BSN-to-DNP Programs in South Dakota – 2025
Written By: Darby Faubion BSN, RN
The demand for DNP-educated nurses is so high in South Dakota that these nurses make $130,320 a year, and demand for their services is projected to increase by 56 percent in just 10 years. Whether your passion is clinical practice or executive nurse leadership, BSN-to-DNP programs in South Dakota will teach you how to implement evidence-based practice in the solutions you find to healthcare challenges. In South Dakota, DNPs are found in hospital settings and hospital boardrooms, as well as in research laboratories, universities, and government agencies. Are you interested in practicing nursing at its highest level? Check out this list of the best BSN-to-DNP programs in South Dakota.
WHAT ARE THE BEST BSN-TO-DNP PROGRAMS IN SOUTH DAKOTA (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2025?
(Based on our Ranking Methodology, listed below are the Best BSN-to-DNP programs in South Dakota (Online & Campus) for 2025.
1. South Dakota State University - Brookings
Specialties Offered: Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and Clinical Nurse Leader
The South Dakota State University BSN-to-DNP program is available with three specialty options: Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and Clinical Nurse Leader. Each pathway features online coursework and field-based practicum experiences. Occasional campus visits are required to complete simulated clinical hours. New cohorts are admitted each fall, and the program takes an average of four years to complete.
The Clinical Nurse Leader BSN-to-DNP program consists of a 64-credit curriculum and requires 1,000 clinical hours. The Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner programs require 78 and 77 credits, respectively. Each nurse practitioner pathway includes a minimum of 1,020 clinical hours.
Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the BSN-to-DNP program at South Dakota State University, candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree in nursing from a nursing program with ACEN or CCNE accreditation, hold a current, unrestricted license to practice as a Registered Nurse, and have at least 1,500 hours of documented nursing experience before beginning the first clinical course.
Applicants are required to submit a completed and verified application via NursingCAS and complete an online written and verbal assessment through Kira Talent. Additionally, prospective students must provide a resume or curriculum vitae and transcripts reflecting a minimum college GPA of 3.0.
Why Choose This Program
• The BSN-to-DNP program at South Dakota State University is well-regarded. It is recognized in rankings by U.S. News & World Report as one of the nation’s best Doctor of Nursing Practice programs.• The school prides itself on providing well-educated, professional, and compassionate nurses capable of providing the highest quality nursing care. Employers are aware of the excellent caliber of nurses the school prepares and seek program graduates to fill important roles. Approximately one-third of nurses in South Dakota are graduates of South Dakota State University’s nursing programs.
• At South Dakota State University, simulations are a vital part of nursing education. The College of Nursing Healthcare Simulation Center is a state-of-the-art learning center designed to allow students to practice patient care through realistic, simulated scenarios.
• South Dakota State University is committed to investing in the future of nursing. In addition to state and federal financial aid, the College of Nursing has several internal scholarships. In 2024, the school administered over $532,000 in financial aid!
2. University of South Dakota - Vermillion
Specialties Offered: Nurse Anesthesia
The post-baccalaureate Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice program requires the completion of 84 credits. The curriculum plan includes classes like Advanced Pharmacology for Nurse Anesthesiology, Advanced Principles of Nurse Anesthesiology, Applied Evidence-Based Practice & Population Health Concepts, and Coexisting Pathologies & Anesthesia Implications.
Five clinical residencies are included in the curriculum. Clinical assignments and preceptors are determined by program faculty. Students complete a minimum of 2,000 hours of nurse anesthesia clinicals.
Admission Requirements: Candidates for the Nurse Anesthesia program must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an accredited institution, a current RN license, and at least one year of full-time experience as a Registered Nurse in an intensive care or critical care setting. Applicants must provide a Professional Goals Statement, three letters of recommendation, a current CV or resume, and a shadow experience log indicating a minimum of eight hours. Current certification in Basic Life Support for healthcare providers, Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support for healthcare providers from the American Heart Association, and Critical Care RN certification are required. Official transcripts from each post-secondary school are required. Transcripts must show completion of a statistics course and an organic chemistry or biochemistry course with a grade of “B” or better and a cumulative undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
Why Choose This Program
• When you choose to pursue your degree through the University of South Dakota’s BSN-to-DNP program, you will have dedicated support from faculty and staff at every turn. Academic advisors, career coaches, clinical mentors, and preceptors will work with you to ensure you have the resources and guidance you need to succeed at every level of the program and beyond!• Graduates of the post-baccalaureate DNP Nurse Anesthesia program at USD have excellent job placement rates. According to the school, many students receive employment offers while still enrolled (contingent upon graduating and passing national certification). This factor is important to consider, as job placement rates typically reflect the program’s reputation among healthcare providers and potential employers.
• As a partner of International Education’s Generation Study Abroad program, USD offers students more than 200 study abroad opportunities on six continents.
• At USD, you can participate in service learning opportunities by participating in community-based activities to address community needs.
