CNA Training in South Dakota
In South Dakota, CNA training mostly happens on the job. Nearly every approved program is run by a nursing home or health system like Avera, Sanford, or Monument Health, and they train the people they plan to hire. The South Dakota Board of Nursing approves programs and keeps the nurse aide registry.
The written test costs $45, and you get three tries. Below you'll find each step, what CNAs earn in Sioux Falls and Rapid City, ways to train free, and every approved training site in the state.
Training
75 Hours
Median Pay
$18.65/hr
Written Test
$45
Want to work in clients' homes? See what it takes to become a home health aide in South Dakota.
South Dakota home health aide →The 4 Steps to Certification in South Dakota
Find a Training Site
The South Dakota Board of Nursing approves every program. Most are inside nursing homes and hospitals.
- Apply for a nurse aide job first. Many sites only train people they hire.
- Big systems run central programs: Avera, Sanford, Monument Health, and Avantara train across many towns.
- Tribal colleges like Sinte Gleska and Sisseton Wahpeton also offer training.
Complete 75 Hours
South Dakota follows the federal minimum.
Avera also runs an online classroom option, with clinicals in person.
Pass the Competency Exam
The written test is given by D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster). Skills are evaluated under Board of Nursing rules.
| Written test | $45 |
| Audio version | No extra cost |
| Passing score | 75% |
| Attempts | 3 |
Renew Every Two Years
The Board of Nursing handles renewals.
- Work at least 12 paid hours as a nurse aide in the 24 months before renewal.
- Complete 12 hours of in-service training each year, or 24 hours over two years.
- Your employer signs off on the renewal form, so keep your records.
💰 How to Get CNA Training Free in South Dakota
Because most South Dakota programs are run by employers, free training is the norm here, not the exception.
Get Hired, Then Trained
✨ Federal Rule Protects YouHealth System Programs
✨ Paid TrainingSD Department of Labor (WIOA)
✨ Grant-Funded, If You QualifyGet Paid Back Later
✨ 12-Month RuleSouth Dakota CNA Pay
South Dakota has about 6,860 nursing assistants. Sioux Falls pays a little more than the rest of the state, and Rapid City is close behind.
| Area | Median Hourly | Median Annual | CNAs Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sioux Falls (SD-MN) | $18.84 | $39,190 | 2,930 |
| Rapid City | $18.51 | $38,500 | 1,280 |
| South Dakota (statewide) | $18.65 | $38,800 | 6,860 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, Nursing Assistants (31-1131). Medians exclude overtime and shift differentials.
What It Costs to Get Certified
If a nursing home or health system trains you, most of this is covered.
Often $0
Most South Dakota programs are employer-run and free to the people they hire.
$45
Paid to Headmaster. The audio version costs the same.
Pay again
Each retake means paying the test fee again. You get three attempts in total.
$0
Moving from another state? Endorsement onto the registry is free.
Moving to South Dakota? (Reciprocity)
If you're a CNA in good standing on another state's registry, you can transfer to South Dakota by endorsement. There's no fee.
Active CNA From Another State
Apply for endorsement through the Board of Nursing. You can work for up to 60 days while your application is processed.
Expired South Dakota CNA
You'll need to apply for reinstatement. Depending on how long you've been out, you may have to retest or retrain.
Military Members
Renewal requirements can be waived during active duty and for up to 6 months after discharge.
Questions? Call
(605) 362-2760
South Dakota Board of Nursing, Mon to Fri, 8am to 5pm CT
CNA Training Programs in South Dakota
95 state-approved nurse aide training programs in South Dakota. Almost all are run by nursing homes and health systems that train the people they hire, so most training here is employer-based. Search by name, city, or county, or filter by county and program type.
