How to Become a Licensed Vocational Nurse in South Dakota (2026)
South Dakota employs about 2,050 licensed vocational nurses earning a median $52,750 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Training as a Licensed Vocational Nurse here means completing a state-approved practical or vocational nursing program, the NCLEX-PN, and state LPN or LVN licensure, then applying through South Dakota Board of Nursing.
Compare Licensed Vocational Nurse Schools in South Dakota
| # | School | BOC Score (0–100) | Tuition (published, per year) | Median grad earnings (all majors) | Graduation rate | Online | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mitchell Technical College | 78.9 | $7,524 | $54,865 | 76% | Yes* | 71 mi |
| 2 | Bismarck State College | 76.6 | $5,247 in-state / $7,331 out-of-state | $65,276 | 47% | Yes* | 203 mi |
| 3 | Lake Area Technical College | 74.7 | $6,718 | $49,488 | 73% | Yes* | 123 mi |
| 4 | North Dakota State College of Science | 72.6 | $5,974 in-state / $6,973 out-of-state | $60,587 | 55% | Yes* | 200 mi |
| 5 | Northwest Iowa Community College | 72.4 | $7,350 in-state / $7,650 out-of-state | $60,885 | 58% | Yes* | 184 mi |
| 6 | Northeast Community College | 71.4 | $3,840 in-state / $5,130 out-of-state | $49,390 | 56% | Yes* | 170 mi |
| 7 | Southeast Technical College | 69.7 | $7,650 | $53,289 | 59% | Yes* | 131 mi |
| 8 | Western Dakota Technical College | 60.4 | $8,294 | $49,930 | 54% | Yes* | 192 mi |
| 9 | Minnesota West Community and Technical College | 58.5 | $6,491 | $52,390 | 52% | Yes* | 192 mi |
| 10 | Western Iowa Tech Community College | 57.6 | $5,186 in-state / $5,330 out-of-state | $47,713 | 50% | Yes* | 186 mi |
Schools closest to the page's primary location are gathered first, then ranked by BOC Score; distance from the page's primary location is shown for reference. The BOC Score is an independent measure of school outcomes (graduation, earnings, net price, retention) expressed as a 0–100 percentile within each school's peer group; higher is better and advertising never affects it. *Online availability refers to coursework; hands-on trade training is completed in person. Read the full methodology.
South Dakota employs approximately 2,050 licensed vocational nurses according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $52,750 1. Nationally, licensed vocational nurse employment is projected to grow 2.6% from 2024 to 2034, with about 54,400 openings per year 2. This page covers how to become a Licensed Vocational Nurse in South Dakota, including licensing requirements, training programs, and salary data.
At a Glance
- Training paths: state-approved practical or vocational nursing program (find programs)
- Typical timeline: a state-approved practical or vocational nursing program, the NCLEX-PN, and state LPN or LVN licensure
- Licensing authority: South Dakota Board of Nursing
- Exam: NCLEX-PN
- Median wage (South Dakota): $52,750 per year 1
Quick Answers About How to Become a Licensed Vocational Nurse in South Dakota
How to become a Licensed Vocational Nurse in South Dakota? Complete a state-approved practical or vocational nursing program, the NCLEX-PN, and state LPN or LVN licensure. Apply through South Dakota Board of Nursing.
How long does it take? Most people finish a state-approved practical or vocational nursing program, the NCLEX-PN, and state LPN or LVN licensure. Confirm current hour totals with the program and South Dakota Board of Nursing.
Do I need a license in South Dakota? Yes. South Dakota credentials this role through South Dakota Board of Nursing 3. See the licensing section below.
What do licensed vocational nurses earn in South Dakota? The median annual wage for licensed vocational nurses in South Dakota is $52,750 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $40,770 and experienced professionals can earn $67,700 or more 1.
How to Become a Licensed Vocational Nurse in South Dakota
- Meet program entry rules. Approved practical or vocational nursing programs in South Dakota typically require a high school diploma or GED. Confirm current age and prerequisite rules with the program and South Dakota Board of Nursing.
- Complete a state-approved PN or VN program. Finish a board-approved practical or vocational nursing program in South Dakota. This is not a registered apprenticeship.
- Pass the NCLEX-PN. Apply to South Dakota Board of Nursing for authorization to test, then pass the NCLEX-PN. An RN exam does not substitute.
- Apply for LPN or LVN licensure. Obtain the practical or vocational nursing license from South Dakota Board of Nursing before practicing. Confirm reciprocity with the board.
Steps and hour totals vary by credential level; confirm current requirements with the state board before you apply.
Licensed Vocational Nurse License Requirements in South Dakota
South Dakota licenses practical and vocational nurses through South Dakota Board of Nursing. The path is an approved PN or VN program, the NCLEX-PN, and a state LPN or LVN license. Some states use the LVN title; others use LPN. See South Dakota Board of Nursing 3.
Typical path
Meet the program’s entry rules.
Complete a state-approved practical or vocational nursing program.
Pass the NCLEX-PN.
Apply to South Dakota Board of Nursing for LPN or LVN licensure.
Hour totals, fees, and reciprocity rules change. Confirm current requirements with South Dakota Board of Nursing before you enroll.
Licensed Vocational Nurse Wages by Metro Area in South Dakota
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses Wages by Metro Area in South Dakota
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics ( OES data), licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses wages in South Dakota vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sioux Falls | 990 | $53,520 | $54,230 | $38,940 | $64,770 |
| Rapid City | 340 | $52,220 | $56,100 | $41,440 | $73,920 |
| Sioux City | 260 | $60,440 | $61,410 | $49,810 | $74,050 |
Wages reflect survey data and vary based on experience, credentials, employer, and local market conditions. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May .
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for licensed vocational nurses in South Dakota? South Dakota currently employs approximately 2,050 licensed vocational nurses 1. Nationally, licensed vocational nurse employment is projected to grow 2.6% from 2024 to 2034 2.
Can I work as a licensed vocational nurse in South Dakota with an out-of-state license? Contact the South Dakota Board of Nursing for details on reciprocity and credential transfer.
What training programs are available in South Dakota? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and state-approved training programs. Use the school finder above to search for programs in South Dakota.
How much do licensed vocational nurses earn in South Dakota compared to the national average? The median annual wage for licensed vocational nurses in South Dakota is $52,750, which is $9,590 below the national median of $62,340 according to BLS data 1.
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Citations
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.
References
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Employment Projections: https://www.bls.gov/emp/ ↩︎ ↩︎
South Dakota Board of Nursing - Licensing Information: https://doh.sd.gov/boards/nursing/licensure.aspx ↩︎ ↩︎
Data sources
Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.
| Data | Provider | Vintage |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | May 2025 |
| Employment Projections | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | 2024-2034 |
| Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System | National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) | 2024 |
| College Scorecard (school-level outcomes) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release |
| College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release (updated 2026-06-12) |
| Occupational licensing requirements | CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2026-02-22) |
| Registered apprenticeship programs | CareerOneStop / Apprenticeship.gov (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2025-10-25) |
| O*NET occupation profiles (skills, tasks, tools, job zones) | U.S. Department of Labor (O*NET / Employment & Training Admin.) | O*NET 29.1 (updated 2026-06-13) |