How To Become a Nurse in South Dakota 2025

Registered nurses (RN) play a huge role in our healthcare system by taking care of patients and helping healthcare facilities run smoothly. As a result, RNs are in demand across the country, with a particular demand expected in South Dakota.

Although all states require RNs to have a nursing license, the specific steps for how to become a nurse vary. Keep reading to learn more about how to become a registered nurse in South Dakota.

What Does an RN Do?

RNs take care of patients in healthcare settings like hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, or home health agencies. Their job duties can vary, but often include:

• doing basic assessments, like checking vital signs and determining what may be wrong
• recording observations in the patient's medical chart and updating information
• preparing the patient for medical procedures
• assisting doctors or patients during medical procedures
• administering medications or certain treatments
• contributing to the patient care plan
• educating patients on their conditions or treatment plans

The specific job duties of a certified registered nurse will depend on where they work as well as what department they're in or the type of patients they see.

How Long Does It Take To Become a Nurse in South Dakota?

A few different things can impact how long it takes to become a registered nurse in South Dakota, including what type of nursing education program you choose and how long it takes you to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for registered nurses (NCLEX-RN).

Most associate degree programs for nurses take two to three years to complete, and you may be able to pass the NCLEX-RN exam right away. Additionally, some schools offer accelerated nursing programs online if you already have a bachelor's degree.

4 Steps To Become a Registered Nurse in South Dakota

To qualify for RN licensure in South Dakota, you must meet the educational requirements for nurses and pass the NCLEX-RN. We've broken down the basic steps for becoming a nurse in South Dakota below.

Step 1: Complete a Nursing Program

Step one to becoming a nurse in South Dakota is to complete a South Dakota board-approved nursing education program or an out-of-state nursing program approved by another board of nursing. There are a few different nursing program options depending on how much college experience you have.

Those who have not earned a degree yet can become a nurse through an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Associate degrees take less time, but bachelor's degrees prepare you for leadership roles or graduate programs. Some schools offer shortened pathways for licensed practical nurses (LPNs).

Many students choose to earn their ADN and their RN license and start working as an RN. They then return to school through RN to BSN programs, which are often accelerated and offered online.

If you've already earned a bachelor's degree, you have two options. One is a second bachelor's degree program, and the other is an entry-level Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). Both take one to two years to complete.

Step 2: Apply for Licensure

After you graduate from nursing school, you can apply for a nursing license in South Dakota. This requires submitting proof of your nursing education, paying a $100 application fee, and completing a criminal background check.

Once you have been approved by the South Dakota Board of Nursing (SDBON), you will receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) to take the NCLEX-RN. You can also request a temporary permit, which allows you to work as a nurse while awaiting your test date or test results.

Step 3: Pass the NCLEX-RN

The NCLEX-RN exam is a standardized licensure exam that the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) administers. All states require applicants to pass this exam before they can receive their nursing license.

The exam focuses on three key areas of nursing: client needs, fundamental processes in nursing, and clinical judgment. You can find a full exam breakdown and study guides on the NCLEX website.

Step 4: Maintain Licensure and Consider Advancement

After the board has received your official passing score from the NCLEX-RN, you'll receive your nursing license. To maintain licensure, you must renew your license every two years. Unlike most states, South Dakota does not have continuing education requirements for renewal.

Often, students choose to return to school after earning their license to further their careers. Those with an ADN can complete their bachelor's through an RN to BSN program.

If you're interested in advanced nursing practice, like becoming a nurse practitioner or nurse midwife, you'll need a graduate degree. Both master's degree and doctoral options are available.

Top Nursing Degree Programs in South Dakota

About a dozen colleges and universities in South Dakota offer accredited nursing programs. Many also offer online nursing programs for career advancement. We've highlighted some of the top degree programs for future RNs below.

1. Lake Area Technical College

Lake Area Technical College is a public community college in Watertown, SD. It offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in nursing that students can take fully on campus or in a hybrid format.

The three-semester program is designed for current LPNs and incorporates theory, clinical, lab, and simulation experiences to prepare students for nursing jobs. Lake Area Tech had a first-time pass rate of 98.08% on the NCLEX-RN in 2024.

• Estimated tuition cost: $6,718 per year (in-state and out-of-state)
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)

2. University of Sioux Falls

At the University of Sioux Falls, students will find a BSN that prepares them for nursing careers in various settings. Students learn evidence-based practice skills and participate in clinical experiences.

