State’s top-ranked nursing program excels at education, job placement

This paid piece is sponsored by South Dakota State University.

In a matter of months, Lauren Johnson will become an SDSU College of Nursing alumna – and she’s already sorting through job options.

“A lot of students who went to SDSU and went on to internships have no problem finding a job,” said Johnson, a Sioux Falls native and graduate of Harrisburg High School.

“I think within hospitals when they know you went to SDSU and know you completed an internship, it seems like a no-brainer.”

Johnson chose SDSU based on a love of science classes, a desire to work in the health care field and the positive experience her mother had at SDSU.

While Lauren Johnson officially graduates later this year, she walked with her class in May.

“I still toured different campuses, but I knew this was for me,” she said. “It was a very welcoming environment, the Brookings campus is beautiful, and it’s been great. I have a lot of friends who graduated in May and weren’t ready to leave because they loved it so much.”

Nursing student Rush Landry grew up in Sioux Falls, too, and is completing his degree based in his hometown.

The O’Gorman High School graduate also grew up a Jackrabbits fan, thanks to his parents, “and it was close to home and just felt right,” he said. “I started my first year and a half in Brookings and then applied to the nursing program and moved back to Sioux Falls. The program goes year-round, so it’s a lot of work, but it’s nice to have it done and be able to progress into the profession.”

He’s going into his third year and appreciates how he was able to jump right into courses applicable to his future career.

“It feels good to know you’re working directly to your goal,” he said. “Through clinical rotations and the hands-on experience you receive, you figure out right away if this is something you want to do.”

Johnson and Landry are far from the only students finding success in nursing at SDSU.

South Dakota State University’s College of Nursing was named the best nursing school in South Dakota for 2024 by RNCareers.org, an independent resource managed by nurse educators, nurse practitioners, registered nurses and licensed practical nurses.

Of the 1,700 nursing schools considered nationwide, SDSU sits atop the South Dakota list for strong academics and job placement, and it is one of the higher-ranking institutions in the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) pass rates. Nationally, SDSU is ranked No. 22, the highest in the region.

“We are proud of this recognition because it validates the high quality and value of a nursing degree from SDSU,” said Mary Anne Krogh, the Roberta K. Olson Endowed Dean of the College of Nursing. “Our exceptional simulation program, highly engaged faculty and staff, and student success initiatives are integral to the high NCLEX pass rate and job placement for our students across the country.”

The college has a 94.33 percent NCLEX-RN pass rate for first-time test-takers in 2023-24, which is above the national average.

Additionally, the College of Nursing offers more than $800,000 in student scholarships annually.

SDSU offers its Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the Brookings main campus, as well as Rapid City and Sioux Falls sites. Students also can pursue a Master of Science in Nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice, Doctor of Philosophy and various post-graduate certificates.

“SDSU’s graduates are well prepared to make significant contributions to the health care profession,” said Jeff Morrow, publisher at RNCareers.org. “This recognition by RNCareers.org underscores the university’s unwavering dedication to preparing its students for successful careers in the health care profession.”

Both Johnson and Landry already are building their health care resumes. They’ve both worked as patient care techs at Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center, and last summer Johnson became an intern at Sanford Children’s Hospital.

“I felt so prepared,” she said. “It was clear that how SDSU had prepared us to understand the topics being discussed put us in a position to gain experience and then be ready for the nursing world.”

That’s the goal, Krogh agreed.

“We really have sought out ways to expand the nursing workforce, and that’s particularly acute post-pandemic,” she said. “Right now, SDSU graduates about 40 percent of the registered nurses in the state each year, and that will grow.”

The five-semester SDSU program allows extra time for clinical work, “and quite honestly, what we hear from clinical partners is that the extra focus gives them even more reason to choose an SDSU graduate,” Krogh said. “It allows more time for students to hone their critical thinking skills, their interpersonal skills and their professional activities.”

Students also enjoy access to fully accredited simulation experiences at each SDSU Nursing site.

“Our enrollment is trending up,” Krogh added. “We’re back to pre-pandemic levels of pre-nursing, so that’s a good sign, and we’ve grown considerable interest in our accelerated track.”

From his home base in Sioux Falls, Landry is able to work consistently at Avera, picking up shifts at night and on weekends, while he looks forward to an expanded location in Sioux Falls for SDSU. Thanks to a donation from Avera, the SDSU Metro Center will be a new home for Sioux Falls-based nursing and pharmacy programs at 33rd Street and Minnesota Avenue.

“It’s very cool the students following me are going to have the opportunity to utilize that facility,” he said.

“I’ve found hospitals definitely are reaching out to connect with nursing students early. When you’re an employee, even while still in school, they’ll talk about the possibilities for future jobs. There’s definitely interest in hiring.”

As she nears a December graduation, Johnson is interviewing for jobs and already considering at least one offer. Looking back, “I can’t put into words how grateful I am for my experience at SDSU,” she said. “I love Brookings as a whole so much, and I will definitely be an active alum.”

To learn more about the SDSU College of Nursing, click here.

New SDSU Metro Center to open in donated Avera building