Many states across the nation are facing projected nursing shortages, but South Dakota is expected to be particularly hard hit. Some reports predict that the state will be short 1,900 nurses by the end of the decade, ranking it the third-worst in the nation.
While the reasons for these shortages are complex, nurses who want to play an active role in finding solutions can consider pursuing a DNP. Depending on the area of concentration, this terminal degree can prepare nurses to deliver primary care, educate the next generation of nurses, or assume leadership roles where they can influence policy and work toward meaningful change.
If you’re interested in a DNP in South Dakota, consider the programs offered across the state and in the region that can help you meet your goals.
South Dakota DNP Programs Quick Facts:
- Universities Offering DNP Programs in South Dakota: 3
- CCNE Accredited DNP Programs in the state: 7
- ACEN Accredited DNP Programs in the state: 0
- Average Tuition Costs: About $14,700 to $26,700
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DNP Programs in South Dakota
Three universities in South Dakota offer DNP programs: South Dakota State University, the University of South Dakota, and the University of Mount Mary. There are seven programs in all, and they offer a surprising range of specialties and starting points.
Online DNP Programs in South Dakota
All DPN programs in South Dakota are offered online, although some have minimal on-campus requirements. Below, we take a closer look at these seven programs to help you determine which one is right for you.
South Dakota Online BSN to DNP Programs
South Dakota State University is the only university in the state that offers DNP options for BSN-prepared nurses. It’s also the only school that offers clinically-focused MSN to DNP options. All of these programs are detailed below.
South Dakota State University
- Brookings, South Dakota
- Online + Campus
Modality: Online with on-campus requirements
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: Varies
Tuition: $613 to $640 per credit + fees for qualified South Dakota Advantage residents; $927 to $962 per credit + fees for non-residents
Program Overview:
South Dakota State University offers several DNP options, including three BSN-to-DNP tracks: BSN to FNP DNP (78 credits, 1,020 clinical hours), BSN to PMHNP DNP (77 credits, 1,000 clinical hours), and BSN to Clinical Nurse Leader DNP (64 credits, 1,000 clinical hours). Coursework for these DNP programs at SD State is primarily online, but on-campus visits may be required for some classes.
Most of the clinical hours are completed by providing direct patient care; however, for those in the FNP specialty, simulation lab hours are also required. Each of these BSN to DNP programs takes about four years to complete.
SD State also offers a Post-master’s MSN to DNP program with two tracks to choose from. These programs are unique in that they are designed for nurses who already hold an MSN and allow them to expand their area of expertise. There are two options: a MSN to FNP DNP track (69 credits with 1,020 total lab or clinical hours) and a MSN to PMHNP DNP track (70 credits with 1,000 clinical hours). These programs typically take four years to complete; however, nurses who have already completed an MSN may be eligible to transfer credits and complete the program in a shorter timeframe.
Key highlights:
- Mostly online with some on-campus requirements
- Options for MSN-prepared nurses to add a new speciality instead of just completing a general DNP
Additional considerations:
- Primarily online with some on-campus requirements
- BSN to FNP DNP students may have more on-campus requirements than other specialties
Accreditation:
- Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
South Dakota Online MSN to DNP Programs
The University of South Dakota and Mount Marty University both offer MSN to DNP tracks that are primarily online, but each has a different focus. USD offers a program focused on organizational and system leadership, while Mount Marty’s program has a more general focus.
University of South Dakota
- Vermillion, South Dakota
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 36-43
Clinical Hours: 1,000
Tuition: $406.30 per credit + fees for residents; $970.15 per credit for non-residents
Program Overview:
The University of South Dakota’s MSN to DNP Organizational and System Leadership program is 100% online and focuses on preparing nurses for leadership positions at both the systemic and leadership level. This path can be an ideal choice for nurses in mid-level management positions who wish to assume leadership roles.
