The current population of South Dakota is about 835,000, and there are about 20,000 registered nurses and nursing professionals working in the state. Salaries are slightly below national averages, with nursing assistants making $23,000 annually, and practical/vocational nurses making $35,000 per year. Registered nurses can earn $53,000 per year, and nurse practitioners round out the list at $88,000. The state of South Dakota is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which allows licensed nurses to work in 23 other states.
The University of South Dakota recently celebrated the first graduating nurses from its program, which began in 2013. The program was added to meet the increased need for nursing professionals in the state.
Featured South Dakota Nurse

One of our biggest online programs at Presentation College is our RN to BSN program. We are finding that many states are requiring their nurses to have a four-year nursing degree. The benefits of the four-year nursing degree (BSN) is that you receive a broader education and more earning potential. In other words, you have no limits. Whereas with a two-year nursing degree (ADN), it is limited to where you can practice. The advice that I’d give to students considering a BSN degree is to decide that is what you want to do and do it. There are many scholarships, grants and government loan repayment programs out there for you to take advantage of because of the shortage of nurses. Now is the time to reach for your dream.
RN-to-BSN Programs in South Dakota
We have compiled a comprehensive list of South Dakota’s RN to BSN programs. In the summaries below, you will find all the essential program information to help you easily narrow down your RN to BSN search. NCLEX-RN pass rates are as reported by the school.
Dakota Wesleyan University |
$
325
per credit hour
|
Application DeadlinesContact the Admissions Office at 800.333.8506 |
|
School Website | Online |
1200 W University Ave
Mitchell, SD 57301 |
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Mount Marty College |
$
338
per credit hour
|
Application DeadlinesSeptember 15th |
|
School Website | Hybrid |
1105 W. 8th Street
Yankton, SD 57078 |
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|
National American University |
Application DeadlinesOne Week Prior to the Start of Classes |
|
School Website | Online |
5801 South Corporate Place
Sioux Falls, SD 57108-4293 |
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Presentation College |
$
550
per credit hour
|
Application DeadlinesJune 19th and October 30th |
|
School Website | Online |
1500 N Main
Aberdeen, SD 57401-1280 |
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|
South Dakota State University |
$
145
per credit hour
|
Application DeadlinesRolling Admissions |
|
School Website | Online |
Administration Lane
Brookings, SD 57007-1898 |
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|
University of Sioux Falls |
$
330
per credit hour
|
Application DeadlinesRolling Admission |
|
School Website | Online |
1101 W 22nd St
Sioux Falls, SD 57105-1699 |
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|
University of South Dakota |
$
145
per credit hour
|
Application DeadlinesJanuary 1st and July 1st |
|
School Website | Online |
414 E Clark St
Vermillion, SD 57069-2390 |
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Please contact the RN to BSN program in South Dakota that you are interested in enrolling in to confirm details and to learn more. If you run an accredited RN to BSN program in South Dakota that is not listed above; please reach out to us with program information and proof of accreditation. Thank you!
State Commitment to RN to BSN Education Paths
The Future of Nursing campaign is a nationwide effort to bring the country up to the standards of nursing as outlined in the 2010 Institute of Medicine Report, The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health. As a part of the effort, South Dakota has formed a State Action Coalition with the singular objective of achieving the goals set forth by the campaign. Having at least 80% of the nursing workforce hold a BSN degree is an integral part of this initiative and we have outlined the ways in which South Dakota is actively progressing on this front.
- Education
- Leadership
- Practice & Care
- Interprofessional Care
- Diversity
- Data
What is being done to increase the number of South Dakota RN’s with a BSN?
The AC has set a goal that 80% of registered nurses will have a baccalaureate degree or higher
level by 2020.
Are students enrolled via identified promising models of education progression?
No.
What programs are being implemented to prepare nurses to lead change to advance health?
The AC works with partners to host leadership education sessions and has developed an action plan for engaging nursing students in leadership opportunities.
Is the Coalition working to remove barriers to RN level of care?
No.
Are they advancing state policy to remove barriers to care provided by APRNs?
Yes. Working with partner organizations, the AC helped establish a taskforce to examine APRN practice regulations and set legislative goals.
Is the state working to improve communication, transparency, and cooperation between healthcare providers?
The AC hosts summits and actively works to foster a culture of lifelong learning among state nurses.
How are they improving diversity of the nursing workforce and care provided?
No specific plans announced.
What steps are being taken to remove gaps in workforce and health care data?
The coalition is implementing licensure software programs that allow for the collection and retrieval of reliable
workforce data.
Source: Campaign for Action
For a detailed progress report and additional workgroup contact information, please see the South Dakota Action Coalition page and their Action Coalition Status Report (opens as PDF).
South Dakota Licensing
South Dakota is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). If you move to another state participating in the NLC (pictured in green), you can practice without getting a new license. For licensing information, visit the South Dakota Department of Health and Human Services.
Nursing Employment Outlook
Additional Information
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South Dakota Nursing Resources & Contact Information
View Info4305 South Louise Ave., Suite 201
Sioux Falls, SD 57106Phone: 605.362.2760
Fax: 605.362.2768PO Box 1015
105 S. Euclid Ave., Suite C
Pierre, SD 57501-1015Phone: (605) 945-4265
Fax: (888) 425-3032
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National Student Nurses’ Association (NSNA) Chapters in South Dakota
View Info
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State Health Departments and Organizations
View InfoRobert Hayes Building
600 E. Capitol Ave.
Pierre, SD 57501-2536
Other State RNtoBSN Information
Looking for other RN-BSN information in a nearby state? We’ve got you covered:
Idaho RNtoBSN Information
Montana RNtoBSN Information
North Dakota RNtoBSN Information
Wyoming RNtoBSN Information