Nursing student in hospital room with stethoscope and watch

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

1-Year Diploma Program - 44 Credits

A diploma from Southeast Tech in the fast-growing field of nursing puts you at the center of today’s high-demand healthcare industry. Hospitals, nursing homes, clinics and assisted living centers are only a few of the many employers seeking talented professionals to serve the increasing demand for preventive medical services in South Dakota and across the nation.

Are you looking for a field where you can help others? Your duties as a nursing professional are both administrative and clinical. The skills you need to be an LPN include:  

  • Patience  
  • Compassion  
  • Work Ethic  
  • Detail-oriented   

Job Placement Rate

100%

Southeast Tech's Licensed Practical Nursing program boasts a 100% job placement rate among its 2022 graduates.

* View details and methodology of the Graduate Outcome Report.

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Earn a full-ride scholarship to Southeast Tech's Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) program through Build Dakota!

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Program Video

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What is the Difference Between an LPN and an RN?  

As a Licensed Practical Nurse, you will carry out tasks that are more complex than those of a Certified Nursing Assistant, but less involved than those of a Registered Nurse. You will monitor patient health, give medications and perform nursing functions under the supervision of RNs and doctors. 

Southeast Tech also offers a unique LPN-to-RN track. Southeast Tech LPN graduates with work experience can easily transition into STC's Registered Nursing program. 

Differentiators at Southeast Tech  

During your training as a Licensed Practical Nurse, you will study in STC’s high-tech Sullivan Health/Science Center, where you will learn about human anatomy and physiology, become adept at using nursing equipment, and properly administer medication.  Your degree is backed by these other career-boosters:  

Licensing: After graduating, you are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN to be licensed as an LPN. In 2018, every Southeast Tech student that took the exam, passed.  

Learning Outcomes: From problem-solving to medical competency, you will gain the skills necessary to compassionately serve in a healthcare setting.  

Tailored Learning: Southeast Technical College offers its LPN diploma using traditional classroom and online methods with a fall or spring start. Part-time day and evening options are also available. 

What Can You Do with Your STC Diploma? 

Sioux Falls, South Dakota, is a regional hub for many healthcare centers, which draw rural residents to the area. Your career opportunities upon graduation include many of these:  

  • Hospitals   
  • Clinics  
  • Outpatient care centers  
  • Hospice  
  • Nursing homes  
  • Specialized health facilities  

Job Outlook 

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that projected growth for Licensed Practical Nurses outpaces the average for all occupations, with 9% growth expected through 2029. As an LPN you will play a vital role on a healthcare team, performing such duties as:

  • Monitoring Patients
  • Updating Medical Records Reporting to RNs and Doctors
  • Providing Basic Nursing Care

Explore Classes  

Southeast Tech’s 11-month Licensed Practical Nurse program includes courses on Medical Language, General Psychology, Pharmacology for the LPN and Introduction to Medical and Surgical Nursing.

View Curriculum   ADMISSION CRITERIA 

Cost  

Costs are calculated based on a charge of $255 per credit hour, plus applicable fees.

Total Costs

See Cost & Fee Breakdown

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Faculty

Britney Mower

Dean of Curriculum and Instruction
Leadership
Mickelson Center 253

Tori Haase

Instructor
Nursing Programs
Health Center 205

Megan Solberg

Instructor
Nursing Programs
Health Center 205

Brittany Rivere

Instructor
Nursing Programs
Health Center 231

Becca Christian

Instructor
Health Core
Health Center 209

Sarah Nussbaum

Instructor
Nursing Programs
Health Center 206

Amber Langbehn

Lab Assistant
Nursing Programs
Health Center 209

Dustin Pepper

Instructor
Nursing Programs
Health Center 205

Michelle Osborn

Instructor
Nursing Programs
Health Center 206

Sarah DeHaai

Instructor
Nursing Programs
Huron

Jennifer Pottratz

Instructor
Nursing Programs
Health Center 208

Tate Scotting

Instructor
Nursing Programs
Health Center 231

All Healthcare Programs

Other Programs You Might Consider  

If you’re interested in becoming an LPN, you might also be interested in these other healthcare programs at Southeast Tech: 

Registered Nurse (RN)   Invasive Cardiovascular Technology