This program requires 69 to 76 credits in total, but 33 are conferred from previous master’s work. Students complete between 36 and 43 credits at the University of South Dakota, depending on their prior education and experience. Students must also meet the 1,000-hour minimum requirement; however, 280 supervised clinical hours from the student’s master’s program are accepted.
Key highlights:
- Program is 100% online
- Program does not add another speciality or prepare students for a certification exam
Additional considerations:
- Total number of credits varies depending on previous education
Accreditation:
- Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Mount Marty University
- Sioux Falls, South Dakota
- Online + Campus
Modality: Online with potential on-campus requirements
Credit Hours: 34
Clinical Hours: 1,000
Tuition: $725 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
The MSN to DNP program at Mount Marty University is designed for nurses who wish to assume leadership or educational roles. The program consists of 34 credits in total, and students must complete 1,000 combined MSN and DNP clinical hours. Students can complete this program in seven semesters or just over two years.
Key highlights:
- Does not prepare nurses for another speciality of certification exam
- Focuses on leadership and education
Additional considerations:
- Program does not specify how many on-campus or in-person hours are required
Accreditation:
- Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Regional Options
Students in South Dakota who are looking for more options (particularly those seeking a BSN to DNP program) can also consider the programs at the University of North Dakota. Most of these courses are offered online, but visits to the Grand Forks campus may be required.
University of North Dakota
- Grand Forks, North Dakota
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: Varies
Tuition: $862.39 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
South Dakota students can also consider the DNP options at the University of North Dakota. This university offers two options for BSN-prepared nurses, including an 83-credit BSN to FNP DNP option that features two on-campus visits, and an 85-credit BSN to PMHNP DNP online option that utilizes both synchronous and asynchronous learning. Both programs can be completed in eight semesters full-time or 11 semesters part-time, which is approximately three to four years. On-campus visits are minimal, but the commute to Grand Forks, ND, takes about six hours from Pierre, the capital of South Dakota.
UND also offers an online MSN to DNP option that’s 37 credits and can be completed in five semesters or just under two calendar years. Most of this coursework is asynchronous, but some online sessions are also required in real-time.
Key highlights:
- All coursework is offered online, but the programs are not self-paced
- FNP students have two on-campus intensives
Additional considerations:
- Full-time Nursing Clinical Placement Coordinator helps students secure clinical placements
- While there are minimal on-campus requirements, the commute can be quite long, depending on where students live in South Dakota
Accreditation:
- Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Shortest/Accelerated DNP Programs in South Dakota
If you’re interested in completing your DNP in as short a time as possible, consider the programs below.
Shortest BSN to DNP Programs
The shortest BSN to DNP options in South Dakota are also the only BSN to DNP options. The three BSN to DNP tracks at South Dakota State University each take four years to complete.
Shortest MSN to DNP Programs
The shortest MSN to DNP program is offered at Mount Marty University and typically takes approximately two years to complete.
Best DNP Programs in South Dakota
The DNP programs that stand out in South Dakota are at South Dakota State University. This university is the only one in the state that offers options for BSN-prepared students, and all of its BSN-to-DNP and MSN-to-DNP programs are clinically focused.
Cheapest DNP Programs in South Dakota
The most affordable option in South Dakota is the University of South Dakota, which costs $406.30 per credit, plus fees.
FAQs
What are the admission requirements for South Dakota DNP programs?
Exact requirements vary from one school and one program to another, but generally, DNP programs in South Dakota require a BSN or MSN degree, an RN licensure, work experience, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, transcripts from previous post-secondary education, and typically a GPA near or above 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Are there online or hybrid DNP programs available in South Dakota?
All DNP programs in South Dakota are offered either entirely online or have online components with occasional on-campus requirements. Some programs may also require in-person clinical or practicum hours.
How long does it take to complete a DNP program in South Dakota?
It depends on the type of program. BSN to DNP programs can typically be completed in approximately four years, while MSN to DNP programs generally require two to three years.