| Program | City | County | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nursing Home / Senior LivingAberdeen Health & Rehabilitation1700 N Hwy 281, Aberdeen, SD | Aberdeen | Brown | (605) 225-7315 |
| Nursing Home / Senior LivingAngelhaus Aberdeen North and South1717 E Melgard Rd, Aberdeen, SDAlso 1005 Redwood Ln | Aberdeen | Brown | (605) 725-7777 |
| Nursing Home / Senior LivingAngelhaus East & West Yankton2905 Douglas Ave, Yankton, SDAlso 2903 Douglas Ave | Yankton | Yankton | (605) 665-7255 |
| Nursing Home / Senior LivingAspen Grove Assisted LivingSturgis, SDEmpRes Healthcare training program | Sturgis | Meade | (605) 670-0263 |
| Nursing Home / Senior LivingAurora Brule Nursing Home408 S Johnston St, White Lake, SD | White Lake | Aurora | (605) 249-2216 |
| Nursing Home / Senior LivingAvantara Arrowhead2500 Arrowhead Dr, Rapid City, SDAlso trains for Avantara Mountain View and St. Cloud | Rapid City | Pennington | (605) 343-5771 |
| Nursing Home / Senior LivingAvantara Huron1345 Michigan Ave SW, Huron, SD | Huron | Beadle | (605) 352-8471 |
| Nursing Home / Senior LivingAvantara Mountain View916 Mountain View Rd, Rapid City, SD | Rapid City | Pennington | (605) 343-8577 |
| Nursing Home / Senior LivingAvantara North1620 N 7th St, Rapid City, SD | Rapid City | Pennington | (605) 343-4958 |
| Nursing Home / Senior LivingAvantara Norton3600 S Norton Ave, Sioux Falls, SD | Sioux Falls | Minnehaha | (605) 338-9891 |
| Nursing Home / Senior LivingAvantara of Watertown415 4th Ave NE, Watertown, SDAlso trains for Milbank, Clark, Groton, and Lake Norden | Watertown | Codington | (605) 886-8431 |
| Nursing Home / Senior LivingAvantara Pierre950 E Park St, Pierre, SD | Pierre | Hughes | (605) 224-8628 |
| Nursing Home / Senior LivingAvantara Redfield1015 E 3rd St, Redfield, SD | Redfield | Spink | (605) 472-2288 |
| Nursing Home / Senior LivingAvantara St. Cloud302 St. Cloud St, Rapid City, SD | Rapid City | Pennington | (605) 343-4738 |
| Hospital / Health SystemAvera at Home301 Flynn Dr, Milbank, SD | Milbank | Grant | (605) 432-3259 |
| Nursing Home / Senior LivingAvera Bormann Manor401 W Glynn Dr, Parkston, SD | Parkston | Hutchinson | (605) 928-3384 |
| Nursing Home / Senior LivingAvera Brady Health & Rehab500 S Ohlman St, Mitchell, SD | Mitchell | Davison | (605) 996-7701 |
| Training ProgramAvera CNA Education & Staffing Online Training1000 W 4th St, Suite 9, Yankton, SDOnline classroom option | Yankton | Yankton | (605) 668-8475 |
| Nursing Home / Senior LivingAvera Eureka Health Care Center202 J Ave, Eureka, SD | Eureka | McPherson | (605) 284-2145 |
| Nursing Home / Senior LivingAvera Maryhouse717 E Dakota Ave, Pierre, SD | Pierre | Hughes | (605) 224-3163 |
| Nursing Home / Senior LivingAvera Mother Joseph Manor1002 N Jay St, Aberdeen, SD | Aberdeen | Brown | (605) 622-5850 |
| Nursing Home / Senior LivingAvera Oahe Manor700 E Garfield Ave, Gettysburg, SD | Gettysburg | Potter | (605) 765-2461 |
| Nursing Home / Senior LivingAvera Prince of Peace4500 S Prince of Peace Pl, Sioux Falls, SD | Sioux Falls | Minnehaha | (605) 322-5604 |
| Nursing Home / Senior LivingAvera Rosebud Country Care300 Park Ave, Gregory, SD | Gregory | Gregory | (605) 835-8296 |
| Nursing Home / Senior LivingAvera Sister James Care Center2111 W 11th St, Yankton, SDIncludes Yankton Care Center | Yankton | Yankton | (605) 668-8816 |
| Nursing Home / Senior LivingBethany Home Brandon3012 E Aspen Blvd, Brandon, SD | Brandon | Minnehaha | (605) 582-5200 |
