Best Nursing Schools in South Dakota
Cities in South Dakota
Best RN Programs in South Dakota
Selecting the best nursing school in South Dakota can be difficult. To make the process easier first look for a school that supports students towards licensure and beyond. A great way to measure this is through NCLEX-RN "pass rates." We have ranked the top 5 nursing schools in South Dakota by analyzing current and historical NCLEX-RN "pass rates", meaning the percentage of graduates who pass the exam, out of the 11 RN programs in the state. Programs reviewed include schools that offer an Associate in Nursing (ADN/ASN), BSN, or Direct-Entry MSN Degree.
For more information on our top nursing school rankings, see our Methodology Page (https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/).
Augustana University
Score: 96.64
For over 75 years, the Augustana University Department of Nursing in Sioux Falls, South Dakota has been offering students innovating nursing programs, such as their BSN pathway. Highly qualified faculty guide students through an exemplary curriculum which includes hands-on learning experiences and a liberal arts foundation. There is also an accelerated BSN track for students who hold a college degree and have completed prerequisite courses.
Program Details
- Programs: BSN
- Phone: (605) 274-4721
Lake Area Technical College
Score: 95.98
Lake Area Technical College (LATC), situated in Watertown, South Dakota, stands as a premier public technical college. With a commitment to excellence, LATC offers a range of hands-on programs, preparing students for success in their chosen careers. The college's focus on practical education and community engagement creates a vibrant learning environment.
Program Details
- Programs: Associate in Nursing
- Phone: (605) 882-5284
University of South Dakota
Score: 92.72
The University of South Dakota, located in Vermillion, offers several nursing pathways - including a traditional BSN program. This 4-year track educates students with a comprehensive curriculum that includes general ed, foundational courses, and nursing courses. Grads are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to provide outstanding patient care.
Program Details
- Programs: BSN
- Phone: (877) 269-6837
South Dakota State University
Score: 91.18
A wide variety of nursing programs are offered at South Dakota State University in Brookings, including both traditional and accelerated BSN programs. With over 80 years of nursing education experience, South Dakota State students reap the benefits of experienced faculty, a state-of-the-art Healthcare Simulation Center, and a 100% job placement rate. In addition to this, one-third of the 120 credits in the traditional program are dedicated to clinical practice.
Program Details
- Programs: BSN
- Phone: (800) 952-3541
University of Sioux Falls
Score: 89.33
Located in the heart of Sioux Falls, students at the University of Sioux Falls are taught nursing principles in a liberal arts, Christian-centered environment. Students can choose between a traditional BSN, an Accelerated BSN, or even an RN to BSN bridge program. USF's nursing programs boast a 98% first-time NCLEX-RN exam pass rate.
Program Details
- Programs: BSN
- Phone: (605) 331-6771
South Dakota Nursing RN Programs – Diploma, ADN, and BSN Degrees
The nursing degree you choose will depend on your personal and professional goals. Many aspiring nurses in South Dakota pursue an Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN), a nursing diploma, or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) because these options are affordable and can be completed in a relatively short time. Below, you can explore the differences between these programs and other available pathways.
Comparing RN Diploma vs. LPN-to-RN vs. ADN Programs
Common admissions requirements for ADN and diploma programs in South Dakota include:
- High School Diploma or GED
- Minimum GPA, typically 2.5 or higher
- Some programs require scores from the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) or HESI Admission Assessment
For further admissions requirements and more information, check out our page on ADN degree programs.
More information on RN diplomas, LPN to RN, and ADN programs:
| Program | Estimated Tuition | Estimated Credits | Online Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADN | $6,000 – $15,000 | 60-72 credits | Limited online courses, primarily on-campus |
| LPN to RN | $4,000 – $10,000 | 30-45 credits | Often hybrid; some online courses |
| RN Diploma | $5,000 – $12,000 | 40-60 credits | Rarely online; primarily on-campus |
ADN, LPN to RN, and nursing diploma programs require hands-on clinical training hours under supervision in order to be eligible for RN licensure. These will need to be completed in person, even if you opt for an online or hybrid program. Not sure if you’re ready for an RN career? Consider an LPN or CNA program in South Dakota.
