About 2,350 LPNs were licensed in South Dakota in 2010 compared to 13,600 RNs, according to the South Dakota Center for Nursing Workforce. The majority of LPNs in South Dakota are employed in offices or clinics, long-term care, and hospitals. LPNs spend most of their time delivering direct patient care.
According to the South Dakota Board of Nursing (SDBN), enrollment in LPN programs grew by nine percent in 2010. Enrollment in associate degree nursing programs also grew by nine percent. Many LPNs are interested in moving forward in their careers by becoming RNs. The SDBN reported that about 14 percent of BSN students were LPNs in 2010, while nearly 100 LPNs were enrolled in associate degree programs. Having an RN license opens many new opportunities for nurses, and South Dakota has several programs available to LPNs.
Programs to Consider
University of South Dakota (Pierre, Rapid City, Sioux Falls, Vermillion). Clinical rotations for this LPN to associate degree RN are in urban and rural hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community-based agencies and clinics. Classes are offered in traditional face-to-face settings as well as online learning components. Students may continue on to a BSN program.
Dakota Wesleyan University (Mitchell). LPNs may work toward an associate of arts degree in nursing for licensure as an RN. The program takes one year with classes scheduled Thursdays, Fridays, and some Wednesdays. Some content is delivered online. Classes meet at Southeast Technical Institute in Sioux Falls. Clinical rotations may require travel to available sites.
Lake Area Technical Institute (Watertown). After completion of the 11month LPN program, students may select the 1+1 option, which moves them to an associate degree in nursing, taking an additional ten months. The degree program is offered in conjunction with the University of South Dakota, but is located at the Lake Area Technical Institute campus.
