LicenseCompass

Nurse, Registered License in South Dakota

Quick Answer

To become a registered nurse in South Dakota, you must graduate from an approved nursing program and pass the NCLEX-RN. South Dakota is an NLC compact state. Estimated costs are approximately $400. The state has significant nursing shortages in rural and tribal communities.

Exam
NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination)
Total Cost
$400 (est.)
Timeline
2-4 years (education) + 1-3 months (licensing)
Renewal
Every 2 years

Requirements

Nurse, Registered registration in South Dakota

gold
Veterans Benefits
N/A - Not displayed

Estimated Costs Est.

Application Fee
$100
Exam Fee
$200
Renewal Fee
$100
Total Estimated Cost
$400

Licensing Agency

South Dakota Board of Nursing

Cost Breakdown

Estimated costs for getting your Nurse, Registered license in South Dakota. Values marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions.

Enter the cost of your pre-licensing education program

$
Application FeeEst.$100
Exam FeeEst.$200
Total Estimated Cost$300

Fees marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions and may not reflect current pricing. Verify with the South Dakota licensing board.

Nurse, Registered Salary in South Dakota

Entry Level

$51,980

Median

$69,510

Experienced

$92,570

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.

How to Get Licensed

Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed Nurse, Registered in South Dakota.

  1. 1

    Submit Your Application

    File your application with the licensing agency. Application fee: ~$100.

  2. 2

    Receive Your License

    Processing typically takes 2-4 years (education) + 1-3 months (licensing).

Nurse, Registered Licensing in South Dakota: What to Know

South Dakota describes the RN role as engaging in nursing diagnosis of human responses to actual or potential health problems, providing preventive, restorative, and supportive care, health teaching and counseling. South Dakota is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). The South Dakota Board of Nursing oversees licensure. Sanford Health and Avera Health are the state's dominant healthcare systems. Rural South Dakota, particularly on Native American reservations, faces severe nursing shortages. The Indian Health Service is a major employer in western South Dakota.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Nurse, Registered license cost in South Dakota?
The estimated total cost is $400, including application fees, exam fees ($200), and education costs.
How long does it take to get a Nurse, Registered license in South Dakota?
The process typically takes 2-4 years (education) + 1-3 months (licensing), depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
What exam do I need for a Nurse, Registered license in South Dakota?
You need to pass the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination). N/A

Considering another state?

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Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 14, 2026.