A nurse aide credential in South Dakota requires just 75 hours of state-approved instruction, one of the shorter training paths in nursing, and leads to jobs paying nearly $19 an hour in a state where hospitals and nursing homes are chronically short-staffed.
Sioux Falls and Rapid City facilities recruit aggressively, and rural nursing homes from Aberdeen to Mitchell often struggle harder still, since fewer training seats exist outside the two metro corridors. That scarcity is the real constraint: no South Dakota-based school currently offers a fully ranked online CNA program, though several nationally available providers enroll SD residents and still satisfy the state's registry requirements.
That distinction, between where instruction happens and who certifies you, shapes nearly every decision a prospective aide in South Dakota has to make.
Affordable Online CNA Programs Available to South Dakota Students
South Dakota students who want to start CNA training can complete their classroom and theory hours online through programs that enroll students nationwide. Every school below delivers coursework remotely but builds its curriculum around its own state's nurse aide registry, so read the clinical placement and state approval notes carefully before you commit.
How we ranked these
- Median debt of graduates
- Net price after grant aid
- Graduation and retention rates
- Program completion outcomes
- Online delivery and accessibility
- Original research on individual programs
- NCES-IPEDS federal institutional data — nces.ed.gov
- College Scorecard post-completion earnings data — collegescorecard.ed.gov
- In-house program catalog data
Maysville Community and Technical College
#1Maysville, KY · $5,000/yr
Best for: Out-of-state students seeking online nurse aide training
Maysville Community and Technical College is a Kentucky community and technical college whose Medicaid Nurse Aide certificate prepares students to work as nursing assistants in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home health agencies. The curriculum mixes theory with hands-on skills practice, and the college notes the coursework may be available completely online, which is what puts it within reach for South Dakota students. The credential is built around Kentucky's Medicaid nurse aide requirements, so South Dakota enrollees should confirm in advance that the training and testing pathway will support a listing on South Dakota's nurse aide registry.
- Medicaid Nurse Aide certificate requiring only 3 to 6 credits
- Coursework includes Nursing Assistant Skills I and Advanced Nursing Assistant
- Health Care Basic Skills I with Clinical adds supervised clinical hours
- May be available completely online, per the college catalog
- Trains students to observe and report changes in patient condition
- Covers safety and infection control procedures for patient care
- Prepares graduates to pursue state nurse aide certification
Clarkson College
#2Omaha, NE · $15,000 – $20,000/yr
Best for: Career changers wanting lab and clinical practice
Clarkson College is a health professions college in Omaha, Nebraska, and its professional development division runs Certified Nursing Assistant courses for both new students and working aides who need to renew. Training pairs online theory with an on-campus skills lab day and a clinical rotation at Omaha-area medical facilities, and courses are offered year round. The curriculum is approved by Nebraska's health department and leads to the Nebraska nurse aide registry, so South Dakota students should plan for travel to Nebraska for the hands-on components and check whether the training transfers to South Dakota requirements.
- Online theory paired with an on-campus skills lab day
- Clinical rotation completed at Omaha-area medical facilities
- Year-round course offerings for flexible start dates
- Separate tracks for initial certification and renewal
- Approved for the Nebraska nurse aide registry
- Delivered through the college's professional development division
- Covers comprehensive medical skills and compliance requirements
Durham Technical Community College
#3Durham, NC · $2,000/yr
Durham Technical Community College is a North Carolina community college offering a short-term Nurse Aide Certificate that combines classroom instruction, laboratory work, and clinical rotations. Students cover patient care, vital signs, communication, and medical safety, then sit for the North Carolina Nurse Aide I competency evaluation, and the program carries ACEN accreditation. Two caveats matter for South Dakota students: the college has listed the nurse aide certificate as under review and unavailable for enrollment, and its grant funding is limited to Durham County residents and local high school graduates, so there is no South Dakota pathway built in.
- Short-term nurse aide certificate, about 13 minimum credit hours
- ACEN accredited nurse aide program
- Online and campus delivery options
- Estimated tuition of $1,122 for the certificate
- Clinical rotation included in the curriculum
- Prepares students for the NC Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation
- Applicants as young as 16.5 may qualify
- Multiple entry requirements, including documentation
Why No Local CNA Programs Appear, and How Online Training Works
Why didn't any South Dakota schools make the list above? It's not that in-state training doesn't exist, it's that no local CNA classes and programs currently met the criteria used to build this ranking. That gap doesn't leave South Dakota students without solid choices. Online CNA programs have become a reliable alternative, and they're built specifically to work for students who live outside major metro areas.
How the Online Model Works
An online CNA program handles the didactic side of training, anatomy, infection control, patient rights, communication skills, through recorded lectures, reading modules, and virtual coursework you complete on your own schedule. The hands-on portion, which federal rules require, still happens in person. Programs partner with a nursing home, hospital, or approved skills lab where you practice procedures like transfers, vital signs, and personal care under an instructor's supervision before testing on those skills.
