Become a Nurse in South Dakota – Licensure & Requirements

Nursing requirements change rapidly. Make sure to confirm licensing requirements with the South Dakota Board of Nursing before applying for licensure. Last updated: 3/26/2020

Nursing Licenses in South DakotaMaster’s Required?
Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM)
Yes
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
Yes
Nurse Practitioner (NP)
Yes
Registered Nurse (RN)
No
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
No
Certified Nurse Aide
No

South Dakota Nursing Salaries

SD Nurse CareerState-Wide Annual Mean WageRapid City Annual Mean WageSioux City, IA-NE-SD Annual Mean WageSioux Falls Annual Mean Wage
Licensed Practical Nurse
$38,630
$39,820
$41,440
$38,840
Registered Nurse
$58,340
$61,690
$55,680
$58,800
Nurse Practitioner
$100,690
$106,110
$124,130
$98,150
Nurse Anesthetist
$188,360
$186,370
Not Available
$198,650

Careers as a nurse salaries above were retrieved from the Bureau of Labor Statistics – State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates South Dakota in March 2020.

There are many paths to becoming a nurse in South Dakota. The one you take will mostly depend on the type of nurse you’d like to become and your current or prospective level of education. The more education, the more opportunities you’ll have to choose where and how you pursue your career in nursing.

In addition to nursing salaries in South Dakota, you’ll find information on acquiring and maintaining several types of South Dakota nursing licenses on this page. We’re constantly making updates, but with the speed of change in healthcare, it’s sometimes difficult to stay current. If you have any comments or suggestions for our information on nursing in South Dakota, please email us at info@nursinglicensemap.com!

Sponsored online nursing programs

Simmons University

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Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Earn an MSN online from Simmons University. Choose from two program options — FNP or PMHNP — and prepare to raise the standard of patient care.

  • Choose from two program options — FNP or PMHNP
  • Complete in as few as 24 months
  • Full-time and part-time tracks available

Georgetown University

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Master of Science in Nursing

Nursing@Georgetown delivers Georgetown University’s MS in Nursing program online, preparing RNs with a BSN to pursue certification in an APRN specialty. Students can earn their degree in as few as 23 months. 

  • Earn your MS in Nursing in as few as 23 months
  • Choose from one of four APRN specialty areas: AG-ACNP, FNP, NM/WHNP, or WHNP
  • Gain hands-on clinical experience in evidence-based practice

St. John Fisher University

info

Master of Science in Nursing

Earn an M.S. in Nursing online at the Wegmans School of Nursing. Bachelor’s in nursing and RN license-required. 

  • Part-time and accelerated tracks available
  • Four program options: PCFNP, PMHNP, AGACNP, AGPCNP

info SPONSORED

Compact State Status

South Dakota is a Nursing Licensure Compact state.

Prescriptive Authority in South Dakota

In South Dakota, Certified Nurse Practitioner (CNP) and Certified Nurse Midwives (CNM) may apply for prescriptive authority (PDF, 90.9KB) for controlled substances under schedule II to V in collaboration with physicians.

Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN) – in South Dakota

APRNs in South Dakota are defined as nurse anesthetist, clinical nurse specialist, certified nurse practitioner, and certified nurse midwife.

Education: Approved nursing career preparation program

Examination: Varies according to prerequisite national certification

Certification Required: Varies according to specialty area, but must include current, valid, unencumbered South Dakota Registered Nurse license

Experience: Varies according to prerequisite national certification; for nurse practitioners and certified nurse midwives, the board requires 1,040 hours of practice.

Fees: $100 Application

Renewal: Advanced Practice Nurse licenses in South Dakota expire biennially.

Learn more on how to become an advanced practice registered nurse.

Registered Nurse (RN) in South Dakota

Education: Board-approved nursing education program

Examination: NCLEX-RN

Fees:

  • $100 Application Fee
  • $200 Examination Fee

Endorsement: RNs may apply for licensure by endorsement by providing transcripts of their nursing education program, completing a criminal background check, verifying original state licensure, and verifying employment experience.

Renewal: Registered Nurse licenses in South Dakota expire biennially.

Learn more about how to become a registered nurse.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in South Dakota

Education: Board-approved nursing education program

Examination: NCLEX-PN

Fees:

  • $100 Application Fee
  • $200 Examination Fee

Endorsement: LPNs may apply for licensure by endorsement by providing transcripts of their nursing education program, completing a criminal background check, verifying original state licensure, and verifying employment experience.

Renewal: Licensed Practical Nurse licenses in South Dakota expire biennially.

Learn more on how to become a licensed practical nurse.

Information on the above nursing careers in South Dakota was retrieved from the South Dakota Board of Nursing as of March 2020.

Sponsored online nursing programs

Simmons University

info

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Earn an MSN online from Simmons University. Choose from two program options — FNP or PMHNP — and prepare to raise the standard of patient care.

  • Choose from two program options — FNP or PMHNP
  • Complete in as few as 24 months
  • Full-time and part-time tracks available

Georgetown University

info

Master of Science in Nursing

Nursing@Georgetown delivers Georgetown University’s MS in Nursing program online, preparing RNs with a BSN to pursue certification in an APRN specialty. Students can earn their degree in as few as 23 months. 

  • Earn your MS in Nursing in as few as 23 months
  • Choose from one of four APRN specialty areas: AG-ACNP, FNP, NM/WHNP, or WHNP
  • Gain hands-on clinical experience in evidence-based practice

St. John Fisher University

info

Master of Science in Nursing

Earn an M.S. in Nursing online at the Wegmans School of Nursing. Bachelor’s in nursing and RN license-required. 

  • Part-time and accelerated tracks available
  • Four program options: PCFNP, PMHNP, AGACNP, AGPCNP

info SPONSORED