Guide to Online Nursing Programs in South Dakota
Whether you’re just starting your journey towards a nursing career or you’ve been working in the healthcare field for years, there’s a degree to help you grow your skill set and career potential. We’ll introduce you to the top online nursing programs in South Dakota today and help you find the right one for you, with information on admissions requirements, program costs and lengths, job prospects once you graduate, and much more.
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Inside Online Nursing Programs in South Dakota
South Dakota is in desperate need of nurses — so desperate that the state has one of the largest gaps between available nurses and job openings in the nation, with a projected demand of over 16,000 registered nurses by 2032.
Fortunately, there are lots of online nursing education options in South Dakota to help fill that gap. And that’s true for those just entering the nursing field, those seeking to become registered nurses, and current RNs looking to level up into advanced specialized practice.
Below are descriptions of the many different types of nursing programs in South Dakota that offer fully-online or hybrid-formatted study options.
As you read thorough these descriptions, you’ll discover that many of these programs include in-person components, most often taking the form of clinical practice and fieldwork experiences. These are necessary for students to gain the critical hands-on experience with real patients required, in most cases, to qualify for appropriate state licensure.
Entry-Level to Mid-Level Nursing
If you’re just beginning your nursing career path, there are plenty of online undergraduate degree and certificate programs in South Dakota to help get you started. Students who are ready to enter the healthcare field fast may choose to become a certified nursing assistant, while those with an eye further into the future may opt for entering the field as a licensed practical nurse or RN.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Becoming a CNA offers the quickest path into the nursing profession.
In these one-to-four-month programs, students participate in lecture courses, hands-on labs, and clinical experiences, gaining the skills to perform basic nursing and personal care tasks for patients.
Upon completion, you can take the state nurse’s assistant certification exam.
Example: Southeast Technical College
- Cost: $834
- Length: One semester
- Mode: Hybrid
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
LPN programs are relatively quick to complete, typically taking just one year. You’ll go beyond basic patient care, learning how to administer medication, assist in minor procedures, and more.
After you complete an LPN program, you can take the state test to receive your practical nurse license and start work. LPNs often continue their schooling to become a registered nurse.
Example: Lake Area Technical College
- Cost: $16,450 (full-time); $15,861 (part-time)
- Length: 11 months (full-time); 18 months (part-time)
- Mode: Hybrid
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
ADN programs are an excellent option for students looking to take their first step into the field by becoming a registered nurse. These programs are typically two years in length and cover both general education and foundational nursing topics.
You’ll find online ADN programs offered at nursing schools, community colleges, and a few four-year colleges and universities.
After graduating, students are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam and begin work as RNs.
Example: Lake Area Technical College
- Cost: $15,503
- Length: Two years
- Mode: Hybrid
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
A traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is designed for students with little or no previous college-level education or nursing experience who are seeking to become registered nurses.
BSN degree holders typically earn higher salaries and enjoy expanded job opportunities as registered nurses than those with only a nursing diploma or ADN.
Traditional BSN programs generally require four years of full-time study.
Example: The University of Sioux Falls
- Cost: $23,800/year (tuition and fees, full-time)
- Length: Four years
- Mode: Hybrid
Advanced Nursing Degree Programs
A graduate nursing degree or post-graduate nursing certificate program is the logical next step for current RNs interested in taking their careers to the next level. These programs are designed to provide RNs with the training needed to fill top leadership, education, and advanced nursing practice roles.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
For individuals with a nursing bachelor’s degree, an MSN program offers the opportunity to earn a master’s degree in about 18 months to two years.
Additionally, some MSN programs are designed for students with no prior nursing experience who are interested in entering the profession in an advanced practice role. These programs typically take about three years to complete.
Example: Mount Marty University
- Cost: $820/credit (tuition and support and technology fees)
- Length: Two years
- Mode: Hybrid
DNP and PhD Doctoral Programs
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs are designed to prepare graduates for top-level roles in nursing administration and advanced nursing practice. DNP programs usually take three to four years to complete.
Nursing PhD programs prepare students for terminal careers in advanced research and postsecondary academia. Completion times for these degrees typically range from four to six years.
Example: The University of South Dakota
- Cost: $484.10/credit
- Length: Three to four years
- Mode: Online
Post-Master’s Certificate Programs
Post-graduate nursing certificate programs allow students with an MSN degree to gain training in a specialized area of advanced nursing practice. Popular post-graduate certificate areas of specialization include:
- Pediatric primary care
- Nurse informatics
- Nurse leadership
- Nurse education
- Women’s health
- Health policy
- Various nurse practitioner specializations
Example: South Dakota State University
- Cost: $640/credit (SD residents) | $962/credit (out-of-state residents)
- Length: One year
- Mode: Fully online
Nursing Bridge Programs
If you’re already a practicing nurse, you can obtain an advanced nursing degree without having to essentially “start from scratch” through one of several RN bridge programs. RN bridge programs take into account a student’s previous nursing education and professional experience, allowing them to earn their advanced degree in less time and for less cost than a full degree program.
LPN to RN and LPN to BSN
LPN to RN and LPN to BSN bridge programs are designed as a career ladder for licensed practical nurses seeking to become registered nurses by earning a bachelor’s degree or completing additional nursing coursework.
These programs allow students to apply credits earned in their LPN programs to their bridge curriculum requirements to qualify for RN licensure at an accelerated rate.
Example: University of Sioux Falls
- Cost: $390/credit
- Length: Two years
- Mode: Hybrid
RN to BSN
Likely the most common and most popular of all nursing bridge program types, RN to BSN programs provide licensed RNs with a nursing diploma or associate degree a convenient and affordable path to earning a BSN.
These programs transfer in credits from the student’s previously-earned diploma or ADN program, plus award credits for current RN licensure. The result is that RN to BSN students can often earn their bachelor’s degree by completing as few as an additional 30 credits (sometimes less) of advanced nursing coursework.
Program lengths are often as short as one year (full-time) and two years (part-time).
Example: South Dakota State University
- Cost: $451/credit (SD and SD Advantage state residents) | $572/credit (all other out-of-state residents)
- Length: One year
- Mode: Fully online
RN to MSN
RN to MSN bridge programs offer current RNs a direct path to a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. These programs typically offer specialization options and specialized curriculums for becoming nurse practitioners.
Online RN to MSN programs typically combine fully-online didactic coursework with in-person clinical experiences.
Example: South Dakota State University
- Cost: $451/credit (SD and SD Advantage state residents) | $572/credit (all other out-of-state residents)
- Length: One to three years
- Mode: Fully online coursework
BSN to DNP
BSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs provide RNs without a master’s in nursing a direct route to obtaining a DNP. Curriculums focus on the development of clinical practice and leadership skills in a specialized area of nursing.
These programs are typically four years long.
Example: South Dakota State University
- Cost: $640/credit (SD residents) | $962/credit (out-of-state residents)
- Length: Four years
- Mode: Mostly-online with some campus visits and a field-based practicum
South Dakota Requirements for RN Licensure
The South Dakota Board of Nursing oversees state RN licensing requirements. South Dakota also maintains a nurse licensure compact with North Dakota, Iowa, and Nebraska, through which a nurse with a multistate license can practice in South Dakota or any of the other compact states.
The following steps will walk you through South Dakota’s RN licensure process:
1 – Nursing Degree from Accredited School
Complete an accredited and state-approved pre-RN licensure program.
Ensuring that you are enrolled in an accredited nursing program will help you avoid any potential licensing and employment issues once you have completed your degree. The programmatic accrediting bodies for nursing degrees are the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
Once you’ve completed all educational and clinical requirements in South Dakota, you’ll be ready to move forward with getting your RN license.
2 – Passing the NCLEX-RN
Before you can get your RN license in SD, you’ll have to take and pass the NCLEX-RN exam.
You can schedule the exam once you receive the Authorization to Test (ATT) email. The examination fee is $200 and must be sent to the testing company.
You’ll then have 90 days to take the exam, and you can expect test results within about 10 days after that.
Failing the test requires submitting a retake application and paying a $100 fee. Before retaking the exam, candidates receive diagnostic information to help them prepare for their next attempt.
3 – Apply for South Dakota Licensure
Once you’ve passed the NCLEX-RN, it’s time to apply for your nursing license, according to state licensing requirements.
The South Dakota Board of Nursing application process involves submitting fees and materials to three separate agencies/organizations. The application fee is $100.
The candidate must additionally submit a fingerprint card to the BON along with payment of a $43.25 fee.
4 – Timely License Renewal
South Dakota requires RNs to renew their licenses every two years. License renewal is completed primarily online.
