What is Direct Admission?
Direct Admission allows applicants to earn a guaranteed placement into the professional nursing program after completing 1 year of pre-requisite courses.

Who is eligible for the Direct Admission Process? 
Any high school senior who is admitted as a first-time, full-time freshman and has declared nursing as a major. 

How many students are accepted as Direct Admits?
The number of students accepted as direct admits varies from year to year and is determined by the number of qualified applicants.

What are the important dates/deadlines I should be aware of?

• December 15 – Application deadline
• Kaplan Admissions Test + Virtual Interview Day
  • Testing times and details to be announced
• February 15 – Decisions sent via email

What is the Kaplan Nursing Admissions Test (KNAT)?
It is a 91-question, online, multiple-choice test that evaluates the basic reading, math, writing, and science skills of students seeking entry into a nursing program leading to licensure as a Registered Nurse.

Meazure Learning is used to proctor the online exam.

Applicants register for the KNAT and will take the exam on their own time within a testing window as communicated by the School of Nursing.

When do applicants take the KNAT?
Specific dates, times and other details/instructions will be shared with the student via email at a later date.

Do all applicants take the KNAT?
Based on the review of initial application materials, the KNAT will be offered to qualified applicants.

Are there resources or study materials to prepare for the Kaplan Nursing Admissions Test?
Applicants may consider purchasing the study guide: Kaplan Nursing School Entrance Exam (available through Amazon or other book retailers)

What is Flip (Virtual Interview)?
Applicants will answer two interview questions using Flip, a video discussion platform where students share video responses to questions.

Flip Day is typically held on a Saturday morning (90 minutes) and allows the admissions committee to get to know the applicants (like a mini-interview). Applicants will log in to the platform Flip to provide a video recording (2 minutes in length) to a few questions. Applicants are encouraged to wear professional dress and to be aware of the space in which they are recording.

What questions will be asked during Flip Day?
Questions will not be available prior to Flip Day. The committee wants to see authentic responses from applicants. There are no right or wrong answers…just be yourself!

When do applicants complete the Flip interview questions?
Specific dates, times and other details/instructions will be shared with the student via email at a later date.

Is there anything that needs to be prepared before the Flip interview?
No. Please treat the experience like any normal interview (be aware of background, professional dress, etc.).

Does Direct Admission to the School of Nursing allow me to complete the nursing program early?
No, accepted applicants are guaranteed a spot in the nursing program starting sophomore year as long as they meet the direct admission progression requirements. It will take students 4-years to complete the program.

If I’m admitted as a direct admit, will there be any requirements to maintain that admission status?
Yes. Requirements will be provided to applicants at the time of the admission offer.

What happens if a student applies to the Direct Admission program but is not accepted?
Due to the number of applicants for Direct Admissions and number of spaces available, not every applicant will be offered Direct Admission. We encourage students to apply for Standard Admission as there is no negative impact for not getting Direct Admission.

I have been Directly Admitted to another nursing program, and am currently enrolled as a freshman at that College/University. Will NDSU accept my direct admission status if I transfer?
No. Eligible applicants are first-time, full-time freshman students.

How do I confirm that my application was received?
You will receive a confirmation statement on your screen when you submit your application. Additionally, an email receipt of submission will be sent to your email address listed on the application.

Do you require applicants to be a Certified Nursing Assistant to apply?
No, applicants do not have to be a CNA to apply.

What costs are associated with the Direct Admission Process?

• KNAT: $50
• Meazure Learning: $29

*Note that these costs are subject change*

**Information about additional costs will be communicated once accepted to the professional nursing program.

What would make my application stand out?

• Authenticity, honesty, and professionalism.
• Be yourself when recording Flip responses – don’t read from a script. The committee wants to get to know you.
• Be honest and have integrity. Do the work. Do not rely on others to help formulate responses to questions or use resources during the KNAT.
• Practice professional communication in all email and in-person interactions with faculty and staff. Take accountability to follow through with all required steps of the application process.