The University of Sioux Falls, a private Christian school, is located in Sioux Falls, SD. Its BSN had an NCLEX-RN pass rate of 97.37% in the most recent year. The school also offers an accelerated BSN (ABSN) for second bachelor's degree students and an RN to BSN program.

• Estimated tuition cost: $21,750 per year (in-state and out-of-state)
• Accreditation: HLC and Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

3. Southeast Technical College

Southeast Technical College offers an ADN program that includes hands-on training through the school's simulation center and clinical experiences. Southeast Tech is a public community college in Sioux Falls, SD.

The degree program covers nursing across the lifespan as well as topics such as pharmacology and medical/surgical nursing. It had an NCLEX-RN pass rate of 95.92% last year.

• Estimated tuition cost: $7,650 (in-state and out-of-state)
• Accreditation: HLC and ACEN

4. University of South Dakota

The BSN program at the University of South Dakota prepares students to become healthcare leaders through courses on nursing practice, care coordination, and public health. This program had a pass rate of $95.61% on the NCLEX-RN in 2024.

USD, located in Vermillion, SD, is a public research university. It also offers an LPN to RN option, an RN to BSN program, and master's and doctoral degrees in nursing.

• Estimated tuition cost: $9,432 per year (in-state); $12,942 per year (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: HLC and CCNE

5. South Dakota State University

South Dakota State University is a public research institution in Brookings, SD. It offers a BSN with an in-person and primarily online option, as well as an ABSN and RN to BSN program.

The BSN provides a strong academic and clinical background for entry into professional nursing and had an NCLEX-RN pass rate of 95.17% last year. SDSU's College of Nursing also offers graduate programs.

• Estimated tuition cost: $9,299 per year (in-state); $12,809 per year (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: HLC and CCNE

Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in South Dakota

Nurses are in-demand across the U.S., and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects nursing jobs to increase 6% nationwide by 2033. The outlook is even brighter in South Dakota, where nursing jobs are expected to increase by 13% in that same time frame.

The median annual salary for RNs in South Dakota is $69,510 per year. That rate is fairly consistent across the larger cities, but those in nonmetropolitan areas earn a median salary of just over $75,000 per year.

FAQs About How To Become a Nurse in South Dakota

Becoming a nurse can be exciting, but there can also be a lot of unknowns. To help you out, we've answered a few frequently asked questions about becoming a nurse in South Dakota.

How Much Does a Nursing Degree Cost in South Dakota?

The cost of your nursing degree can depend on a variety of factors, including what school you choose, what degree you're earning, if you're an in-state or out-of-state student, and if you have previous college experience. Most public colleges in South Dakota charge less than $10,000 in tuition per year.

You can lower your tuition costs through financial aid. All students should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year; this determines what aid you qualify for. You can find several online colleges that accept FAFSA in South Dakota.

Keep in mind that you'll also have costs beyond tuition, like textbooks and other supplies. You'll also likely need a laptop and should budget for one of the best laptops for nursing students.

What Are the Prerequisites for a Nursing Degree?

Most nursing schools require you to have completed your general education courses and certain prerequisites, like microbiology and anatomy and physiology, before you begin your nursing classes. The specific prerequisites required can vary. Some schools offer self-paced nursing prerequisites online.

Additionally, you'll likely need a minimum GPA and to pass an entrance exam like the Health Education Systems Incorporated Admission Assessment Exam (HESI) or the Test of Academic Skills (TEAS). You can usually find the full list of admissions requirements on the program website.

What Is the Fastest Way To Become a Nurse?

If you don't already have a nursing degree yet, the fastest way to become a nurse is by completing an ADN and then earning your license. You can always return to school to finish your bachelor's after receiving your license.

What Is the Easiest Nursing Degree?

''Easy'' is a subjective term, but generally, the easiest nursing degree is an RN to BSN program. These are degree completion programs for RNs with associate degrees.

These are often easier for students because they're flexible, as they're meant for working nurses. Many are available online and allow you to complete your clinical experiences where you work.

Find a Nursing Degree

Start working toward making your RN dreams a reality by exploring the nursing programs featured on Learn.org. Reach out to specific schools for more details on their nursing degree options.