North Dakota MSN Programs

North Dakota State University: RN to MS Program Review
North Dakota State University, 1340 Administration Avenue, Fargo, ND 58102
North Dakota State University serves more than 14,000 students on a campus that is just over 250 acres in Fargo, North Dakota. The full name of the university is North Dakota State University of Agriculture and Applied Sciences, though it is most often referred to as North Dakota State University. The university is based in Fargo, but has additional satellite campuses in other parts of North Dakota.

The nursing department at North Dakota State University offers a Master of Science degree with a nurse educator specialization that is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Admission requirements include a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) earned with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Prerequisite courses for the RN to MS nursing program include research and health assessment. Applicants to the nursing masters program should hold a current and valid nursing license. Three references, two of which must be from coworkers and a personal statement are required. In some cases, applicants to the nursing masters program may be required to complete an interview.

In order to successfully graduate from the NE/MS (Nurse Educator/Master of Science) nursing program, students should maintain a 3.0 GPA throughout the 42 credit program. In some cases, nursing masters students may transfer up to nine credits to the program.

University of North Dakota: RN to MSN Program Review

University of North Dakota

264 Centennial Dr

Grand Forks, ND 58202

The University of North Dakota is a public research university based in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Programs at the university are known for specializing in rural health issues. The university was founded in 1883 and is the oldest university in North Dakota.

The University of North Dakota offers a variety of specialty nursing masters programs that prepare RNs to become an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse. Available nursing master’s tracks at the University of North Dakota include:

Adult-Gerontological Nurse Practitioner

Adult-Gerontological Clinical Nurse Specialist

Advanced Public Health Nurse

Family Nurse Practitioner

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)

Nurse Educator

Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

The Nurse Educator, Advanced Public Health Nurse and NP (Nurse Practitioner) specialties are offered online, though the CRNA and Adult Gerontological Clinical Nurse Specialist programs are campus-based.

Admission to the RN to MSN programs at the University of North Dakota is competitive, and as a result qualified students may not be admitted for lack of space. To apply to the nursing masters programs at the University of North Dakota, students should have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) earned with a 3.0 or higher GPA. The BSN program should be accredited by a nursing body. In addition, applicants should submit letters of reference and have at least one year of experience as a Registered Nurse prior to applying for the nursing masters program.

University of Mary: RN to MSN Program Review

University of Mary
7500 University Dr

Bismarck, ND 58504

The University of Mary is one of the largest degree granting institutions in the state of North Dakota. The university was established in 1955. In addition to the main campus in Bismarck, the university has satellite campus throughout the USA and abroad including in Kansas City, Missouri and Rome, Italy.

The University of Mary offers ADN to MSN and BSN to MSN Nursing programs. Specializations offered in the nursing masters program include Nurse Administrator, Nurse Educator and Family Nurse Practitioner. A joint degree program that offers a Master of Science in Nursing and Master of Business Administration with a focus in Healthcare Administration is an option for nurses aspiring to leadership roles. MSN programs are delivered in a variety of methods, with some programs offered online, on-campus or in a blended format. Some RN to MSN programs are offered in an accelerated plan.

The nursing masters program can be completed in as little as 15 months, though students have up to seven years to complete the program. To apply to the Master of Science in Nursing program, nurses are not required to take the Graduate Record Exam. Applicants should have a 2.75 or above GPA, a BSN degree and a current nursing license. Additional prerequisites or work experience may be required depending on the applicant’s specialization.