Free directory of 145 accredited LPN to RN Programs throughout the U.S.

Earn your BSN degree and become a Registered Nurse

In an effort to attract more Registered Nurses to the industry, South Dakota has put a program in place that would allow Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) to become a Registered Nurse (RN) by taking advantage of previous nursing education. The License Practical Nurse to Registered Nurse programs are open to anyone holding a valid LPN license and meeting the academic requirements.

The License Practical Nurse to Registered Nurse programs, also called bridge, articulation and advanced placement programs, allow credit, usually up to 15 credits, for courses already completed which usually covers the first part of an Associate’s degree in nursing program. The student is placed in the second or third semester of the program. Students may also opt to join a Bachelor’s degree program. Candidates for the National Council for Licensure Examination for a Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN) exam, the national exam for Registered Nurses, must have an Associate’s degree to qualify to take the exam.

The prerequisites to enter an License Practical Nurse to Registered Nurse program are a high school diploma or equivalent, a valid LPN license and high school classes in math, science and English, with science concentration in chemistry and biology. Students who do not meet the educational requirements may be required to sit for the National League for Nursing Exam (NLNE).

Students will receive credit for core nursing courses and some liberal arts electives. Students will be placed in the second or third semester of an Associate’s degree program. Some students often opt to continue on to a Bachelors degree in nursing after receiving their Associate’s degree. Courses students will be required to take are Microbiology, Anatomy and Physiology along with the associated laboratory work, nursing management, LPN to RN Transition and effective communication.

An Associate’s degree can be earned in12 to 15 months and a Bachelor’s degree can be earned in 24 to 30 months. Most programs the students to complete a clinical rotation prior to graduation, and work under the supervision of a Doctor or Registered Nurse.

When the student completes the class requirements and receives an Associate’s degree, they apply to the South Dakota Nursing Board to take the NCLEX-RN exam. The application includes a sealed transcript of grades from the nursing school, criminal background check and finger print and recommendation from the director of nursing. The Nursing Board reviews and approves the application to test (ATT) if the applicant is considered of good, moral values.

The applicant will be notified of the Board’s decision, and if approved, will be allowed to take the NCLEX-RN exam. If the student has been out of school for more than 12 months before taking the exam, may be required to take an approved refresher course, which will have to be documented as part of the application process.



LPN to RN Programs in South Dakota

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South Dakota LPN to RN Schools

Find LPN to RN online programs that offer flexible scheduling and variable completion dates. Browse our list of nursing schools in South Dakota that offer CCNE accredited LPN to RN programs:

Mount Marty College LPN to RN

1030 Arrow Avenue Northeast
Watertown, SD 57201
(605) 886-6777

Presentation College LPN to RN

1500 North Main Street
Aberdeen, SD 57401-1299
(605) 229-8505


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