MSN Programs South Dakota

Nurse practitioners belong to a category of advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), which also includes nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and clinical nurse specialists. APRNs complete rigorous academic and practical training in the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program in preparation for national certification and a specialized role in care. Upon licensure by the South Dakota Board of Nursing, APRNs will be eligible to diagnose and use therapeutic methods to treat patients. They are essential to the delivery of care in rural and medically underserved areas in both inpatient and outpatient settings.

More than the delivery of care to those who are sick or injured, APRNs can promote health and prevent disease through the education of patients, families, and communities. They improve the quality of care and patient outcomes through the translation of research in clinical settings and a strong advocate for various patient populations. Chronic illnesses are on the rise, especially in the senior population, and greater access to health care coverage increases demand for these advanced practitioners of care. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the number of nurse practitioners in the workforce will grow 31% between 2016 and 2026.

According to multiple studies, nurse practitioners deliver care that is equivalent to that delivered by primary care physicians. Patients in medically underserved areas rely on the primary care services of nurse practitioners who are more readily available than primary care physicians. Patients in these areas are typically low-income, immigrant, uninsured or underinsured, and minority and are satisfied with the quality of service NPs provide. Apart from the quality of care, nurse practitioners spend more time with patients and are more likely to offer patient education and counseling services not offered by primary care physicians. NPs typically have fewer prescriptions and hospitalizations. They decrease readmission rates, infection rates, and length of stays when patients are admitted.

The success of APRNs is evident to policymakers and healthcare providers. In 2017, South Dakota enacted full practice authority for nurse practitioners after a unanimous vote. The law requires NPs to complete 1,040 hours under the provisions of a collaborative agreement with a physician or nurse practitioner before engaging in independent practice. This requirement is in addition to the MSN degree or doctorate and national certification. By granting full practice authority to NPs, South Dakota joins other states in acknowledging the role they play in relieving the current and projected shortage of primary care providers. Full practice authority will go a long way in relieving the demand for healthcare providers in rural South Dakota.

Specialized Learning

The master’s of science in nursing prepares nurses for practice as APRNs, clinical nurse leaders, or advanced generalists. Students will develop in-depth knowledge of nursing and health care systems to care for diverse populations. In addition to developing expert clinical competencies, they will also learn research, assessment of outcomes, collaboration, critical thinking, decision-making, and teaching. The graduate program helps nurses take their practice to the next level to function in a variety of roles, including specialized ones. These include nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, or nurse midwife.

The specialized training includes academics and as much as 700 hours of clinical practice to prepare for the specialized role. At the conclusion of the program, graduates will be prepared to integrate theory and research in an advanced practice specialty or generalist role, comfort patients, families, and communities with complex needs, exhibit cultural sensitivity in practice, and lead out in the establishment or monitoring of standards to improve patient care. Other qualities of the graduate nurse include the ability to apply ethical principles when making decisions, apply research to improve evidence-based clinical practice, engage in purposed activities to acquire knowledge and skills to enhance career goals, and improve practice to positively impact patient outcomes.

APRNs deliver cost-effective care and increase access to health care services to patients and families in underserved areas. The MSN prepares them to do this without the oversight of a physician. A well-laid foundation in theory and research help graduates to diagnose and treat patients with both acute and chronic illnesses and prescribe medications when needed. Through clinical training, rigorous academics, and research graduates will become leaders in nursing to advance the profession and offer revolutionary solutions in the delivery of care.

Here are three options to pursue an MSN degree:

RN to MSN: Registered nurses holding an associate degree in nursing can expand their career potential by enrolling in an MSN program. The accelerated program helps students earn a master’s degree in just two years. Flexible online delivery supports working nurses allowing them to complete the requirements without relocating or adjusting their work schedules. The BSN may be included in the program, but through the bridge format, students will save time and money. The curriculum will cover the undergraduate coursework as well as transitional courses in preparation for the specialized graduate coursework.

Direct Entry MSN: The constant challenge of healthcare drives nurses to do more to lift the quality of care and improve outcomes. The MSN program is designed for nurses who hold a BSN degree to renew their knowledge and reignite their passion for the profession of nursing. At the conclusion of the program, they will be in a position to grow healthier communities, improve their practice, and advance their career. The program is delivered in online format to accommodate the working nurse. Students must decide between the clinical and nonclinical degree options – some options lead to greater specialization based on personal and professional goals.

