South Dakota Nursing Schools And Programs

Q: How much do nurses make in South Dakota?

In South Dakota, the average salary for RNs is $60,960, and for NPs it's $103,080. According to Indeed.com as of April 2022, nurses with less than one year of experience make an average of $167,380 annually. Nurses with more than 10 years of experience earn $218,760.

Q: Are nurses in demand in South Dakota?

Nurses are in very high demand in South Dakota, and demand continues to rise. Even before COVID-19, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services projected a shortage of 1,900 nurses from 2014-2030. Some employers now offer high signing bonuses and employ travel nurses.

[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses are in high demand in South Dakota. Find out the best nursing program in South Dakota for your goals and background and how earn a license. This guide also describes job and salary prospects in the state.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]The Best Nursing Schools in South Dakota[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]There are three fully approved nursing schools in South Dakota that offer an [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/adn/”]associate degree in nursing[/hen-ui-link] (ADN) and two more with interim approval. For a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/bsn/”]bachelor of science in nursing[/hen-ui-link] (BSN), there are seven fully accredited nursing programs in South Dakota.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Our Methodology[/hen-ui-text]: We use a [hen-ui-link href=”/methodology/”]data-driven methodology[/hen-ui-link] to rank the best nursing schools in South Dakota, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.[/hen-ui-text]

We use trusted sources like Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools. from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.

Lake Area Technical College

Watertown, SD
2 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Lake Area Technical Institute runs one of the best nursing schools in South Dakota. The school offers a licensed practical nurse (LPN) program that students can complete on campus or online. Learners can enroll full time or part time. The full-time track starts each August and takes 11 months to complete. The part-time track starts in January and takes 22 months to complete.

Degree-seekers learn how to care for many patient types, including pediatric, surgical, and geriatric patients. Graduates can enroll in LATI's registered nurse program, one of the best nursing programs in South Dakota.

Program: LPN
Campus: Watertown
Type: Public
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Tuition: $124 per credit
Admission Requirements: Complete ATI TEAS exam; minimum 2.5 GPA; and complete all prerequisite courses
Minimum Time Commitment: 11 months
On-Campus Requirements: No
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 96.72%

46%

Online Enrollment

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

84%

Retention Rate

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: N/A

Students Enrolled: 2,228

Institution Type: Public

Mitchell Technical Institute

Mitchell, SD
2 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Mitchell Technical Institute's licensed practical nurse (LPN) program focuses on the art and science of nursing. Learners can complete the program in 12 months.

Enrollees learn how to care for different patient types, including obstetrical, psychiatric, and geriatric patients. MTI does not require prerequisite classes to apply. Students complete these classes after they enroll.

Program: LPN
Campus: Watertown
Type: Public
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Tuition: $124 per credit
Admission Requirements: ACT score of 18 or above in all sections or ACCUPLACER equivalent; minimum 2.5 GPA; TEAS Exam composite score of 62% or higher
Minimum Time Commitment: 12 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes

23%

Online Enrollment

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

83%

Retention Rate

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: N/A

Students Enrolled: 1,162

Institution Type: Public

Mount Marty College

Yankton, SD
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Nurses who want to advance their career can consider Mount Marty University's master of science in nursing (MSN) program. Enrollees can choose a family nurse practitioner (FNP) track or an FNP postgraduate certificate program.

Degree-seekers work in rural and underserved communities to provide care to those who need it most. The programs include online and on-campus classes.

Program: MSN
Campus: Watertown
Type: Private
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Tuition: $635 per credit
Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree in nursing from a program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education; minimum 3.0 GPA; current RN license with at least one year (two years preferred) of professional RN practice; three recommendation letters
Minimum Time Commitment: 6 semesters
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $169,590

34%

Online Enrollment

$6,825

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

72%

Retention Rate

$6,825

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 72%

Students Enrolled: 1,049

Institution Type: Private

Sinte Gleska University

Mission, SD
4 year
Campus
Accredited

Sinte Gleska University runs one of the best nursing schools in South Dakota. Learners can choose from many options, including an associate of applied science (AAS) in licensed practical nursing and a certificate of licensed practical nursing. SGU also offers certified nursing assistant and medication aide certification.

The AAS program includes practical clinicals. Students learn how to provide patient care from a holistic and deeply cultural approach.

Program: AAS
Campus: Mission
Type: Public
Accreditations: Higher Learning Commission
Tuition: $1,320 per semester
Admission Requirements: ACT score of 18 or higher or complete the Accuplacer Test; completed first year LPN prerequisite classes with a "B" average; minimum 3.0 GPA; and maintain a current CNA or medication aide license
Minimum Time Commitment: 6 semesters
On-Campus Requirements: Yes

N/A

Online Enrollment

$1,500

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

100%

Retention Rate

$1,500

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: N/A

Students Enrolled: 549

Institution Type: Public

South Dakota State University

Brookings, SD
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Ranked among the best nursing schools in South Dakota, South Dakota State University offers four postgraduate certificates in nursing. Students can pursue a clinical nurse leader, nurse educator, family nurse practitioner (FNP), or psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) certificate. All programs run online except for the FNP program, which uses a hybrid format.

