RN Programs in South Dakota

Become a Registered Nurse (RN) in South Dakota! Learn about requirements, accredited programs, salary & job outlook, and more.
Best RN Programs in South Dakota: Top 11 Choices in 2025

Looking for a rewarding career in South Dakota with a comfortable salary and plenty of job opportunities? Consider becoming a Registered Nurse (RN). There is a nursing shortage in South Dakota, and entry-level RNs earn average salaries of up to $69,030 per year.

Requirements to Become an RN in South Dakota

How do you become a Registered Nurse (RN) in South Dakota? The first requirement is to attend an accredited RN program. There are three types of RN programs, but the fastest route to graduation is an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program.

An ADN program provides you with the knowledge and skills you need to pass the state's RN licensing exam and get your license.

Accredited RN Programs in South Dakota

Choosing a good RN school is crucial for your new career. These accredited schools offer excellent programs:

  1. Augustana University

    2001 S Summit Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57197
    (605) 274-4721
  2. Dakota Wesleyan University

    1200 W University Ave, Mitchell, SD 57301
    (800) 333-8506
  3. Lake Area Technical College

    1201 Arrow Ave NE, Watertown, SD 57201
    (605) 882-5284
  4. Mount Marty College

    1105 W 8th St, Yankton, SD 57078
    (855) 686-2789
  5. Oglala Lakota College

    490 Piya Wiconi Rd, Kyle, SD 57752
    (605) 455-6000
  6. Presentation College

    1500 N Main St, Aberdeen, SD 57401
    (800) 437-6060
  7. South Dakota State University

    100 Administration Ln, Brookings, SD 57006
    (800) 952-3541
  8. Southeast Technical College

    2320 N Career Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57107
    (605) 367-7624
  9. University of Sioux Falls

    1101 W 22nd St, Sioux Falls, SD 57105
    (605) 331-6771
  10. University of South Dakota

    414 E Clark St, Vermillion, SD 57069
    (877) 269-6837
  11. Western Dakota Technical College

    800 Mickelson Dr, Rapid City, SD 57703
    (605) 718-2565

RN Job Outlook and Salary in South Dakota

South Dakota RNs are in high demand, with Projections Central forecasting a 13.2% job growth rate from 2022 to 2032. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, RNs in South Dakota earn an average annual salary of $69,030 per year, equivalent to $33.1 per hour.

The following table shows the total number of RNs employed in South Dakota, and their average wage and salary, by area.

AreaTotal EmploymentAvg Hourly WageAvg Annual Salary
Rapid City2,640$33.8$70,420
Sioux Falls7,630$32.4$67,490

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

South Dakota Board of Nursing

The South Dakota Board of Nursing is the primary resource for RNs in South Dakota for all nursing-related questions and concerns.

South Dakota Board of Nursing

4305 S Louise Ave #201, Sioux Falls, SD 57106
(605) 362-2760
(605) 362-2768

You Might Also Like