Best South Dakota FNP Programs (Online & Campus) – 2025
Written By: Darby Faubion BSN, RN
Seeking a way to supercharge your South Dakota nursing career? As a graduate of one of the FNP programs in South Dakota, healthcare employers will be clamoring for your services. Over the next 10 years, your employment opportunities will increase by 56 percent. South Dakota is a full-practice state for family nurse practitioners, so you’ll be able to provide primary care to patients of all ages in practice settings as diverse as hospitals, clinics, and community agencies. You’ll be compensated well in your new role, too: Family nurse practitioners in South Dakota average $120,060 annually. Want to find out more? The compendium below of the best FNP programs in South Dakota has lots of helpful information.
FOLLOWING ARE THE BEST FNP PROGRAMS IN SOUTH DAKOTA (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2025
(Based on our Ranking Methodology, we have ranked the best campus-based and online FNP programs in South Dakota.)
1. South Dakota State University - Brookings
Programs Offered: BSN-to-DNP and MSN-to-DNP
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: Are you a registered nurse with a bachelor’s degree who wants to become a Family Nurse Practitioner? Does earning a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree interest you? If so, the BSN-to-DNP program at South Dakota State University is one option that could help you achieve that goal!
The BSN-to-DNP program at SDSU is one of the best FNP programs in South Dakota. New classes are admitted in the fall of each year. It takes four years to complete the program. The program is delivered primarily online and features both synchronous and asynchronous class times. The health assessment course has an on-campus component. You will also have immersion activities as part of your practicum experiences. Students are typically required to travel to campus once during practicums to practice procedures and/or simulations.
This BSN-to-DNP program features a 78-credit curriculum. You will take classes, including Clinical Genetic & Genomics, Pharmacotherapeutics Across the Lifespan, Clinical Epidemiology-Advanced Concepts, and Advanced Assessment Across the Lifespan.
The program also includes 1,200 clinical hours, ensuring you have ample opportunities to learn and hone essential skills to prepare for your new role as a Family Nurse Practitioner. The APRN Program Director and Clinical Placement Team work collaboratively with you to determine clinical placement sites and preceptors. When possible, clinical placements are made near your home site.
BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the BSN-to-DNP program at South Dakota State University, you need a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from an ACEN- or CCNE-accredited nursing program, a current registered nurse license, and 1,500 hours of documented nursing work experience prior to beginning the first clinical course. You are required to complete an online application to the SDSU Graduate School and an application to the SDSU graduate nursing program via NursingCAS.
In addition to completing the required application forms, you must provide transcripts from all colleges or universities you have attended, a resume or curriculum vitae, a copy of your current RN license, BLS and ACLS certification, current immunization record, and an admission essay. Candidates with a cumulative college grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale are preferred. Additionally, all applicants are required to pass a criminal background check and a drug screening test.
MSN-to-DNP Program Details: South Dakota State University also offers a post-master’s doctoral program for nurses desiring a career as Family Nurse Practitioners. This program is a four-year pathway designed for individuals who hold a graduate degree in nursing in a non-FNP specialty. Upon completion of the program, you will be eligible for national certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner from either the American Academy of Nurse Practitioner Certification Board or the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
The MSN-to-DNP program requires you to complete a total of 69 credits. The number of actual credits you will need may be reduced based on a GAP analysis of the transcript from the graduate nursing degree you obtained prior to enrolling in the DNP program.
The curriculum features classes, including Ethical Issues Influencing Practice & Research in Health Disciplines, Pathophysiology Across the Lifespan: Applied to Advanced Practice Nursing, Health Informatics, and Transformational Leadership. While most program coursework is delivered in an online format, some classes require campus visits, which involve skills labs and simulations. The program includes a total of 1,200 clinical or lab hours.
MSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the MSN-to-DNP program at SDSU, you must possess a Master of Science in Nursing degree from an ACEN- or CCNE-accredited nursing program with a preferred minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Candidates are required to have a current RN license in the U.S. or its territories prior to enrollment in the first graduate nursing course and 1,500 hours of documented work experience as an RN before beginning the first clinical course.
