Frequently Asked Questions

Apprenticeship Certificate Programs | Nursing Programs

NURSING PROGRAMS
Q: Do I need to be employed by the Good Samaritan Society to earn a nursing degree through the Career Lattice program?
A: No. The LPN program through Lake Area Technical Institute and the BSN and MSN nursing programs at South Dakota State University are open to any students. The Associate RN program (ADN) through the University of South Dakota is only open to employees of the Good Samaritan Society or of other healthcare organizations that are approved partners in this program with the Good Samaritan Society.
Q: How do I receive more information about the nursing programs?
A: For advising, program information and degree requirements, contact the program directly and indicate that you are an employee of the Good Samaritan Society, your Center number and location.

Academic Partners
Q: Are all degree programs online?
A: Yes, all coursework is online. Clinical rotations and some labs for the nursing program will need to be completed in local area health-care institutions. You also may take some of your general education and support core requirements online with The University of South Dakota, South Dakota State University or at your local community college or technical college. It is important to always check first with your advisor to ensure transfer equivalency to the institution where you intend to earn your degree.
Q: Do I have to go to the campus?
A: Probably not. The programs are designed for learning at a distance or online. Some travel may be required for clinical labs in a health-care setting if there is not a cohort group or hospital near your home or workplace.
Q: What will my clinical experience require?
A: Clinical practice hours include online lecture. Face-to-face labs are set up in geographical locations as close to the student’s home or center whenever possible. LPN: Some travel may be required for clinical practice labs in a health-care setting if there is not a cohort group or acute care hospital near your home or workplace. ADN: Skill practice labs and hands-on nursing clinical rotations are set up in locations as close to the student’s location whenever possible. BSN: Students participate in two practicum (clinical) courses: Nurs 385, Health Assessment and Clinical Decision Making and Nurs 416, Community Health. In each of these courses, the nurse will work with a local agency, not a hospital setting. Students will enhance leadership and management skills in this practicum experience. MSN: This program requires varying clinical hours depending on the student’s specialization. For specific information please contact Anna Atteberry at (605) 688-4114 or anna.atteberry@sdstate.edu. The MSN, regardless of specialization, requires a minimum of one face-to-face visit to campus.
Q: How do I pay for classes?
A: You are encouraged to apply for federal financial aid when you apply for admission. You can access an online federal financial aid application at here.

The financial aid code for each institution is: Lake Area Technical Institute (LATI): 5309.
The University of South Dakota (USD): 3474.
South Dakota State University: 3471

For questions about your financial aid application, you can contact the program where you intend to earn your degree: LPN at LATI: 605-882-5284 ext. 254
ADN at USD: 1-877-269-6837 or 605-677-5446
BSN/MSN at SDSU: 1-800-952-3541

As an employee of the Good Samaritan Society, you can learn more about the Hoeger Scholarship and Loan Program by contacting the Administrator of your center. To be eligible for consideration you must be employed at an approved Society center and be admitted to an accredited program to earn your registered nurse designation. This program is not available in the state of Minnesota.

You are also advised to contact your state Board of Nursing to check on available state resources. The National Campus of the Good Samaritan Society can also provide a copy of a national list of online nursing scholarship and loan resources. You can request that list through e-mail.
Q: What is the cost of my education?
A: Contact an advisor at the school where you intend to earn your degree. You will be quoted a cost per credit hour for tuition and fees and estimated cost of books and materials.
Q: Do I pay the Society for my tuition and fees?
A: No, you will receive a bill from the Business Office of your school. It is your responsibility to pay the school directly or through use of your federal financial aid or other scholarships by the date identified on your bill unless other arrangements have been approved.
Q: What are my rights as a student?
A: You have the right to an advisor. You have the right to review your academic advising-related files and materials in accordance with the Family Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). You have the right to receive pertinent and accurate information needed for your academic and career planning.
Q: As a student, do I have any responsibilities?
A: Students are responsible for the following:
  1. Initiating and following through with timely career and academic-related plans and discussions with the advisor;
  2. Initiating regular progress reports and seeking advisor assistance when problems arise;
  3. Making timely arrangements with your proctor and keeping him or her informed of testing dates well in advance of any scheduled exams that require a proctor;
  4. Recognizing that the ultimate responsibility for completion of academic requirements rests with the student.
Q: Will the courses that I take at another institution transfer?
A: Check with your advisor at the institution where you intend to earn your degree before you register. Credits may transfer, depending on the transfer policy of the individual institution.
Q: How does online learning work? Is it comparable in quality to a face-to-face, on-campus class?
A: In many ways learning online is no different than attending a traditional on-campus class. Your online courses will have the same objectives, learning outcomes, and academic credit as the on-campus class. You will have a professor, syllabus, textbook, homework, classmates and exams. The same college academic policies and procedures apply to you as an online learner. The difference in online learning is that there are few structured classroom meeting times or lecture times so flexibility is at an optimum. Once you have registered for your classes, you will receive a user ID and password to access the school’s courseware. Here you will find information about your instructor, reading materials, assignments, discussion boards, and other resources that will be available to you.
Q: Is online learning for me?
A: Being an online learner does provide flexibility. The major difference between traditional classroom and online learning is that the instructor’s role changes to be more the facilitator in your learning experience.

There are a few things to consider before you commit to earning your degree online. You may want to review the link “Is Distance Learning for You” provided by The University of South Dakota Continuing Education. Registration and computer access is according to the program policy and recommendations.
Q: How do I take tests?
A: Many or all exams are online. Most exams require a proctor. The individual must not be a relative, friend, college peer or neighbor. Examples of appropriate proctors include a professional educator, human resource professional, librarian or pastor. The person will be approved by the school offering the course and may designate times or a “window of opportunity” to take the test. Exams are timed, and once opened, the exam must be completed within the allowed time. Exams automatically close as time expires. It is always important to keep your proctor aware of the testing schedule well in advance of the test date to avoid scheduling conflicts.
Q: How do I know what courses I need to take and how do I receive a course schedule?
A: Once you have been advised and are admitted to your college as a degree-seeking student, you can access a schedule on your campus Internet site. Seeking the guidance of the program advisor is the first step. The advisor at your respective institution will provide you with an official evaluation for education planning and guide your enrollment process to be sure you enroll in appropriate courses. Your advisor will also be your contact for information regarding course schedules and your degree progression.
Q: If I have additional questions that are not addressed, how can I get answers?
A: You can call the Society’s toll-free learning hotline at 1-866-477-0253 or e-mail. Your e-mail or telephone request will be forwarded to the appropriate person. Whether calling or e-mailing, it is important to identify the center number and location where you work.

Academic questions may be directed to each institution.
Q: How are you providing all the learning opportunities through the Career Lattice Model?
A: Funding for the initial development and or delivery of programs and services was provided through a grant awarded under the President’s High Growth Job Training Initiative as implemented by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration.