Transform Your Nursing Career in South Dakota
South Dakota's healthcare system needs qualified Registered Nurses now more than ever. Whether you're an experienced LPN or just starting to consider advancing your career, transitioning from LPN to RN opens up significantly higher salaries, expanded career opportunities, and greater professional autonomy.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about LPN to RN bridge programs in South Dakota, including accredited schools, salary expectations, Board of Nursing requirements, and career advancement opportunities. South Dakota is an eNLC state with very low cost of living and no state income tax. Rural and frontier areas have significant healthcare workforce needs and offer loan forgiveness programs. SD has strong regional healthcare systems (Sanford, Avera, Monument).
South Dakota LPN to RN Salary Increase
Per Year
Per Year
South Dakota participates in the enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC), which means your South Dakota RN license allows you to practice in 40+ other compact states without obtaining additional licenses. This opens up travel nursing opportunities, telehealth positions, and flexibility to work across state lines—a significant career advantage.
1. Top LPN to RN Bridge Programs in South Dakota (2026)
South Dakota offers several accredited LPN to RN bridge programs. Here are the top options for 2026:
Location: Sioux Falls, SD
Program Type: Associate Degree Nursing (LPN advanced standing)
Duration: 2 years (standard); accelerated for LPNs with prior credits
Format: In-person with clinical rotations
Estimated Tuition: $8,000-$12,000 (SD residents)
Accreditation: ACEN accredited
Key Features:
- LPN advanced standing and credit transfer options
- ACEN accreditation ensures quality
- Clinical partnerships with Sanford Health, Avera Health in Sioux Falls
- Sioux Falls is SD's largest city with extensive healthcare opportunities
- Affordable technical college tuition
- High NCLEX-RN pass rates
- Financial aid and scholarship opportunities
Location: Rapid City, SD
Program Type: LPN to RN Bridge Program
Duration: Varies by advanced standing; typically 12-18 months for qualified LPNs
Format: In-person with clinical experiences
Estimated Tuition: $7,500-$11,500 (SD residents)
Accreditation: Approved by SD Board of Nursing
Key Features:
- Designed specifically for LPNs transitioning to RN
- Clinical sites include Monument Health (Rapid City Regional Hospital)
- Rapid City is western SD's largest city and healthcare hub
- Affordable tuition
- Small class sizes
- Financial aid available
- Proximity to Black Hills region
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Location: Mitchell, SD
Program Type: Associate Degree Nursing (LPN pathway)
Duration: 2 years; LPN advanced placement available
Format: In-person with clinical rotations
Estimated Tuition: $7,000-$11,000 (SD residents)
Accreditation: Part of SD technical college system; approved by SD Board of Nursing
Key Features:
- LPN credit transfer and advanced standing
- Clinical experiences in southeastern South Dakota
- Small town setting with close-knit educational community
- Affordable technical college pricing
- Financial aid and scholarships
- Strong job placement in SD healthcare systems
2. LPN vs RN Salary in South Dakota: Financial Benefits
Current Salary Data (2026)
| Position | Average Annual Salary | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | $51,000 | $24.52 |
| Registered Nurse (RN) | $70,000 | $33.65 |
| Salary Difference | +$19,000 | +$9.13 |
Regional Salary Variations Across South Dakota
| Location/Region | RN Average Salary | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sioux Falls | $68,000 - $78,000 | Largest city; Sanford and Avera Health major employers |
| Rapid City | $65,000 - $75,000 | Western SD hub; Monument Health major employer |
| Aberdeen | $62,000 - $72,000 | Northeastern SD; Sanford Aberdeen Medical Center |
| Pierre/Central SD | $60,000 - $72,000 | State capital; Avera St. Mary's |
| Rural SD | $62,000 - $80,000+ | Critical shortage areas; loan forgiveness programs available |
Top Employers for RNs in South Dakota (2026)
- Sanford Health (Sioux Falls, Aberdeen, and multiple SD locations)
- Avera Health (Sioux Falls, Pierre, and multiple SD locations)
- Monument Health (Rapid City)
- Regional Health (Rapid City)
- Avera McKennan Hospital (Sioux Falls)
- Sanford USD Medical Center (Sioux Falls)
- Avera St. Mary's Hospital (Pierre)
- VA Black Hills Health Care System (Hot Springs, Rapid City)
- Indian Health Service facilities (multiple SD reservations)
- Critical Access Hospitals throughout rural South Dakota
3. South Dakota Board of Nursing & RN Licensure Requirements
Agency: South Dakota Board of Nursing
Address: 4305 S. Louise Ave., Suite 201, Sioux Falls, SD 57106-3115
Phone: (605) 362-2760
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.sdbon.org
Steps to Obtain Your South Dakota RN License
- 1Graduate from Accredited RN Program
- 2Submit RN License Application
- 3Complete Criminal Background Check
- 4Register for NCLEX-RN Exam
- 5Pass NCLEX-RN
- 6Receive Your South Dakota RN License
4. Financial Aid & Scholarships in South Dakota
Federal Financial Aid (FAFSA)
- Pell Grants: Up to $7,395/year (2026-27)
- Federal Direct Loans: $5,500-$12,500/year
- Apply: FAFSA.gov
South Dakota-Specific Scholarships
State loan forgiveness program for nurses working in underserved SD communities
Loan repayment for healthcare professionals, including RNs, working in shortage areas
5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
An LPN to ADN bridge program typically takes 12-18 months full-time or 18-24 months part-time. An LPN to BSN program takes 2-3 years depending on transfer credits and enrollment status.
The average RN salary in South Dakota is approximately $70,000 per year, compared to $51,000 for LPNs—a $19,000 annual increase (37% raise).
Yes! South Dakota is a member of the enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact. Your South Dakota RN license allows you to practice in 40+ other compact states without obtaining additional licenses.
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Explore South Dakota LPN to RN Programs
Questions? Contact the South Dakota Board of Nursing at (605) 362-2760