All applicants are expected to complete online written and verbal assessments through KIRA Talent, submit compliance requirements, including BLS and ACLS certification and current immunizations, and pass a criminal background check and drug screen. Supplemental documentation to be submitted includes a professional resume or curriculum vitae, three letters of recommendation, an admission essay, and official transcripts from all colleges or universities you have attended.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• When it comes to choosing a school to earn your degree, there are so many factors to consider. I encourage all prospective students to find out what kind of reputation a nursing program has. For example, is the school/program known for excellence in education? Do local employers look forward to hiring graduates from the school because they know they are well-prepared for their roles? At South Dakota State University, the answer is Yes! The SDSU School of Nursing has a solid reputation with healthcare professionals and partners throughout the region and state. Evaluations from clinical preceptors indicate students have a strong foundation of knowledge and preparation to be effective in the clinical environment. Also, employers express high satisfaction with the performance of graduates they hire.• An important factor to consider when choosing an FNP program is how well program graduates perform on national certification exams. Success on these exams indicates a solid program that prepares students with a strong foundation of nursing knowledge needed to perform in their chosen role. For more than 10 years, graduates of South Dakota State University have had perfect pass rates on the national FNP certification exams on their first attempt. What a testament to the quality of the program this school offers!
• Healthcare is an ever-evolving field, and nurses are at the heart of those changes. One way SDSU stays involved is by integrating nursing research opportunities. As a student at South Dakota State University, you can explore research opportunities and collaborate with faculty and peers to help develop research methods that improve the quality of life and enhance health outcomes for patients and populations.
• One of my favorite things about nursing education is simulated learning. It gives a whole new perspective to patient care, allowing students to practice skills and develop confidence in a safe environment while preparing to provide care in real-world patient settings. At SDSU, the College of Nursing has a state-of-the-art Healthcare Simulation Center. The Simulation Center is equipped with the latest medical devices and human patient simulators. The Center is designed to help students learn everything from simple patient care tasks to managing complex health problems.
2. Mount Marty University - Yankton
Programs Offered: MSN and Post-Graduate Certificate
MSN Program Details: Mount Marty University offers another great option for individuals searching for an FNP program in South Dakota. One pathway the school offers is the Master of Science in Nursing FNP program. The program admits students in the summer semester each year and is designed to be completed in two years or six consecutive semesters.
In this program, you will develop the knowledge and skills needed to perform as a Family Nurse Practitioner managing common acute and chronic illnesses. The program utilizes in-person and online teaching methods, as well as face-to-face clinical experiences.
The MSN Family Nurse Practitioner program is a 50-credit pathway. The curriculum includes advanced courses in pharmacology, pathophysiology, and physical assessment. You will also study Advanced Concepts in the Care of Adults, Older Adults, Women & Children, and Rural & Vulnerable Populations.
Each Advanced Concepts of Care course is accompanied by a corresponding practicum course. Overall, the program includes 780 clinical practicum hours. Many clinical experiences occur in rural and underserved areas, which means you will have opportunities to provide primary care to patient populations with the greatest need.
MSN Admission Requirements: Eligible candidates for the MSN-FNP program at Mount Marty will have a Bachelor’s degree in nursing from an ACEN- or CCNE-accredited nursing program, current licensure as an RN, and at least one year of professional nursing work experience. You are required to submit official transcripts from all post-secondary schools you have attended and have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0. All candidates must provide a copy of a current BLS for Healthcare Providers, three letters of recommendation, a current resume, and a personal essay. A criminal background check and interview with program faculty are required as part of the admission process.
Post-Graduate Certificate Program Details: If you have already earned a master’s degree in nursing but wish to become a Family Nurse Practitioner, the Post-Graduate Certificate Program is an excellent option. After applying to the program, a GAP analysis will be completed to determine an individualized plan of study. Your transcripts, course syllabi, cumulative GPA and clinical hours coursework, clinical hours, and grades will be evaluated to determine the number of transferable credits and clinical hours you may apply toward earning the FNP certificate. At the discretion of the Track Coordinator, you may be eligible for course substitutions or waivers.
Your transcript will be evaluated for evidence of completion of Advanced Practice Core courses: Advanced Physical Assessment Across the Lifespan, Advanced Pharmacology Across the Lifespan, and Advanced Pathophysiology Across the Lifespan. If you have not taken a Family Theory course, the course Advanced Practice in Care of Families will be required. Finally, your transcript should reflect evidence of the course, Roles and Leadership. Otherwise, you will take Advanced Practice Roles and Leadership. All Post-Graduate Certificate students are required to complete a minimum of 500 clinical hours.