| Nursing Home / Senior LivingBethany Home Sioux Falls1901 S Holly Ave, Sioux Falls, SD | Sioux Falls | Minnehaha | (605) 338-2351 |
| Nursing Home / Senior LivingBethel Lutheran Home1001 S Egan Ave, Madison, SD | Madison | Lake | (605) 256-4539 |
| Nursing Home / Senior LivingBethesda Home (Webster)129 W Hwy 12, Webster, SD | Webster | Day | (605) 345-3331 |
| Nursing Home / Senior LivingBethesda Home of Aberdeen1224 S High St, Aberdeen, SD | Aberdeen | Brown | (605) 225-7580 |
| Nursing Home / Senior LivingBethesda of Beresford606 W Cedar St, Beresford, SD | Beresford | Union | (605) 763-4652 |
| Nursing Home / Senior LivingBowdle HealthcareBowdle, SD | Bowdle | Edmunds | (605) 285-6391 |
| Nursing Home / Senior LivingCenterville Care & Rehab500 Vermillion St, Centerville, SD | Centerville | Turner | (605) 563-2251 |
| Nursing Home / Senior LivingClarkson Health Care1015 Mountain View Rd, Rapid City, SD | Rapid City | Pennington | (605) 342-0255 |
| Hospital / Health SystemCommunity Memorial Hospital809 Jackson St, Burke, SD | Burke | Gregory | (605) 775-2754 |
| Nursing Home / Senior LivingDells Nursing and Rehab1400 Thresher Dr, Dell Rapids, SD | Dell Rapids | Minnehaha | (605) 428-5478 |
| Nursing Home / Senior LivingDiamond Care Center901 N Main St, Bridgewater, SD | Bridgewater | McCook | (605) 729-2525 |
| Nursing Home / Senior LivingDow Rummel Village1321 W Dow Rummel St, Sioux Falls, SD | Sioux Falls | Minnehaha | (605) 336-1490 |
| Nursing Home / Senior LivingEastern Star Home126 W 12th Ave, Redfield, SD | Redfield | Spink | (605) 472-2255 |
| Nursing Home / Senior LivingEstelline Nursing & Care Center205 Fjerestad Ave, Estelline, SD | Estelline | Hamlin | (605) 873-2278 |
| Hospital / Health SystemFall River Health Services1201 Hwy 71 S, Hot Springs, SD | Hot Springs | Fall River | (605) 745-8910 |
| Nursing Home / Senior LivingFaulkton Senior Living1401 Pearl St, Faulkton, SD | Faulkton | Faulk | (605) 598-6214 |
| Nursing Home / Senior LivingFiresteel Healthcare Center1120 E 7th Ave, Mitchell, SD | Mitchell | Davison | (605) 996-6526 |
| Nursing Home / Senior LivingFive Counties Nursing Home405 6th Ave W, Lemmon, SD | Lemmon | Perkins | (605) 374-3871 |
| Nursing Home / Senior LivingFountain Springs HealthcareRapid City, SDEmpRes Healthcare training program | Rapid City | Pennington | (605) 670-0263 |
| Nursing Home / Senior LivingGrand Living at Lake Lorraine2815 S Westlake Dr, Sioux Falls, SD | Sioux Falls | Minnehaha | (605) 799-1900 |
| Hospital / Health SystemHighmore Health410 8th St SE, Highmore, SD | Highmore | Hyde | (605) 852-2255 |
| Training ProgramIndependent Health Solutions1143 Lincoln Ave SW, Huron, SD | Huron | Beadle | (605) 352-4663 |
| Nursing Home / Senior LivingJenkins Living Center215 S Maple St, Watertown, SD | Watertown | Codington | (605) 886-0790 |
| Nursing Home / Senior LivingKadoka Nursing Home605 Maple St, Kadoka, SD | Kadoka | Jackson | (605) 837-2270 |
| Nursing Home / Senior LivingLake Andes Senior Living740 E Lake St, Lake Andes, SD | Lake Andes | Charles Mix | (605) 487-7674 |
| CollegeLake Area Technical Institute1201 Arrow Ave, Watertown, SD | Watertown | Codington | (605) 882-5284 |
| Nursing Home / Senior LivingMedicine Wheel Village24266 166th St, Eagle Butte, SD | Eagle Butte | Dewey | (605) 964-8155 |
| Nursing Home / Senior LivingMenno-Olivet Care Center402 S Pine St, Menno, SD | Menno | Hutchinson | (605) 387-5139 |
| Nursing Home / Senior LivingMichael J. Fitzmaurice SD Veterans Home2500 Minnekahta Ave, Hot Springs, SD | Hot Springs | Fall River | (605) 745-5127 |