Post-Master’s Certificate: The Post-Graduate Certificate program provides opportunities for nurses who already have a master’s degree to acquire specialized knowledge that is related to or completely different from their master’s study. Applicants must already have a master’s degree from an NLNAC- or CCNE-accredited nursing school. Some programs will admit students who hold a master’s degree in another discipline. The time and total credits required to complete the program depends on the selected major. Graduates will be prepared to enhance their professional experience, pursue a new career option or enhance their current position, and meet the growing demands for high-quality care.

Requirements

  • A baccalaureate degree in nursing from an NLNAC or CCNE accredited program
  • A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
  • A grade C or above in an approved statistics courses – completed within 5 years of enrollment
  • Current licensure as a registered nurse in the United States
  • Attend an interview with graduate faculty
  • Current RN liability insurance
  • A criminal background check – admission will be based on the results of the background check
  • Complete the required immunizations
  • Completed application to the graduate school and the graduate nursing program
  • Complete a master’s program personal statement
  • Provide verification of employment

Admission to an MSN program will depend on the outcome of criminal background check and immunization as well as space availability. Complete the prerequisite course, including the statistic course before applying to the graduate nursing program.

Requirements For Advanced Practice Registered Nurses South Dakota

The South Dakota Board of Nursing lets Advanced Practice Registered Nurses practice within the full scope of their APRN license. Practice requires a license issued in a role and population focus or specialty area. The Board recognizes four APRN roles: certified nurse midwife (CNM), certified nurse practitioner (CNP), certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA), and clinical nurse specialist (CNS).

Focus areas include Adult/Gerontology in acute or primary settings, Family across the lifespan, Women’s Health, Pediatric, Neonatal, and Psychiatric-Mental Health.

Once licensed by the board, APRNs have the authorization to practice to the full extent of their license, competence, focus area, and experience.

Guidelines for Certified Nurse Practitioner Licensure

It can take up to 6 weeks for the Board to receive all the paperwork to process your license. The Board will notify in writing if you need to provide additional information for the approval of your application.

Submit the following to be considered for licensure as a Certified Nurse Practitioner:

  • A completed general application Form 1
  • The licensure fee of $100. Payment should be made in the form of a check or money order made out to SD Board of Nursing. The licensure fee is non-refundable.
  • A copy of your current, valid, unencumbered SD RN license or temporary permit
  • A full set of fingerprints for a state and federal criminal background check. You must use SDBON cards for the fingerprints.

Bent, folded, stapled, tampered, and smeared cards will be rejected.

  • Official transcript from each college, university, or program that you attended in preparation for your nurse practitioner role. The transcript should indicate the date that the degree was conferred and the APRN role and population focus. Transcripts may be submitted electronically via email or mailed directly to the Office of the Registrar.
  • A completed Education Verification Form 3. Complete the applicant section of the form and mail to every applicable college or university. A designated official at the school must verify the education and accreditation status of the nursing program.
  • Verification of successfully passing a nurse practitioner certification exam offered by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioner or other recognized certifying body. Your certification status must be sent from the organization directly to the Board’s office.
  • A completed Practice Verification Form 4. This form verifies that you have completed at least 1,040 hours as a licensed CNP. If you cannot verify completion of the confirmed hours, you must submit a collaborative agreement with an SD licensed physician or CNP.

Guidelines for Certified Nurse Midwife Licensure

Submit the following to be considered for licensure as a Certified Nurse Midwife:

  • A completed general application Form 1
  • The licensure fee of $100. Payment should be made in the form of a check or money order made out to SD Board of Nursing. The licensure fee is non-refundable
  • A copy of your current, valid, unencumbered SD RN license or temporary permit
  • A full set of fingerprints for a state and federal criminal background check. You must use SDBON cards for the fingerprints. Bent, folded, stapled, tampered, and smeared cards will be rejected
  • Official transcript from each college, university, or program that you attended in preparation for your nurse practitioner role. The transcript should indicate the date that the degree was conferred and the APRN role and population focus. Transcripts may be submitted electronically via email or mailed directly to the Office of the Registrar
  • A completed Education Verification Form 3. Complete the applicant section of the form and mail to every applicable college or university. A designated official at the school must verify the education and accreditation status of the nursing program
  • Verification of successfully passing a nurse-midwife certification exam offered by the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB). Your certification status must be sent from the organization directly to the Board’s office
  • A completed Practice Verification Form 4. This form verifies that you have completed at least 1,040 hours as a licensed CNM. If you cannot verify completion of the confirmed hours, you must submit a collaborative agreement with an SD licensed physician or CNM.

