7 Best Online Nursing Programs in South Dakota

Step into the realm of nursing excellence with South Dakota's vibrant offerings of online nursing degree programs.

Unveil the educational treasures nestled within the state's renowned universities, where innovation meets healthcare.

In this dynamic landscape, aspiring nurses can cultivate their skills and passion through the convenience of online learning.

Join us on a journey through the heart of South Dakota's nursing education, where opportunities await to shape your future in the realm of healthcare.

Best Online Nursing Programs in South Dakota

Unlock your potential with the finest array of online nursing programs in South Dakota, tailored to propel your journey in the world of healthcare, including online RN to BSN programs.

Experience the future of nursing education through the lens of a South Dakota online nursing degree, designed to empower your certified registered nurse career ambitions.

1. Lake Area Technical College

Lake Area Technical College offers an AAS Nursing Program, ideal for licensed practical nurses looking to advance their careers. This program includes theory, clinical, lab, and simulation experiences spanning 11 months.

It builds upon the student's LPN degree and accepts a limited number of online students with an unencumbered LPN license.

A 2.75 GPA is required for admission, and applicants with felony convictions may not be eligible for the licensing exam.

2. University of Sioux Falls

The University of Sioux Falls offers a health administration degree program that equips students to excel in a dynamic industry influenced by science, technology, economics, and policies.

The program integrates Christian values, providing a meaningful foundation for future leaders. The accredited program emphasizes decision-making, communication skills, critical thinking, and ethical considerations.

With expert faculty and specialized accreditation, graduates are well-prepared to tackle various challenges in the field, applying knowledge to real-world situations while upholding ethical and faith-based principles.

3. South Dakota State University

South Dakota State University's RN to BSN program offers a flexible online option for registered nurses with an associate degree in nursing to advance their careers.

The program allows for a personalized pace of completion and offers pathways to master's and doctorate degrees.

As South Dakota's top-ranked RN to BSN program, SDSU emphasizes leadership, evidence-based practice, and patient-centered care, preparing graduates for nursing roles with proficiency in various skills and competencies.

The program aligns with cross-curricular skills, integrating liberal education and inter-professional collaboration into nursing practice.

4. University of South Dakota

The University of South Dakota's Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program, specializing in Nursing Informatics and e-Health, addresses the increasing demand for nurses with advanced skills in informatics, healthcare technologies, analytics, and e-Health.

This flexible program utilizes distance delivery and inter-professional approaches to prepare students to use data, information systems, and healthcare technologies to enhance patient care, service delivery, and organizational change.

With coursework focused on leadership, evidence-based practice, and healthcare business, graduates become leaders in healthcare equipped to improve patient outcomes through informatics and technology integration.

5. Mount Marty University

Mount Marty University's Master of Science in Nursing - psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner program prepares students to offer evidence-based mental health care to individuals, families, and communities.

Through pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy, students gain skills to diagnose and treat various mental health conditions.

This program, rooted in Catholic Benedictine values, emphasizes compassion, understanding, and service while focusing on mental health promotion, disease prevention, and psychiatric illness management.

Clinical experiences in underserved areas enhance practical skills, aligning with the university's mission of holistic nursing expertise and community service involvement.

Graduates are eligible for ANCC certification as psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners.

6. Mitchell Technical College

Mitchell Technical College's Medical Office Professional program equips students with essential skills for efficient medical office management, patient information technology, and medical billing.

As the healthcare industry grows, the demand for skilled medical office professionals (MOP) continues to rise. Graduates become experts in patient data management, performing duties like medical reception, record maintenance, and computerized billing.

The program prepares students for careers such as medical receptionist, medical records clerk, and more, fostering proficiency in medical terminology, software applications, and legal and ethical standards.

Graduates contribute to healthcare efficiency and accuracy, playing a crucial role in the industry's future growth.

7. Dakota Wesleyan University

Dakota Wesleyan University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program offers an accelerated 28-month track in Sioux Falls.

Clinical experiences are integrated throughout the curriculum to provide hands-on skill practice. For registered nurses pursuing their RN-BS nursing degree, credits can be earned for professional experience, allowing completion in under two years.

