Registered Nurse
Associate Degree Program - 39 Credits
An associate degree 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 physician’s offices 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 Registered Nurse include:
- Coordinate Patient Care
- Educate Patients about Health Conditions
- Offer Emotional Support to Patients and Their Families
- Treat Patients with Dignity and Respect
Job Placement Rate100% Southeast Tech's Registered Nurse program boasts a 100% job placement rate among its 2022 graduates* |
Build Dakota EligibleEarn a full-ride scholarship to Southeast Tech's Registered Nurse program through Build Dakota! LEARN MORE ABOUT BUILD DAKOTA |
Program Video
Virtual Lab Tours
What is the Difference Between an LPN and an RN?
While Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical nurses perform similar duties, the work of an RN is more in-depth. LPNs often work under the supervision of RNs to provide more basic patient care. After completion of an LPN diploma, Southeast Tech requires an additional year of coursework and 750 hours work experience to obtain an RN associate degree.
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.
What Makes Southeast Tech Different?
During your training as a Registered Nurse, you will study in STC’s high-tech Sullivan Health Science Center. You will attend lab and clinical on Southeast Tech’s campus or at a designated clinical site. Online classes also are offered. Your degree is backed by these other career-boosters:
Accreditation: Southeast Tech’s LPN-to-RN program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Excellence in Nursing.
Licensing: After graduating, you are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN to be licensed as an RN.
Learning Outcomes: From problem-solving to medical competency, you will gain the skills necessary to compassionately serve in a healthcare setting.
What Degree Do You Need to be an RN?
Southeast Tech LPN graduates or LPNs with 750 documented hours of work experience are a good fit for STC’s RN program. Your experience launches your career toward an associate degree.
Job Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that projected growth in nursing outpaces the average for all occupations, with 7% growth expected through 2029 for RNs. In Sioux Falls, South Dakota, graduates can expect to find employment with various healthcare and medical technology employers, both locally, regionally and nationally, including:
- Avera Health Systems
- Sanford Health
- Veterans Administration Health Care System
Explore Classes
Southeast Tech’s one-year Registered Nursing program includes courses on Microbiology, Nursing Across the Lifespan and Advanced Medical/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
Request Information
Want to know more? Request information about Southeast Tech from the admissions office.
Faculty
Julie Sackett
Simulation Lab Specialist
Nursing Programs
Health Center 238
Jaclyn Kramer
Associate Dean of Curriculum and Instruction
Leadership
Health Center 200D
Other Programs Related to Registered Nursing
If you’re interested in becoming an RN, you might also be interested in these other healthcare programs at Southeast Tech:
