Registered Nursing
The application window for the 2025 Registered Nursing program is September 1, 2024 – March 1, 2025.
The Professional Registered Nursing Program at Lake Area Tech is an Associate of Applied Science Degree Program. The AAS Nursing Program prepares students who are Licensed Practical Nurses to complete a program of study in professional nursing that incorporates theory, clinical, lab, and simulation experiences. The program lasts 11 months over three semesters that builds off of the student’s LPN degree. The RN program is available both on-campus and hybrid/online (a blend of on-campus and online training). The program is full-time, beginning each fall. Upon completion of this program, graduates are eligible to take the NLCEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses). Graduates of this program may apply to another college or a university to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in nursing after completing their AAS degree and becoming a registered nurse.
The Registered Nursing program will accept a limited number of students in the fall of each year. Individuals interested in the program need to have a current unencumbered LPN license.
Just six months after graduation, Registered Nursing graduates are making competitive wages at an average of $39.19 per hour!
Admission Criteria
Acceptance to the Registered Nursing program will be based on the following criteria:
- ATI Comprehensive Predictor NCLEX-PN Score
- GPA – most recent of 2.75 or better preferred
- Number of completed of general education courses (Math 103 or Math 114 is a pre-requisite)
- Personal “enlightenment” letter
- Letter of reference
Applicants will be notified of acceptance or denial by letter. Additionally some applicants will be asked to participate in the RN interview process. A complete list of Acceptance Criteria is available by clicking the button below. An Application Process button is also below outlining the steps that need to be completed as well as the RN brochure.
Please note: if a prospective student has been convicted of a felony, he/she could possibly not meet the qualifications to write the licensing exam.
Early Acceptance
Early acceptance (a year in advance) is possible. Please review the following bullet points. This is not an automatic acceptance, applicants’ files will be reviewed as they are submitted.
- The early acceptance status is granted based on the applicant’s GPA and the need to complete generals (must have at least three general education courses to complete)
- The applicant may use the acceptance status a year before the RN program begins to complete those generals
- The applicant must successfully complete all attempted generals to keep acceptance status
- We will fill up to 12 early admitted students in each cohort
Accreditation
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) – Fully Accredited, January 2020
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 975-5000 https://www.acenursing.org/
View the list of accredited ACEN programs: http://www.acenursing.com/accreditedprograms/programsearch.asp
South Dakota Board of Nursing
4305 S. Louise Ave. Suite 201
Sioux Falls, SD 57106-3115 Phone: (605) 362-2760
South Dakota Board of Nursing Approval – Initial approval established 2/8/18. Full approval achieved 2/11/2021.
state.sd.us/doh/nursing
Professional Licensure
Lake Area Technical College’s curriculum for Practical Nursing meets the educational requirements for professional licensure in South Dakota and other states. Professional licensure and certification requirements often vary from state to state. Prospective or current students considering an academic program that leads to a professional license or certification are strongly encouraged to seek guidance from the appropriate licensing agency in the state you plan to work before beginning an affiliated academic program. Read more here and/or view the states in which Lake Area Tech meets professional licensure requirements: Professional Licensure Disclosures.
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