RN Programs in South Dakota

South Dakota RN Programs

Those who are looking for a rewarding and exciting career should look into South Dakota RN programs. These programs give students the skills necessary for a career as a registered nurse. Individuals enrolled in South Dakota RN programs even have the opportunity to specialize or continue education for an advanced degree. A career as a registered nurse is not only rewarding, but also offers job security in a growing industry.

Becoming Licensed by Examination in South Dakota

In South Dakota, one can apply for licensure either by examination or by endorsement. South Dakota is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact. New graduates wishing to practice in South Dakota may apply for licensure by examination in this state if one of the following conditions is met:

  • South Dakota is the individual's primary state of residence (may be granted a multi-state license).
  • The individual's primary state of residence is a non-compact state (may be granted a single state license).

In order to become licensed by examination, one must register for and pass the NCLEX-RN and submit a licensure application to the board. A Certification of Education or Official Transcripts must be submitted to the board, as well as a Criminal Background Check. Those educated in a foreign country, with exception of Canadians educated in English, must complete a CGFNS Certification Program.

Applicants may be granted a temporary permit valid for up to 90 days while awaiting NCLEX results.

Becoming Licensed by Endorsement in South Dakota

Those who already hold a valid license may become licensed by endorsement. Under the Nurse Licensure Compact, an individual can hold multiple single-state licenses but only one home state multi-state license. An individual can apply for licensure by endorsement in his or her home state.

If he or she was previously licensed in a non-compact state, a permit must be granted prior to practicing in the new state. If he or she is from another compact state, the individual may continue practicing for 30 days on the previous state's privilege to practice.

An applicant for licensure by endorsement must submit the following items with his or her application to the board:

  • $100 Fee
  • Official Transcripts
  • Criminal Background Check
  • Verification of Original State of Licensure
  • Employment Verification (proof of at least 140 hours in an 12 month period or at least 480 hours accumulated in the past 6 years)

Renewing an RN License

In order to renew, an RN must have practiced at least 140 hours in a 12 month period or at least 480 hours accumulated in the past 6 years.

Additional Resources

RN Schools Near You & Online in South Dakota

Presentation College

  • 1500 North Main Street Aberdeen, SD 57401
    Programs: ADN, BSN, CNA, Medical Assistant, Radiography, RN, RN to BSN
    1(800)437-6060

South Dakota State University

  • Box 2201 Brookings, SD 57007
    Programs: Accelerated BSN, BSN, BSN to DNP, Clinical Nurse Leader, DNP, Family Nurse Practitioner - certificate, Nursing PhD, RN, RN to BSN, RN to MSN
    1(800)952-3541

Dakota Weslyan University

  • 1200 W. University Ave. Mitchell, SD 57301
    Programs: ADN, CNA, RN
    1(800)333-8506

Oglala Lakota College

  • P.O. Box 861 Pine Ridge, SD 57770
    Programs: ADN, CNA, RN
    (605) 867-5856

Augustana College

  • 2001 S. Summit Avenue Sioux Falls, SD 57197
    Programs: BSN, RN, RN to BSN
    1(800)727-2844

University of South Dakota

  • 414 East Clark Street Vermillion, SD 57069
    Programs: ADN, Physician Assistant, RN, RN to BSN
    (877) 269-6837

Mount Marty College

  • 1105 West 8th Street Yankton, SD 57078
    Programs: BSN, LPN, LPN to BSN, MSN, Nurse Anesthetist, RN
    (605) 668-1545