South Dakota offers only 1 in-state AGACNP program at South Dakota State University.
To expand your options, this guide includes nationally available online programs from Chamberlain University, South College, Walden University, and West Coast University.
Program costs range from $9,600 to $65,350, with completion times ranging from 1 to 3.7 years depending on track and enrollment pace.
High Level Program Comparison Table
| School | Est. Tuition | Clinicals / Immersion Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chamberlain University | MSN: $43K Cert: $33K | – 700 clinical hours – 2 on-ground immersion events |
| South College | BSN-MSN: $53K Cert: $35K | – Clinicals across Advanced Assessment Practicum – multiple AGACNP practicums/residency |
| South Dakota State University | Cert$10K–$15K | – 500 clinical hours; – one required trip to Sioux Falls campus |
| Walden University | BSN-MSN: $45K RN-MSN: $66K BSN-DNP: $66K MSN-DNP: $59K Cert: $32K | – MSN tracks: 640 practicum hrs – DNP tracks: 1,000 practicum hrs – Fast Track cert: 500 hrs |
| West Coast University | MSN: $48K RN-MSN: $56K–$58K Cert: Varies | – 2 required on-site intensive weekends – certificate clinicals: 540 precepted hrs |
List of ACNP Programs for South Dakota
Chamberlain University ACNP Programs
Fully Online | $760 cpc | Certificate / MSN
Chamberlain University’s 100% online Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner programs offer South Dakota nurses a flexible pathway to specialize in high-acuity care through either the MSN or Graduate Certificate track. With Chamberlain’s Practicum Commitment® providing dedicated support for securing clinical sites across South Dakota—from Rapid City Regional to Sanford USD Medical Center—students complete 700 supervised hours and two on-ground immersion events. Graduates are equipped to meet the urgent need for AGACNPs in the state’s rural critical-access hospitals, Indian Health Service facilities, and Level II trauma centers.
Purdue Global ACNP Programs
Fully Online | $420 cpc | Certificate
In South Dakota, Purdue Global’s online Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) Postgraduate Certificate helps experienced nurses advance their practice in acute and critical care. The program combines virtual reality simulations with expert faculty instruction to prepare RNs for complex patient care in medical and surgical environments. With coursework in advanced health assessment, pharmacology, and critical care management, this 57-credit certificate can be completed in about 1.5 years and aligns with South Dakota’s growing demand for skilled acute care practitioners.
South College ACNP Programs
Fully Online | $615 cpc | Certificate / MSN
South Dakota nurses can pursue Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner certification through South College's fully online programs, offering both BSN-MSN and Post-Graduate Certificate pathways with flexible asynchronous coursework. The BSN-MSN program costs approximately $51,450-$53,695 and can be completed in 21 months, while the Post-Graduate Certificate provides an accelerated option for nurses with existing master's degrees at an estimated cost of $34,450-$35,930. South Dakota students complete supervised clinical practicums at approved healthcare facilities, preparing them to manage complex acute and critical conditions in adults and older adults across the state's hospitals, critical care units, and specialty clinics.
South Dakota State University ACNP Program
Brookings | $640 cpc | Certificate
South Dakota State University offers a fully online Postgraduate Certificate in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner designed for nurses who already hold FNP certification. The 15-credit program takes about one year to complete and combines online coursework with field-based practicums, including 500 clinical hours in acute care settings. Students complete AGACNP integration courses and a flexible practicum with one required campus visit in Sioux Falls for procedures and simulation. Graduates are eligible to sit for the AGACNP-BC exam, and the program holds CCNE accreditation with a 100% APRN certification pass rate reported for 2024...read more.
Walden University ACNP Programs
Fully Online | $775 cpc | Certificate / MSN / DNP
Walden University’s Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner programs give South Dakota nurses online access to DNP, MSN, and post-master’s certificate pathways focused on high-acuity adult care. Students complete coursework remotely and gain experience through supervised practicum placements supported by Walden’s Practicum Pledge® and virtual skills lab. These tracks help South Dakota nurses prepare for national AGACNP certification and transition into roles in hospitals, ICUs, and specialty practices.
West Coast University ACNP Programs
Fully Online | $700 cpc | Certificate / MSN
West Coast University welcomes South Dakota residents into its fully online, CCNE-accredited AGACNP programs, which align with the South Dakota Board of Nursing’s educational standards for Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner licensure. Students receive personalized clinical placement assistance nationwide, complete only two required on-site intensive weekends, and can choose accelerated or slower working-professional tracks to fit rural or busy schedules. South Dakota RNs with recent critical-care experience can advance to acute care NP practice while continuing to work in their home communities.
Choosing the Best AGACNP Program for You in South Dakota
TLDR: Quick Program Selection Guide
Choose South Dakota State University if you’re an FNP seeking the most affordable AGACNP certificate in South Dakota with flexible clinical scheduling.
