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South Dakota RN Certification and Schools - SD

By an allied health world contributing writer
Published: February 19th, 2010

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, South Dakota had the highest concentration of Registered Nurses of all occupations in 2008. Despite the high concentration, a 2008 survey by the Department of Health in South Dakota indicated that registered nurses were the hardest position for healthcare facilities to fill of all nursing and nursing assistant positions in the state.  Nurses work in a variety of fields in South Dakota, and like other states the growing elderly population indicates that the field will continue to grow. South Dakota has a substantial American Indian population, and some schools may give preference to individuals with Native American decent. Additionally, nurses who practice with cultural competence are sought after to private, governmental, and not-for-profit organizations in South Dakota.

Registered Nurse Education in South Dakota

Registered Nursing education in South Dakota involves obtaining a 2-year or 4-year college degree. Many nurses have experience in the field either as a CNA or medical assistant and complete Associate level course work through South Dakota RN schools while they are working.  South Dakota also has accelerated pre-nursing programs at some high schools for highly motivated and talented students that desire a career in nursing. Students should contact their high school guidance counselor or the South Dakota Center for Nursing Workforce for information. 

While obtaining an Associates degree in nursing, passing the NCLEX-RN exam and obtaining licensure enables nurses to legally practice. Many nurses may choose to pursue higher education degrees, such as the Bachelors of Science in Nursing, the Nurse Practitioners licensure or graduate work in nursing. Such programs prepare nurses for advanced scope of practice opportunities and even more administrative roles.

Through campus or online programs, aspiring Registered Nurses in Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Aberdeen and Watertown, South Dakota may be able to prepare themselves for the possibility of employment in some of the largest hospitals and healthcare facilities in the state including the Sanford USD Medical Center, Rapid City Regional Hospital, Avera Saint Luke's Hospital and Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center.