What to Confirm Before Enrolling
Because clinical placement is arranged locally, not every online program guarantees a site near you, especially if you live in a rural part of South Dakota. Contact admissions early and ask directly whether they have an active clinical partner in your area or whether you'll need to help identify one. Getting this settled before you pay tuition prevents delays down the road.
Some South Dakota nursing homes and hospitals run their own CNA training for new hires, often at no cost. That employer-sponsored path is covered in more detail later.
Steps to Earn Your CNA Credential in South Dakota
Becoming a Certified Nurse Aide in South Dakota follows a clear, sequential process overseen by the South Dakota Board of Nursing. Most candidates complete the entire path in roughly 4 to 12 weeks, depending on program pace and exam scheduling.
South Dakota CNA Training and Certification Requirements
South Dakota requires exactly 75 hours of state-approved training before candidates can sit for the Certified Nursing Assistant certification exam, with at least 16 of those hours devoted to hands-on clinical practice in a healthcare setting. The South Dakota Board of Nursing oversees program approval and maintains a registry of individuals authorized to use the CNA credential.
Training Program Standards
Only programs appearing on the Board of Nursing's approved list qualify graduates to take the state competency exam. Completing a non-approved course, even one that exceeds 75 hours, will not make you eligible for certification. Before enrolling anywhere, consult How to Choose a Nursing Program and verify the program's current approval status directly with the Board.
Southeast Technical College in Sioux Falls offers one of the state's Board-approved options through its HC 106 Certified Nursing Assistant course. This three-credit accelerated hybrid program combines online coursework with required on-campus sessions and supervised clinical hours. For the 2026 to 2027 academic year, tuition runs about $846 (at $282 per credit), though the college estimates total costs around $1,278 once technology fees, testing subscriptions, and laptop requirements are factored in.
Other approved providers include the Monument Health Community CNA Program and numerous facility-based training programs at nursing homes and care centers across the state.
Prerequisite Checklist
Most South Dakota programs require:
- Age: 18 or older, though some accept 16 to 17 year olds with parental consent or employment verification
- Education: High school diploma or GED
- Health screening: Current tuberculosis test
- Background check: Criminal history screening, often required before clinical placement
Programs may add their own prerequisites, such as CPR certification or immunization records, so confirm requirements with your chosen school before applying. Meeting these standards ensures you can begin training without delays and proceed directly to the state exam upon completion.
Explore other South Dakota related topics
CNA Program Costs and Free Training Options for South Dakota Students
The fastest way to reduce CNA training costs in South Dakota is to let an employer pick up the bill. Community college programs in the state typically run $500 to $1,500, while online national programs can differ by provider; several ranked online options report net prices after aid that are competitive with, or below, community college tuition. South Dakota requires a $177.50 exam fee, but training costs are the bigger variable.
Employer-Sponsored and Free Training
South Dakota's largest health systems run employer-sponsored pathways. - Sanford Health: Its Nursing Assistant Training Program lists $0 tuition for participants who complete the program. Full-time training can take about 30 days; part-time may run up to 60 days. Graduates are generally expected to accept Sanford employment, though commitment length varies by location. - Monument Health: Its Rapid City program charged $1,380 in a recent cycle, but reimbursed $1,259.50 after 12 months of employment, leaving an effective cost around $120. Amounts can vary by program year. - Avera: Avera's 75-hour online CNA training is employer-sponsored; the facility registers and pays for training. - Other facilities: Good Samaritan Society offers paid training for new hires, and Prairie Heights Healthcare lists $0 tuition tied to post-certification employment.
Financial Aid and Work Commitments
Students who cannot access employer sponsorship should explore financial aid for nursing students, including Pell Grants at eligible community colleges, workforce development funds through the South Dakota Department of Labor, and facility-based scholarships. Under federal rules, if a Medicare- or Medicaid-certified facility employs you at the start of training, it cannot charge for training materials. If it hires you within 12 months after you finish, it must reimburse your costs. Some facilities allow up to four months of work while training, as long as registry status is in place before the period ends. The practical takeaway: a six-to-twelve-month work commitment often turns a four-figure tuition bill into a zero-cost credential through earn while you learn nursing arrangements, with exam fees sometimes covered depending on the employer.
What the South Dakota CNA Exam Covers
D&S Diversified Technologies, Headmaster, LLP administers South Dakota's CNA competency exam on the SD TMU (TestMaster Universe) platform, not Prometric or Credentia. The current 2025-2026 evaluation has two parts, and you must pass both to be listed on the state nurse aide registry.
Two-Part Exam Structure
The knowledge test is multiple choice and can be taken orally if needed. A passing score is 75%. Many current study guides list 75 questions with a 90-minute time limit, and the skills evaluation includes five selected nurse aide skills in about 35 minutes; confirm the exact format for your exam date. Both components are required for certification.
