Best Online Nursing Programs in South Dakota – 2025 Accredited RN to BSN Programs

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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At the heart of the Great Plains, the nursing profession and education face a formidable dilemma: recruiting nurses. Although this remains a global issue, South Dakota is at the frontlines of the struggle. SD ranks third among the U.S. states facing the highest demand for RNs, projecting a shortage of 14% by 2030 (Stacker, 2021). In its efforts to attract and retain professionals, the state has implemented proactive strategies, including accessible nursing programs in South Dakota.

For RNs, this opens doors to opportunities and propels their careers forward. Acquiring a BSN means that you can gain a deeper understanding of the profession and perform better patient care. Furthermore, it will be easier for you to obtain higher-level credentials and apply for specialized roles.

In this guide, our team lists five nursing programs in South Dakota and nearby states to help you pursue a BSN online. We also briefly discuss the program cost and details, the nursing application process, and employment factors to give an overview of the nursing landscape in the state.

Best Online Nursing Programs in South Dakota Table of Contents

• How to become a nurse in South Dakota?
• What is the typical cost of nursing programs in South Dakota?
• How long does it take to become a nurse in South Dakota?
• Can you become a nurse in South Dakota with an online degree?
• Online Nursing Programs in South Dakota for 2025
• Is South Dakota good for nurses?
• What are the essential steps to obtain a nursing license in South Dakota?
• What can I do with a nursing degree in South Dakota?
• What are the nursing pathways for career changers in South Dakota?
• What are the benefits of advanced nursing degrees?
• How can you choose the best online nursing program in South Dakota?
• How do accredited nursing schools in South Dakota ensure high-quality education?
• What steps should I take to advance into a nurse practitioner role in South Dakota?
• How can expanding my skillset to include administrative competencies benefit my nursing career in South Dakota?
• What are the pathways to become a nurse midwife in South Dakota?
• What advanced specialization opportunities can elevate my nursing career in South Dakota?
• What job placement and internship opportunities do South Dakota nursing programs offer?
• What are the advantages of accelerated LPN to RN bridge programs in South Dakota?
• How can I launch my LVN career in South Dakota?

How to become a nurse in South Dakota?

There are several ways to become a nurse in the state. For instance, you must complete a training and competency program to become a CNA. LPNs must finish a practical program while RN hopefuls should obtain a degree and pass the NCLEX to get a South Dakota nursing license. Meanwhile, APRNs must pursue a graduate degree, like the top RN to MSN online programs, and pass a certification exam.

It is also worth noting that while pursuing ADNs is a quick way to become an RN, a BSN is still the standard of RN nursing education. In South Dakota, 2022 NCLEX-RN takers who were BSN-educated fared better (87.8% pass rate) than ADN graduates (80.3%). Overall, the state has an 86.7% NCLEX-RN pass rate, higher than the average total of 79.9% (National Council of State Boards of Nursing, 2023).

What is the typical cost of nursing programs in South Dakota?

Thinking about how much nursing school tuition costs is important since high educational prices can potentially turn away BSN students. Most nursing programs in South Dakota charge around $250-$650 per credit hour for tuition and fees. There are affordable MSN programs, with some nursing schools offering the same tuition and fees regardless of residency. However, other online degrees may differ slightly depending on the institution and some additional fees for distance learning.

To compare, public four-year institutions in the state imposed an average of $9,290 for in-state and $12,830 for out-of-state tuition and fees in 2022-2023. Private institutions published higher costs, having a net price of $14,630 for tuition and fees during the same year (Ma & Pender, 2022).

How long does it take to become a nurse in South Dakota?

On average, a CNA training program can last four to 12 weeks. Moreover, it takes 12-18 months to complete an LPN program, one to three years for ADNs, and four years for BSNs. An additional year or less may be needed to prepare for and take the NCLEX-PN or RN exam. Becoming an APRN can take another two to three years. This is why fast-tracked nursing programs in South Dakota, such as NP accelerated programs, have become popular choices. Similarly, the cheapest online RN to BSN program lasts one to two years, providing nurses the opportunity to improve their abilities quickly.

These can last anywhere from less than a year to two years, helping nurses to acquire additional skills and attain better roles quicker than usual. Applying in areas with high job concentrations can also help expedite your employment. In South Dakota, Sioux Falls had one of the highest RN employments in the country in 2022, with a location quotient of 2.21 or 45.96 openings per thousand jobs (BLS, 2023a).

