Senate Education Committee members voted Tuesday to approve three bills aimed at expanding nursing programs in South Dakota.
The first is Senate Bill 43 which provides for a new health sciences center on the Black Hills State University-Rapid City campus. The center would house a joint nursing program from Black Hills State and South Dakota State University. With the new addition, the program can expand from 72 to 120 nursing students. The project cost is around $15 million: $8 million would come from federal funds provided by the American Rescue Plan Act, $5 million would come from student tuition and fees, and $2 million would come from private sources.
Northern State University in Aberdeen is also planning a construction project. Senate Bill 44 gives $29.5 million in American Rescue Plan funds for the demolition of two buildings and the construction of one new building. The new building would house Northern State’s business programs and also provide more space for its accelerated nursing program. The accelerated nursing program is a joint effort by Northern State and South Dakota State University. With the new space, the program would expand from 36 to 48 nursing students.
Lastly, the Board of Technical Education is asking for $4.5 million for Southeast Technical Institute’s nursing program in Sioux Falls. The money would come from the state’s general fund and provide simulation equipment for STI’s planned expansion of its health sciences center.
Senator Erin Tobin of Winner is on the Senate Education Committee. She’s also a nurse practitioner.
“We don’t have the staff to care for patients. And, I’m so excited to see these bills presented today because we need help.”
Senate Bills 43, 44, and 61 passed the Senate Education Committee without opposition. They will now head to the Joint Appropriations Committee for further discussion.