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Nursing – Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
The priority application window for the 2026 Licensed Practical Nursing full-time (on-campus) program is September 1, 2026 – February 1, 2027.
The priority application window for the 2025 Licensed Practical Nursing part-time (e-degree) program is April 1, 2026 – October 1, 2027.
Applications received after these deadlines may be reviewed for the waitlist.
The Licensed Practical Nursing program at Lake Area Tech prepares you to deliver direct patient care across a range of settings. This is hands-on training built around real clinical situations, where you’re expected to apply knowledge, stay focused, and respond with care and accuracy.
You’ll train to support patients in obstetrics, pediatrics, medical, psychiatric, surgical, and geriatric care. The program builds both technical skill and the ability to work with patients in moments that require attention, communication, and sound judgment.
After completing the program, you may choose to test for LPN licensure and enter the workforce, or continue your education through Lake Area Tech’s Registered Nursing program and prepare for RN licensure without leaving campus.
If you plan to continue your education, tools like Transferology can help you understand how your coursework applies toward a four-year degree and explore your next steps.
Practical Nursing Program Options at Lake Area Tech
- Full-Time On-Campus (11 months, August start)
- Full-Time Hybrid (11 months, August start)
- Part-Time Hybrid (18 months, January start)
Lake Area Tech also offers the program through the Capital City Campus in Pierre, SD, with online coursework and in-person labs and clinicals completed locally.
Clinical & Simulation Lab Locations
- Aberdeen, SD (clinicals)
- Montevideo, MN (clinicals)
- Ortonville, MN (clinicals)
- Pierre, SD (clinicals and simulation labs)
- Watertown, SD (clinicals and simulation labs)
Licensed Practical Nursing Hybrid E-Degree
E-Degree full-time applications are accepted from September 1, 2025 – February 1, 2026 for the fall 2026 program.
E-Degree part-time applications are accepted from April 1, 2025 until October 1, 2025 for the spring 2026 program.
What is a Nursing E-Degree?
The hybrid e-degree combines online coursework with required in-person clinical and simulation experiences. Students complete theory online while gaining hands-on experience through scheduled campus visits.
Preparing for the Program
Because of the pace and expectations of nursing coursework, students are encouraged to complete key prerequisite courses in advance, including anatomy, composition, math, medical terminology, and psychology. Completing these courses strengthens readiness and application competitiveness.
How the Hybrid E-Degree Works
Coursework is delivered online, with clinical and simulation experiences completed in person during scheduled, condensed timeframes to reduce travel demands.
Instructor-monitored clinical hours include:
PN 107 = 30 hours
PN 113 = 22 hours
PN 114 = 76 hours
Additional remote clinical experiences include:
PN 111 = 20 hours
PN 113 = 48 hours
PN 114 = 84 hours
PN 201 = 144 hours
Additional Notes
Applicants with certain felony convictions may not meet eligibility requirements for licensure exams. Students are encouraged to review these requirements prior to applying.
Licensed Practical Nursing Program Learning Outcomes
Practice Effective Communication by:
- Establishing effective communication with the inter-professional teams, fostering open communication, mutual respect, and shared decision-making while achieving quality client care.
Demonstrate Professionalism in Practical Nursing by:
- Meeting ethical and legal requirements of the practical nursing profession.
- Providing safe, culturally competent, patient-centered care while contributing as a team member in the health care delivery system to fulfill the basic needs of patients.
Promote Information Use and Knowledge through Lifelong Learning by:
- Performing skills in a safe, effective manner while using evidence-based practice.
- Utilizing information technology to the fullest capabilities to promote safety and quality care and to guide decision-making.
Accomplish Patient-Centered Outcomes through the Use of Critical Thinking by:
- Applying the nursing process to prioritize client care and enhance critical thinking and problem solving.
Application Process
All steps of the Practical Nursing application process must be completed by the application priority deadline for each of the options below. Applications received on or after the priority deadline will be reviewed for consideration to the wait list. Late applicants are encouraged to complete the required application steps in a timely manner.
On-campus full-time program (at Lake Area Tech and Capital City Campus) applications accepted from September 1, 2025 until February 1, 2026 for fall 2026 program. Transcript deadline is February 1, 2026.
E-Degree part-time applications accepted from April 1, 2025 until October 1, 2025 for the spring 2026 program.
E-Degree full-time applications accepted from September 1, 2025 – February 1, 2026 for fall 2026 program.
1) Complete the ATI-TEAS entrance exam. The exam must be completed by the application deadline. A photo ID must be presented to take the exam. The TEAS can be taken up to three times. Applicants are required to set up an account through the ATI testing website: www.atitesting.com. Applications received after the priority deadline may still test. The cost of the exam must be paid with a credit/debit card at the time of testing. See website for the current cost of the exam. An ATI-TEAS study manual and/or practice assessment are recommended to prepare for the exam and are also available on the testing website.
The entrance exam takes about three hours to complete and has four parts: Math Skills, Reading, Science and English/Language.
2) Submit official high school and college transcripts. Transcripts must have an official school seal. Copies will not be accepted.
3) Verify completed application with the Admission Assistant at 1-800-657-4344 Ext. 290.
