To qualify and practice as a medical professional in South Dakota, you must meet the state’s requisite standards and laws.
The World Health Organization (WHO) and local governments outline the minimum requirement for qualifying to become a Registered Nurse.
South Dakota Nursing Board outlines your requirements to qualify for a license.
Registered nurses have plenty of fields in which they can exercise their expertise.
An Rn can work in different sectors of the economy, and you don’t only need to seek a job in a hospital.
Registered nurses in South Dakota can work in different sectors of the economy in varying positions.
R.N.s in South Dakota can look for jobs in other economic sectors, including:
Page Navigation
- What Do I Require To Become A Registered Nurse In South Dakota?
- Accredited Nursing Institutions In South Dakota
- What Is The Average Salary Of A Registered Nurse In South Dakota?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How long do I hold my license before renewal?
- Are there different employment levels for Registered Nurses in South Dakota?
- What is the working environment of R.N.s in South Dakota?
- Is Continuing Education Units a requirement when renewing my R.N. License in South Dakota?
- Is there a demand for Registered Nurses in South Dakota?
What Do I Require To Become A Registered Nurse In South Dakota?
Nursing professionals have to undergo training and qualify academically.
The academic programs in the field start as low as certificate level to degree level.
A degree qualification in nursing will make you more competitive in the South Dakota Registered Nurse job market.
According to statistics, many of the nursing staff in employment in South Dakota have a Bacherols qualification and above.
The following are the requirements for your application for a license as a Registered Nurse in South Dakota:
- Proof of completing an approved AND or BSN.
- The academic transcripts to show qualifications must come from the institution where you did your course.
- Submit your fingerprints for a criminal background check to S.D. Division of Criminal Investigation and pay a fee of $43.25.
- Pass NCLEX-RN examination
- Pay the application fee of $100 and the examination fee of $200. Out-of-state persons with AND or BSN in accredited programs can also apply for endorsement and pay a cost of $100.
You can get a temporary license (only for out-of-state licensed R.N. from Compact Nursing State) on submission of the required documents and after a complete background check. It will cost you $25.
Accredited Nursing Institutions In South Dakota
1. Dakota Wesleyan University
This Methodist’s aligned university’s students enjoy a low faculty ratio, and the institution produces a 100% NCLEX pass rate.
Dakota Wesleyan University runs a four-year BSN program in-house and a 14-month online degree program for practicing R.N. for eight-week courses.
They charge tuition of $28,750 annually.
2. University of Sioux Falls
The university is a liberal arts school in the city of Sioux Falls.
It’s a private, Christian university, and the students are not eligible for in-state tuition but get some financial aid.
The university pass rate in NCLEX examinations stands at 97.67%.
The university’s in-house students get clinical exposure and experience in all nursing fields.
They charge annual tuition of $19,520.
The college also offers an accelerated second-degree BSN and an online RN-BSN.
3. National American University
The university has a name for its online programs.
The NAU campus in Rapid City, South Dakota, offers traditional BSN and online degree courses for current R.N.s.
The institution charges about $15,000 for tuition, although the figure may vary depending on various factors.
Do thorough inquiries to determine how much it will cost for your studies.
4. South Dakota State University
South Dakota State University is leading in size and population in the state.
The Brookings campus of the university is reputable for being in the safest college town.
The institution runs three types of degree programs:
- Traditional BSN
- BSN Second Degree in an accelerated mode
- The online degree program for nurses holding AND
It also offers multiple continuing education programs at the graduate level.
South Dakota State University charges annual tuition of $ 9,721 for resident students and $13,428 for non-residents.
5. Augustana University
It’s a Lutheran-affiliated private college.
It offers on-site BSN traditionally, and you can have your masters in an accelerated mode of study.
Augustana University has solid Nordic roots, and as a student, you can enroll in an exchange program (nursing) in Norway.
The university charges annual tuition of $33,960.
Due to its private status, students don’t receive in-state tuition but can receive some financial aid.
Registered Nurse Schools in South Dakota – Summary Table
Top 5 Schools in South Dakota
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Dakota Wesleyan University | 1200 W University Ave, Mitchell, SD 57301 |
| University of Sioux Falls | 1101 W 22nd St, Sioux Falls, SD 57105 |
| National American University | 3800 Fairway Hills Dr, Rapid City, SD 57702 |
| South Dakota State University | 1451 Stadium Rd, Brookings, SD 57007 |
| Augustana University | 2001 S Summit Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57197 |
What Is The Average Salary Of A Registered Nurse In South Dakota?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) says the average salary for a Registered Nurse in South Dakota is $60,960.
The national average wage is higher at $82,750.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Registered Nurse (RN)s in South Dakota
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Sioux Falls | $59,620 |
| Rapid City | $57,640 |
| Aberdeen | $54,120 |
| Watertown | $58,620 |
| Brookings | $58,620 |
| Mitchell | $58,620 |
| Pierre | $55,120 |
| Yankton | $57,270 |
| Huron | $56,370 |
| Vermillion | $55,920 |
Regional Salary in South Dakota
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rapid City, SD | 2,580 | $66,250 | $31.85 | $81,660 | $51,750 |
| Sioux Falls, SD | 7,420 | $62,780 | $30.18 | $79,900 | $51,690 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I hold my license before renewal?
A Registered Nurse license in South Dakota expires after two years.
During your renewal application, you need to prove you have been practicing and pay a fee of $115.
Are there different employment levels for Registered Nurses in South Dakota?
Like in many other professions, registered nurses’ education level, specialized training, and experience place them at different levels.
The lowest is the entry-level, after which you upgrade to an Intermediate R.N.
Fully certified Registered Nurses work in three Levels (R.N. level 1 –Level3).
R.N. level3 is the highest paid, has more responsibilities, and has more experience.
What is the working environment of R.N.s in South Dakota?
Registered nurses mainly work in clinical settings.
Hospitals and care facilities are the leading employers.
You may also fill the positions of Corporate Nurse and Travel Nurse.
Home care provider agencies also offer opportunities for R.N.s to provide care to their clients at home.
Nurses typically work shifts since the patients require round-the-clock care and attention.
Is Continuing Education Units a requirement when renewing my R.N. License in South Dakota?
Your license renewal in South Dakota Continuing Education Units (CEUs) is unnecessary.
The state has set minimum practice requirements, and you must verify your employment.
You must show proof of working a minimum of 140 hours in any year for the past six years.
Or an accumulation of 480 hours in the past six years.
If you fail to provide such verification, you must undertake a refresher course 0f 160 hours, half of which is theoretical self-study and 80 hours of clinical practice under supervision.
Is there a demand for Registered Nurses in South Dakota?
South Dakota has a high demand for nurses, which is still rising.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services needs to fill 1900 nurses between 2014 – 2030.
Some employers offer attractive terms and even create new posts for professional nurses.
