Registered Nurse

Associate Degree Program

An associate degree in Registered Nursing from Southeast Technical College places you at the forefront of one of the nation’s fastest-growing professions. Healthcare employers across South Dakota are seeking capable, compassionate RNs to meet the rising need for preventive and patient-centered care.

Hospitals, nursing homes, clinics and physicians’ offices are just a few of the many settings where RNs are urgently needed.

If you’re motivated by meaningful work and want a career centered on helping others, Registered Nursing offers a powerful place to make an impact.

Build the Core Skills of a Registered Nurse

As an RN, you are a central decision-maker on the healthcare team. Your daily responsibilities blend clinical expertise, patient education and compassionate communication. In this role, you will:

• Coordinate patient care with physicians and healthcare staff
• Educate patients and families about health conditions and treatment plans
• Offer emotional support during challenging moments
• Treat every patient with dignity, respect and professionalism

These skills not only define your day-to-day work—they shape the way you influence lives and strengthen your community.

Understand the Difference Between an LPN and an RN

While Licensed Practical Nurses and Registered Nurses share many similar tasks, RNs perform more advanced, in-depth clinical duties. LPNs typically work under the supervision of RNs, while RNs are responsible for comprehensive assessment, care planning and clinical decision-making.

Follow a Clear, Supported Path to Becoming a Registered Nurse

If you are already an LPN—or a Southeast Tech LPN graduate with at least 750 hours of documented work experience—you’re well positioned to advance into STC’s Registered Nursing program. Your real-world experience gives you a valuable head start, allowing you to build on the clinical, communication and problem-solving skills you’ve already developed in the field.

Southeast Technical College’s LPN-to-RN track is designed to make the transition seamless. This streamlined pathway helps motivated LPNs move confidently into RN training, expand their scope of practice and increase their long-term career potential.

For students who wish to continue beyond an associate degree, STC also maintains transfer agreements with four-year institutions. These partnerships give graduates a clear pathway to earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), opening the door to leadership roles, specialized practice areas and additional professional advancement.

Gain Career-Ready Advantages at Southeast Tech

Study in an Accredited Program

Southeast Tech’s LPN-to-RN program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Excellence in Nursing, demonstrating our commitment to high-quality, industry-driven education.

Prepare for RN Licensure

Upon graduation, you are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam to earn your Registered Nursing license—a key milestone in launching your professional practice.

Build Outcomes That Matter

From clinical competency to critical thinking, communication and compassionate care, you’ll graduate with the practical skills employers expect in today’s evolving healthcare landscape.

Student Learning Outcomes

Take the Next Step in a Career Where You Can Make a Difference

Southeast Technical College empowers you to grow through hands-on learning, supportive faculty and real-world training that prepares you for what happens beyond the classroom. Registered Nursing is more than a career—it’s an opportunity to guide, comfort and advocate for patients at every stage of life.