To renew your license you must:
- Submit your name, license number, SSN, and employer information
- Pay the renewal fee (currently $115)
Unlike most other states, South Dakota has no continuing education requirements for RN license renewal.
5 – Specialized Certifications (Optional)
Getting additional formal education and training in a specialized area of nursing practice is a great (possibly necessary) way to stand out from your competition for higher-paying and in-demand RN jobs. You can accomplish this by obtaining specialty certification in any number of practice areas, such as:
- Cardiac
- Critical Care
- Emergency Nursing
- Informatics
- Medical-Surgical
- Psychiatric-Mental Health
Salary & Employment for RNs in South Dakota
| Area ↕ | 10th Percentile ↕ | Median ↕ | 90th Percentile ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Dakota | $51,980 | $69,510 | $92,570 |
| Rapid City, SD | $57,170 | $69,510 | $92,640 |
| Sioux Falls, SD-MN | $51,980 | $68,890 | $92,850 |
Source: Registered Nurses, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2024, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area ↕ | Curr. Jobs ↕ | Proj. Jobs ↕ | New Jobs ↕ | Growth % ↕ | Avg. Ann. Openings ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 3,172,500 | 3,349,900 | 177,400 | 5.60% | 193,100 |
| South Dakota | 14,590 | 16,510 | 1,920 | 13.20% | 1,030 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Ranking Online Nursing Programs in South Dakota
We’ve compiled a rankings list of the best nursing schools in South Dakota, which you’ll find below. Our selections are based on data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) taking into consideration such factors as:
- Availability of online programs
- Tuition costs and average financial aid awards
- Accreditation
- Curriculum quality
- Access to student support services
For more on our ranking methodology, click the “About the Ranking” button below.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $3,049 Avg. Aid Amount
- 59% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected South Dakota State University
- South Dakota State University’s College of Nursing offers state-of-the-art clinical simulation centers, providing students with realistic and controlled environments to develop practical skills before real-world clinical experience.
- The program features student-centered faculty and staff deeply committed to student success, offering personalized academic support and fostering confidence in clinical and professional settings.
- SDSU Nursing delivers extensive clinical placements statewide, including partnerships that enable students to serve diverse and underserved populations, enhancing community impact and real-world readiness.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $3,049 Avg. Aid Amount
- 59% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
University of Sioux Falls
Sioux Falls, SDProgram Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $9,709 Avg. Aid Amount
- 58% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected University of Sioux Falls
- The University of Sioux Falls Nursing program boasts the highest NCLEX pass rate in the state at 97.37%, reflecting exceptional preparation for licensure and career readiness.
- LPN students receive a significant advantage with 30 credits waived toward the BSN degree, enabling faster progression and lower tuition costs.
- Students gain extensive hands-on clinical experience across all nursing practice areas and life stages in state-of-the-art facilities, enhancing real-world skills and employability.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $9,709 Avg. Aid Amount
- 58% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $20,512 Avg. Aid Amount
- 60% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Mount Marty University
- Mount Marty University partners with Avera Health to offer the Avera Nursing Advantage program, which provides $30,000 in educational funding and job opportunities in exchange for a three-year work commitment at Avera facilities.
- Students can complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree in just three years through the Nursing Degree in Three program, leveraging Advanced Placement and dual credit courses starting in high school.
- The nursing program features state-of-the-art simulation labs that deliver realistic clinical scenarios, enhancing students' practical skills and readiness for healthcare environments.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $20,512 Avg. Aid Amount
- 60% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $1,977 Avg. Aid Amount
- 14% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Oglala Lakota College
- Oglala Lakota College's Nursing program offers hands-on clinical experience focused on serving tribal communities, preparing students for impactful nursing roles.
- The program is located at a dedicated Nursing department facility in Pine Ridge, providing specialized local support and resources for students.
- Tuition for tribal members is significantly discounted at $84.00 per credit hour, making the program financially accessible to the community.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $1,977 Avg. Aid Amount
- 14% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $17,701 Avg. Aid Amount
- 54% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Dakota Wesleyan University
- Dakota Wesleyan University's Nursing program boasts a 100% job placement rate for graduates, ensuring strong career prospects immediately after graduation.
- Students benefit from hands-on learning with high-tech simulation labs and diverse clinical experiences, enhancing practical skills and preparedness for real-world nursing.