Fees and Retake Policy
The standard knowledge test costs $78.50, the audio knowledge version costs $89.00, and the skill test costs $99.00. If you pay for both parts separately, budget $177.50 for the standard path or $188.00 if you use the audio knowledge option. The $78.50 fee covers the written or oral knowledge test, while the $99.00 fee covers the hands-on clinical skills evaluation. If you score below 75% on the knowledge test, South Dakota allows two additional attempts after your initial sitting. Skill retakes are available at the $99.00 skill fee; confirm current skill attempt limits with SD TMU or your instructor.
Registration and Test Day
Work with your training instructor to complete Board-approved registration. Once eligible, you can schedule online at sd.tmutest.com or call 800-393-8664 weekdays from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM Central Time. Bring the identification and confirmation items specified in your SD TMU instructions, and arrive early enough for check-in. Knowledge results are released through SD TMU and shared with the South Dakota Board of Nursing; turnaround time is not published as a fixed number, so ask your instructor or testing coordinator for the current notification window.
CNA Quick Q&A for South Dakota Students
Below are quick, practical answers to the questions South Dakota CNA hopefuls ask most often. For deeper details on exam content, program costs, or career pathways, see the dedicated sections elsewhere in this guide.
How long does CNA training take in South Dakota?
Can I complete CNA coursework online if I live in South Dakota?
What is the process to transfer a CNA license from another state to South Dakota?
CNA Pay Across South Dakota: Statewide and by City
South Dakota's statewide median hourly wage for nursing assistants is $18.65, which translates to roughly $38,800 per year based on May 2025 occupational data from the South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation. That figure edges slightly above the most recent national median of $18.36 per hour (May 2023 BLS data), though the comparison spans different reporting years. Wages also shift depending on your work setting: hospital CNAs in many states earn more than those in skilled nursing facilities or home health agencies, so South Dakota students should factor employer type into their job search alongside geography. In the Sioux Falls metro area, available data shows CNA wages ranging from about $14.93 to $22.23 per hour. Detailed Rapid City figures have not been published in the most recent release.
| Location | 10th Percentile (Hourly) | 25th Percentile (Hourly) | Median (Hourly) | 75th Percentile (Hourly) | 90th Percentile (Hourly) | Median (Annual) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Dakota (Statewide) | $14.96 | $17.71 | $18.65 | $21.12 | $22.17 | $38,800 |
| Sioux Falls, SD/MN Metro | $14.93 | N/A | N/A | N/A | $22.23 | N/A |
| National (All U.S.) | N/A | N/A | $18.36 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Keeping Your South Dakota CNA Certification Active
Every 24 months, South Dakota nurse aides must renew their certification by their birth date, not the anniversary of their original test date.1 That two-year clock is where most confusion starts, because some resources cite a 12-hour requirement and others cite 24. Both are correct: the rule requires 12 hours of in-service training each year, which adds up to 24 hours across the full renewal cycle.2 That training must include instruction on dementia care and on recognizing and reporting abuse, neglect, exploitation, and misappropriation.2 Coursework from nursing school doesn't count toward this requirement.
Paid Work and Renewal Logistics
Alongside the training hours, you need at least 12 hours of compensated nursing or nursing-related work during the same two-year window.2 Renewal opens 90 days before your expiration date and is completed online, with no fee currently attached to the process.3
If Your Certification Lapses
Miss the deadline or fall short on hours, and your listing becomes inactive. Reinstatement is possible through a Board application, but if you've gone 24 consecutive months without qualifying training or paid service, you'll need to retake the knowledge exam and skills evaluation, then submit four completed skills checklists before your active status returns.2 Applications are typically reviewed within about five business days. Active-duty military members may qualify for a temporary exemption, lasting up to six months after discharge.2
CNAs relocating to South Dakota from another state follow a separate endorsement route, covered in the Q&A section below.
Moving From CNA to LPN or RN in South Dakota
South Dakota's CNA-to-nurse pathway is more staircase than elevator, with the LPN step serving as the clearest bridge for most certified aides.
CNA-to-LPN options
- Southeast Tech: The Licensed Practical Nursing diploma runs about 11 months, offers daytime and part-time evening sections, and requires CNA certification plus a background check before admission. CNA work counts as admission evidence, not as transfer credit.
- Online flexibility: Lake Area Technical College's RN eDegree is online but requires an existing LPN, not CNA. No reviewed in-state program offers a direct CNA-to-RN bridge.
Reaching RN
CNAs who want the registered nurse credential typically ladder: CNA to LPN, then LPN to RN. Expect roughly one year for an LPN and about two years for an associate-degree RN when starting from CNA, though LPN-to-RN bridge programs can shorten the final leg. Southeast Tech's LPN/Paramedic-to-RN Bridge is limited to LPNs or paramedics, while Lake Area Technical College's 11-month RN requires an LPN and the ATI predictor exam. Southeast Tech notes that CNA certification plus documented work experience leaves students "well positioned to advance," but grants no academic credit. Published BLS wage data shows a meaningful jump from nursing assistant to LPN and again to RN, making the additional training a high-return investment. This sequence is realistic for working CNAs who study part time.