Can you become a nurse in South Dakota with an online degree?

South Dakota has an employment number of 32.99 per 1,000 jobs, the highest concentration of RN jobs among all U.S. states (BLS, 2023a). Enrolling in any of the online nursing programs in South Dakota can make you eligible to become a nurse and enter the workforce.

CNA training programs are overseen by the SD Department of Health. Meanwhile, LPN and degree programs should be accredited by either the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and approved by the South Dakota Board of Nursing.

These governing bodies ensure that the program, whether online or in person, follows the same rigorous standards of nursing education. This may include screening faculty qualifications, offering common courses in RN programs, or setting a curriculum framework. All of these are necessary to guarantee that graduates are well-prepared for today’s healthcare demands.

Online Nursing Programs in South Dakota for 2025

In this section, our team of review experts provides a list of nursing schools in South Dakota and in neighboring states to help RNs push through with their advanced studies. We looked into the universities’ academic rankings, affordability, out-of-state availability, curriculum, and other key metrics to come up with this roster. Moreover, the list below contains information on the program description, duration, cost, credits, and accreditation.

1. University of South Dakota

The University of South Dakota offers a relationship-centered curriculum that trains students to develop their skills in communication and gain advanced skills in nursing practice. As one of the top providers of nursing programs in South Dakota, it features courses like health care policy, finance and regulatory environments, and information management and technology application. These relevant courses help students face dynamic situations in the field.

1. Program Length: One year
2. Estimated Cost per Credit: $354.75
3. Required Credits to Graduate: 120
4. Accreditation: CCNE

2. South Dakota State University

South Dakota State University’s online RN to BSN program provides a flexible option for working professionals to pursue higher-level education. One of the best South Dakota nursing schools, the university combines theory and evidence-based practice to teach students top-level education that shapes them to be better caregivers. Program courses include genetics and genomics, healthcare systems and informatics, and evidence-based nursing practice.

1. Program Length: 10-18 months
2. Cost per Credit: $413 (in-state), $525 (out-of-state)
3. Required Credits to Graduate: 30-120
4. Accreditation: CCNE

3. University of North Dakota

The University of North Dakota has available nursing programs in South Dakota through its flexible online degrees. Available to RNs who have a current and unencumbered license, this program includes courses like nursing pharmacology, transition to BSN, and evidence-informed practice to help them fit into more challenging roles. Students also have 360-degree access to support services, such as online tutoring, academic advising, and digital libraries.

1. Program Length: One to two years
2. Cost per Credit: $535.65
3. Required Credits to Graduate: 30-120
4. Accreditation: CCNE

4. North Dakota State University

North Dakota State University extends to South Dakota nursing programs that aim to arm RNs with the necessary skills demanded in today’s healthcare workforce. The university’s program lasts about five semesters and is open to ADN graduates with current and unencumbered RN licenses. Its evidence-based curriculum focuses on modern aspects of the nursing practice, such as population-focused care, safety and quality, and nursing leadership.

1. Program Length: One to two and a half years
2. Estimated Cost: $5,545-$6,654 (full-time with 13 or more credits), $456.37-$547.65 (part-time with 12 or less credits)
3. Required Credits to Graduate: 30-120
4. Accreditation: CCNE

5. University of Mary

The University of Mary offers nursing programs in South Dakota through its online RN to BSN completion program. Its robust curriculum features in-demand nursing courses, such as global issues in nursing, evidence-based nursing practice, and ethics, law, and policy in nursing, that train RNs to be better adept in facing current challenges. Moreover, this degree will guide nurses into taking on more advanced tasks and improving patient outcomes.

1. Program Length: One year
2. Cost per Credit: $340
3. Required Credits to Graduate: 124
4. Accreditation: CCNE

Is South Dakota good for nurses?

After finishing any of the nursing programs in South Dakota, finding out if the state is good for nurses is worth researching. In this section, we offer two pros and cons that can help you determine if South Dakota is the right state for you as a nurse.

Pros

1. Compact state. South Dakota is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact that allows RNs and LPNs to practice in other participating compact states without obtaining another license (Nurse Licensure Compact, n.d.). This offers nurses the opportunity to extend their reach to more patients and potentially increase their income.
2. Nursing incentives. Because of the dwindling number of nurses in the state, the federal government has implemented a few measures to motivate healthcare professionals. One of these is a Recruitment Assistance Program (RAP) that gives an incentive payment of at least $70,751.20 for qualified licensed nurses (SD Dept. of Health, n.d.).

