Get Certified as a Nurse Aide
Both federal and state regulations require nursing facility nurse aides to be trained and certified. Administrative Rules of South Dakota (ARSD) 44:74:02:02 require:
- Successful completion of a training program and a competency evaluation program approved by the department pursuant to 44:74:02:07 and 44:74:02:17;
- Verification from the department of current registry status or eligibility for inclusion on the registry;
- Acceptable employment performance as a nurse aide as documented by a supervisor; and
- Annual attendance at a minimum of 12 hours of in-service education related to results of performance review and of special resident needs.
Becoming Certified as a Nurse Aide
Check with a nursing facility (nursing home) in your local area or the vocational education school nearest you for information about nurse aide training and certification.
Transferring Your Certification from Another State
Call the South Dakota Board of Nursing at 605-362-2760
Responsibility for Investigation
The South Dakota Department of Health, Office of Health Care Facilities Licensure and Certification, is charged with the responsibility for investigating allegations of resident abuse and misappropriation of funds against Certified Nurse Aides (ARSD 44:74:02:26).
Temporary Nurse Aide Role to Certified Nurse Aide
Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) Online Initial Application
The South Dakota Department of Health is pleased to announce, beginning March 2, 2020, initial application will be available online at https://doh.sd.gov/boards/nursing/NurseAid.aspx. All individuals who are being hired or are independently enrolling in a CNA training and testing program must complete the initial application process prior to the start of the training program. The nurse aide must print and have the CNA Training Enrollment Verification form completed by his/her employer, organization or school prior to submitting the online Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) Initial Application.
You will receive confirmation following successful completion of a training program and the Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation that you are eligible for active registry status. For those individuals who have already enrolled and started in a training program, please complete the initial application process as soon as possible prior to completion of testing.
Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) Initial Application Process Frequently Asked Questions
Please contact Diana Weiland, RN Public Health Advisor if you have any questions or concerns at 605-995-8057.
Links
- South Dakota Board of Nursing Certified Nurse Aide (CNA)
- CNA Interstate Endorsement
- CNA Renewal Application
Contact Information
| Cassie Deffenbaugh, Administrator Licensure and Certification South Dakota Department of Health 615 E. 4th St. Pierre, SD. 57501-1700 605-773-3356 |
Diana Weiland, RN, Complaint Coordinator South Dakota Department of Health Licensure and Certification 615 E. 4th St. Pierre, SD. 57501-1700 605-773-3356 |