RN to BSN in South Dakota

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

Diana Hayes RN, MA
South Dakota Nurses Association 2014 Nurse Educator of the Year
Full-Time Nursing Instructor, Presentation College

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 Deadlines

Contact the Admissions Office at 800.333.8506
  • RN-BSN program is offered exclusively online.
  • Traditional ASN and BSN programs are also offered.
  • Access to state-of-the-art health sciences center that opened in 2013 is available to students.
 Online 1200 W University Ave
Mitchell, SD 57301

Mount Marty College
$ 338 per credit hour

Application Deadlines

September 15th
  • This school offers hybrid LPN, BSN and RN to BSN programs.
  • The on-campus nursing clinical lab offers an opportunity for practical experience.
 Hybrid 1105 W. 8th Street
Yankton, SD 57078

National American University

Application Deadlines

One Week Prior to the Start of Classes
  • BSN program is offered at the Sioux Falls Campus.
  • RN to BSN Program is offered exclusively online.
  • Tennessee residents are ineligible for the RN to BSN program.
 Online 5801 South Corporate Place
Sioux Falls, SD 57108-4293

Presentation College
$ 550 per credit hour

Application Deadlines

June 19th and October 30th
  • RN to BSN program is offered online.
  • Students are expected to complete the program within 18 months.
  • This school also offers an on-campus BSN program.
  • The program has been accredited through 2022.
 Online 1500 N Main
Aberdeen, SD 57401-1280

South Dakota State University
$ 145 per credit hour

Application Deadlines

Rolling Admissions

  • A traditional BSN program is also offered.
  • Graduate and doctoral programs in Nursing are available.
  • RN and LPN refresher courses are offered.
 Online Administration Lane
Brookings, SD 57007-1898

University of Sioux Falls
$ 330 per credit hour

Application Deadlines

Rolling Admission

  • RN to BSN program is offered exclusively online.
  • A traditional BSN program and an accelerated BSN program for students who have a degree in another discipline are available.
 Online 1101 W 22nd St
Sioux Falls, SD 57105-1699

University of South Dakota
$ 145 per credit hour

Application Deadlines

January 1st and July 1st
  • RN to BSN program is offered exclusively online.
  • BSN and ASN programs are offered on campus only.
  • Access to Nursing Center for Simulation and Interprofessional Education is available to students.
 Online 414 E Clark St
Vermillion, SD 57069-2390

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
Education

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.

Leadership

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.

Practice & Care

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.

Interprofessional Care

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.

Diversity

How are they improving diversity of the nursing workforce and care provided?

No specific plans announced.

Data

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.

m-img-nlc-states-2x

Nursing Employment Outlook

Nursing Supply and Demand Projections

Source: "The Future of the Nursing Workforce," US HRSA, accessed June 2015.

What Nurses Make on Average in Major Cities

Source: BLS OES, May 2013. Accessed May 2014. Some data not provided.

Additional Information


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