The FNP and PMHNP certificates let students with a master's or doctorate in nursing qualify for certification in their respective specialty.

Program: Postgraduate certificates in nursing
Campus: Brookings
Type: Public
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Tuition: $340 per credit for in-state learners; $648 per credit for out-of-state learners
Admission Requirements: Current RN license; bachelor's or master's degree in nursing with a minimum 3.0 GPA from an accredited institution; and 1,500 hours of documented nursing practice experience before the first clinical course
Minimum Time Commitment: Varies by program
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 92.4%

38%

Online Enrollment

$ 8,083

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

78%

Retention Rate

$15,541

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 90%

Students Enrolled: 11,512

Institution Type: Public

University of South Dakota

Vermillion, SD
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Students researching nursing programs in South Dakota can explore several options at the University of South Dakota. USD offers an on-campus bachelor of science in nursing (BSN), an on-campus LPN-to-BSN, and an online RN-to-BSN.

Enrollees benefit from an 11-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio. Small classes mean students receive personalized attention, mentoring, and advising. Degree-seekers must complete at least one year at USD before applying to the nursing program.

Program: BSN
Campus: Vermillion
Type: Public
Accreditations: Higher Learning Commission
Tuition: $7,773 for 30 credits for in-state learners; $11,283 for 30 credits for out-of-state learners
Admission Requirements: Students should contact an academic advisor for specific program requirements
Minimum Time Commitment: 120 hours
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 90.8%
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $57,690

50%

Online Enrollment

$ 6,062

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

78%

Retention Rate

$11,656

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 86%

Students Enrolled: 9,920

Institution Type: Public

Dakota Wesleyan University

Mitchell, SD
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Dakota Wesleyan University offers one of the best nursing programs in South Dakota. The bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program includes classes like health concepts and pharmacology for nursing care.

DWU trains nurses in a liberal arts setting. Learners complete this 124-credit program on campus. The program takes four years to complete and prepares graduates for the NCLEX exam.

Program: BSN
Campus: Mitchell
Type: Public
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Tuition: $1,023 per credit
Admission Requirements: ACT score of 19 or above or SAT score of 900 or above; minimum 2.7 GPA; 3.0 GPA in nursing prerequisite classes
Minimum Time Commitment: 4 years
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $57,600