| Hospital / Health SystemMilbank Area Hospital Avera301 Flynn Dr, Milbank, SD | Milbank | Grant | (605) 432-4538 |
| Hospital / Health SystemMonument Health Community CNA Program353 Fairmont Blvd, Rapid City, SD | Rapid City | Pennington | (605) 755-7127 |
| Hospital / Health SystemMonument Health System353 Fairmont Blvd, Rapid City, SDTraining in Rapid City, Custer, and Sturgis | Rapid City | Pennington | (605) 755-7755 |
| Nursing Home / Senior LivingMother of God Monastery110 28th Ave SE, Watertown, SD | Watertown | Codington | (605) 882-6610 |
| Nursing Home / Senior LivingNeighborhoods at Brookview2421 Yorkshire Dr, Brookings, SD | Brookings | Brookings | (605) 696-8700 |
| Nursing Home / Senior LivingOakview Terrace510 E 8th St, Freeman, SD | Freeman | Hutchinson | (605) 925-4000 |
| Nursing Home / Senior LivingPalisade Healthcare CenterGarretson, SDEmpRes Healthcare training program | Garretson | Minnehaha | (605) 670-0263 |
| Nursing Home / Senior LivingPeaceful Pines Senior Living1760 Tablerock Rd, Rapid City, SD | Rapid City | Pennington | (605) 718-0542 |
| Hospital / Health SystemPhilip Health Services503 W Pine St, Philip, SD | Philip | Haakon | (605) 859-2511 |
| Nursing Home / Senior LivingPioneer Memorial Assisted Living315 N Washington St, Viborg, SD | Viborg | Turner | (605) 326-3026 |
| Nursing Home / Senior LivingPlatte Care Center Avera601 E 7th St, Platte, SD | Platte | Charles Mix | (605) 337-3131 |
| Nursing Home / Senior LivingPrairie Estates Care Center600 S Franklin St, Elk Point, SD | Elk Point | Union | (605) 356-2622 |
| Nursing Home / Senior LivingPrairie Heights Healthcare400 8th Ave NW, Aberdeen, SD | Aberdeen | Brown | (605) 225-2550 |
| Nursing Home / Senior LivingPrairie View Healthcare CenterWoonsocket, SDEmpRes Healthcare training program | Woonsocket | Sanborn | (605) 670-0263 |
| Nursing Home / Senior LivingRiverview Healthcare CenterFlandreau, SDEmpRes Healthcare training program | Flandreau | Moody | (605) 670-0263 |
| Nursing Home / Senior LivingRolling Hills Healthcare2200 13th Ave, Belle Fourche, SD | Belle Fourche | Butte | (605) 723-8901 |
| Nursing Home / Senior LivingSandstone Senior Living2010 Windmill Dr, Spearfish, SD | Spearfish | Lawrence | (605) 642-4910 |
| Training ProgramSanford Health Nursing Assistant Training Program2200 E Benson Ave, Sioux Falls, SD | Sioux Falls | Minnehaha | (605) 312-9227 |
| Nursing Home / Senior LivingSilver Plains Assisted Living610 Park Ave S, Lake Preston, SD | Lake Preston | Kingsbury | (605) 847-4800 |
| CollegeSinte Gleska University101 Antelope Lake Cir, Mission, SD | Mission | Todd | (605) 856-8284 |
| CollegeSisseton Wahpeton CollegeOld Agency, Sisseton, SD | Sisseton | Roberts | (605) 698-3966 |
| Hospital / Health SystemSouth Dakota Human Services Center3515 N Broadway, Yankton, SD | Yankton | Yankton | (605) 668-3100 |
| CollegeSoutheast Technical Institute2320 N Career Ave, Sioux Falls, SD | Sioux Falls | Minnehaha | (605) 367-5795 |
| Nursing Home / Senior LivingSpearfish Canyon Healthcare1020 N 10th St, Spearfish, SD | Spearfish | Lawrence | (605) 642-2716 |
| Nursing Home / Senior LivingSt. William's Care Center103 N Viola St, Milbank, SD | Milbank | Grant | (605) 432-5811 |
| Nursing Home / Senior LivingSun Dial Manor410 2nd St, Bristol, SD | Bristol | Day | (605) 492-3615 |
| Nursing Home / Senior LivingSunset Manor Avera129 E Clay St, Irene, SD | Irene | Clay | (605) 263-3318 |
| Nursing Home / Senior LivingTekakwitha Living Center6 E Chestnut St, Sisseton, SD | Sisseton | Roberts | (605) 698-7693 |
