DWU Sioux Falls Nursing program offers direct pathway for Southeast Tech LPN graduates

MITCHELL – Dakota Wesleyan University and Southeast Technical College (STC) in Sioux Falls have developed a new set of articulation agreements for enrolled students or graduates of STC’s LPN program who wish to work toward a bachelor’s degree through DWU’s Sioux Falls-based B.S. in Nursing program.

DWU will accept a generous 30 credits for students who earn their LPN licensure through STC. Notably, many universities only grant 17 credits, making the DWU partnership a value-added option for those interested in advancing their nursing education.

Another attractive feature of the DWU program is the hybrid nature of the curriculum. Instruction is based in Sioux Falls where students will spend one day in the classroom and one day at their clinical site each week, with the rest of the program delivered online. Many LPN to B.S. programs are full time and in person, thereby decreasing the ability for students to be employed while attending classes.

STC Vice President of Academic Affairs Benjamin Valdez is happy to be able to offer this option to STC LPNs. “We are pleased to offer yet another option for our LPN graduates. Providing students of all disciplines with various pathways to utilize their education that are both personally and professionally rewarding while fulfilling STC’s workforce-centered mission is a win for everyone.”

Fredel Thomas, DWU Vice President of Admissions and Marketing, agreed that the program will be very attractive to LPNs in the Sioux Falls area. “LPN graduates often need a way to work while they continue their education. DWU’s program offers generous credits through a hybrid model that works with real life. The success of our graduates who pass their NCLEX licensing exam speaks to that.”

DWU is now accepting applications for the program, which begins in August.

Additionally, the two schools engage in several other transfer pathways including Digital Media Production Technology, Law Enforcement Science, Accounting, Business Administration and Marketing. Students with an AAS degree can complete a bachelor’s degree in each of these programs in two years or less. Students interested in learning about the specifics of these programs should contact the DWU Admissions office for a free transcript evaluation.