South Dakota LPN Programs

Browse our list of state approved LPN certification programs

The next time you visit your Doctor, you might want to notice the person who takes your blood pressure, weighs you and checks your temperature. Often times this initial visit is performed by a Licensed Practical Nurse. LPNs are also referred to as LVNs or Licensed Vocational Nurses as well. In the state of South Dakota, they are well respected and currently enjoy many job opportunities.

A licensed practical nurse will answer directly to a supervising nurse or Doctor at their place of employment. Each state has different requirements to become an LPN. Many people use the LPN career position as a stepping stone to advance and become a registered nurse. There are a variety of LPN to RN programs available for current practical nurses to quickly transition into RNs. Starting as an LPN allows the individual to experience what its like to actually work as a nurse before investing additional times and resources into an RN program.

Most people seeking to become an LPN start by enrolling in an academic program designed to prepare students for the NCLEX-PN exam and to fulfill the state requirements for practical nurse training. Typical LPN curriculum includes general education classes along with anatomy and physiology, mathematics, medical terminology, and general nursing skills. It is also important that students spend time in the lab and are allowed to have clinical practice in preparation for the NCLEX exam. Hands-on experience is very important and these skills will be called upon when taking the NCLEX-PN examination.

After passing the test and paying the required fees, the new practical nurse will become licensed and be ready to start applying for LPN jobs. There are many opportunities for LPNs in medical offices and the pay is typically between forty and fifty thousands dollars a year. A benefits package will also be offered in some cases making this an excellent opportunity for an entry-level LPN. The hours can be long if the LPN works in a Doctor’s office or hospital, and often requires them to stay later in the evening. Standard LPN duties include working directly with patients, administering shots, taking medical histories and charting vital statistics. Practical nurses can also find several opportunities in the hospital setting or in private home-care arrangements where they can have more flexibility in their schedule.

This growing profession makes an excellent career choice for anyone who wants to work in the medical field and interact directly with patients on a daily basis. The pay is good and the work is challenging and emotionally fulfilling. LPNs also have strong career advancement opportunities within the nursing field such as becoming a registered nurse, nurse practitioner or nurse educator. This is a great career option and people of all ages and gender can find a lifetime of enjoyment serving the public while making a living.

List of LPN Programs in South Dakota (SD)

South Dakota LPN Schools

Our directory lists all South Dakota schools that currently offer approved practical nursing programs. The South Dakota state board of nursing is the regulatory organization in charge of approving LPN education programs. To gain approval, educational institutions must demonstrate to the board of nursing that their program sufficiently prepares students with the knowledge and skills expected of a licensed practical nurse. The on-going approval of a program depends largely upon their graduation rates and the NCLEX pass rates of their graduates. If a program starts to produce poor results in either of these two categories they can quickly lose their state approval or be placed on probationary approval status until their results improve.

Required LPN Classes in South Dakota

The specific course work required in practical nursing programs can differ from institution to institution. However, there are some subjects that are almost always included in most programs. Typical LPN classes include Anatomy & Physiology, Basic Nursing Skills, Nutrition, Math for Nurses, Psychology and Pharmacology. Topics covered within these subjects prepare students with the knowledge base required to perform the work of a licensed practical nurse.

How to Become an LPN in South Dakota

Start the process by researching available education programs to find one that suits your schedule and preferences. The next step is to enroll and complete an LPN training program that is approved by the South Dakota Board of Nursing. Most LPN programs take roughly one year to finish. Upon successful completion of all course requirements you are eligible to challenge the NCLEX-PN exam. After passing the test you can register with the state of South Dakota as a licensed practical nurse and begin searching for employment.