For recent high school graduates and seasoned professionals alike, choosing the right career path is a pivotal decision. Southeast Technical College offers more than 65 associate degree, diploma and certificate programs that will get you started on your next adventure. Whether you’re passionate about healthcare, technology, early childhood education, law enforcement or trades, STC provides the hands-on training and industry connections you need to turn your ambitions into a successful career.
Read on to learn how your interests and skills might fit into an academic program and prepare you to thrive in your chosen field.
For the Young at Heart…
If you enjoy being around kids, Southeast Tech’s Early Childhood Specialist program could be a good fit for you. Students develop relevant methods and techniques for working with young children in real-life childcare settings.
The demand for childcare workers in the Sioux Falls region and across the country is through the roof. That’s why the Sioux Falls City Council awarded STC $450,000 to award 20 full ride scholarships for students entering the Early Childhood Specialist program.
“There is a real demand for qualified, credentialled childcare providers in the area, and that is exactly what we are training our students for,” said Loretta Leloux, STC’s instructor for the Early Childhood Specialist program. “The early years are the most crucial to a child’s emotional, physical, cognitive and social development, so our students are learning how to develop curriculum, administrative and assessment skills, and how to work with diverse learners and their families.”
For the Sports Nut
Do you have a love for sports and the outdoors? Consider STC’s Horticulture or Sports Turf Management programs. Because the fields are so closely related, many choose to double major. In addition, graduates go places!
“We have had a number of our graduates employed as interns and full-time employees with professional and semi-professional sports teams, including the Milwaukee Brewers, Atlanta Falcons, Denver Broncos and at Pebble Beach,” said Cory Borgen, instructor in the Sports Turf Management program. “But our graduates can also choose to stay local and manage greenhouses, golf courses and more – the demand for our graduates is high!”
For the Compassionate Problem Solver
If you like science, solving problems and like to help others, you could consider a career in healthcare. At Southeast Tech, not only can you get a nursing credential, but you could also choose a career in many other health fields, including surgical technology, sonography, medical coding, laboratory technician, invasive cardiovascular technology, paramedic science or respiratory therapy.
STC healthcare students learn through hands-on training in true-to-live learning labs. The Healthcare Simulation Center opened in early 2024 and features advanced simulation technology, including high-fidelity simulator manikins, virtual reality systems and interactive learning modules that provide dynamic learning experiences.
For Those who Want to get to Work, Fast
If two years is still too long to wait for a new career, consider a 1-year diploma. STC offers a 1-year option in the following programs: Bookkeeping, Computer Technician, Dental Assisting, Diesel Technology, HVAC/R, Medical Assistant, Medical Coding, Plumbing, Software Support, Welding and, of course, Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) and Registered Nursing (RN).
“Every year, we see a number of students in diploma programs who are either looking to get to work quickly or are simply adding an extra credential to their skill set,” said Nick Schneider, Dean of Curriculum and Instruction for Professional Studies.