Guidelines for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist Licensure

Submit the following to be considered for licensure as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist:

  • A completed general application Form 1
  • The licensure fee of $100. Payment should be made in the form of a check or money order made out to SD Board of Nursing. The licensure fee is non-refundable
  • A copy of your current, valid, unencumbered SD RN license or temporary permit
  • A full set of fingerprints for a state and federal criminal background check. You must use SDBON cards for the fingerprints. Bent, folded, stapled, tampered, and smeared cards will be rejected
  • Official transcript from each college, university, or program that you attended in preparation for your nurse practitioner role. The transcript should indicate the date that the degree was conferred and the APRN role and population focus. Transcripts may be submitted electronically via email or mailed directly to the Office of the Registrar
  • A completed Education Verification Form 3. Complete the applicant section of the form and mail to every applicable college or university. A designated official at the school must verify the education and accreditation status of the nursing program
  • Verification of successfully passing a nurse anesthetist certification exam offered by the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA). Your certification status must be sent from the organization directly to the Board’s office
  • A completed Practice Verification Form 4. This form verifies that you have completed at least 1,040 hours as a licensed CRNA. If you cannot verify completion of the confirmed hours, you must submit a collaborative agreement with an SD licensed physician or CRNA.

Temporary Permit

To practice as a nurse practitioner in South Dakota, you must have a temporary permit or a permanent license issued by the Board of Nursing. You must have a temporary permit to begin orientation at your place of employment. The permit is non-renewable and practice beyond the expiration date is a violation of the law.

There are two temporary permit options:

Temporary Permit by Examination

This permit applies to an applicant awaiting results of the first exam after completing an approved education program. To request a temporary permit, submit the following to the Board’s office:

  • A completed general application Form 1
  • A completed Temporary Permit Application, Form 5
  • The temporary permit fee of $25
  • Completed fingerprint cards for a criminal background check
  • Verification of RN licensure
  • Verification of education
  • Verification of examination eligibility
  • A completed Supervisory Agreement with a physician or CNP licensed in South Dakota
  • A completed Collaborative Agreement with a physician or CNP licensed in the South Dakota

Temporary Permit by Endorsement

This permit applies to an applicant who holds licensure as a nurse practitioner in another state or territory who is awaiting licensure in South Dakota. Temporary permits issued to endorsement applications expire within 120 days of the issue date. The Board will issue the permit after it receives the following:

  • A completed general application Form 1
  • A completed Temporary Permit Application, Form 5
  • The temporary permit fee of $25
  • Completed fingerprint cards for a criminal background check
  • Verification of RN licensure
  • Verification of NP licensure
  • Verification of current certification in the role of NP.
  • A completed practice verification Form 4. Applicants must practice a minimum of 1,040 hours as a licensed CNP to practice without a collaborative agreement.

APRN Renewal Requirements South Dakota

APRN licenses must be renewed online. Before commencing the renewal online, gather the following:

  • Your first and last name as recorded by the Board of Nursing. You should receive a renewal postcard with your name as it appears at the Board
  • Your APRN license number
  • Your social security number
  • Your billing address as listed on your credit card statement

Payment must be submitted online using a Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover. The renewal fee for CNP, CNS, CRNA, and CNM is $70.

The Online Renewal System is valid for renewal of active licenses only.

If you need to change your address, you may do so during the online renewal. To change your name, download the name change form, complete it, and mail with legal documentation reflecting the name change to the Board’s office.

At the conclusion of the renewal, you will receive a receipt with a confirmation number. Print the receipt as a proof of payment.

Contact the Board of Nursing

South Dakota Department of Health
Robert Hayes Building
600 E. Capitol Ave.
Pierre, SD 57501-2536

Phone: 605-773-3361
Fax: 605-773-5683
1-800-738-2301 (in SD only)

MSN Programs South Dakota

Brookings, SD MSN programs:
South Dakota State University
1175 Medary Ave, Brookings, SD 57007
605-688-4121

Rapid City, SD MSN programs:
National American University
5301 South Highway 16, Rapid City, SD 57701
800-209-0490

Yankton, SD MSN programs:
Mount Mary College
1105 West 8th Street, Yankton, SD 57078
605-668-1545

Crystal is a certified Registered Nurse (RN) with a passion for writing about nursing education. Through her articles, Crystal shares insights and tips to help fellow nurses enhance their skills and stay updated with the latest developments in the field. With a focus on practical advice and relevant topics, Crystal's writing is a valuable resource for nursing professionals seeking to advance their careers.