Cons

1. Low wages. Unfortunately, one of the reasons why employment is low in South Dakota is due to the low nursing wages. The national average income of RNs is $89,010 yearly, but nurses in SD only make $64,500 or around $31.01 per hour (BLS, 2023a; 2023b). This could potentially dishearten you to pursue nursing in South Dakota.
2. Diversity tensions. The leading bias motivations for some hate crimes in South Dakota are race, ethnicity, or ancestry (53.6%) and sexual orientation (32.1%) (U.S. Department of Justice, 2021). While there are laws that protect minorities in the state, the risk of danger could steer diverse nurses away from South Dakota.

How can South Dakota address its nursing shortage effectively?

South Dakota’s projected 14% shortage of registered nurses (RNs) by 2030 highlights the urgent need for effective strategies to bolster the state’s nursing workforce. Addressing this shortage requires a multifaceted approach that targets education, recruitment, and retention efforts.

First, South Dakota can expand funding for nursing scholarships and loan forgiveness programs to attract more individuals to the profession. These incentives could be particularly effective in drawing students from rural areas who may wish to serve their communities after graduation. Additionally, increasing awareness about the financial assistance available can help prospective nurses overcome cost-related barriers.

Second, partnerships between nursing schools and healthcare facilities can create streamlined pathways from education to employment. Programs like paid internships or residency initiatives can provide students with practical experience and immediate job placement upon graduation. This approach not only strengthens clinical skills but also fosters early engagement with South Dakota’s healthcare ecosystem.

Lastly, improving workplace conditions and offering competitive wages could retain nurses in the state. Addressing concerns like burnout, lack of career advancement, and low pay can make the profession more sustainable and appealing. Providing professional development opportunities, such as access to affordable advanced degrees or certifications, further supports career growth.

By implementing these measures, South Dakota can mitigate its nursing shortage and build a more resilient healthcare workforce.

What are the essential steps to obtain a nursing license in South Dakota?

The process to secure your nursing license in South Dakota comprises a series of regulated steps that verify your educational and professional readiness. After graduating from an accredited nursing program and passing the NCLEX, you must compile all required credentials and documentation as outlined by state authorities. It is essential to consult the nursing license requirements in South Dakota for comprehensive guidance on state-specific eligibility criteria, background verifications, and renewal processes. Adhering to these detailed protocols ensures compliance with regulatory standards and bolsters your professional credibility.

What can I do with a nursing degree in South Dakota?

As of June 2023, RNs have the second spot in SD’s Top 30 Hot Careers, with a 12% career outlook or 899 annual openings from 2020 to 2030 (SD Dept. of Labor & Regulation, n.d.). However, to earn higher wages, most RNs might need to become an APRN first and focus on a specialization.

For instance, a nurse practitioner makes $115,610 while a nurse anesthetist takes home $223,200 yearly (BLS, 2023b). Moreover, enrolling in any of the best online MSN to DNP programs can also help you land managerial or leadership positions that come with greater pay.

Longer experience can also generate better wages. There is no South Dakota nursing license renewal, but LPNs and RNs need to be employed for a minimum of 140 hours within a 12-month period during the last six years, or a total of 480 hours, to keep their license. APRNs should also maintain national certification.

What are the nursing pathways for career changers in South Dakota?

For individuals exploring a career change into nursing, South Dakota offers several accessible pathways that cater to different educational backgrounds and timelines. Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs are particularly ideal for those with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree. These programs provide a fast-tracked route to becoming a registered nurse, often completed within 12 to 18 months. Coursework combines foundational nursing principles with clinical practice, preparing graduates for the NCLEX-RN exam and licensure.

Online BSN programs for non-nurses are another flexible option, allowing students to balance their studies with personal or professional commitments. These programs, accredited by the South Dakota Board of Nursing and CCNE, ensure that graduates meet rigorous educational standards while offering the convenience of remote learning. To learn more about top programs tailored for non-nurses, explore our guide to online BSN programs for non nurses, which includes detailed insights on curriculum, affordability, and accreditation.

By selecting the right program, career changers can seamlessly transition into the nursing field, gaining the skills and credentials needed to thrive in South Dakota’s healthcare workforce.

What are the benefits of advanced nursing degrees?