The LPN-Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is designed for licensed practical nurses, enhancing their skills for the National Council Licensure Examination-R.N. (NCLEX).

Both programs emphasize evidence-based care, holistic nursing, teaching strategies, preventative measures, and ethical standards, preparing graduates for diverse nursing roles with strong ethical foundations.

Other Popular Online Nursing Programs in South Dakota

Students in South Dakota can find traditional and self-paced RN to BSN programs from schools nationwide. These include some of the easiest RN to BSN programs online.

University of Maine at Fort Kent

The University of Maine at Fort Kent (UMFK) offers an online RN to BSN program designed for working nurses seeking personal and professional growth.

Prioritizing patient safety and evidence-based practice, the program is fully accredited and 100% online, with no extra fees.

The flexible schedule features seven-week courses, covering core nursing topics such as leadership, patient-centered care, teamwork, informatics, and quality improvement.

Upon completing an associate degree or nursing diploma with an active RN license, students receive a block transfer of 69 credits.

Colorado Technical University

The Master of Science in Nursing program at Colorado Technical University, with a nursing administration concentration, prepares students for nursing leadership and management roles.

Graduates cultivate skills in effective communication, ethical accountability, and leadership to enact positive change in healthcare settings.

This program seamlessly integrates advanced nursing knowledge and maintains a consistent presence among the top Online Master's in Nursing Programs according to U.S. News & World Report.

MSN objectives encompass elevating care quality, applying research outcomes, and advocating for patient-centered practices.

The nursing administration concentration emphasizes effective communication, ethical accountability, and leadership principles within healthcare environments.

Grand Canyon University

Grand Canyon University provides an accredited online RN to BSN program, offering a quick path to career advancement for nursing majors.

Within 14 months, aspiring nurses can complete core coursework through 5-week classes, expediting the achievement of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN). Theory courses are online, while practicum hours occur in local clinical settings.

With the potential for up to 90 transferable credits, GCU prepares RNs for expanded healthcare roles, advanced education, and leadership positions, imparting insights from practicing nurses to enhance clinical care, management, and leadership skills for immediate post-graduation application.

Types of Nursing Programs Offered Online in South Dakota

Regardless of your nursing career stage, accredited programs in South Dakota offer opportunities to enhance qualifications and broaden expertise.

Program choices span bachelor's to doctoral degrees, providing a comprehensive array of options. Explore the subsequent overview of nursing program possibilities in South Dakota, along with the institutions providing them.

• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
• Accelerated BSN Programs
• LPN to RN and LPN to BSN Programs
• RN to BSN Programs
• RN to MSN Programs
• Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN)
• DNP and PhD Doctoral Programs

Read More: 6-Month RN to BSN Programs

What Are the Educational Requirements for a Nursing Degree?

Attaining RN status in South Dakota aligns with the educational requirements for nurses in other states, yet remember that each state maintains distinct licensing criteria.

Consult the South Dakota Board of Nursing for precise details on securing your RN license. South Dakota participates in the nurse licensure compact alongside neighboring states North Dakota, Iowa, and Nebraska.

Holding a multistate license from South Dakota allows nurses to practice remotely in other compact states.

Licensing Requirements for Nurses in South Dakota

Securing your nursing career in South Dakota involves key steps. All states mandate accredited nursing education, national exam success, and background checks.

While most require continuing education, South Dakota stands out, requiring active nursing employment for license renewal. To obtain an RN license, complete an ADN or BSN program, pass the NCLEX-RN, and undergo fingerprint-based background checks.

For in-state nursing program attendees, transcripts are shared automatically; others must provide official copies with a $100 application fee.

APRN licensure demands an unencumbered RN license, an accredited master's or doctorate in nursing, specialty certification, background checks, and either 1,040 NP practice hours or collaboration with a physician/NP, all for a $100 fee.

Start Your Nursing Degree Online

Take the next step towards your nursing journey with a South Dakota online nursing degree.

From specialized tracks to comprehensive programs, the online landscape offers the flexibility you need to shape your nursing career. Start your path to success today!