Comparing Traditional BSN vs. RN-to-BSN vs. ABSN Programs
Admissions requirements for BSN programs in South Dakota typically include:
- High School Diploma or GED
- Minimum GPA of 2.5-3.0
- Completion of prerequisite courses
For more information on BSN admissions requirements and more, see our BSN degrees page.
Several alternative pathways are also available to qualified students who want to pursue a BSN. Compare your options below:
| Program | Length | Estimated Tuition | Entrance Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional BSN | 4 years (120-126 credits) | $20,000 – $50,000 | First-time college students |
| RN to BSN | 1-2 years (30-35 credits) | $10,000 – $20,000 | Licensed RNs with an ADN |
| ABSN | 12-18 months (50-60 credits) | $25,000 – $40,000 | Non-nursing bachelor’s degree holders |
RN to BSN
South Dakota RN to BSN programs offer a valuable opportunity for nurses already working in the field who are looking to further their education. If you hold an ADN, an RN license, and some experience, you can enroll in this bridge program and earn your BSN in just two years—half the time it would take to complete a traditional BSN program. This is an excellent way for working nurses to enhance their qualifications without taking extended time off from their careers.
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)
Advanced Practice RN & Nurse Practitioner Programs
For many students, graduate school represents the next step in their nursing career. Programs such as a Master's of Science in Nursing (MSN), a Nurse Practitioner (NP) program, a bridge program to enter advanced practice, or even a doctorate degree such as a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) offer excellent opportunities for those looking to advance their professional skills, increase earning potential, and gain greater autonomy in their roles. Admission to most nursing graduate programs typically requires a BSN (or higher) and an active RN license. These advanced degrees provide pathways to leadership roles and specialized clinical practice in South Dakota’s growing healthcare field.
Earning a graduate-level degree in nursing opens the door to numerous Advanced Practice Registered Nursing (APRN) roles, leadership roles, and even careers in academia or research. Read more about APRN pathways in South Dakota:
- South Dakota Nurse Practitioner Programs
- South Dakota MSN Program
- South Dakota RN to MSN Programs
- South Dakota Post Master’s Nursing Certificate Programs
- South Dakota DNP Programs
Getting an RN License in South Dakota
Requirements for RN Licensure in South Dakota
- Completion of an accredited RN program (ADN or BSN)
- Passing the NCLEX-RN exam
- Application to the South Dakota Board of Nursing
- Renewal: 36 hours of CE every three years for license maintenance
Why Choose an Accredited RN Program?
Crucial to obtaining licensure is graduating from an accredited program. In the U.S., RN program accreditation is managed by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). If a program is accredited by one of these organizations, it means it meets the state’s standards for training and curriculum. If the program is not accredited, you will not be eligible for licensure upon graduation.
Continued List of All RN Programs in South Dakota
Here is a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs.
| Ranked | School | Program | Score | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6. | Southeast Technical College Sioux Falls, SD 57107 | Phone: (605) 367-7624 | Programs: LPN to RN | 85.62 | southeasttech.edu |
| 7. | Dakota Wesleyan University Mitchell, SD 57301 | Phone: (800) 333-8506 | Programs: Associate in Nursing | 84.61 | dwu.edu |
| 8. | Mount Marty College Yankton, SD 57078 | Phone: (855) 686-2789 | Programs: BSN | 77.73 | mountmarty.edu |
| 9. | Western Dakota Technical College Rapid City, SD 57703 | Phone: (605) 718-2565 | Programs: Associate in Nursing | 76.64 | wdt.edu |
| 10. | Oglala Lakota College Kyle, SD 57752 | Phone: (605) 455-6000 | Programs: Associate in Nursing | 37.58 | olc.edu |
| 11. | Mitchell Technical College Mitchell, SD 57301 | Phone: (605) 995-3025 | Programs: Associate in Nursing | - | mitchelltech.edu |
Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.