Post-Graduate Certificate Admission Requirements: Prospective students desiring admission to the Post-Graduate Certificate program at Mount Marty need a bachelor’s degree in nursing and a current RN license. One year of work experience is required; however, two years of experience are preferred. Candidates are asked to submit three letters of recommendation, a personal essay, a current resume, a copy of their current RN license, and a copy of Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers. Additionally, you must provide official transcripts from colleges where you received a bachelor's or higher and have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• If you are like me and love that nursing offers endless opportunities for growth and development, you will probably find Mount Marty an appealing option for earning your degree. One of the things I like about this school is that graduates can seamlessly transition after earning a master's degree into the Doctor of Nursing Practice or Doctor of Nursing Anesthesia Practice program.• As you research potential schools where you may earn your FNP degree, I encourage you to find out whether the program has a good retention rate. In my experience, the nursing programs with the highest retention and completion rates usually have the best student support services and high-quality programs. Because of this, students remain in the programs instead of dropping out or going to another school. According to the Performance Data Report from Mount Marty, the FNP program has outstanding retention and completion rates, indicating this is a good program option!
• Another important factor when choosing an FNP program is student performance on national certification exams. After all, without national certification, you cannot legally practice as a Family Nurse Practitioner. At Mount Marty, graduates of the FNP program have consistently had exceptionally high pass rates on national FNP certification examinations. This is a great indication of the strength and quality of the program.
• Mount Marty University has a long history of nursing education. The school introduced its first nursing program in 1880 when the Benedictine Sisters established a nursing school at a convent for high school girls. Since then, the School of Nursing has grown to include undergraduate and graduate nursing options, including Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Doctor of Nursing Practice, and Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice!
HOW MUCH DO FNP GRADUATES MAKE IN SOUTH DAKOTA?
WHAT STARTING SALARY CAN NEW GRADUATES OF FNP PROGRAMS IN SOUTH DAKOTA EXPECT?
| Hourly | $42.47 |
| Weekly | $1,699 |
| Monthly | $7,360 |
| Annual | $88,330 |
HOW MUCH CAN GRADUATES OF FNP PROGRAMS IN SOUTH DAKOTA EARN WITH EXPERIENCE?
| Level of Experience | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Entry-Level | $42.47 | $1,699 | $7,360 | $88,330 |
| 1-4 Years of Experience | $48.05 | $1,922 | $8,330 | $99,940 |
| 5-9 Years of Experience | $56.72 | $2,269 | $9,830 | $117,980 |
| 10-19 Years of Experience | $63.16 | $2,527 | $10,950 | $131,380 |
| 20 Years or More Experience | $75.49 | $3,019 | $13,080 | $157,010 |
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE FNP SALARY IN SOUTH DAKOTA?
| Hourly | $57.72 |
| Weekly | $2,309 |
| Monthly | $10,010 |
| Annual | $120,060 |
HOW MUCH DO FNPS EARN IN THE VARIOUS METROS OF SOUTH DAKOTA?
| Metro | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Rapid City | $55.28 | $2,211 | $9,580 | $114,980 |
| Sioux Falls | $58.11 | $2,324 | $10,070 | $120,860 |
FNP SALARY IN SOUTH DAKOTA VS. OTHER SALARIES
FNP SALARY IN SOUTH DAKOTA VS. FNP SALARY IN THE NATION
| Average South Dakota FNP Annual Salary | Average National FNP Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| $120,060 | $127,510 | -$7,450 | -5.84% |
FNP SALARY IN SOUTH DAKOTA VS. FNP SALARIES IN OTHER STATES
| State | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| California | $160,310 | -$40,250 | -25.11% |
| Nevada | $147,540 | -$27,480 | -18.63% |
| Washington | $144,290 | -$24,230 | -16.79% |
| New Jersey | $143,920 | -$23,860 | -16.58% |
| Oregon | $143,840 | -$23,780 | -16.53% |