Acceptance to the Practical Nursing program will be based on the following criteria:
- ATI-TEAS Nursing School Entrance Exam score
- Most recent preferred GPA score of 2.5 or better
- Completion of pre-requisite/recommended courses
Notification
Applicants will be notified of acceptance or denial by letter. Students accepted into the Practical Nursing program will be asked to make an appointment with the department head of the nursing program. Students will also be required to provide a record of the following for the student file by the beginning of the school year:
- A physical examination within the last 12 months.
- Current immunizations, including MMR, DPT and polio.
- Mantoux test, current within the last year
- Hepatitis B titer showing positive results.
- Tdap (unless Td in the last 2 years)
- Varicella titer
Automatic LPN Acceptance Criteria
Automatic early acceptance into the Practical Nursing program is based on the following criteria:
- ACT score of 24 or better or TEAS composite of 75% or better (only need one of these)
- Most recent GPA of 3.5 or better/GED test score of
- At least 6 credits of completed LPN general education courses
Applicants MUST meet all three criteria to reach automatic acceptance. The applicant does not have to take the TEAS exam if they meet the ACT or Accuplacer testing scores and he or she does not have to wait until the February 1 deadline to know their status.
The following immunizations are not LATC requirements but are required by LATC clinical partners. Proof of these immunizations or religious or medical exemption from the immunization is required to complete the nursing clinical component:
- Influenza vaccination
- COVID vaccination
Criminal background checks are performed on all students before clinical rotations at the student’s expense.
Accreditation
The Licensed Practical Nursing Program at Lake Area Technical College located in Watertown, South Dakota is accredited by the:
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 975-5000
The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Practical Nursing Program is Continuing Accreditation.
View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program here.
South Dakota Board of Nursing
4305 S. Louise Ave. Suite 201
Sioux Falls, SD 57106-3115 Phone: (605) 362-2760 https://www.sdbon.org/
Professional Licensure
Lake Area Technical College’s curriculum for Licensed 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.
Student Achievement Outcome Data
Program Outcomes: Success on National Licensure Exam
The program’s annual licensure examination pass rate will be at least 80% for all first-time test-takers during the same 12-month period. (reported Jan-Dec)
Program Outcomes: Completion
Sixty percent (60%) of the full-time students enrolled to the program will graduate within twelve months.
2020 – 2021: 38/81 or 47%
2021 – 2022: 42/98 or 43%
2022 – 2023: 56/80 or 70%
2023 – 2024: 34/81 or 50%
Sixty percent (60%) of the part-time students enrolled to the program will graduate within two years.
January 2020 – December 2021: 9/21 or 43%
January 2021 – December 2022: 7/19 or 37%
January 2022 – December 2023: 16/25 or 64%
January 2023 – December 2024: 12/24 or 50%
business partners:
resources:
- Practical Nursing Handbook
- Capital City Campus
E-Degree Option
Lake Area Tech offers hybrid E-degree programs for students who need flexibility without sacrificing quality. These programs combine online coursework with required on-campus experiences, giving you the ability to learn on your schedule while still completing hands-on training when it matters.
Is online learning right for you? Learn what it means to be a hybrid learner, how it works and what you can expect.
Nursing – Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) Careers
Below are several careers you could pursue with an Nursing – Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) degree. Visit our job board to see job opportunities in the Nursing – Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) sector.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Graduates of the Licensed Practical Nursing program can pursue careers as Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), providing direct patient care and supporting healthcare teams in a variety of medical settings. In this role, you'll monitor patient health, administer medications, assist with treatments, document patient information, and help individuals and families navigate healthcare needs. It's an excellent career path for individuals who are compassionate, detail-oriented, and passionate about helping others.
Where you might work:
• Hospitals
• Long-term care facilities
• Assisted living communities
• Medical clinics
• Rehabilitation centers
Long-Term Care Nurse
As a Long-Term Care Nurse, you'll provide ongoing care and support for individuals who require extended medical assistance, rehabilitation, or daily health monitoring. Graduates can expect to build meaningful relationships with patients while helping manage medications, treatments, and overall wellness. This role combines clinical nursing skills with compassionate, patient-centered care.
Where you might work:
• Skilled nursing facilities
• Long-term care centers
• Assisted living communities
• Rehabilitation facilities
• Memory care centers
Every class, every semester. Find the right pathway to achieve your degree on your timing.
Getting all of this straight can be tough – but you're not alone. Our representatives are here to help.
"I chose Lake Area Tech because it had the leading Cosmetology program and instructors in South Dakota."
Estimated Cost
At Lake Area Tech, there are no surprises. View expected expenses below, so you can plan ahead for a successful year.
| Tuition | $6,097 |
| State Fees | $2,048 |
| Departmental Fee | $3,582 |
| Campus Support Fee | $1,411 |
| Course Fees | $1,015 |
| Tools / Kit | $200 |
| Books | $850 |
| Laptop (What laptop should I get?) | $1,190 |
| Uniforms | $150 |
| Total Estimated Program Cost: | $16,543 |
We know that college is a large financial undertaking, and our main priority is that there are no surprises as you navigate this journey. Our goal is to offer you the most transparent look at potential costs associated with your degree.
