North Dakota State College of Science Nursing Program Review

North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) is a two-year college that is part of the North Dakota University System. It was established in 1903, and today offers degrees, certificates, and diplomas in over 80 programs. It is located in Wahpeton, a small city of less than 8,000 residents. This college is different from most community colleges because it provides a university experience for students. There are residence halls, intramural athletics, intercollegiate athletics, and many programs that students may become involved in during their time at North Dakota State College of Science.

Nursing Programs

Practical Nursing

This unique program prepares students for a career as a Practical Nurse with an Associate of Applied Science degree. Most Practical Nursing (PN) programs lead to a diploma rather than to a two-year associate degree. This program at North Dakota State College of Science has be ranked as number one out over 1,000 other practical nursing programs in the U.S. The college has a record of 100 percent of the graduates who took the NCLEX-PN national exam leading to licensure passed it on their first try. Students complete 68 credits over four semesters. Graduates have opportunities for employment at many different healthcare facilities.

Students begin taking nursing courses in the first year of studies. Students also complete liberal arts and science classes that are required for the degree. Admission requirements include a high school diploma with at least a C average and an ACT score of at least 15 or an Aptitude Examination for Practical Nursing with a minimum score. Students must first be accepted into the college and complete at least 12 credits of the nursing curriculum in one semester or 6 credits in a summer semester. A grade of C or higher is required before the student may apply to the Practical Nursing Program.

Bridge to AAS Practical Nursing

This program is designed for licensed practical nurses (LPNs) who have a certificate or diploma who want to further their education. The program leads to an Associate in Applied Science degree in Practical Nursing. Students are usually able to transfer some general education credits from their previous nursing studies. Graduates from the program may apply to transfer into an associate degree program in Registered Nursing or into a bachelor’s degree program in nursing.

Associate in Science in Nursing

This program is offered by the college to LPN graduates who have an AAS in Practical Nursing. Students have the opportunity to complete their Associate in Science in nursing degree. Upon graduation, they take the NCLEX-RN for licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN). Students must complete 72 credits of liberal arts and science courses plus the required nursing courses. Students also complete clinical experience in rotations to a variety of medical settings. Applicants must have an Associate in Applied Science or an Associate in Science Practical Nursing degree and must be currently licensed. They must have a grade average of at least C in these courses. They must also complete the Assessment Technologies Institute assessment exam and attain a satisfactory score. A point system is used to determine which students are accepted into the program, and those with the highest scores on the assessment exam and previous courses taken are admitted to the program.

Contact:
North Dakota State College of Science
800 Sixth Street North,
Wahpeton, ND 58076-0002
(800) 342-4325