| Nursing Home / Senior LivingThe Village at Skyline Pines1050 Fairmont Blvd, Rapid City, SD | Rapid City | Pennington | (605) 791-5111 |
| Nursing Home / Senior LivingTieszen Memorial Home312 E State St, Marion, SD | Marion | Turner | (605) 648-3611 |
| Nursing Home / Senior LivingUnited Living Community405 1st Ave, Brookings, SD | Brookings | Brookings | (605) 696-7519 |
| Hospital / Health SystemVA Black Hills Health Care System113 Comanche Rd, Fort Meade, SD | Fort Meade | Meade | (605) 347-2511 |
| Nursing Home / Senior LivingWakonda Heritage Manor515 Ohio St, Wakonda, SD | Wakonda | Clay | (605) 267-2081 |
| Nursing Home / Senior LivingWalworth County Care Center4861 Lincoln Ave, Selby, SD | Selby | Walworth | (605) 649-7663 |
| Nursing Home / Senior LivingWeskota Manor Avera608 1st St NE, Wessington Springs, SD | Wessington Springs | Jerauld | (605) 539-1621 |
| Nursing Home / Senior LivingWesthills Village255 Texas St, Rapid City, SD | Rapid City | Pennington | (605) 342-0255 |
| Nursing Home / Senior LivingWheatcrest Hills Healthcare CenterBritton, SDEmpRes Healthcare training program | Britton | Marshall | (605) 670-0263 |
| Nursing Home / Senior LivingWhite River Health Care Center515 E 8th St, White River, SD | White River | Mellette | (605) 259-3161 |
| Nursing Home / Senior LivingWilmot Care Center501 4th St, Wilmot, SD | Wilmot | Roberts | (605) 938-4418 |
| Hospital / Health SystemWinner Regional Healthcare Center745 E 8th St, Winner, SD | Winner | Tripp | (605) 842-7150 |
No programs match. Try a nearby city or pick "All counties."
Source: South Dakota Department of Health approved nurse aide training program list (March 2024). Phone numbers are each program's training contact. High school programs are not included. Know of a closed program or a wrong number? Report a correction.
South Dakota CNA Questions, Answered
Who certifies CNAs in South Dakota?
The South Dakota Board of Nursing approves training programs and keeps the nurse aide registry. D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster) gives the written test.
Can I get CNA training for free in South Dakota?
Usually, yes. Most approved programs are run by nursing homes and health systems that train the people they hire, and federal rules bar nursing homes from charging their own employees for training or testing.
How many times can I take the CNA test?
Three. You need 75% to pass. After three failed attempts, you need more training before testing again.
What do I need to renew?
At least 12 hours of paid nurse aide work in the past 24 months, plus 12 hours of in-service training per year. Your employer completes part of the renewal form.
Does it cost anything to transfer my CNA to South Dakota?
No. Endorsement from another state is free, and you can work up to 60 days while it's processed.
How do I look up a CNA in South Dakota?
Use the South Dakota Board of Nursing's online verification at sdbon.org, or call (605) 362-2760.
Sources
- South Dakota Board of Nursing: Approved Nurse Aide Training Programs
- D&S Diversified Technologies: South Dakota Nurse Aide Testing
- South Dakota Department of Health: Approved Nurse Aide Training Programs (2024)
- South Dakota CNA Renewal Application
- 42 CFR 483.152: Nurse aide training requirements
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025
Last verified: October 2026. Test fees can change, so confirm with Headmaster when you register. See something out of date? Report a correction.