Olivia Chen, NP
June 24, 2025
South Dakota’s Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training programs teach students to deliver patient care services under the guidance of licensed nurses. The healthcare system throughout South Dakota heavily depends on CNAs to deliver care to patients particularly in long-term care facilities. As part of their daily responsibilities CNAs help patients with hygiene needs as well as mobility assistance, food preparation, and patient welfare monitoring.
South Dakota allows students to complete part of their CNA training through online classes for classroom theory lessons. All clinical skill training needs to happen face-to-face with licensed instructor supervision. The current trend shows more institutions implementing hybrid programs which enable students to learn online lectures while they attend scheduled clinical labs and in-person clinical rotations. The flexible nature of CNA training programs enables students to pursue their studies while working or fulfilling family responsibilities. Part-time programs within CNA training allow students to spread their 75-hour requirement across extended periods through evening and weekend class schedules.
| Eligibility Prerequisites | Submit your application, complete a state-approved 75-hour CNA training program, clear fingerprint-based background checks, and meet required health and immunization standards |
|---|---|
| Certifying Board | South Dakota Board of Nursing – Certified Nurse Aide Registry |
| Training Program Requirements | Minimum of 75 hours of combined classroom and clinical instruction, including at least 16 hours of supervised clinical practice |
| Exam and Application Fees | Knowledge exam $78.50, skills exam $99 (audio version of knowledge exam $89), fees paid through TMU at testing |
| Certification Exam | Pass both the written (or audio) knowledge test and the five-skill practical evaluation within your eligibility period |
| Registry Activation Time | Your name is added to the official registry within two business days of passing both exams |
| Renewal Requirements | Complete at least 12 hours of in-service training each year and log 12 hours of paid CNA work in the prior 24 months |
| License by Endorsement | Active, unencumbered CNAs from other states transfer via reciprocity by submitting verification to the Board, no additional testing required |
CNA personnel in South Dakota earn approximately $18 per hour but their yearly compensation spans from $30,000 to $38,000 based on their experience level and job location. Entry-level nursing assistant positions in rural settings offer wages below average while hospital facilities along with specialized care facilities tend to provide higher compensation. CNAs work primarily in nursing homes and home health care settings as well as hospitals and assisted living communities. South Dakota’s aging population coupled with rising long-term care requirements generates strong employment opportunities for certified nursing assistants.
| Salary & Career Outlook | South Dakota | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual CNA Salary | $31,900 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $15.34 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$40,000 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | $31,900 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$28,000 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022–2032) | ~4% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~1,900 | ~54,000 |
CNA certification provides the foundation for nurses who wish to build a lasting career in healthcare. Many CNAs within South Dakota pursue additional education to earn Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN) credentials. The experience of working as a CNA develops essential patient care abilities which become crucial for moving into more advanced nursing positions. Several nursing programs require potential students to have CNA certification and some schools give preference to candidates with direct patient care experience. Community and technical colleges enable students to advance their careers by offering LPN and RN programs that use CNA training as a foundation and multiple employers provide financial help with tuition together with flexible scheduling for education advancement.
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