How to Earn a South Dakota Nursing License
Nurses looking to practice in the Mount Rushmore State will need to understand South Dakota’s nursing license requirements. This article covers all aspects of earning, renewing and maintaining a nursing license in South Dakota including details about requirements, timelines, and fees for both RN and APRN licenses. As a rural state investing in healthcare access, South Dakota offers nurses impactful job opportunities.
South Dakota Nursing Schools
- Number of nursing schools in South Dakota is 13
- Average NCLEX passing rate for South Dakota ADN programs is 81.72%.
- Average NCLEX passing rate for South Dakota BSN programs is 84.10%.
- Find the best ranked South Dakota nursing schools, RN to BSN programs, ABSN programs and Nurse Practitioner programs.
South Dakota Nursing License at A Glance
| Type | Status |
|---|---|
| eNLC | Yes |
| Walk-Through | No |
| Temp License | Yes |
| Nursys | Yes |
| BON Website | South Dakota Board of Nursing |
| Contact Phone | (605) 362-2760 |
Fees
Endorsement Application:
- RN: $100.00
- LPN: $100.00
Temporary Permit: $25.00
Timing
- Permanent License: The BON does not comment on a time frame for permanent licensure.
- Temporary License: The BON does not comment on a time frame for temporary licensure.
License Renewal
- Renewal Cadence: Biannually. The process is the same for RNs and LPNs. Check your license expiration date on your current nursing license. You can click here to see more details about your nursing license.
- Renewal Fee: $115.00, fees are the same for RN and LPN applicants.
- Required Contact Hours: Employment verification proving you have completed at least 140 hours of employment in any 12-month period or an accumulated total of at least 480 hours within the preceding 6 years.
South Dakota APRN Nursing License
APRN Data: Regulatory Structure
- Full Practice
- Regulatory Agency: Board of Nursing
- Licensure Requirements: Requirements include an RN license and national certification.
Education Requirements: APRNs must have completed a graduate-level education program in one of the four recognized APRN roles: Certified Nurse Practitioner (CNP), Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), or Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM).
Certification: APRNs must obtain national certification in their chosen role and population focus from an approved certifying body.
State Licensure: Each state has its own Board of Nursing that regulates APRN practice. Licensure requirements can vary by state, but generally include an application, fees, proof of education and certification, and sometimes a background check.
Prescriptive Authority: Many APRNs have the authority to prescribe medications, but the extent of this authority varies by state. Some states require a collaborative agreement with a physician or additional certification.
Renewal and Continuing Education: APRN licenses must be renewed periodically, with requirements for continuing education or practice hours.
Full Practice Authority: Some states offer full practice authority to APRNs, allowing them to practice independently without physician oversight. Other states have reduced or restricted practice, requiring collaboration, supervision, or delegation by a physician. You can find more details in the South Dakota Nursing Practice Act.
eNLC Participation: If an APRN is practicing in a state that is part of the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC), they may be able to practice in other eNLC states without obtaining additional licenses.
Scope of Practice: The scope of practice for APRNs is defined by state law and can include patient assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and management of various health conditions.
Role-Specific Requirements: Each APRN role may have additional specific requirements related to education, clinical hours, or specialized skills.
Transition to Practice: Some states require new APRNs to complete a certain number of supervised practice hours before gaining full practice authority.
Insurance and Liability: APRNs should be aware of malpractice insurance requirements and may need to secure their own policy depending on their employment situation and state regulations.
License by Examination in South Dakota
Meeting all requirements and following the proper steps ensures aspiring South Dakota nurses develop into qualified professionals.
The main components involve graduating from an approved program, passing the NCLEX national exam, submitting a license application, and undergoing a background check.
Steps to Initial SD Nursing Licensure:
- Education: Candidates must graduate from a nursing education program approved by the SD Board of Nursing.
- Examination: Successful completion of the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN exam is mandatory.
- Application: Submit an application with the $100 fee to the South Dakota BON to start the licensing process.
- Background Check: Undergo a fingerprint-based criminal background check to demonstrate your eligibility.
Licensure by Endorsement for Out-of-State Nurses
Endorsement provides a simplified path to licensing for nurses already actively practicing in other states.
To endorse your existing license in South Dakota, you must confirm your credentials, submit an application, pass a background check, and supply work verification.
South Dakota Endorsement Requirements:
- Verification: Have your original state BON send license verification to South Dakota’s BON.
- Application: Complete SD’s endorsement application process and submit the $100 fee.
- Background Check: Get fingerprinted for an SD-specific criminal record search.
Maintaining Your SD Nursing License
Once licensed, South Dakota nurses must renew their license biannually and complete continuing education.
South Dakota License Renewal
Preserving an active nursing license involves submitting a renewal application with the accompanying $115 fee.
SD Renewal Steps:
- Continuing Education: No set CE hours are mandated.
- Renewal Application: Complete renewal through the online application portal.
- Renewal Fee: A $115 fee is due upon each biannual renewal.
Evaluating Continued Competence
South Dakota focuses less on quantified CE units and more on recent practice experience to gauge continuing competence.
Competence Criteria:
- Practice Hours: Supply proof of 140 hours of work within 12 months or accumulated 480 hours in 6 years.
South Dakota Licensing Costs
While affordable, nurses should factor in all fees during the application and renewal processes.
South Dakota Licensing Fees
| Fee Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Initial License Fee | $100 |
| Renewal Fee | $115 |
| Background Check | $49 |
Expanding Your Nursing Career
Continuing education and specialty certifications can further develop South Dakota nurses’ skills.
While no particular courses are mandated, general CEUs enable nurses to advance their expertise.
Continuing Education Details:
- General CEUs: Voluntary CE courses allow nurses to specialize and learn best practices.
Multi-State Licensing – Nurse Licensure Compact
As a Nurse Licensure Compact member, South Dakota permits eligible nurses to practice in other compact states.
Maintaining primary residency in South Dakota is necessary to retain multi-state licensure privileges.
NLC Authorization:
- Eligibility: RN/LPN licenses by exam or endorsement are normally eligible if South Dakota remains the nurse’s primary state of residence.
- Application: Request an additional multi-state license after receiving initial SD licensure.
- Primary State Standards: Always adhere to South Dakota’s licensing standards, renewal policies and other regulations to avoid disciplinary action.
Here is a 160 character meta description: Guide to essential steps for earning initial licensure in South Dakota, maintaining an active nursing license through renewal, and expanding your practice authority through South Dakota’s Nurse Licensure Compact participation.
