South Dakota RN and LPN License Renewal
South Dakota does not currently require a set number of continuing education hours for routine RN or LPN license renewal. Instead, the state uses a practice-based competency requirement. Nurses generally must be able to verify either at least 140 hours of nursing practice during a 12-month period or 480 hours of nursing practice during the previous six years.
C-E-U.com offers online nursing education for South Dakota RNs and LPNs who need employer-required training, professional development, specialty education, or additional competency support. Because South Dakota does not impose a general CE-hour requirement for routine renewal, these courses should not be marketed as required state renewal CE.
South Dakota Nursing Renewal Requirements at a Glance
| Registered Nurse (RN) | Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | |
|---|---|---|
| General CE Requirement | No fixed CE requirement | No fixed CE requirement |
| Renewal Period | Every 2 years | Every 2 years |
| Practice Requirement | Generally 140 hours in 12 months or 480 hours in the previous 6 years | Generally 140 hours in 12 months or 480 hours in the previous 6 years |
| Governing Body | South Dakota Board of Nursing | South Dakota Board of Nursing |
South Dakota RN and LPN Practice Requirement
RNs and LPNs renewing an active South Dakota nursing license must meet the Board’s continuing-practice standard. Nurses who cannot demonstrate the required recent nursing practice may need to complete a Board-approved refresher or other re-entry requirements before returning to active practice.
Online Nursing Education for South Dakota RNs and LPNs
C-E-U.com provides self-paced nursing courses that can support professional development, employer education, competency maintenance, and preparation for changing clinical responsibilities.
Employer-Required and Professional Development Training
South Dakota employers may establish education or competency requirements beyond the state’s nursing license-renewal rules. C-E-U.com courses can support nurses seeking additional training in areas such as patient safety, dementia care, infection prevention, transfers, communication, and other nursing-related topics.
South Dakota Nursing Licensing and Continuing Education Resources
South Dakota Board of Nursing — Official South Dakota Department of Health directory for professional licensing boards, including the Board of Nursing.
South Dakota Nursing Statutes & Rules — Official access to SDCL 36-9 for RNs and LPNs and ARSD 20:48 governing nursing licensure and practice.
South Dakota Department of Health — Main state health department website for licensing, public health, and healthcare regulatory information.
South Dakota Professional Licensing Boards — Directory of South Dakota licensing boards and regulatory contacts.
South Dakota Statutes & Rules — State health statutes and administrative-rule resources, including links to South Dakota codified law and administrative rules.
South Dakota Nursing Facility and Nurse Aide Regulatory Information — Regulatory information for healthcare facilities and licensed or certified personnel, including RNs, LPNs, and CNAs.
Frequently Asked Questions: South Dakota Nursing Renewal
No. South Dakota does not currently require a set number of continuing education hours for routine RN or LPN license renewal.
South Dakota uses a practice-based standard. Nurses generally must be able to demonstrate sufficient recent nursing practice or meet applicable re-entry requirements.
Yes. C-E-U.com courses can be used for professional development, employer-required education, competency support, and specialty training.
Yes. Both are subject to South Dakota Board of Nursing renewal and competency requirements rather than a fixed CE-hour mandate.
Yes. Employers may require education or competency training beyond what South Dakota requires for license renewal.
No. South Dakota does not require routine RN or LPN CE reporting through CE Broker.
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Complete online continuing education and training at your own pace. Access practical courses, downloadable certificates, and eligible CE Broker reporting for one year.