Licensed Practical Nurse in South Dakota
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for SD. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, South Dakota.
Jobs (SD)
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
Time to complete
route How to become a licensed practical nurse in South Dakota
To become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in South Dakota, individuals must complete a state-approved practical nursing program and pass the NCLEX-PN examination. The licensing body is the South Dakota Board of Nursing. A criminal background check and a minimum age of 18 are also required. South Dakota is a compact state, meaning LPNs with a multi-state license from another Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC) state can practice there. Those from non-compact states can apply for licensure by endorsement.
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Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for South Dakota. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist South Dakota requirements
| Licensing body | South Dakota Board of Nursing |
| State license | Required |
| Education | Completion of a state-approved practical nursing program |
| Exam | NCLEX-PN ($200) |
| Application fee | $175 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Notes | A criminal background check is required. Minimum age of 18 is required. Renewal requires 140 hours of practice in any 12-month period or 480 hours over 6 years. If these practice hours are not met, a refresher course is required. South Dakota is part of the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC). |
Source: South Dakota Board of Nursing
work_outline Job outlook
AI & tech impact
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
balance Is it worth it?
- check_circleSouth Dakota license required — clearer credential signal to employers
- check_circleLow AI disruption risk