| Massachusetts | $142,910 | -$22,850 | -15.99% |
| New York | $141,740 | -$21,680 | -15.30% |
| Connecticut | $135,940 | -$15,880 | -11.68% |
| New Mexico | $135,730 | -$15,670 | -11.54% |
| Minnesota | $133,980 | -$13,920 | -10.39% |
| District of Columbia | $133,820 | -$13,760 | -10.28% |
| Rhode Island | $132,440 | -$12,380 | -9.35% |
| Hawaii | $131,600 | -$11,540 | -8.77% |
| Arizona | $131,550 | -$11,490 | -8.73% |
| Delaware | $130,110 | -$10,050 | -7.72% |
| Iowa | $129,820 | -$9,760 | -7.52% |
| New Hampshire | $129,740 | -$9,680 | -7.46% |
| Texas | $129,020 | -$8,960 | -6.94% |
| Wisconsin | $127,350 | -$7,290 | -5.72% |
| Maryland | $127,010 | -$6,950 | -5.47% |
| Utah | $126,850 | -$6,790 | -5.35% |
| North Dakota | $126,790 | -$6,730 | -5.31% |
| Pennsylvania | $126,480 | -$6,420 | -5.08% |
| Illinois | $125,930 | -$5,870 | -4.66% |
| Alaska | $125,210 | -$5,150 | -4.11% |
| Vermont | $125,140 | -$5,080 | -4.06% |
| Montana | $123,690 | -$3,630 | -2.93% |
| Idaho | $123,600 | -$3,540 | -2.86% |
| Oklahoma | $123,380 | -$3,320 | -2.69% |
| Wyoming | $122,620 | -$2,560 | -2.09% |
| Indiana | $122,380 | -$2,320 | -1.90% |
| Maine | $122,000 | -$1,940 | -1.59% |
| Ohio | $121,930 | -$1,870 | -1.53% |
| Colorado | $121,060 | -$1,000 | -0.83% |
| Nebraska | $120,750 | -$690 | -0.57% |
| North Carolina | $120,660 | -$600 | -0.50% |
| Georgia | $120,230 | -$170 | -0.14% |
| South Dakota | $120,060 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Virginia | $119,950 | +$110 | +0.09% |
| Michigan | $119,760 | +$300 | +0.25% |
| Florida | $118,800 | +$1,260 | +1.06% |
| Kansas | $118,360 | +$1,700 | +1.44% |
| Louisiana | $117,760 | +$2,300 | +1.95% |
| Mississippi | $116,590 | +$3,470 | +2.98% |
| South Carolina | $116,050 | +$4,010 | +3.46% |
| Missouri | $115,790 | +$4,270 | +3.69% |
| West Virginia | $112,580 | +$7,480 | +6.64% |
| Arkansas | $112,550 | +$7,510 | +6.67% |
| Kentucky | $109,530 | +$10,530 | +9.61% |
| Alabama | $109,180 | +$10,880 | +9.97% |
| Tennessee | $102,930 | +$17,130 | +16.64% |
FNP SALARY IN SOUTH DAKOTA VS. OTHER NURSE SALARIES IN SOUTH DAKOTA
| Type of Nurse | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Nurse Anesthetist | $211,090 | -$91,030 | -43.12% |
| Family Nurse Practitioner | $120,060 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Registered Nurse | $69,030 | +$51,030 | +73.92% |
| Nursing Instructor and Teacher, Post-secondary | $67,200 | +$52,860 | +78.66% |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse | $49,580 | +$70,480 | +142.15% |
| Nursing Assistant | $36,360 | +$83,700 | +230.20% |
FNP SALARY IN SOUTH DAKOTA VS. SALARIES OF OTHER CLOSELY RELATED OCCUPATIONS IN SOUTH DAKOTA
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Dentist | $142,830 | -$22,770 | -15.94% |
| Pharmacist | $135,030 | -$14,970 | -11.09% |
| Physician Assistant | $122,900 | -$2,840 | -2.31% |
| Family Nurse Practitioner | $120,060 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Optometrist | $115,290 | +$4,770 | +4.14% |
| Audiologist | $108,850 | +$11,210 | +10.30% |
| Veterinarian | $101,670 | +$18,390 | +18.09% |
| Physical Therapist | $89,050 | +$31,010 | +34.82% |
| Radiation Therapist | $88,640 | +$31,420 | +35.45% |
| Chiropractor | $87,450 | +$32,610 | +37.29% |
| Occupational Therapist | $81,610 | +$38,450 | +47.11% |
| Dental Hygienist | $81,330 | +$38,730 | +47.62% |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $69,350 | +$50,710 | +73.12% |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED
1. Who Accredits FNP 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 Accredited FNP Schools Are There In South Dakota?
| 2 |
3. On Average, How Much Does A Family NP Make Per Hour In South Dakota?
| $57.72 |
4. On Average, How Much Does A Family NP Make Per Week In South Dakota?
| $2,309 |
5. On Average, How Much Does A Family NP Make Per Month In South Dakota?
| $10,010 |
6. On Average, How Much Does A Family NP Make Per Year In South Dakota?
| $120,060 |
7. What Is The Job Outlook For FNPs In South Dakota?
| 10-Year Job Outlook (2022-2032) |
| + 56.10% |
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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