Program Overview
The University of Sioux Falls Accelerated Nursing program takes four semesters to complete, beginning each January and finishing the following spring. This full-time program enables students to become registered nurses in a year and a half. Classes and clinical experiences are delivered on-campus in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Program Outcomes
USF’s Accelerated Nursing program has the highest NCLEX pass rate in South Dakota for BSN programs at 97.37%. Graduates can work in hospitals, clinics, and specialized care units or focus on community health.
With its strong outcomes, clinical focus, and supportive admissions process, this program helps students quickly transition to a career in nursing.
Application Process
USF accepts new students each January through a competitive admissions process. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, with a priority deadline of July 1 and a final deadline of January 2. Students must submit transcripts, three professional references, and proof of English proficiency.
Curriculum
The program includes nursing courses in pathophysiology, gerontology, medical-surgical nursing, maternal newborn nursing, pediatric nursing, pharmacology, and public health nursing.
Courses include the following:
NUR220 Health Promotion & Disease Prevention
This course explores how nurses promote health and prevent disease across individual, community, and global levels. It covers primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention strategies, considering cultural, ethical, and philosophical frameworks for holistic care. Students learn to create interventions for diverse populations while understanding the nurse’s essential role in these activities.
NUR323 Applied Pathophysiology
This course examines disease processes to support nursing practice. It reviews disease causes, pathophysiologic changes, and clinical manifestations, linking them to prevention and restoration of health. Students build on anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and chemistry knowledge to apply this information to patient care.
NUR327 Pharmacology for Nurses
This course introduces pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacogenomics for safe and effective medication administration. It reviews medication classes, mechanisms, effects, adverse reactions, and nursing considerations. Students apply math, anatomy, and physiology skills to understand drug actions and implications in nursing care.
NUR342 Medical-Surgical Nursing
This course prepares students to address common medical-surgical health issues. It strengthens clinical reasoning and assessment skills, distinguishing normal and abnormal signs in patient care. Students learn to apply evidence-based practice, provide holistic health assessments, and understand interdisciplinary collaboration.
NUR305 Cultural, Spiritual, and Ethical Dimensions of Holistic Care
This course encourages self-awareness of cultural, spiritual, and ethical beliefs in nursing care. Students explore cultural healthcare practices, spiritual assessments, and ethical decision-making within a nursing framework. The course emphasizes the importance of holistic, person-centered care in diverse populations.
NUR354 Evidence-Based Nursing Practice
This course teaches evidence-based practice principles and literature appraisal. Students learn to frame clinical questions, search for evidence, and apply research to care decisions. It also covers research ethics, quantitative and qualitative methods, and leading practice change.
NUR333 Gerontological Nursing
This course explores how aging adults face health challenges and life transitions. It focuses on providing person-centered care that promotes wellness in older adults. Students learn to address the needs of this growing population across care settings.
NUR432 Mental Health Nursing
This course covers psychological and emotional health in nursing practice. It discusses common psychological disorders and emphasizes therapeutic communication and professional relationships. Clinical applications help students assess and implement mental health care plans.
NUR424 Public Health Nursing
This course introduces students to nursing practice in community and population health. It focuses on integrating nursing and public health concepts to address health needs of diverse groups. Students apply skills to care for vulnerable populations, prioritizing prevention and using community resources.
NUR446 Maternal Newborn Nursing
This course centers on family-centered care during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. Students learn about reproductive health, prenatal care, labor, and newborn care. Clinical experiences include caring for families during these key periods in various practice environments.
NUR447 Pediatric Nursing
This course examines nursing care for children and their families. Students focus on growth, development, health promotion, and assessment of pediatric health issues. Clinical experiences emphasize caring for children along the health-illness continuum.
NUR441 High Acuity Nursing
This course addresses care for adults with complex, unpredictable health issues. Students integrate epidemiology, clinical data, and advanced interventions to provide person-centered care. Clinical experiences strengthen critical thinking and decision-making for high-acuity patients.
NUR451 Management, Leadership & Professional Issues
This course explores leadership, management, and professional growth in nursing. It covers change theories, quality improvement, informatics, and collaboration. Students learn delegation, conflict resolution, and health policy to become effective nurse leaders.
NUR431 Nursing Capstone
This course provides clinical opportunities for advanced practice and professional development. It focuses on assessment and preparation for the NCLEX exam. Students expand clinical roles and integrate previous coursework in a comprehensive, practice-based setting.
More curriculum information available on these pages:
- https://issuu.com/usiouxfalls/docs/academic_catalog_2025-26/151
- https://my.usiouxfalls.edu/ICS/Academics/NU/
- https://www.usiouxfalls.edu/about/offices-and-services/registrar/course-offerings?program=&year=&session=&department=nursing&startDate=&endDate=
Clinical Experience
Students at USF’s Accelerated Nursing program start clinical rotations in their first semester, gaining patient care experience in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. They use advanced simulation technology in the school’s modern nursing labs to build practical skills and prepare for real-world patient scenarios.
Tuition
The tuition for the Accelerated Nursing program at the University of Sioux Falls for the Class of 2026 ranges from $25,650 to $27,000, depending on the total credits completed.
Cost Breakdown
The program requires between 57 and 60 credits, with each credit costing $450.
- Minimum Tuition: 57 credits × $450 per credit = $25,650
- Maximum Tuition: 60 credits × $450 per credit = $27,000
More tuition details available here: https://www.usiouxfalls.edu/admissions-and-aid/tuition-and-costs
Prerequisites and Transfer Credits
Applicants must complete prerequisites such as anatomy, microbiology, chemistry, and statistics with a minimum grade of C-. USF reviews transfer credits individually and encourages early transcript evaluation for potential credit transfer.
Other Programs
USF also offers an LPN to BSN program, a traditional BSN program, and degrees in biology, chemistry, exercise science, paramedic technology, and education.
Ethos
The program’s Christian foundation fosters a supportive and faithful environment that emphasizes compassion, ethical care, and spiritual growth alongside academic and clinical preparation. This nurturing atmosphere encourages students to develop into caring, competent nurses ready to meet healthcare challenges with integrity and respect.