Pursuing an advanced nursing degree in South Dakota can significantly enhance career prospects for registered nurses (RNs). Programs such as RN to MSN, RN to NP, and other advanced nursing tracks offer specialized training that prepares nurses for leadership, clinical expertise, and specialized care roles, all of which are highly valued in the healthcare sector.

For nurses looking to transition into advanced practice roles, such as nurse practitioners (NPs), enrolling in RN to NP programs can be an excellent way to achieve their career goals. These programs allow nurses to build on their existing credentials while acquiring advanced skills in patient care, diagnostics, and management. Completing these programs can lead to higher-paying roles and greater job security in a state like South Dakota, where the demand for advanced practice nurses is on the rise due to the shortage of healthcare providers.

In addition to clinical roles, nurses with advanced degrees can pursue positions in healthcare administration, teaching, and policy-making. The flexibility of online programs makes it easier for nurses to balance their professional duties with their educational goals, allowing them to continue working while advancing their careers.

By obtaining advanced nursing degrees, nurses not only increase their earning potential but also have a more profound impact on the quality of healthcare delivery in South Dakota, ultimately addressing the state's nursing shortages more effectively.

How can you choose the best online nursing program in South Dakota?

Selecting the right online nursing program in South Dakota is essential for achieving your career goals. Start by ensuring the program is accredited by recognized bodies like the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Accreditation ensures the program meets rigorous academic and professional standards, which is vital for licensure and employment.

Consider factors like program flexibility, especially if you plan to balance work or family commitments. Some online nursing programs offer asynchronous courses, allowing you to learn at your own pace. Additionally, investigate the clinical placement support provided by the program, as hands-on experience is critical in nursing education.

Another important consideration is the program's success rates, including graduation and NCLEX pass rates. High pass rates indicate that the program prepares its students well for the licensing exam.

For those interested in advancing their careers, exploring advanced nursing degrees like nurse practitioner programs is a natural next step. You can discover comprehensive options for nurse practitioner programs in South Dakota that offer specialized tracks tailored to your interests.

By evaluating these criteria, you can make an informed decision and set yourself up for success in South Dakota’s healthcare industry.

How do accredited nursing schools in South Dakota ensure high-quality education?

Institutions in South Dakota employ rigorous quality assurance frameworks that extend beyond basic accreditation. These schools continually refine their curricula to align with emerging healthcare standards while integrating evidence-based practices designed to elevate clinical and theoretical competencies. Strategic investments in advanced simulation centers and structured faculty development initiatives further enhance educational outcomes. For insights into leading institutions that exemplify these quality measures, review accredited nursing schools in South Dakota.

What financial aid options are available for nursing students in South Dakota?

Prospective nursing students can access a range of financial aid opportunities tailored to mitigate the high educational expenses in South Dakota. Many institutions offer competitive scholarships and grants specifically for nursing candidates, while state-sponsored programs may provide loan forgiveness or low-interest loans contingent on service agreements. Additionally, partnerships between healthcare facilities and educational institutions sometimes feature employer-assisted tuition reimbursement plans that ease the financial burden. For comprehensive guidance on eligibility and application procedures, refer to how to become an RN in South Dakota.

What steps should I take to advance into a nurse practitioner role in South Dakota?

To advance into a nurse practitioner role, candidates must first secure a current RN license and accumulate relevant clinical experience. Next, enrolling in an accredited graduate program that emphasizes advanced health assessment, pharmacology, and evidence-based diagnostics is crucial. This specialized curriculum should align with state-specific licensing requirements and prepare applicants for national certification exams. Additionally, integrating clinical rotations and specialized practicums ensures hands-on expertise necessary for managing complex patient care. For detailed educational pathways and critical credentialing guidelines, review our guide on how to become a nurse practitioner in South Dakota.

How can expanding my skillset to include administrative competencies benefit my nursing career in South Dakota?

Integrating administrative competencies, such as medical billing and coding, can expand your role within the healthcare ecosystem beyond direct patient care. By acquiring these skills, you become better equipped to optimize healthcare operations, enhance communication between clinical and administrative departments, and contribute to cost-effective care delivery. This dual expertise not only supports smoother workflow and regulatory compliance but also positions you for leadership roles in healthcare management. For detailed insights on acquiring these additional competencies, review our article on how to become a medical biller and coder in South Dakota.

