South Dakota Nurse Practitioner Licensure Steps - 2025
AKA: South Dakota NP License, APRN Licensure
What's Here? - Table of Contents
South Dakota’s path to nurse practitioner (NP) licensure reflects the state’s emphasis on both professional competency and healthcare accessibility—especially in its many rural communities. Whether you’re new to nursing or transitioning from another state, the following steps outline exactly what it takes to become a fully licensed NP in South Dakota.
Before you can practice as an NP, you must first hold a valid RN license. South Dakota is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), so nurses from other compact states do not need to apply for a separate license. However, if you’re from a non-compact state or have never been licensed, you’ll need to apply either by examination or endorsement.
Note: All applications must be completed within one year of submission. All fees are non-refundable.
To qualify as a nurse practitioner in South Dakota, you must complete a graduate-level program such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or higher, in a population focus recognized by the board.
Most certifying agencies and South Dakota regulations require at least 500 hours of supervised clinical practice during your NP program. Additionally, if you plan to apply for prescriptive authority, you must complete coursework in pharmacology as part of your education.
Certification confirms you’ve met the national standards for clinical expertise in your chosen NP specialty. After completing your graduate education, select a certification body recognized by the South Dakota Board of Nursing:
Tip: Choose a certifying body that aligns with your NP population focus—such as family, pediatric, or psychiatric mental health.
Once you have your RN license, graduate education, and national certification, you’re ready to apply for your Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN-NP) license.
Apply by mailing all completed forms, transcripts, verifications, and a check or money order for $100 to:
South Dakota Board of NursingProcessing typically takes about one month. The board will contact you in writing if further documentation is required or if your application is approved.
South Dakota’s large rural and frontier areas mean nurse practitioners often serve as primary care providers in medically underserved regions. That makes your advanced training and certification not just a credential—but a lifeline for patients across the state. Stay current, submit documentation early, and be ready to lead with confidence.