Note that other indirect costs, such as housing, food, transportation, personal and other miscellaneous costs will vary for each student’s situation, and are not included in this estimate.
We strive to offer a variety of financial aid options, as well as helpful resources regarding outside financial aid options.
| Tuition | $6,097 |
| State Fees | $2,048 |
| Departmental Fee | $4,212 |
| Campus Support Fee | $1,411 |
| Course Fees | $1,015 |
| Tools / Kit | $200 |
| Books | $850 |
| Laptop (What laptop should I get?) | $1,190 |
| Uniforms | $150 |
| Total Estimated Program Cost: | $17,173 |
We know that college is a large financial undertaking, and our main priority is that there are no surprises as you navigate this journey. Our goal is to offer you the most transparent look at potential costs associated with your degree.
Note that other indirect costs, such as housing, food, transportation, personal and other miscellaneous costs will vary for each student’s situation, and are not included in this estimate.
We strive to offer a variety of financial aid options, as well as helpful resources regarding outside financial aid options.
| Tuition | $6,097 |
| State Fees | $2,048 |
| Departmental Fee | $3,822 |
| Campus Support Fee | $1,411 |
| Course Fees | $1,015 |
| Tools | $200 |
| Books | $850 |
| Uniforms | $150 |
| Laptop (What laptop should I get?) | $1,190 |
| Total Estimated Program Cost: | $16,783 |
We know that college is a large financial undertaking, and our main priority is that there are no surprises as you navigate this journey. Our goal is to offer you the most transparent look at potential costs associated with your degree.
Note that other indirect costs, such as housing, food, transportation, personal and other miscellaneous costs will vary for each student’s situation, and are not included in this estimate.
We strive to offer a variety of financial aid options, as well as helpful resources regarding outside financial aid options.
Nursing – Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) FAQs
Get the details you need to decide if this program is the right fit for you.
Why choose an LPN e-degree?
Lake Area Tech E-Degrees are “hybrid” education – an innovative blend of distance and on-campus learning. With hybrid education, you get maximum time/location flexibility and crucial clinical experience.
What’s the difference between a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and a Registered Nurse (RN)?
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) provide essential patient care under the supervision of Registered Nurses (RNs) or physicians. Registered Nurses have broader responsibilities, including care planning, leadership roles, and access to specialized and advanced practice career paths. Both play critical roles on the healthcare team, but RNs typically have expanded scope of practice and career advancement options.
What does Lake Area Tech’s Practical Nursing program include, and what skills will I learn?
Lake Area Tech’s Practical Nursing program combines classroom instruction, hands-on skills labs, simulation, and clinical experiences in multiple healthcare settings. Students develop core nursing skills such as patient assessment, medication administration, injections, IV insertion and removal, Foley catheter care, NG tube insertion and removal, tracheostomy care, and suctioning. The program is designed to prepare students for safe, effective patient care in real-world environments.
How long does it take to complete the LPN program at Lake Area Tech?
Students can complete the Practical Nursing program in 11 months through the full-time option or 18 months through the part-time hybrid option, providing flexibility for different schedules and life commitments.
How long does the LPN e-degree take?
11 months (full-time) or 18 months (part-time).
What are the admission requirements for the Licensed Practical Nursing program?
Admission requirements include a minimum 2.5 GPA, completion of the ATI TEAS entrance exam, and submission of official high school and college transcripts. These requirements ensure students are academically prepared for the rigor of nursing education.
Does this program offer hands-on clinical experience for nursing students?
Yes. All clinical experiences are hands-on and supervised by licensed nurses and LATC nursing faculty. Students gain real-world experience caring for patients in a variety of healthcare settings before graduation.
What types of nursing jobs can I get after completing the LPN program?
Graduates are prepared for LPN roles in clinics, hospitals (inpatient and outpatient), long-term care facilities, assisted living centers, in-home healthcare, and other healthcare environments.
Is the practical nursing program accredited, and will it prepare me for the NCLEX- PN exam?
Yes. The Practical Nursing program is accredited by ACEN (Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing) and consistently achieves NCLEX-PN pass rates above 95% for first-time test takers, demonstrating strong student outcomes and program quality.
What makes Lake Area Tech’s nursing program different from other LPN programs?
LATC’s program offers extensive hands-on clinical experiences across diverse healthcare settings, flexible on-campus and hybrid learning options, and clinical sites located throughout South Dakota. Instructors focus on personalized instruction, building strong relationships with students to support success from enrollment to licensure.
Can I transfer my LPN credits later to advance into an RN program?
Yes. Students with an unencumbered Practical Nursing license can apply to the RN program and are not required to repeat PN coursework, allowing for a seamless transition and faster career advancement.
How do I know if becoming a licensed practical nurse is the right career for me?
If you want a fast entry into healthcare, enjoy working with people, and value compassion, communication, flexibility, and job stability, becoming an LPN is an excellent career choice.
Nursing – Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) Staff
Field-tested. Student-ready. Our esteemed staff is prepared to walk with you through every step of your collegiate career.
