On June 25, 2003, The University of South Dakota (USD) was granted approval to deliver its Associate of Science in Nursing degree to employees of The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society (“GSS” or “The Society”). Considering the critical nursing shortage in long-term care centers, the Distance Program was developed to assist The Society to “grow” Registered Nurses from currently employed Certified Nursing Assistants, LPNs, and other staff members who demonstrate interest in pursing nursing as a career. The Society may form partnerships with other healthcare organizations allowing their employees to access this learning opportunity as well.  The Distance Program assists the employer to retain valuable employees and to promote educational opportunities for personal and professional development.

Employees are able to participate in general education courses and required support courses online and/or through The Society’s satellite Distance Learning Network (DLN). Theory portions of the nursing courses are delivered online while clinical learning experiences are arranged in centralized geographic locations with cohort student groups.  Upon completion of 64 credit hours of general and required support courses and the clinical nursing courses, students are awarded an Associate Degree in Nursing from The University of South Dakota. 

The USD Nursing program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) with the next regularly scheduled visit in 2014.  The last NLNAC accreditation visit information concerning the program may be obtained from the NLNAC, 61 Broadway, 33rd Floor, New York, NY 10006 (1-800-669- 1656). USD Nursing has full approval status from the South Dakota Board of Nursing.

The Nursing program has continuing designation as National League for Nursing Center for Excellence in Nursing Education.

For more information about the program, select a link from the left or contact the sites below.