The Truth About Accredited LPN Programs
There are no legitimate accredited LPN programs in South Dakota — or anywhere in the United States.
✅ What Board Approval Requires
South Dakota Board of Nursing requires:
- Minimum 1,080 hours of training (classroom + clinical)
- 400+ clinical hours in real healthcare settings
- Theory courses in anatomy, pharmacology, medical-surgical nursing
Simple math: 1,080 hours ÷ 10–12 months = 180 hours/week = 26 hours per day. Impossible.
✅ Real South Dakota LPN Program Lengths
- Full-time programs: 12 months
- Part-time programs: 18–24 months
- Online hybrid options: Available at Lake Area Tech
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South Dakota LPN Programs
Southeast Technical College
PUBLICLocation: Sioux Falls, SD
- Largest LPN program in South Dakota
- Located in Sioux Falls (largest city)
- Strong clinical partnerships with major hospitals
Lake Area Technical College
PUBLICLocation: Watertown, SD (+ online hybrid)
- Offers online hybrid Practical Nursing E-Degree
- Flexible full-time or part-time options
- Accredited by ACEN and SD Board of Nursing
Mitchell Technical College
PUBLICLocation: Mitchell, SD
- Lowest tuition in South Dakota ($4,037)
- One calendar year completion
- No prerequisites required before application
Western Dakota Technical College
PUBLICLocation: Rapid City, SD (+ satellite locations)
- Serves western South Dakota (Black Hills region)
- Satellite campuses in Whitewood, Philip, Hot Springs
- 480 supervised clinical hours
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South Dakota LPN Licensing
Graduate from Approved Program
Complete SD Board of Nursing-approved LPN program.
Apply to Board of Nursing
Submit application at SD Board of Nursing website.
Fee: $100 application
Pass NCLEX-PN Exam
Register through Pearson VUE. 85–205 questions.
Fee: $200 exam
Receive License
Renew every 2 years. Renewal: $80 + 24 hours CE
📋 Total Licensing Costs
| Application Fee | $100 |
| NCLEX-PN Exam | $200 |
| Background Check | $45 |
| TOTAL | $345 |
South Dakota LPN Salary
| Experience Level | Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0–2 years) | $44,000–$48,000 |
| Mid-Career (3–7 years) | $49,000–$53,000 |
| Experienced (8+ years) | $55,000–$61,000 |
| Average | $51,230/year |
Top Paying Cities
- Sioux Falls$53,400/year
- Rapid City$52,000/year
- Aberdeen$50,600/year
- Watertown$49,800/year
Frequently Asked Questions
No. South Dakota requires 1,080+ hours of training (12 months full-time). Any program claiming accredited LPN training is a scam.
Mitchell Technical College offers the lowest tuition at $4,037 for South Dakota residents. Lake Area Tech and Southeast Tech range from $6,500–$7,200.
Average salary is $51,230/year ($24.63/hour). Entry-level starts at $44,000–$48,000. Experienced LPNs earn $55,000–$61,000+.