students can expect to pay approximately $7,385 per semester.
There is also a $800 clinical program fee per semester once students enter the clinical phase of their education. Other small fees like a $2 per credit hour student activity fee and $6 per credit hour tech fee are already bundled into tuition costs.
Admission Process
Admission to the program involves a multi-step process, including both general college admission and qualification for competitive clinical entry.
Prerequisites for Clinical Entry:
- Complete TCTC’s general enrollment process
- Attend the Online Pre-Nursing Workshop and submit verification
- Submit high school and college transcripts
- Minimum 2.0 GPA (TCTC GPA supersedes all others)
- Minimum 50% score on the ATI TEAS exam (can be taken twice per academic year)
- Completion of BIO 101 with a grade of “C” or higher (or currently enrolled)
- Courses BIO 101, BIO 210, and BIO 211 cannot be repeated more than twice and expire after five years
- Additional points are awarded for CNA certification, medical assisting certification, prior degrees, and local residency
Because entry is competitive, not all qualified students are guaranteed a seat. Points are awarded based on GPA, TEAS scores, previous certifications, and more.
Clinical Training and Requirements
Clinical work is an essential part of the program and begins after acceptance into the clinical phase. Students are required to:
- Carry professional liability insurance
- Submit to criminal background checks and drug screenings
- Show proof of personal health insurance (some clinical sites may require it)
- Provide immunization records, including MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis B, and an annual flu vaccine
- Maintain TB documentation
Students must also meet the college’s technical standards for physical and sensory ability, as nursing can be physically demanding.
Outcomes and Career Path
Upon completing the program, students are expected to demonstrate competency in therapeutic communication, application of the nursing process, and safe nursing practice. Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-PN, which is required for licensure as a Practical Nurse in South Carolina.
TCTC’s curriculum is aligned with state workforce needs, and the program specifically prepares students to enter long-term care facilities, outpatient centers, and hospitals.
Who Should Consider This School
Tri-County Technical College is a solid choice for students who want to become LPNs in South Carolina and prefer an affordable, community-based school. It’s especially ideal for those living in Anderson, Oconee, or Pickens counties, where tuition is lowest. The program’s face-to-face format, strong advising, and clear entry structure make it a good fit for focused learners who don’t mind a step-by-step admission process.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost | Approximately $2,780 per semester for in-county students; $800 per semester clinical fee |
| Duration | 3 semesters (Fall or Spring entry) |
| Class Schedules | Day and evening classes offered; clinicals may include weekends |
| Online Classes? | No, this is a face-to-face, in-person program |
| Requirements | – Minimum 2.0 GPA – TEAS score of 50% or higher – Completion of BIO 101 – Attend Online Pre-Nursing Workshop – Submit transcripts and meet placement testing requirements |
| Address | 1774 Powdersville Rd, Easley, SC 29642 |
| Phone | (864) 220-8888 |
| [email protected] (Health Education Admissions Liaison) | |
| Website | https://www.tctc.edu/programs/career-programs/nursing/ |
Our Thoughts: ECPI University vs. Tri-County Technical College for Practical Nursing
Choosing between ECPI University and Tri-County Technical College (TCTC) for your LPN training? Both offer solid education paths for aspiring licensed practical nurses, but they serve different kinds of students and come with their own strengths—and drawbacks. Here’s how we see it from a career expert’s perspective.
Speed vs. Cost
If finishing fast is your number one priority, ECPI University wins. The program is designed to be completed in just 15 months, thanks to its year-round scheduling. That’s perfect for students who are eager to jump into the workforce as quickly as possible. On the flip side, ECPI comes with a steep price tag: about $38,880 in tuition alone, plus a $570 technology fee per semester.
Tri-County Technical College, on the other hand, offers a much more affordable route—about $2,780 per semester for in-county students, plus an $800 clinical fee during the clinical phase. The total cost is significantly lower, even when adding general fees and books. However, the trade-off is a more traditional semester-based format, meaning it could take just as long (or slightly longer) depending on course availability and when you enter the program.
Structure and Admissions
Both programs are in-person only, but their admissions processes are very different.
ECPI’s admissions process is straightforward, with fewer academic prerequisites up front. It’s built to get students enrolled and moving quickly. That makes it appealing if you want a streamlined entry into nursing school and you’re ready to commit to an accelerated pace.
TCTC, by contrast, uses a competitive clinical entry model. Even after enrolling in the college and completing prerequisite coursework, you’ll still need to apply separately for a seat in the clinical portion of the program. This can be a hurdle for students who aren’t academically strong or who need more flexibility. But it also allows the school to maintain high standards and prioritize well-prepared applicants.
TCTC’s admission requirements include:
- Minimum 2.0 GPA
- 50%+ TEAS score
- Completion of BIO 101 (and others with time limits on grades)
- Online Pre-Nursing Workshop participation
This structure rewards students who are organized and disciplined but could be frustrating for those looking for a simpler entry point.
Learning Experience
Both schools emphasize hands-on training, but ECPI shines in its use of simulation labs and technology-integrated instruction, which is reflected in their additional tech fee. This can be especially beneficial for students who learn better with digital resources or who want a more modern educational setting.
TCTC leans more traditional and community-focused. The program is built with local workforce needs in mind and prepares students specifically for the types of LPN roles in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and clinics around the region. While the classroom setup is more conventional, the quality of education is highly respected in South Carolina.
Flexibility and Support
ECPI’s year-round, fast-paced schedule is best suited for highly motivated students who can dedicate full-time energy to the program. The school also supports working adults with day and evening classes, and some clinicals are available on weekends.
TCTC also offers flexible scheduling, including both day and evening classes, but it may take longer to complete depending on availability of seats in clinicals. The competitive entry process can cause delays if you’re not accepted right away, so patience and planning are key.
One area where TCTC really excels is in affordability and community alignment. Students from Anderson, Oconee, or Pickens counties get a big tuition break, making this a standout option for locals. The advising team is also known for being helpful and supportive—though it’s still up to the student to stay on top of deadlines.
NCLEX Preparation
Both schools prepare students for the NCLEX-PN licensure exam, which is required to become an LPN. ECPI puts a strong focus on standardized testing and readiness assessments throughout the program, and their pass rates are generally strong across campuses.
TCTC doesn’t advertise pass rate stats as prominently, but its curriculum is aligned with state standards and includes the core coursework necessary to prepare for licensure. The competitive admissions process helps ensure students who reach clinicals are capable of passing.
Bottom Line
Choose ECPI University if:
- You want a fast-tracked program that gets you into the workforce quickly
- You’re okay with paying a higher tuition for convenience and structure
- You value high-tech learning tools and simulation-based education
- You need flexibility with evening/weekend classes
Choose Tri-County Technical College if:
- Affordability is your top concern, especially if you’re a local resident
- You prefer a community college environment with strong local ties
- You’re organized and can manage a step-by-step clinical entry process
- You’re open to a slightly longer timeline in exchange for significantly lower cost
Final Thought
Both programs will qualify you to become a Licensed Practical Nurse. Your choice depends on how fast you want to get there, how much you’re able (or willing) to spend, and what kind of learning environment suits you best. Think carefully about your personal goals, financial situation, and timeline before committing. Either school could open the door to a meaningful and rewarding nursing career—just through very different paths.