3. Mount Marty University - Yankton
Specialties Offered: Nurse Anesthesia
The BSN-to-DNP Nurse Anesthesia program features an 83-credit curriculum. The program consists of two phases: the didactic phase and the clinical phase. The initial didactic phase is four semesters (14 months) in length. During the didactic phase, high-fidelity simulation is used to reinforce classroom instruction. In this phase, you will spend two weeks at your primary clinical site. The second phase of the program, the clinical phase, consists of 90% clinicals and 10% didactic work.
Admission Requirements: Prospective students desiring admission to the BSN-to-DNP program at Mount Marty University need a bachelor’s degree in nursing from a nursing program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, a current, unencumbered license as a Registered Nurse, and at least one year of full-time experience as a registered nurse in a critical care setting. Candidates must have BLS, ACLS, and PALS certification.
All applicants must submit three letters of recommendation, a current resume, a personal essay, and pass a criminal background check. Official college transcripts must be provided and should reflect a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and completion of one chemistry course and one epidemiology course. An interview with program faculty is required before an official admission offer is granted.
Why Choose This Program
• Nurse anesthetists and doctoral-prepared registered nurse faculty teach the BSN-to-DNP Nurse Anesthesia program at Mount Marty University. The faculty average 22 years of experience in the nurse anesthesia specialty, which means you can feel confident in their ability to prepare you for the role of a Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice.• Clinical training is a fundamental component of the BSN-to-DNP program. Mount Marty University has 50+ clinical sites to provide exceptional clinical experiences. As a student in this program, you will work cases with patients of all ages across the lifespan.
• The BSN-to-DNP program at Mount Marty University has outstanding enrollment and completion rates. Since 2016, 340 students have enrolled in the program, and 300 have completed the program. High completion rates indicate a solid program where students are satisfied and well-prepared.
• Mount Mary DNP graduates have excellent pass rates on national certification exams. According to the school, graduates exceed state and national averages among first-time testers. This factor is one I recommend all potential students consider, as obtaining certification is mandatory in order to practice in the DNAP role.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED
1. Who Accredits BSN-to-DNP Programs In South Dakota?
| S.No. | Accrediting Agency |
| 1 | Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) |
| 2 | Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) |
2. How Many Schools Offer Accredited BSN-to-DNP Programs In South Dakota?
| 3 |
3. What Is The Average BSN-to-DNP Salary In South Dakota?
| Hourly | $62.65 |
| Weekly | $2,506 |
| Monthly | $10,860 |
| Annual | $130,320 |
4. On Average, How Much Do Entry-Level BSN-to-DNP Graduates Make In South Dakota?
| Hourly | $46.10 |
| Weekly | $1,844 |
| Monthly | $7,990 |
| Annual | $95,880 |
5. On Average, How Much Do Experienced BSN-to-DNP Graduates Make In South Dakota?
| Level of Experience | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| 1-4 Years of Experience | $52.15 | $2,086 | $9,040 | $108,480 |
| 5-9 Years of Experience | $61.57 | $2,463 | $10,670 | $128,060 |
| 10-19 Years of Experience | $68.56 | $2,743 | $11,880 | $142,610 |
| 20 Years or More Experience | $81.93 | $3,277 | $14,200 | $170,420 |
6. What Is The Average BSN-to-DNP Salary In South Dakota By Metro?
| Metro | Hourly | Monthly | Weekly | Annual |
| Rapid City | $60.00 | $10,400 | $2,400 | $124,800 |
| Sioux Falls | $63.07 | $10,930 | $2,523 | $131,190 |
7. Average BSN-to-DNP Salary In South Dakota VS. Average Salaries Of Other Closely Related Occupations In South Dakota
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Dentist | $142,830 | -$12,510 | -8.76% |
| Pharmacist | $135,030 | -$4,710 | -3.49% |
| Nurse With BSN-to-DNP | $130,320 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Physician Assistant | $122,900 | +$7,420 | +6.04% |
| Optometrist | $115,290 | +$15,030 | +13.04% |
| Audiologist | $108,850 | +$21,470 | +19.72% |
| Veterinarian | $101,670 | +$28,650 | +28.18% |
| Physical Therapist | $89,050 | +$41,270 | +46.34% |
| Radiation Therapist | $88,640 | +$41,680 | +47.02% |
| Chiropractor | $87,450 | +$42,870 | +49.02% |
| Occupational Therapist | $81,610 | +$48,710 | +59.69% |
| Dental Hygienist | $81,330 | +$48,990 | +60.24% |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $69,350 | +$60,970 | +87.92% |
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Darby Faubion BSN, RN
Darby Faubion is a nurse and Allied Health educator with over twenty years of experience. She has assisted in developing curriculum for nursing programs and has instructed students at both community college and university levels. Because of her love of nursing education, Darby became a test-taking strategist and NCLEX prep coach and assists nursing graduates across the United States who are preparing to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
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