We've organized a comprehensive list of South Dakota nursing schools. Below you'll find information on specific nursing programs such as LPN certificates and ADN, BSN, and MSN degrees.
South Dakota is home to a variety of nursing programs, making it one of the most appealing places for aspiring nursing students. To make an informed choice about their future career path, prospective students should understand the different types of programs available. Two of the most common are licensed practical nursing (LPN) certificate programs and registered nursing (RN) degree programs.
Licensed practical nurses
If you live in South Dakota and are considering a nursing assistant program, it is important to understand the prerequisites, time commitment, and what to expect as a new graduate. The career outlook for certified nursing assistants (CNAs) is excellent. Thanks to the high demand for graduates, the number of nursing assistant certificate programs in South Dakota, and in the U.S. overall, has greatly increased.
Overview of the nursing assistant role
Affordable and brief, a licensed practical nursing (LPN) certificate program is the preferred pathway for many aspiring nurses. These programs provide the medical training students need to pass the NCLEX-PN national licensure exam and quickly enter the workforce.
Overview of LPN programs
South Dakota’s nursing students have a variety of quality registered nursing (RN) programs from which to choose. These programs provide a well-rounded curriculum including technical nursing skills, general studies, and hands-on clinical training. Upon graduation, South Dakota’s newly minted RNs can expect job opportunities and competitive salaries.
Profile of registered nursing
With a population of more than 12,000 registered nurses (RNs), South Dakota has the second-highest per-capita concentration of RN jobs in the nation. The state is also home to a large number of licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and certified nursing assistants (CNAs). Nursing professionals across all three roles are in high demand across the state. This is especially true in South Dakota’s largest city, Sioux Falls.
After several years of practice as a registered nurse (RN), many RNs make the decision to advance their careers. This often requires an advanced degree such as a master of science in nursing (MSN). The MSN degree prepares students to become advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) and fill specialized roles such as nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, and nurse anesthetist.
An overview of MSN programs
As the name suggests, RN-to-BSN programs enable existing registered nurses (RNs) with only an associate’s degree to attain a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree. These BSN completion programs are flexible and compact in order to suit the needs of busy nursing personnel, who frequently study while working fulltime.
RN-to-BSN program overview
A bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) is one of the most respected degrees for a registered nurse (RN). These programs have enjoyed significant interest recently, as employers increasingly prefer BSN candidates for new hires and promotions. Bachelor’s degree-holders are best prepared for the complex decision-making in today’s healthcare industry.
Overview of BSN programs
An associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) provides entry into registered nursing (RN) with significantly less time and financial investment than a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). Requiring just two years of fulltime study, ADN programs provide the quickest pathway for South Dakota’s aspiring RNs to enter the workforce.
ADN program overview
South Dakota’s nursing students have a variety of quality registered nursing (RN) programs from which to choose. These programs provide a well-rounded curriculum including technical nursing skills, general studies, and hands-on clinical training. Upon graduation, South Dakota’s newly minted RNs can expect job opportunities and competitive salaries.
Profile of registered nursing
Affordable and brief, a licensed practical nursing (LPN) certificate program is the preferred pathway for many aspiring nurses. These programs provide the medical training students need to pass the NCLEX-PN national licensure exam and quickly enter the workforce.
Overview of LPN programs
If you live in South Dakota and are considering a nursing assistant program, it is important to understand the prerequisites, time commitment, and what to expect as a new graduate. The career outlook for certified nursing assistants (CNAs) is excellent. Thanks to the high demand for graduates, the number of nursing assistant certificate programs in South Dakota, and in the U.S. overall, has greatly increased.
Overview of the nursing assistant role
School size is an important factor in selecting one’s nursing school. Depending on the type of school (public vs. private) and its geographic location, the total student population can be in the hundreds or the tens of thousands. Both small and large colleges have significant benefits. It’s ultimately up to the student to decide which benefits matter most to her.
Tuition fees are a significant expense for potential nursing students. Costs can vary greatly based on several factors, including geographic location, nursing role (certified nursing assistant vs. licensed practical nurse vs. registered nurse), and program length (certificate vs. associate’s degree vs. bachelor’s degree). Costs will also differ significantly depending on whether or not the school receives public funding. For example, Augustana College, a large private school with 1,700 enrollees, costs more than $37,000 per year to attend.
