LPNs play a pivotal role in the healthcare industry, and there are multiple programs near you in Tennessee that can help you become certified.
If you want to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), read on to learn about what you can expect. See our comprehensive list of schools to find an LPN program that meets your needs.
What Should I Expect from an LPN Program in South Dakota?
LPN programs involve rigorous theoretical and practical training. Classes that students enrolled in an LPN program will typically take include:
- Anatomy and physiology
- Basic nursing skills
- Mental Health/Geriatric Nursing
- Patient care
- Pharmacology
LPN programs typically include a lot of hands-on training. First-hand experience allows students to get comfortable with the job duties they will be performing as an LPN.
It also helps them decide what they want to specialize in. Becoming an LPN typically takes about one to two years, and the average cost of an accredited entry-level program is $90-$250 per credit hour.
LPN Classes in South Dakota
Check out our big list of programs in South Dakota. You can compare programs and find the one that’s right for you.
LPN School Locations
South Dakota’s State Requirements for LPNs
You must meet the following mandatory requirements to become a Licensed Practical Nurse.
- Official transcript from an accredited LPN program.
- A criminal background check.
- Register with Pearson VUE and pass the NCLEX-PN.
If a graduate student has met all the requirements for licensure as an LPN, but the license has not yet been processed, they can work temporarily in South Dakota under a permit. The permit is valid for 90 days and can be renewed once if necessary.
If you are an LPN moving to South Dakota from another state, you will need to obtain a license by endorsement. Practical nurses licensed in a compact nursing state do not need to get a license by endorsement.
What are the Details of the LPN Exam in South Dakota?
The LPN exam in South Dakota costs $200. In order to be eligible to take the exam, you must be cleared by Pearson VUE to take the test. After you are approved, they will give you a certain amount of time to come in and take the exam.
What are the Regulating Bodies for LPNs in South Dakota?
The South Dakota Board of Nursing is the regulatory body for LPNs in the state, and it is responsible for issuing licenses, setting standards for education and practice, and investigating complaints.
A workforce report from the state labor department reported there were 2,591 actively Licensed Practical Nurses in South Dakota in 2020.
What Should I Expect Working as an LPN?
LPNs provide nursing care under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN) or physician. Some LPNs specialize in a particular area of nursing, such as geriatrics or Pediatrics.
Licensed Practical Nurses usually work in hospitals, but they may also work in nursing homes, clinics, doctor’s offices, and home health care agencies.
Licensed Practical Nurses work an average of 40 hours per week. They may work during the daytime, evening, or overnight shifts.
Most LPNs work overtime when needed, and some LPNs may be on call for 24-hour shifts.
How Much Do LPNs Get Paid in South Dakota?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median annual wage for LPNs in South Dakota is $41,830. The median hourly wage is $20.11.