Choose Chamberlain University if you want doctorally prepared, board-certified faculty and dedicated practicum placement support through the Practicum Commitment®.
Choose South College if you prefer a comprehensive BSN-to-MSN bridge program with extensive clinical residency hours.
Choose Walden University if you need multiple entry points (BSN, RN, MSN) with the Practicum Pledge® for clinical placement assistance and flexibility in program length.
Choose West Coast University if you want accelerated completion options with 8-week terms and multiple start dates throughout the year.
ACNP Post-Graduate Certificate Programs in South Dakota
The certificate programs are designed for nurses who already hold a master’s or doctoral degree in nursing and want to add AGACNP certification.
South Dakota State University offers the most affordable option at $9,600-$14,430 for SD residents, but requires current FNP certification.
Chamberlain University and Walden University both offer fast-track options for FNPs/AGPCNPs with reduced clinical hours.
| School | Cost | Duration | Clinical Hours | Special Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Dakota State University | $10K-$15K | 1 year | 500 hrs | Requires current FNP certification |
| Chamberlain University | $33K | 1 year 10 months | 700 hrs | Practicum Commitment® support |
| South College | $35K-$36K | Varies | – | 800 hours acute care RN experience required |
| Walden University – Standard | $32K | 1.5 years | 640 hrs | Practicum Pledge® support |
| Walden University – Fast Track | $32K | 1 year | 500 hrs | FNP/AGPCNP certification required |
| West Coast University | Varies | 1.3 years | 540 hrs | ICU experience required |
Fastest option: Walden University Fast Track and South Dakota State University both complete in 1 year.
Lowest cost: South Dakota State University at $9,600 for SD residents (though limited to FNPs).
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) ACNP Programs in SD
MSN programs provide entry into AGACNP practice for nurses with a BSN.
West Coast University offers the fastest completion at 1.7 years (accelerated track), while South College provides a unique BSN-to-MSN bridge.
Walden University stands out by offering both BSN and RN entry points for maximum flexibility.
| School | Track | Cost | Duration | Clinical Hours | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chamberlain University | MSN | $43K | 3 years | 700 | Doctorally prepared faculty, on-ground immersions |
| South College | BSN-MSN | $52K-$54K | 21 months | Distributed across practicums | 79 credits total, extensive residency practicums |
| Walden University | BSN-MSN | $45K | 2 years | 640 | Practicum Pledge®, virtual skills labs |
| Walden University | RN-MSN | $66K | 2.5-3 years | 640 | Includes 26 foundation credits for ADN/diploma RNs |
| West Coast University | MSN Accelerated | $48K | 1.7 years | Embedded in practicums | 8-week terms, multiple start dates |
| West Coast University | MSN Working Professional | $49K | 2.7 years | Embedded in practicums | Designed for working nurses |
| West Coast University | RN-MSN Accelerated | $56K | 2.3 years | Embedded in practicums | Includes BSN core courses |
| West Coast University | RN-MSN Working Professional | $58K | 3.7 years | Embedded in practicums | Extended timeline for working nurses |
Fastest option: West Coast University MSN Accelerated at 1.7 years.
Lowest cost: Chamberlain University at $42,230 (though longest duration).
Most flexible: Walden University accepts both BSN and ADN/diploma RN entry.
South Dakota Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) ACNP Programs
DNP programs prepare graduates for the highest level of nursing practice with advanced leadership and clinical expertise.
Walden University is the only school in this comparison offering DNP-AGACNP tracks, providing both BSN-to-DNP and MSN-to-DNP pathways with 1,000 post-baccalaureate clinical hours required.
| School | Track | Cost | Duration | Clinical Hours | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Walden University | BSN-DNP | $66K | 3 years | 1,000+ (minimum 400 at DNP level) | DNP project, two on-campus intensives |
| Walden University | MSN-DNP | $59K | 2.5 years | 1,000+ (minimum 400 at DNP level) | Advanced leadership preparation |
Fastest option: Walden University MSN-DNP at 2.5 years.
Lowest cost: Walden University MSN-DNP at $58,000.
ACNP Admissions Requirements in South Dakota
None of the schools below require GRE.
| School | Minimum GPA | Application Deadlines | Special Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Dakota State University | 3.0 | Priority: Dec 1, Second: Mar 1, Final: Apr 15 | Current FNP certification, 1,500 RN hours |
| Chamberlain University | – | Rolling | Background check, fingerprint ($150) |
| South College | 3.0 | Rolling | 800 hours acute care RN experience (BSN-MSN) |
| Walden University | – | Rolling | Active RN license, no application fee |
| West Coast University | 3.0 | Rolling (8-week terms) | 1 year ICU experience within past 5 years |