Best Online RN to BSN Programs in South Dakota

Every day, some 2.5 million nurses in the United States work collaboratively with their peers and colleagues in order to heal patients and advance their profession across the country and globally. In addition to outward-directed focus, many nurses also show inward-directed tenacity and foresight to advance their career through obtaining their bachelor’s degree.

2024 - Best Online RN to BSN Programs in South Dakota

With hospitals and healthcare employers starting to require new hires to hold a BSN at minimum, many South Dakota RNs with associate degrees or diplomas are starting to consider going back to school to complete a baccalaureate degree. Luckily, RN to BSN bridge programs make advancing a nurse's education faster and simpler than ever before. Online and hybrid programs make things even more convenient, as nurses can often continue working while they complete their studies. To help you find a great program in the state, we've ranked the best RN to BSN programs in South Dakota below.

For more information on our top nursing school rankings, visit our Methodology Page (https://www.registerednursing.org/rankings-methodology/).

1.

South Dakota State University

Brookings, SD

South Dakota State University of Brookings allows nurses to continue their education at their own pace through its flexible online RN to BSN program. The program is designed to be completed in just 3-5 semesters of study. The curriculum includes coursework such as Family & Communication, Leadership & Management, Nursing Research & Theory, and much more.

• RN to BSN Online/Hybrid

Tuition & Fees:

• $$$$$

Quick Facts:

• Public 4-Year
• Students can transfer up to 90 community college credits
• RN to MSN and RN to DNP options also available

2.

Dakota Wesleyan University

Mitchell, SD

Dakota Wesleyan University offers a streamlined, fully online pathway for RNs to earn a bachelor's degree in nursing. The RN to BSN program can be completed in 14 months of full-time study (part-time is also available). Built upon the core values of learning, leadership, faith, and service, DWU's program includes courses such as Pathophysiology for Nursing, Health Assessment and Promotion, and others.

• RN to BSN Online/Hybrid

Tuition & Fees:

• $$$$$

Quick Facts:

• Private Non-Profit 4-Year
• Two start points per year
• 8-week courses

3.

University of South Dakota

Vermillion, SD

The online RN to BSN program through the University of South Dakota gives students multiple options. The Traditional Track can be completed in 4 semesters of part-time study, the Progressive Track is a 1 course per semester option, and the Accelerated Track can be completed in 3 semesters, part-time. Aside from the didactic courses, students will also complete clinical experiences to be arranged at their workplace or in their local community.

• RN to BSN Online/Hybrid

Tuition & Fees:

• $$$$$

Quick Facts:

• Public 4-Year
• New cohorts begin each Fall, Spring, and Summer
• Program can be completed in as little as 12 months

Fast & Affordable Program Options

There are many reasons why nurses are drawn to RN to BSN programs but two of the most common ones are the speed at which you can graduate from them and the very low cost. RN to BSN programs build on the student’s previous experience and training as a nurse to deliver a much shorter curriculum saving you both time and money along the way.

Fastest Online RN to BSN Degree Options

A traditional BSN program takes about 4 years to complete, but if you already have your nursing license and a few years of experience, you are eligible to get your BSN in as little as a year through an RN to BSN program. Here are a few of the quickest options for RN to BSN programs in South Dakota:

Learn more about the Quickest RN to BSN Programs.

Do 6-month RN to BSN Programs Exist?

Yes, they do, though you will likely be hard-pressed to find one available in South Carolina. Six-month RN to BSN programs are hard to come by, and when they are available, they require a substantial amount of transferable credits along with several years of nursing experience.

Affordable Online RN to BSN Options

As mentioned, RN to BSN programs can be extremely cheap, but before applying, it’s good to be aware of the individual costs involved. Many schools (particularly state schools) divide their tuition rates by whether or not you are a resident of South Dakota or if you are an online student so if you’re relocating to another state, you should consider these cost differences. Additionally, you may find that technology fees in combination with the cost of textbooks and room and board may add up to the cost of your total tuition. That being said, there are a few RN to BSN programs in the state that offer the lowest tuition rates:

Learn more about Affordable RN to BSN Degrees.

Admissions Requirements for Accredited RN to BSN Programs

Deciding to return to the classroom to continue your education is a big decision. You may be wondering how best to gain entrance to the accredited program of your choice, even with your extensive skills and experience. Similar to when you applied to your Associate’s Degree in Nursing program of choice, the BSN or Bachelor of Science in Nursing program has many of the same types of admissions criteria. Read on to discover the most common ones you may encounter when applying for an RN to BSN program:

• Unconditional acceptance to the university of your choice
• Graduate from a regionally accredited ADN program
• Active RN license with no encumbrances
• ‘C’ grade or better in each pre-requisite course
• Complete and submit nursing application
• Unhindered computer and internet access
• Three professional references
• Clear criminal background check

Classes & Courses: What is the Curriculum Like?

Dakota Wesleyan University has a unique online campus experience that helps students feel connected – to their coursework, their instructors, and their fellow students. Accredited by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, nurses will take upper-level courses like this:

• NUR 303 Nursing Research
• NUR 307 Pathophysiology for Nursing
• NUR 311 Leadership for the Baccalaureate Nurse I
• NUR 400 Family, Community, and Populations

2024 List of RN to BSN Programs in South Dakota

Find the best accredited RN to BSN degree programs in South Dakota in our listings below.

Find RN to BSN Programs By City:

• Sioux Falls RN to BSN Programs

Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.