
Registered Nurse
Associate Degree Program - 42 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 2023 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 state-of-art Health Simulation 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.
Job Outlook
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.
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 $263 per credit hour, plus applicable fees.
Total Costs Cost and Fee Breakdown
Request Information
Want to know more? Request information about Southeast Tech from the admissions office.
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:

“Choosing STC helped me get to work faster. I also built relationships with my classmates through hands-on activities. We started as strangers and became a family.”

“I always knew I wanted to be in the medical field, and I wanted to be able to get into the field as soon as possible with a hands-on experience as part of my education. Southeast Technical College was the best choice for me because of the direct correlation between what I learned in class and what I do on the job.”

"My experience at Southeast Technical College has been incredibly fulfilling. I have been able to deepen my understanding of students with different backgrounds, and the interactive nature of STC allows students like me to actively participate in hands-on learning. Faculty have played a critical role in creating a positive and supportive environment."

“I chose to attend Southeast Tech because it is a cost-effective way to get my nursing degree at a faster rate, and it also sets me up for financial success in the future.”

"I really like seeing real-life situations in the LPN program. My teachers are there, doing hands-on learning, with me."

“I chose Southeast Technical College for its Invasive Cardiovascular Technology program and because it is close to home. I like STC for its location, small campus size and full-ride scholarship opportunities through Build Dakota.”

Southeast Technical College provided me with a ton of on-the-job experience, and I was ready to go to work in the field when I graduated. I loved having the option to stay in my hometown and still get an education.

"Southeast Tech faculty and programs set you up for nothing but success. You grow close relationships with your instructors who want you to do your best, and push you to do your best."