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Top South Dakota RN to BSN Programs

As registered nurses have seen their duties and responsibilities expand considerably in recent years, the level of education that's expected of them by most employers has also risen. Nearly 9 of 10 employers have a strong preference towards nurses with BSN degrees, according to a survey carried out by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). As a result, ambitious RNs across the country are enrolling in RN to BSN programs. Luckily, colleges and universities in South Dakota have risen to the occasion by offering these bridge programs to nursing students. Finding the best one, however, isn't always the easiest. That's why we have compiled a list of the top RN to BSN programs in South Dakota.

How to Choose a Top RN to BSN Program in South Dakota

To choose a quality RN to BSN program in the state, students are encouraged to keep the following in mind:

  • Program acceptance stats
  • Cost of attendance (tuition, fees)
  • Program accreditation
  • Partnerships with area hospitals and medical centers
  • Financial aid availability
  • Employment data for recent program grads
  • Class sizes
  • Quality of faculty/instructors

Testing and Certification

Since ADN-educated nurses have already taken and passed the NCLEX-RN exam, they don't need to take any additional licensing examinations at the culmination of the RN to BSN bridge program.

List of Top RN to BSN Programs in South Dakota

1. Dakota Wesleyan University

Established 135 years ago, Dakota Wesleyan University is a four-year university that's affiliated with the United Methodist Church. DWU offers a 42 semester credit hour RN to BSN program that can be completed 100 percent online, in just 14 months if taken full-time. Students that choose to attend the program part-time can complete the program in 28 months. Course are delivered in 8 week blocks, and include coursework like Pharmacology, Health Assessment and Promotion, and Nursing Research, among others. New students are admitted into the program twice a year at the beginning of the fall and spring semesters.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • Avera Queen of Peace Hospital
  • Avera Occupational Medicine Mitchell
  • Sanford Health Mitchell

Tuition:

Students who enroll in Dakota Wesleyan University's RN to BSN program can expect to pay approximately $15,750 plus additional fees.

2. South Dakota State University

Originally established in 1881, South Dakota State University - the state's largest, most comprehensive, and oldest continually operating university - is a public university located in the small city of Brookings. In addition to its campus in Brookings, SDSU also operates three subsidiary campuses elsewhere in the state. SDSU's 30 semester credit RN to BSN program can be completed entirely online in three to five semesters depending on whether the student is enrolled full or part-time. The program places a special emphasis on serving rural and underserved populations in addition to humanities, social, and natural sciences which seek to build upon a nurse's foundational education. Courses students take during their studies include Physiology, Public Health Science, Lifespan Development, and others.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • Brookings Health System
  • Sanford Health Acute Care Clinic
  • Avera Medical Group Brookings

Tuition:

Students who enroll in South Dakota State University's RN to BSN program can expect to pay approximately $7,451 plus additional fees.

3. University of Sioux Falls

Founded in 1883, the University of Sioux Falls is a private Christian university that's located in the city of Sioux Falls. USF offers students a 40 semester credit RN to BSN program that can be completed mostly online. In addition to the program's online coursework, students are required to complete a 45-hour clinical rotation at a healthcare facility close to their home. During the program, students tackle courses like Cultural, Spiritual, and Ethical Dimensions of Holistic Care, Applied Pathophysiology, and Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, among many others. New students are admitted at the beginning of every fall, spring, and summer semester.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • Avera on Louise Health Campus
  • Avera Specialty Hospital
  • Falls Community Health

Tuition:

Students who enroll in the University of Sioux Fall's RN to BSN program can expect to pay approximately $14,800 plus additional fees.

4. University of South Dakota

Founded in 1862, the University of South Dakota - the state's flagship university and oldest public institution of higher learning - is a research university located in Vermillion. USD offers a 30 semester credit hour RN to BSN program where students can complete the vast majority of the coursework online. There are a number of plans of study options that students can choose from. In the traditional track, students enroll part-time and can finish in four semesters. In the progressive track, students complete one course a semester. Lastly, the accelerate track allows students to complete the program in three semesters. Coursework includes Nursing Practice in Global Society, Optimizing Health of Populations, Health Care Policy, Finance & Regularly Environments, and more. New class cohorts are admitted at the beginning of every fall, spring, and summer semester.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • Sanford Vermillion Medical Center
  • Sanford Vermillion Emergency Services
  • USD Student Health Services

Tuition:

Students who enroll in the University of South Dakota's RN to BSN program can expect to pay approximately $7,451 plus additional fees.

5. Presentation College

Founded in 1951, Presentation College is a private, Catholic college with its main campus in the city of Aberdeen. PC offers its students an online, 33 semester credit hour RN to BSN bridge program that can be completed in as little as one calendar year. Courses offered at PC's RN to BSN program include Health Assessment, Dimensions of Professional Nursing, and Leadership Roles in Nursing, among many others.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • Aberdeen Royal Infirmary
  • Woodend Hospital
  • Garthdee Health Centre

Tuition:

Students who enroll in Presentation College's RN to BSN program can expect to pay approximately $19,995 plus additional fees.