Top Nursing Schools & Programs in South Dakota

Dakota Wesleyan University's A.S. in Nursing hybrid program in Rapid City offers a 24-month path to nursing, blending online coursework with simulation-based lessons and clinical rotations. No prior healthcare experience is needed, and it prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam with high pass rates. Admission requires a 2.7 GPA, and financial aid is available. As an associate's level program, it may require an ACT or SAT entrance exam for admission.

• 24-month program duration.
• Hybrid online and on-campus.
• High NCLEX-RN pass rates.
• No healthcare experience needed.
• Clinical rotations included.
• 2.7 GPA admission requirement.
• Financial aid available.
• Focus on hands-on skills.
• Prepares for diverse nursing roles.
• Supportive learning environment.

Dakota Wesleyan University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, accredited by CCNE, prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam through hands-on learning in high-tech simulation labs and diverse clinical experiences. Emphasizing Christian values and a supportive environment with mentorship from experienced faculty, the program boasts a 100% job placement rate. Admission requires meeting prerequisites, and financial aid is available. As a bachelor's level program, it may require an ACT or SAT entrance exam for admission.

• 100% job placement rate
• High-tech simulation labs
• Christian values-based education
• Diverse clinical experiences
• Supportive faculty mentorship
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
• Financial aid available
• Campus-based program
• Focus on hands-on learning
• Accredited by CCNE

Oglala Lakota College offers a two-year Associate's Degree in Nursing program in Pine Ridge, SD, preparing students for NCLEX-RN licensure with a focus on holistic care, cultural competency, and evidence-based practice. Prerequisites include chemistry, psychology, and anatomy, with financial aid available. As an associate-level program, it does not require an ACT or SAT exam for admission.

• Hands-on nursing program.
• Focus on cultural competency.
• Eligible for NCLEX-RN licensure.
• Two-year program duration.
• Located in Pine Ridge, SD.
• Prerequisites include chemistry, psychology.
• Financial aid available.
• Scholarships for eligible students.
• Emphasizes holistic care.
• Professional accountability focus.

Oglala Lakota College's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program equips students for diverse nursing roles through a campus-based curriculum that blends theory with hands-on experience. It emphasizes cultural competency and professional accountability, tailored to meet the healthcare needs of tribal communities, with applications due by March 1st. This program requires completion of prerequisites and does not specify an ACT or SAT exam requirement for admission, focusing on affordability and accessibility.

• Campus-based program.
• Focuses on cultural competency.
• Hands-on nursing experience.
• Prepares for diverse nursing roles.
• Applications due March 1st.
• Affordable and accessible education.
• Comprehensive nursing curriculum.
• Emphasis on Lakota community needs.
• Blend of theoretical and practical learning.
• Approved by South Dakota Board of Nursing.

Augustana University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program in Sioux Falls is South Dakota's only holistic nursing program, endorsed for its comprehensive approach. It features NCLEX pass rates exceeding state and national averages, supported by an interactive learning environment with advanced simulation centers and weekly clinical experiences in the city's healthcare hub. The curriculum includes leadership practicums and diverse clinical opportunities, focusing on practical skills and leadership development. Accredited by CCNE, this campus-based program requires an ACT or SAT entrance exam for admission.

• Holistic Nursing Program endorsed.
• Higher NCLEX pass rates.
• Interactive learning environment.
• Weekly clinical experiences.
• Leadership practicums included.
• CCNE accredited program.
• Simulation center available.
• Diverse clinical opportunities.
• Located in health care hub.
• Focus on practical skills.

The University of Sioux Falls BSN program integrates Christian values with evidence-based education, offering extensive clinical experiences and state-of-the-art facilities to prepare students for diverse nursing specialties. It boasts the highest NCLEX pass rate in South Dakota, ensuring graduates are well-equipped for the profession. As a bachelor's program, it may require ACT or SAT exams for admission, though specifics are not detailed in the provided data.

• Highest NCLEX pass rate.
• Extensive clinical experience.
• State-of-the-art facilities.
• Christian values integration.
• Evidence-based education.

The Accelerated BSN program at the University of Sioux Falls is a four-semester intensive course starting each January, designed for those with a prior bachelor's degree. It features a 97.37% NCLEX pass rate, the state's highest, and utilizes simulation technology and extensive clinical training. Admission requires a minimum 2.75 GPA, prerequisite courses, and a background check, with tuition at $450 per credit. Entrance exams like ACT or SAT may be required but are not explicitly mentioned.

• Four-semester program.
• Starts every January.
• 97.37% NCLEX pass rate.
• State-of-the-art facilities.
• Extensive clinical experience.
• Simulation technology used.
• Minimum 2.75 GPA required.
• Background check needed.
• Financial aid available.
• $450 per credit.

Mount Marty University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program offers a comprehensive education grounded in Catholic Benedictine values, preparing students for diverse nursing roles. The curriculum includes hands-on clinical experiences in areas like pediatrics, maternity, and critical care, with a focus on advanced technology and compassionate care. No entrance exams such as ACT or SAT are required for admission, and the program emphasizes high job placement rates and a holistic approach to professional development.

• Hands-on clinical experiences
• Multiple nursing specialty options
• Catholic Benedictine values
• Comprehensive curriculum
• High job placement rate
• No grade lower than C accepted
• Varied clinical settings
• Advanced technology training
• Community service focus
• Professional skill development