Jake Flannigan, NP
June 19, 2025
South Dakota RN to BSN programs give registered nurses who have associate degrees a straightforward route to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). The achievement of a BSN allows nurses to gain extensive knowledge together with advanced competencies which include evidence-based practice and community health education. South Dakota healthcare organizations which include major hospitals and rural clinics demand nurses to possess a BSN degree for some positions and career advancement opportunities.
Brookings, SD - Public 4-Year - sdstate.edu
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South Dakota State University's RN to BSN program is a fully online option for registered nurses seeking to advance their education. It requires an RN license for entry and offers a flexible 7-week course format, allowing completion in as little as 10 months with 30 credit hours. The curriculum emphasizes population health, evidence-based practice, and healthcare technologies, with affordable resident tuition at $408 per credit. No entrance exam is required, and it provides a pathway for career growth and potential graduate studies.
Vermillion, SD - Public 4-Year - usd.edu
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The University of South Dakota's online RN-BSN program offers registered nurses a flexible path to earn their bachelor's degree, emphasizing career advancement without requiring an ACT or SAT exam. Designed for working professionals, it focuses on enhancing clinical skills, leadership, and evidence-based practice through a CCNE-accredited curriculum. With high NCLEX-RN pass rates and interprofessional learning opportunities, this program supports nurses in achieving their goals with experienced faculty guidance.
Yes. Working nurses in South Dakota can benefit from online RN to BSN programs that provide adaptable learning options. The University of South Dakota and South Dakota State University both offer RN to BSN programs that students can complete entirely online. The state’s RNs who reside anywhere can earn their BSN without moving to another campus because online programs are available throughout South Dakota. Students in nursing programs access their lectures, assignments, and discussions through web-based platforms that let them study at any time. The platform provides email correspondence, virtual meetings, and discussion boards for students to connect with their instructors and classmates. The local arrangement of clinical requirements such as community health projects enables students to minimize their travel needs.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota State University |
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| University of South Dakota |
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| Certifying Board | South Dakota Board of Nursing |
|---|---|
| Certification | Graduate of an accredited BSN program, pass NCLEX‑RN, complete fingerprint background check |
| License Renewal Period | Renew every two years |
| Continuing Education | No continuing education requirement |
| License Application Fee | $100 application, $200 NCLEX registration, $43.25 background check |
| Clinical Hours | At least 1,500 supervised clinical practice hours |
| Application Processing Time | Temporary permit in 1–2 business days, permanent license in about 4 business days after all documents received |
| License by Endorsement | $100 endorsement fee, verify active RN license, submit transcripts, fingerprint check, and proof of recent employment |
South Dakota needs registered nurses at a constant level and BSN-educated nurses will have better career opportunities in this state. Healthcare organizations across the state prefer to hire BSN-educated nurses for leadership positions together with specialized care roles. The public health knowledge together with expanded practice capabilities of BSN-prepared nurses benefit rural areas in which they work. Registered nurses in South Dakota receive average annual compensation between $60,000 and $60,000. The starting salaries for BSN new graduates match ADN new graduates but BSN degree holders may earn more after time in supervisory or specialty nursing roles. Healthcare organizations seek nurses with advanced education to improve patient outcomes because they predict positive job prospects for BSN graduates.
| Salary & Career Outlook | South Dakota | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual BSN Salary | $64,100 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $30.81 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$75,000 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | $60,000 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$46,000 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022-2032) | 9% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~350 | ~54,000 |
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota State University |
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| University of South Dakota |
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The BSN degree provides multiple opportunities for nurses to advance their careers. A bachelor’s degree qualification enables nurses to take on leadership roles such as charge nurse, clinical supervisor, and nurse manager. The BSN degree serves as a starting point for nurses who wish to work in specialized areas such as pediatrics, oncology, or public health and also helps them obtain advanced specialty certifications. The BSN serves as the necessary prerequisite for enrollment in graduate nursing programs. BSN degree holders in South Dakota can enroll in MSN or DNP programs to become nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, clinical nurse specialists, or nurse educators. Nurses who pursue further education and training will become ready for advanced positions in their careers and healthcare industry transformations.
Additional Nursing Programs in South Dakota
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