LPN-B.S. (Sioux Falls)

Arlene Gates Department of Nursing Mission Statement

The Arlene Gates Department of Nursing, as an integral part of Dakota Wesleyan University, is aligned with its mission, vision, values, and philosophy. The nursing department aspires to prepare students for meaningful careers in professional nursing within a liberal arts setting. The nursing department aspires to cultivate a challenging learning environment based on Christian values and acceptance of diversity. The faculty foster lifelong learning, professional development, and responsibility to service.

Arlene Gates Department of Nursing Vision

The Vision of the Arlene Gates Department of Nursing is to strategically develop and grow DWU nursing programs to further the practice of professional nursing throughout the region.

Arlene Gates Department of Nursing Core Values

The Mission, Vision and Philosophy of the Arlene Gates Department of Nursing are carried out with guidance from AACN’s Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education (AACN, 2019). The core values for nursing are human dignity, integrity, autonomy, altruism, and social justice.

• The programs’ three year mean for NCLEX-RN pass rates will be at or above the minimum standard of 80% required by the nursing programs’ accrediting body (CCNE) Collegiate Commission on Nursing Education.
• The programs’ three year mean for NCLEX-RN pass rates will be above the minimum standard of 75% required by the programs’ licensing body the (SDBON) South Dakota Board of Nursing.
• Seventy percent (70%) of students admitted into the B.S. Nursing program will graduate within five years through achievement of one of the CCNE standards found in standard IV-B.
• Seventy percent (70%) of students admitted into the LPN to B.S. nursing program will graduate within four years through achievement of one of the CCNE standards found in standard IV-B.
• Ninety percent (90%) of graduates who are actively seeking employment in nursing will be employed as a practicing registered nurse at six to twelve months post-graduation.
• At six to twelve months post-graduation all items on the graduate survey will receive a mean of 3.0 or higher.

Program Tuition: $400/Credit Hour 

Nursing Credits (54): $21,600 

General Education Credits (39): $15,600 

Nursing Clinical Fee: $1,785 

TOTAL TUITION AND FEES: $38,985 

Other anticipated expenses (estimated and subject to change):  

• Background check: $87 | You must complete a background check within 30 days of the start of the first nursing course. The cost of the background check is your responsibility.  
• Uniform: $40 | You are responsible for the purchase of one royal blue scrub uniform. This is an approximate cost. 
• Nursing Textbooks: Approx. $1,379 | This includes the cost of nursing textbooks for the entirety of the program.
• Other Textbooks: varies based on your schedule and course requirements.
• CPR Certification: $55-$65 | This covers a required CPR course provided by the American Heart Association Basic Life Support for Health Care Providers.
• RN Licensure Fee: $100 | This fee is due to the South Dakota Board of Nursing upon graduation.
• NCLEX-RN Exam: $200 | This is the registration fee to Pearson Testing upon graduation in order to take your exam.