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How to Become a Phlebotomist in South Dakota (2026 Guide)

Becoming a phlebotomist in South Dakotarequires a national certification exam (NHA CPT) that's the same everywhere in the country. South Dakota has no separate state license requirement — national certification is generally sufficient. Average pay is $19.02/hr.

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South Dakota Phlebotomy — At a Glance

~$117
NHA exam fee
390/500
Passing score
No
State license required
$19.02/hr
Avg pay

How to Become a Phlebotomist in South Dakota: Step by Step

  1. 1
    Meet NHA CPT eligibility
    Complete a phlebotomy training program within the last 5 years, OR complete 1-2 years of supervised phlebotomy work experience. Either way, you must document at least 30 successful venipunctures and 10 successful capillary sticks performed under supervision.
  2. 2
    Pass the national NHA CPT exam
    120 multiple-choice questions (100 scored, 20 unscored pretest), 2-hour time limit, passing score of 390 out of 500 (scaled). The fee is commonly reported around $117 — verify current pricing at nhanow.com. This exam and its content are identical in every state.
  3. 3
    Check South Dakota's licensing requirement
    South Dakota does not require a separate phlebotomy license — your NHA CPT certification is generally sufficient to work legally in the state. Some employers may still have their own hiring preferences.
  4. 4
    Apply for your first phlebotomy position
    With your NHA certification in hand, you can apply to hospitals, reference labs (Quest Diagnostics, Labcorp), blood donation centers (American Red Cross), and outpatient draw stations. Average pay in South Dakota is $19.02/hr.

State Licensure in South Dakota

South Dakota is one of 47 states (46 states + D.C.) that does not require phlebotomists to hold a separate state license. Only California, Louisiana, Nevada, and Washington require one. In South Dakota, passing the national NHA CPT exam is generally all you need to legally work as a phlebotomist.

Phlebotomist Salary in South Dakota

Full salary breakdown →
$19.02/hr
Average hourly
$40K
Average annual
-2.03/hr
vs national avg

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I become a phlebotomist in South Dakota?
Complete a training program or supervised work experience (documenting 30 venipunctures and 10 capillary sticks), then pass the national NHA CPT exam. No separate state license is required in South Dakota.
Does South Dakota require a separate phlebotomy license?
No — NHA certification alone is generally sufficient in South Dakota.
What happens if I fail the NHA CPT exam?
NHA requires a 30-day wait before your 2nd and 3rd attempts, then a 1-year wait after a 3rd failure. This is the same nationwide.

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