- The program has demonstrated a significant 17.4% improvement in NCLEX pass rates, reflecting its commitment to educational quality and student success.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $17,701 Avg. Aid Amount
- 54% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $3,709 Avg. Aid Amount
- 59% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 14/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected University of South Dakota
- The University of South Dakota Nursing program boasts a high NCLEX-RN pass rate of around 95%, demonstrating strong student preparedness and program quality.
- Students benefit from personalized learning with a low student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring direct access to expert faculty and individualized support.
- The program offers diverse clinical experiences across urban and rural healthcare settings, providing hands-on training with complex patient populations and valuable employer partnerships.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $3,709 Avg. Aid Amount
- 59% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 14/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $26,189 Avg. Aid Amount
- 70% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Augustana University
- Augustana University's Graduate Nursing program offers an accelerated Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) completion in just over 2.5 years with flexible online coursework and only two short, 4-day on-campus immersions, facilitating work-life balance and hands-on experiences.
- The program provides specialized career tracks, including Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AG-ACNP) and Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (AG-CNS), allowing for focused expertise in high-demand nursing fields.
- Faculty actively collaborate with students to secure clinical preceptors, ensuring robust practicum experiences and strong connections to clinical sites within Sioux Falls, a major healthcare hub.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $26,189 Avg. Aid Amount
- 70% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $3,549 Avg. Aid Amount
- 76% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Lake Area Technical College
- Lake Area Technical College’s Registered Nursing program offers a hybrid e-degree option that allows students to complete most theory courses online while engaging in hands-on clinical and simulation labs, providing flexible learning without sacrificing practical experience.
- The program builds directly upon an LPN degree and can be completed in 11 months, enabling accelerated progression from Licensed Practical Nurse to Registered Nurse status with eligibility to take the NCLEX-RN licensure exam.
- Strong clinical partnerships across multiple locations and simulation labs ensure highly relevant, real-world nursing training, supporting nearly 100% job placement for graduates in competitive healthcare roles.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $3,549 Avg. Aid Amount
- 76% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Western Dakota Technical College
Rapid City, SDProgram Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $2,421 Avg. Aid Amount
- 48% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 10/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Western Dakota Technical College
- Western Dakota Technical College’s Nursing program offers accelerated progression for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) by awarding up to 20 credits, significantly reducing time to complete the Registered Nursing degree.
- The program emphasizes evidence-based, patient-centered care with faculty expertise guided by Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN) competencies, ensuring graduates are practice-ready for the current healthcare environment.
- Clinical experiences include instructor-supervised shifts with diverse scheduling (evenings, nights, weekends, holidays), enhancing practical skills and industry readiness through real-world, flexible placements.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $2,421 Avg. Aid Amount
- 48% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 10/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $841 Avg. Aid Amount
- 78% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Mitchell Technical College
- Mitchell Tech’s Licensed Practical Nursing program can be completed in just one calendar year, allowing students to enter the workforce quickly without requiring prerequisite courses beforehand, saving valuable time.
- The program offers extensive hands-on clinical learning in various healthcare settings combined with simulation labs, providing students practical experience and developing strong clinical judgment under expert nursing faculty guidance.
- Graduates find employment across diverse healthcare environments including acute care, long-term care, private duty nursing, and correctional facilities, demonstrating strong clinical placement and job prospects.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $841 Avg. Aid Amount
- 78% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online College Rankings” for the ‘25-’26 school year.
One: Create a list of eligible schools & programs
To be eligible for ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on data pulled from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), which was self-reported by the schools themselves:
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
- At least one online component in a program within the ranking-subject area.
- The existence of academic and career counseling on campus and/or online.
Two: Assign weightings to eligible schools & programs
After creating the list of eligible schools, EduMed data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of metrics, which were all self-reported by the school themselves to the U.S. Department of Education and IPEDS.
The metrics are listed below in order of most- to least-heavily weighted*.
- Tuition – Average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time.
- Online Programs – Number of online programs, either partially- or fully-online, in the relevant subject area.
- Avg. Aid Amount – Average amount of institutional grant aid awarded to full-time, first-time undergraduates.
- Students w/ Aid – Percent of full-time, first-time students undergraduates awarded institutional aid.
- Online Enrollment – Percent of undergraduate students taking at least one distance education class.
- Graduation Rate – Percent of full-time, first-time receiving an award in 6 years.
- Student/Faculty Ratio – The number of students per faculty member.
*Metrics #2-5 and #6-7 were equally weighted.
About Our Data
EduMed’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2025
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