Nursing Programs in Sioux Falls, SD

2026 Best Nursing Schools in Sioux Falls

Rankings help prospective nursing students evaluate programs by providing objective data comparisons. Registerednursing.org is creating the "Best Nursing Schools in Sioux Falls" rankings based solely on NCLEX pass rates, a key indicator of program quality. This approach offers clear metrics for decision-making. For detailed methodology, visit https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/.

Yearly Pass Rate Trends

No statistically significant data available for yearly pass rate trends in Sioux Falls.

Yearly Nursing Graduates

No statistically significant data available for yearly nursing graduates in Sioux Falls.

Top Performing Schools

No statistically significant data available for top performing schools in Sioux Falls.

Pass Rate by Program Size

No statistically significant data available for pass rate by program size in Sioux Falls.

Consistently High Performing Schools

No statistically significant data available for consistently high performing schools in Sioux Falls.

#1

University of Sioux Falls

Sioux Falls, SD - Private 4-year - usiouxfalls.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Sioux Falls' Bachelor of Science in Nursing program integrates Christian values with evidence-based education, preparing students for diverse healthcare roles through hands-on clinical training. This campus-based BSN program requires ACT or SAT scores for admission and has demonstrated strong NCLEX performance, with an 84.5% pass rate in 2022 and an impressive 97.4% in 2024. The program features state-of-the-art facilities and emphasizes ethical practice, making it a comprehensive choice for aspiring nurses seeking both technical skills and values-based education.

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

Bachelor's - Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Designed for degree holders transitioning to nursing, the University of Sioux Falls' Accelerated BSN program delivers intensive preparation in just four semesters with January starts. This campus program boasts the state's highest NCLEX pass rate at 97.37% and utilizes advanced simulation technology alongside extensive clinical experiences. Admission requires a 2.75 GPA, prerequisite completion, and background check, but no entrance exam. At $450 per credit for 57-60 credits, this accelerated pathway efficiently prepares graduates for nursing licensure with strong clinical readiness.

• 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.

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#2

Augustana University

Sioux Falls, SD - Private 4-year - augie.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Augustana University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program in Sioux Falls distinguishes itself as South Dakota's only holistic nursing program, integrating mind-body-spirit principles into its curriculum. This CCNE-accredited program emphasizes leadership development through practicums and provides extensive clinical experience with weekly rotations in Sioux Falls' robust healthcare network. Students benefit from advanced simulation technology and interactive learning environments that prepare them for real-world nursing challenges. The program requires ACT or SAT scores for admission and maintains strong NCLEX performance, with recent pass rates of 93-97.5%, consistently exceeding state and national averages.

• 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.

*Higher education data sourced from: IPEDS 2024, National Center for Education Statistics.

Entry-Level ADN & BSN Programs in Sioux Falls, SD

Nursing is a rare vocation in that it changes all the time though its core – caring for and treating patients -- remains the same. Year-round enrollment options and open-door colleges and universities in Sioux Falls, SD has made entering this in-demand field a fairly simple process. From the Associate of Science in Nursing and Bachelor of Science in Nursing to bridge LPN to RN options, there are many “correct” ways to enter or advance your career in the field of nursing.

LPN to RN Programs

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) bring to the table extensive first-hand experience about patient interaction and the larger healthcare system. There are limits to the work that LPNs can do, and those who would like to have a greater impact on their patients often choose to become fully licensed registered nurses. Southeast Technical Institute in Sioux Falls, SD has a bridge pathway for working LPNs who want the opportunity to work as RNs. The pathway aims to make the most of previously earned credit hours so LPNs can reach their RN objectives in less time.

ADN Programs

Begin your career as a bedside nurse in two short years when you earn your Associate of Science in Nursing. The hands-on, clinical intensive format exposes you to a range of nursing experiences you are likely to encounter in the real world nursing environment. Southeast Technical Institute in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, offers a budget-friendly ASN program. Most courses must be completed on-site; however, a handful are offered in an online format. The accredited program prepares students to sit for and pass the NCLEX-RN exam.

Direct-Entry BSN Programs

Nurses are the backbone of the nation’s healthcare system. Bachelor-prepared nurses have been shown to provide improved care to patients; they are sought-out by hospitals and other employers. Augustana University, a traditional liberal arts school, offers a recognized BSN that generates NCLEX pass rates that are consistently higher than both state and national averages. The nursing curriculum of the Sioux Falls, SD school covers behavior and community health, pharmacotherapeutics, child and adult health, and maternal and reproductive health.

Find out more about South Dakota Accelerated BSN Programs.

RN to BSN/MSN Programs in Sioux Falls, SD

APRN & Nurse Practitioner Programs in Sioux Falls, SD

Nurse Practitioners (NPs) and other Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) can provide routine treatment and care to patients at all life stages from pediatric to geriatric. With many specialties available, these nursing professionals can choose to serve a specific patient population that aligns with their individual preferences. Online and hybrid online and on-campus Master of Science, Post-Grad Certificates and Doctor of Nursing Practice degrees in and around Sioux Falls, SD allow career advancement at a pace that suits nurses’ working schedules.

MSN Programs

Nurses with advanced degrees have the benefit of focusing on a particular area of study that they are passionate about. By doing so, they can become leading nursing practitioners in their niche areas. Built-in the Benedictine Catholic tradition, Mount Marty College offers intensive Nurse Practitioner concentrations with psychiatric or mental health specialties. The blended online and on-campus format allows most students to work while they earn their Master of Science in Nursing. With a Sioux Falls, SD location, the college focuses on developing compassionate, clinically competent nurses.

Find out more about South Dakota Nurse Practitioner Programs.

Post-Master’s Certificate Programs

For Advanced Practice Nurses who can’t afford to take a break from work to advance their careers, post-master's certificates can be a low-cost way to get ahead without a long term commitment. South Dakota State University, located about an hour north of Sioux Falls, has in its arsenal four post-grad certs that can be completed either exclusively or partially online for maximum convenience. The educator, leadership, and nurse practitioner (family and psychiatric) certs allow students to meet their professional goals while balancing family responsibilities.

Find out more about South Dakota Post-Master's Certificate Programs.

DNP Programs

The Doctor of Nursing Practice represents the terminal degree for nursing and is available for those seeking to be true community and healthcare leaders. With a focus on frontier and rural healthcare disparities, the DNP program offered by South Dakota State University outside of Sioux Falls covers topics such as quality healthcare delivery for these and other disadvantaged populations. Students learn how to apply evidence-based practice and clinical judgment to assess, develop and deliver care for the underserved. The program, which includes both online and on-campus courses, requires a capstone project.

Find out more about South Dakota DNP Programs.