What are the pathways to become a nurse midwife in South Dakota?

Nurses seeking to specialize as midwives should focus on accredited graduate programs that integrate advanced maternal-child health coursework with rigorous clinical practice. Key components include prerequisite RN licensure, substantial clinical experience, and enrollment in curriculum-approved midwifery tracks that cover prenatal, intrapartum, and postpartum care. Moreover, clinical rotations in diverse settings are crucial to developing hands-on expertise in managing high-risk pregnancies and comprehensive reproductive health. For detailed guidance on academic requirements and certification processes, review our guide on how to become a nurse midwife in South Dakota.

What advanced specialization opportunities can elevate my nursing career in South Dakota?

Nurses aiming to broaden their clinical expertise and assume leadership roles increasingly turn to specialized online programs that focus on advanced practice areas. These programs provide an intensive curriculum designed to enhance skills in critical care, complex patient assessment, and modern treatment protocols. For professionals targeting high-acuity roles, seeking options such as acute care nurse practitioner programs online can bridge the gap between standard clinical practice and specialized patient management. This advanced training not only deepens practical knowledge but also positions graduates for higher-impact responsibilities in diverse healthcare settings.

What job placement and internship opportunities do South Dakota nursing programs offer?

South Dakota nursing programs collaborate closely with local healthcare facilities to provide structured internship placements and career networking events. These initiatives are designed to align clinical training with the demands of employers, thereby enabling graduates to secure positions that complement their specialized skill sets. Additionally, many institutions offer personalized career counseling and recruitment support that extends to related fields, such as medical assistant programs in South Dakota, ensuring a comprehensive transition into the workforce.

What are the advantages of accelerated LPN to RN bridge programs in South Dakota?

Accelerated LPN to RN bridge programs offer a focused curriculum that minimizes downtime between licensing tiers, enabling working professionals to transition efficiently into registered nursing roles. These programs emphasize intensive clinical training, targeted coursework, and integrated exam preparation that address the specific demands of RN licensure. Additionally, many accelerated formats incorporate flexible online components to accommodate current work and personal responsibilities, streamlining the pathway to enhanced patient care responsibilities. For instance, you can explore options such as the 6 month LPN to RN program online to understand how condensed training models can meet accelerated career goals in South Dakota.

How can I launch my LVN career in South Dakota?

Prospective LVN candidates should evaluate eligibility criteria by reviewing state-approved training programs and meeting the required educational standards without overlapping other nursing licensure paths. Emphasis is placed on structured coursework, clinical practice, and preparation for board examinations tailored to LVN certification. For detailed, step-by-step guidance on program selection, certification procedures, and licensing examinations, please see how to become an LVN nurse in South Dakota.

Facing Challenges Resiliently through Nursing Programs in South Dakota

In this guide, our team provided a short list of nursing programs in South Dakota and in nearby areas to help RNs acquire a BSN. We also discussed how to become a nurse in the state and the implications of studying and working here.

Like other U.S. states and countries around the world, South Dakota’s nursing community faces challenges, but it stands resilient in the face of adversity. There are indeed practical considerations that could make or break your decision to obtain an online RN to BSN degree and work in South Dakota.

However, remember that nursing is a calling that requires dedication, patience, empathy, and a deep passion for caring for others. By embracing the challenges and being part of the force that ignites change, you can make a difference not only in the lives of your patients but also in the field of nursing.

References:

1. Ma, J. & Pender, M. (2022). Trends in college pricing and student aid 2022. College Board. https://research.collegeboard.org/media/pdf/trends-in-college-pricing-student-aid-2022.pdf
2. National Council of State Boards of Nursing. (2023, June). 2022 NCLEX examination statistics. https://www.ncsbn.org/public-files/2022_NCLEXExamStats-final.pdf
3. South Dakota Department of Health. (n.d.). Recruitment assistance program. Retrieved August 2, 2023, from https://doh.sd.gov/health-care-professionals/careers-and-recruiting/sd-healthcare-workforce-center/recruitment-assistance-program
4. Stacker. (2021, October 7). South Dakota is the #3 state that will need nurses the most by 2030. https://stacker.com/south-dakota/south-dakota-3-state-will-need-nurses-most-2030
5. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023a, April 25). Occupational employment and wages, May 2022 Registered nurses. Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes291141.htm
6. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023b, April 25). May 2022 state occupational employment and wage estimates South Dakota. Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_sd.htm