South Dakota Online NP Programs
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“The hands-on component of online programs is critical. While there is a largely online component of our program, we also require students to be on campus twice during the program for what we call immersions, where students participate in simulations to learn the skills necessary to become a nurse practitioner. You can’t teach hands-on skills in an online environment.”
Pamela Barthle, PhD, Assistant Director of the AGNP-AC Program, Augustana University
As South Dakota’s healthcare system adapts to meet the needs of both its urban centers and wide-reaching rural areas, nurse practitioners (NPs) are emerging as key providers of comprehensive, front-line care. With the ability to diagnose, treat, and manage patients independently, NPs are helping bridge healthcare gaps and improve access across the state. Their role is especially critical in regions where physicians may be scarce and communities rely on a small number of providers to deliver a wide range of services.
According to CareerOneStop.org (2025), South Dakota employed approximately 820 nurse practitioners in 2022. That number is projected to rise to 1,280 by 2032, representing a 56 percent increase, 10 percent higher than the national average. This strong growth underscores the state’s growing investment in advanced practice nursing and the expanding opportunities for registered nurses to elevate their careers. With full practice authority and increasing demand, South Dakota’s NP online programs offer a direct path to meaningful, autonomous, and impactful work.
Meet the Expert: Pamela Barthle, PhD
Dr. Pamela Barthle is a board-certified acute care nurse practitioner and practices at Sanford USD Medical Center in cardiology. She earned a PhD in nursing from the University of Missouri – Kansas City.
Dr. Barthle is the assistant director of the adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner program at Augustana University.
NPSchools.com: What do you wish the public understood about online nurse practitioner programs in South Dakota?
Dr. Barthle: The hands-on component of online programs is critical. While there is a largely online component of our program, we also require students to be on campus twice during the program for what we call immersions, where students participate in simulations to learn the skills necessary to become a nurse practitioner. You can’t teach hands-on skills in an online environment. You can teach the didactic portion of it, but to actually have skills acquisition, it’s essential to have that face time with students. It also helps our students to build relationships between not only themselves as a cohort, but also with the faculty.
NPSchools.com: What advice would you give to aspiring online nurse practitioner program students?
Dr. Barthle: You first need to know where you want to be in the end and select a specialization that matches your career goals. Online learning takes a higher level of discipline and requires students who can manage their time effectively. It’s not a one-size-fits-all situation, so it’s important to find a program that aligns with your specific interests, whether in acute care, family practice, or another specialty.
Ultimately, successful students will approach the program with dedication, understanding that nurse practitioners are trained to provide holistic care, looking at patients more as a whole and addressing their physical, spiritual, and social needs.
Most Affordable Online NP Programs in South Dakota (Ranked by In-State Tuition)
| School | Degrees | Specializations | Programs & Tuition | Programs | Tuition (in-state) |
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| Mount Marty University |
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NP Practice Authority in South Dakota
How Much Do Nurse Practitioners Make in South Dakota?
Nearby States with Affordable Online NP Programs
Kimmy Gustafson
WriterAmong her many diverse writing endeavors, Kimmy Gustafson has also lent her expertise to NPSchools.com since 2020, providing insightful and engaging content about the significant role of education in shaping our future generations of nurse practitioners. Many of her pieces include interviewing experts on timely topics such as healthcare workplace violence and moral distress.
Kimmy has been a freelance writer for more than a decade, writing hundreds of articles on a wide variety of topics such as startups, nonprofits, healthcare, kiteboarding, the outdoors, and higher education. She is passionate about seeing the world and has traveled to over 27 countries. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Oregon. When not working, she can be found outdoors, parenting, kiteboarding, or cooking.