Nursing

North Dakota State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. The professional program is offered at the NDSU Fargo site and NDSU Nursing at Sanford Health in Bismarck. Graduates are eligible to apply for the national licensing examination (NCLEX) to become a registered nurse (RN). The program is fully accredited by the Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education and approved by the North Dakota Board of Nursing.

The Program

The mission of the School of Nursing is to advance nursing knowledge and develop dynamic nurse leaders who improve the health of all people, emphasizing underserved, rural, and diverse populations. The nursing curriculum prepares professional nurses by providing a sound educational base for practice, graduate study, professional development, and professional and civic responsibility. The nursing program serves as a resource for society through consultation, collaboration, advocacy, and scholarship.

Career Opportunities

Rapid changes in health care and technology require the nursing profession to continually expand its role. Employment forecasts predict an increasing demand for professional nurses. Career opportunities for a nurse with a BSN include positions in hospitals, schools, community agencies, the military, insurance companies, nursing homes, clinics, businesses, and research settings. Graduates are prepared to work in a variety of settings that demand critical thinking, autonomy, collaboration, and accountability. A BSN degree offers an array of career options and opportunities for career advancement.

Extra-Curricular Activities

Numerous active student organizations are available at NDSU, including Student Nurses Association chapters in Bismarck and Fargo. Nursing students are strongly encouraged to participate in campus activities because they provide opportunities for teamwork, leadership, service, and enjoyment.

Scholarships

Information on scholarships for students admitted to the major is available from the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships and the School of Nursing. Information on first year or transfer student scholarships is available from the Office of Admission.

The Faculty and Facilities

The NDSU BSN program is offered at two locations: the NDSU Fargo site and NDSU Nursing at Sanford Health in Bismarck. At the NDSU Fargo site, students will find faculty offices and state-of-the art, hands-on nursing education labs in the six-story Aldevron Tower. Additional classrooms are found in Sudro Hall, connected to Aldevron Tower. In Bismarck, the School of Nursing is conveniently located across the street from Sanford Medical Center. The School houses faculty offices, classrooms, and fully equipped skills and health assessment labs, as well as an advanced simulation center to enhance student learning. The Fargo-Moorhead and Bismarck communities provide a rich source of health care facilities, which are utilized by the nursing program. The faculty members are experts in specialized clinical practice areas and assist students with learning in the classroom, laboratory, and clinical settings.

Advising

The School of Nursing is part of the College of Health and Human Sciences. Pre-nursing advising is available for all students prior to acceptance into the professional program. Each nursing student admitted to the professional program is assigned a nursing faculty advisor who is available for academic guidance, assistance, and career planning. Students are strongly encouraged to seek the assistance of their advisor early in their plan of study and maintain contact on a regular basis.

Transfer

The pre-professional courses may be completed at NDSU or at another regionally accredited college or university. Transfer students are encouraged to contact a pre-nursing advisor early to discuss course selection and transferability. All of the professional nursing classes are completed in sequence and cannot be accelerated due to clinical placements. The pre-licensure professional program takes three years to complete. The LPN-BSN and RN-BSN program both take two years to complete. The Accelerated (Post-Baccalaureate) is just over fourteen months in length.

Admission to the Pre-Licensure Program

Direct Admission

Direct admission is offered to high school seniors who have demonstrated exemplary academic performance. Direct admission is available at both the Bismarck and Fargo sites. Applications are due December 15. If offered direct admission, students will complete the freshman year prerequisite courses. Students must maintain established progression criteria during their first year of coursework. If program criteria are met, students begin the professional nursing program in their second year. Students not admitted through direct admission, or who do not maintain progression requirements, can apply through the standard admission process. Additional information as well as the admission application can be found at https://www.ndsu.edu/nursing/degrees/pre_licensure_bsn_track/direct_admin/.

Standard Admission

The School of Nursing in Bismarck accepts applications and admits students for both fall and spring semesters. On the Fargo site, applications are accepted once per year for students starting the program in both fall and spring. To be eligible for application, students must meet the following requirements: 1) a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.75* on all college level work, and 2) completion of the prerequisite courses with a grade of “C” or higher. The application deadlines and online application are posted on the School of Nursing website (https://www.ndsu.edu/nursing/degrees/pre_licensure_bsn_track/admission/). Admission is competitive and involves a holistic review process. The holistic review considers a student’s life experiences, personal qualities, and attributes, as well as traditional measures such as GPA. Students are encouraged to consult with the pre-nursing advisor at their preferred site prior to the application deadline. *Because of limitations on class size, the typical student admitted to the nursing program has a selective GPA higher than 2.75.

Selected Prerequisite Courses

The selected GPA is calculated based on grades in the following prerequisite courses. (Applicants may have prerequisite courses in progress at the time of application.)

• Communication 110: Fundamentals of Public Speaking
• English 120: College Composition II
• Psychology 111: Introduction to Psychology
• Sociology 110: Introduction to Sociology or Anthropology 111: Introduction to Anthropology

A minimum of 8 credits in the science category (preference will be given to those students who have completed 11 credits or more.)

• Biology 220/220L: Human Anatomy and Physiology I/Lab
• Biology 221/ 221L: Human Anatomy and Physiology II/Lab
• Biochemistry 260: Elements of Biochemistry (An equivalent course is Chem 116: Introduction to Organic and Biochemistry)
• Chemistry 117/117L: Chemistry Concepts and Applications/Lab (An equivalent course is Chem 115/115L: Introductory Chemistry and Lab)
• Microbiology 202/202L: Introductory Microbiology/Lab