Best Nursing Schools in South Dakota

The University of Sioux Falls' Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) offers a comprehensive healthcare education integrating Christian values and evidence-based practice. With consistently impressive NCLEX pass rates ranging from 84.5% to 97.4%, this program prepares students for successful nursing careers. Students benefit from extensive clinical experiences across diverse nursing specialties, utilizing state-of-the-art facilities and simulation technology. The program emphasizes holistic learning, combining rigorous academic training with practical skills development. While entrance exam requirements are not explicitly stated, the program maintains high academic standards. Graduates are well-positioned to enter the nursing profession with strong theoretical knowledge and hands-on expertise, making it an excellent choice for aspiring nurses seeking a robust and values-driven educational experience.

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

The University of Sioux Falls' Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) provides a fast-track pathway for career changers with existing bachelor's degrees. Spanning four intensive semesters starting in January, this program boasts an exceptional 97.37% NCLEX pass rate. Designed for motivated professionals, the curriculum combines rigorous classroom instruction with comprehensive clinical experiences. Admission requires a minimum 2.75 GPA, prerequisite course completion, and a background check. At $450 per credit for 57-60 credits, students gain access to cutting-edge nursing facilities and simulation technology. The program's strategic design allows students to quickly transition into nursing, offering financial aid options and a structured pathway to professional nursing certification.

• 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.

The University of South Dakota's BSN program prepares nursing students for dynamic healthcare environments through comprehensive training. With an impressive NCLEX pass rate averaging 94.9% in recent years (94.1% in 2022 and 95.6% in 2024), the program demonstrates exceptional student preparedness. Students undergo rigorous clinical experiences across urban and rural healthcare settings, ensuring versatile skill development. The program requires the HESI entrance exam for admission and offers fall and spring semester start dates. Emphasizing compassionate care and technical proficiency, USD's nursing curriculum provides personalized learning with a low student-to-faculty ratio. Graduates are equipped with advanced clinical skills, theoretical knowledge, and a holistic approach to patient care, positioning them competitively in the nursing profession.

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
• Campus-based program.
• High NCLEX-RN pass rate.
• Low student-to-faculty ratio.
• Clinical rotations in diverse settings.
• Requires HESI exam for admission.
• Fall and spring admission deadlines.
• Focus on compassionate care.
• Hands-on clinical experiences.
• Personalized attention from faculty.

Dakota Wesleyan University's Associate of Science in Nursing provides an accelerated 24-month hybrid program designed for aspiring nurses seeking flexible educational pathways. The curriculum blends online coursework with immersive simulation-based learning, preparing students comprehensively for the NCLEX-RN exam. With no prior healthcare experience required, the program welcomes recent high school graduates and career changers. The admission process requires a 2.7 GPA, and the program features extensive clinical rotations covering essential nursing skills in anatomy, pharmacology, and patient care. Students can expect a supportive learning environment that emphasizes practical skills and professional development in South Dakota's healthcare landscape.

• 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 offers a comprehensive program preparing students for professional nursing careers through innovative educational approaches. With an impressive commitment to hands-on learning, students engage in high-tech simulation labs and diverse clinical experiences. The program's recent NCLEX pass rates demonstrate strong student preparedness, with 2022 showing a 75.8% pass rate and 2024 significantly improving to 93.2%. Students benefit from a supportive environment emphasizing Christian values and diversity, ensuring graduates are well-equipped for dynamic healthcare settings. ACT or SAT entrance exams are typically required for admission, and the program boasts a 100% job placement rate for nursing graduates.

• 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

Augustana University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program in Sioux Falls represents an exceptional pathway into professional nursing. With consistently impressive NCLEX pass rates, including a remarkable 97.5% in 2022, the program prepares students through comprehensive, interactive learning strategies. Requiring standard BSN entrance exams, students benefit from weekly clinical experiences in a thriving healthcare hub. The curriculum emphasizes holistic nursing—uniquely endorsed in South Dakota—and provides leadership practicums within advanced simulation centers. CCNE accreditation ensures high educational standards, while students gain practical skills through diverse clinical opportunities. The program's commitment to interactive learning and leadership development positions graduates for successful nursing careers across various healthcare settings.

• 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.

Western Dakota Technical College offers a robust Associate of Applied Science Registered Nursing program specifically tailored for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) seeking RN advancement. Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), this campus-based program boasts impressive NCLEX preparation with consistently strong pass rates. The 2022 and 2024 NCLEX data demonstrate an 85% and 87.9% pass rate respectively, reflecting the program's educational quality. Students must complete an application, submit official transcripts, provide immunization records, and pass the ACCUPLACER test or demonstrate equivalent ACT scores. The curriculum strategically balances theoretical instruction with practical clinical experiences, emphasizing skill development for diverse healthcare environments and preparing students for comprehensive nursing practice.

• Accredited by ACEN.
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
• Designed for LPNs advancing to RN.
• Associate of Applied Science degree.
• Selective admissions process.
• Requires official transcripts.
• Immunization records needed.
• ACCUPLACER or ACT scores required.
• Focuses on diverse populations.
• Blends theory with hands-on experience.