15%

Online Enrollment

$14,400

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

65%

Retention Rate

$14,400

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 67%

Students Enrolled: 880

Institution Type: Private

[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Choose a Nursing Program in South Dakota[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you plan to attend nursing school in South Dakota, consider which degree you want (ADN or BSN) and the school’s cost and your financial aid options. Also, consider the program quality and reputation, the NCLEX pass rate, school size, and the acceptance and graduation rates.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you will be attending an online or hybrid nursing school in South Dakota, make sure you can get [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//clinical-experience-for-online-nursing-students/”]clinical placement for online nursing students[/hen-ui-link] in your own community.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This guide only lists [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//what-is-accreditation/”]accredited nursing programs[/hen-ui-link], because of the high risks in attending an unaccredited program.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Why Become a Nurse in South Dakota[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://projectionscentral.org/” target=”_blank”]The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects[/hen-ui-link] a 13% job growth rate from 2022-2032 for registered nurses in Sourth Dakota, much higher than the national average growth of 6% for RNs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing school costs in South Dakota are less than average, helping you save on tuition. The [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.usd.edu/admissions/tuition-and-fees” target=”_blank”]University of South Dakota[/hen-ui-link] has one of the nation’s lowest out-of-state rates for four-year public programs at $12,940.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In addition, South Dakota is a [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//nursing-compact-states/”]Nurse Licensure Compact[/hen-ui-link] (NLC) state, so once you graduate from nursing school in South Dakota, you can apply for a multistate license valid in any of the 37 participating states. The NCLEX-RN pass rate is 92.4%, well above the national average of 86.6%.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]South Dakota is home to some of the most spectacular scenery in the country, including the legendary Black Hills and Badlands. If you want to work with [hen-ui-link href=”https://doh.sd.gov/providers/ruralhealth/shortage.aspx” target=”_blank”]under-served populations[/hen-ui-link], South Dakota is home to two of the most impoverished Native American reservations. Nurses working in these areas are eligible for [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//student-loan-forgiveness-for-nurses/”]loan forgiveness[/hen-ui-link] or [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//financial-aid/nursing-scholarships/”]scholarships[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in South Dakota[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In South Dakota, the average salary for RNs is 69,030, which is lower than the RN national average salary of about $94,000, according to the BLS. NPs in the state earn higher average salaries of $120,980, but this figure also trails behind the national average NP salary of about $128,000.[/hen-ui-text] While salaries may be lower, South Dakota’s [hen-ui-link href=”https://meric.mo.gov/data/cost-living-data-series” target=”_blank”]cost of living index is 92[/hen-ui-link], which is also lower than the national index of 100 [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Highest-Paying Cities for Nurses in South Dakota[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]With the rise in remote work and employees looking for cities with high quality of life and lower costs of living, South Dakota’s population is growing. In 2021, SmartAsset rated Sioux Falls as the best city for young professionals, driven by low rent, unemployment rates, and a high number of entertainment options.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you like outdoor recreation and access to stunning scenery, you can find amazing hiking in Badlands National Park and the Black Hills, both within driving distance of bigger cities.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-caption]Highest-Paying Cities[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Top Paying Metropolitan Areas[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Median Salary for RNs[/hen-ui-table-head] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Sioux Falls[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$61,770[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Rapid City[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$61,540[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Sioux City[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$60,160[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table] Source: BLS [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Steps to Becoming a Nurse in South Dakota[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/registered-nursing/rn-licensing-requirements-by-state/”]All states require registered nurses[/hen-ui-link] to have a degree from an accredited nursing school, a passing grade on the applicable national examination, and a criminal background check. Most require continuing education to renew a license, but South Dakota is one of the few that requires active employment as a nurse instead.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]RN Requirements[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To earn an [hen-ui-link href=”/registered-nursing/”]RN license[/hen-ui-link] in South Dakota, you must graduate from an ADN or a BSN program, [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nclex/things-to-know-about-the-nclex-exam/”]pass the NCLEX-RN examination[/hen-ui-link], and complete a criminal background check with fingerprinting.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you attended a nursing program in South Dakota, the [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//what-is-the-role-of-the-state-board-of-nursing/”]state board of nursing[/hen-ui-link] will automatically receive your transcripts. Otherwise, you must have an official copy sent. The application fee is $100, and you can pay $25 for a temporary license if you have submitted all paperwork and completed a background check.[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]APRN Requirements[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]For an [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/advanced-practice-nursing/”]advanced practice registered nurse[/hen-ui-link] (APRN) license, you need an active and unencumbered South Dakota or multistate RN license, an accredited [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/msn/”]master of science in nursing[/hen-ui-link] or a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/dnp//”]doctor of nursing practice[/hen-ui-link] degree, board certification in your specialty, and complete a background check. The [hen-ui-link href=”https://doh.sd.gov/documents/CNPExamLicensureInstructionsApp10.2021.pdf” target=”_blank”]South Dakota nursing board[/hen-ui-link] requires NPs to have a minimum of 1,040 hours of practice as an NP or to work in collaboration with a licensed physician or NP. The fee is $100.[/hen-ui-text]

[/hen-ui-grid] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ style=”margin-top:2em”]Other Top Nursing Programs and Resources[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-grid columns=”1″ columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [hen-ui-article-card title=”Nurse Practitioner Practice Authority: A State-by-State Guide” href=”/nurse-practitioner/np-practice-authority-by-state//” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card] [hen-ui-article-card title=”Post-Pandemic Nursing Shortage: What It Means for Aspiring Nurses” href=”/articles/post-pandemic-nursing-shortage/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card] [hen-ui-article-card title=”Top North Dakota Nursing Schools and Programs” href=”https://nursejournal.org/state/north-dakota/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card] [hen-ui-article-card title=”Top South Dakota Nursing Schools and Programs” href=”https://nursejournal.org/state/south-dakota/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card] [/hen-ui-grid] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ style=”margin-top:2em”]Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in South Dakota[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-separator /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-icon icon=”circle-help” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]How much do nurses make in South Dakota?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]RNs in South Dakota earn an average annual salary of around $69,000, while NPs in the state earn a higher average annual salary of about $120,000.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-icon icon=”circle-help” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]Are nurses in demand in South Dakota?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses are in very high demand in South Dakota. The BLS projects that RN jobs in the state will grow 13% from 2022-2032, which is much higher than the average 6% growth for RNs nationwide.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-icon icon=”circle-help” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]How long does it take to become an RN in South Dakota?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]It takes two years to earn an ADN and four years for a BSN degree. The state board of nursing processes completed applications in about 10 working days. You can receive a temporary license once your application and criminal background check are completed.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-icon icon=”circle-help” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]How do I get a nursing license in South Dakota?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You must have an ADN or a BSN from an accredited nursing school in South Dakota or another state, pass the NCLEX-RN examination, and complete a criminal background check. If you have a multistate license, you are eligible to practice in South Dakota, since it is an NLC state.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Find Nursing Programs in Other States[/hen-ui-heading]

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