South Dakota
Compact StateNursing Continuing Education Requirements
South Dakota Nursing CEU Overview
South Dakota does not require general continuing education hours for RN license renewal. This makes it one of the few states without mandatory CE requirements for registered nurses.
South Dakota has minimal continuing education requirements, giving nurses flexibility in their professional development.
Nursing in South Dakota
South Dakota has approximately 17,000 licensed registered nurses serving a population of 920,000. Sanford Health and Avera Health are the major employers, operating facilities in Sioux Falls and throughout the state. South Dakota's rural communities face healthcare access challenges, with many areas designated as health professional shortage areas.
South Dakota does not require general continuing education hours for RN license renewal. The state relies on initial education standards and professional responsibility. This approach recognizes the challenges rural South Dakota nurses face in accessing traditional CE programs.
Common Practice Settings in South Dakota
Sioux Falls Health Systems
Sanford and Avera operate competing health systems in the state's largest city.
Tribal Health
Reservations in South Dakota have IHS and tribal facilities serving Native American populations.
Rural Critical Access
Many South Dakota communities rely on small critical access hospitals.
South Dakota License Renewal Tips
Although CE is not state-mandated, employers typically require ongoing education.
Maintain specialty certifications and their CE requirements.
Consider telehealth CE for serving remote populations.
Document education for your professional portfolio.
Nurse Licensure Compact in South Dakota
South Dakota is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact. This benefits nurses who may work in border areas near North Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, Wyoming, or Montana.
Learn more about the Nurse Licensure Compact →Basic License Types
Registered Nurse (RN)
Contact Hours
0
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Required
Notes
- South Dakota does NOT require continuing education for RN/LPN renewal.
- Practice hours required: 140 hours in any 12-month period during past 6 years OR 480 total hours in past 6 years.
- If practice hours not met, must complete RN Refresher Course (80 hours theory + 80 hours clinical).
LPN/LVN
Contact Hours
0
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Required
Notes
- South Dakota does NOT require continuing education for RN/LPN renewal.
- Practice hours required: 140 hours in any 12-month period during past 6 years OR 480 total hours in past 6 years.
- If practice hours not met, must complete LPN Refresher Course.
APRN (General)
Contact Hours
24
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Pharmacology For prescriptive authority holders | 12 | Each renewal |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial certification
Notes
- Half of CE hours must be pharmacology for prescribers.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current national certification
Advanced Practice Specialties
Nurse Practitioner (NP)
Contact Hours
24
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Pharmacology For prescriptive authority holders | 12 | Each renewal |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial certification
Notes
- Half of CE hours must be pharmacology for prescribers.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current ANCC or AANP certification
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
Contact Hours
24
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Pharmacology For prescriptive authority holders | 12 | Each renewal |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial certification
Notes
- Half of CE hours must be pharmacology for prescribers.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current ANCC certification in specialty area
Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM)
Contact Hours
24
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Pharmacology For prescriptive authority holders | 12 | Each renewal |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial certification
Notes
- Half of CE hours must be pharmacology for prescribers.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current AMCB certification
Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
Contact Hours
24
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Pharmacology For prescriptive authority holders | 12 | Each renewal |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial certification
Notes
- Half of CE hours must be pharmacology for prescribers.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current NBCRNA certification
South Dakota does not require general CE for RN license renewal. Compared to neighboring states, North Dakota requires 12 hours, while Minnesota requires 24 hours. As a Nurse Licensure Compact state, South Dakota allows nurses to practice across state lines with a multistate license.
Related Resources
Track Your CEUs
Log your completed courses and monitor progress toward South Dakota requirements.
Start Tracking →Compare State Requirements
See how South Dakota compares to other states' nursing CE requirements.
Compare States →Compact License Guide
Learn how the Nurse Licensure Compact works for South Dakota nurses.
Read Guide →South Dakota Board of Nursing
(605) 362-2760
4305 S Louise Avenue, Suite 201, Sioux Falls, SD 57106
Important Disclaimer
Requirements can change. Always verify current requirements directly with the South Dakota Board of Nursing before making decisions about your continuing education.