WATERTOWN, S.D.(KXLG)- RegisteredNursing.org, a leading resource for the nursing industry, has listed Lake Area Technical College’s Registered Nursing program as one of the top programs in South Dakota.
In its annual assessment of nursing programs, the organization listed Augustana University as number one in South Dakota, followed closely by Lake Area Technical College. The University of South Dakota was third, followed by South Dakota State University and the University of Sioux Falls.
RegesteredNurses.org has published rankings since 2016. The organization is based in Carlsbad, Calif.
Head of LATC’s Nursing Program, Amber Schleusner, told KXLG News that the school takes pride in providing quality education for new nurses.
A Registered Nursing degree from LATC offers graduates a high starting salary.
That works out to more than $76,000 per year. And with Build Dakota Scholarships, students can enter the workforce without educational debt.
Lake Area Tech’s Professional Registered Nursing Program offers an Associate of Applied Science Degree that incorporates theory, clinical, lab, and simulation experiences. The program lasts 11 months over three semesters and builds on the student’s LPN degree. The RN program is available both on-campus and online.
The program is popular with students. Each year, there is a waiting list for class openings. There are currently 56 RN students enrolled, some pursuing their degree online.
Schleusner has taught nursing at LATC for 13 years and has been the department head for the past three years.
SOUTH DAKOTA RN PROGRAM RANKINGS
- Augustana University – Score: 96.64
- Lake Area Technical College – Score: 95.98
- University of South Dakota – Score: 92.72
- South Dakota State University – Score: 91.18
- University of Sioux Falls – Score: 89.33