What will I learn?

During this summer program, University of South Carolina College of Nursing faculty and Able SC staff will help you learn what nurses do every day. 

• Learn and practice important patient care skills such as hand washing, sterilization, injections, vital sign checks, assessments and use medical equipment.
• Meet nursing students and nurses with disabilities and listen to stories of challenges and successes.
• Learn about laws, accommodations, and assistive technologies that support nurses with disabilities.
• Explore varied nursing career pathways.
• Tour a local hospital to observe nurses in a real health care setting.

Will I live on campus?

Yes! NursAbility participants will check in on the USC campus the afternoon of Sunday, June 9 and check out the afternoon of Friday, June 14. The program includes all meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner), transportation, and all afternoon and evening activities. NursAbility students reside in an accessible university residence hall and experience student campus life alongside USC and Able SC counselors. 

Am I eligible to attend?

To be eligible for admission to the NursAbility Summer Immersion, applicants must:

• Identify as a person with a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). 
• Less than 18 years old at the time of the summer program (June 14 - 19, 2026).
• Rising ninth through twelfth graders at the time of the summer program, 
• Enrolled  in an accredited high school, charter school, or approved homeschool program.
• Demonstrate an interest in exploring a career in nursing or a related health profession.
• Demonstrate current or past academic excellence such as:
  • GPA equivalent to 3.25 or higher (on a 4.0 scale) OR 
  • Score at or above the 93rd percentile nationally in reasoning ability on a standardized aptitude test OR 
  • Score at or above the 94th percentile nationally on a standardized achievement test OR
  • Classified as gifted and talented based on a standard intelligence test.
• Participate in an online interview with members of the application review committee.
• Be able to participate in a 6-day, 5-night, overnight residential experience.
• Provide a recent report card or transcript.
• Parents or guardian consent for program participation and overnight stay on campus upon acceptance.
• Provide proof of health insurance coverage during program participation upon acceptance.

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Application Information

Apply online or email Ashely Gross, NursAbility Program Coordinator, for an accessible downloadable Word version of the application. You can submit your application anytime before February 28. We encourage you to apply early as space is limited.

What happens after I submit my application?

We will review applications as we receive them. Once your application is received, someone from the NursAbility team will contact you within five business days to schedule an interview online or by telephone. The interview team consists of USC Nursing faculty and Able SC staff.

How will I know if I am selected?

The selection team consists of USC Nursing faculty and Able SC staff. Space in the NursAbility Summer Immersion is limited. The NursAbility team will notify all selected applicants by March 15, 2026. Admissions decisions will be based on:

• Mets eligibility criteria.
• Completeness and quality of application materials.
• Expressed interest in nursing and healthcare careers.
• Commitment to learning and a career in healthcare as demonstrated through application and interview responses.