Dickinson State University Nursing School Review
Dickinson State University (DSU) is a public university in Dickinson and is part of the North Dakota University System. It is located in the small city of Dickinson that has a population of around 18,000 residents. The university was founded in 1918 as a normal school, or school to train teachers. The university offers over 75 fields of study and has 10 academic departments. There are also two-year programs offered by the university, with a specialization in teacher education. A graduate program in education has recently been added to the offerings at the university. Several nursing programs are also offered at the university.
Nursing Programs
Associate in Applied Science in Practical Nursing Program
The university offers an Associate in Applied Science Practical Nursing (AASPN) program. Students learn therapeutic nursing interventions and must complete 66 credits to complete the program. When a student is ready for graduation, the NCLEX-PN exam is taken to obtain licensure as a Licensed Practical Nurse. The program is competitive because only 43 students are enrolled each year. Students must complete at least 67 credits to graduate from the program. Students are required to apply to both the university and to the Department of Nursing. A physical plus a criminal background check are required. Applicants must be high school graduates with a grade point average of at least 2.25. A North Dakota University System application must be submitted to Dickinson State University.
Vocational LPNs may apply to complete the second year of the AASPN program if they are interested in completing their associate degree. The candidate must have graduated from an approved PN program with a minimum grade of C in chemistry and other courses. Applicants may take the PN Fundamentals Exam to receive credit for nursing courses that they have taken in their PN studies.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing Completion Program
Dickinson State offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Completion Program for RNs who want to complete their BSN. After the credits from the student’s associate degree have been transferred, most students only need to complete around half of the credits that are needed to earn the bachelor’s degree. Students must have completed core courses in high school that include 4 units of English, 3 units of math such as Algebra I and above, 3 units of science such as biology, chemistry, physics, or physical science, and 3 units of social studies. Candidates without this academic background may be admitted to an associate degree program until they complete these courses. The nursing program is competitive and only 32 students are accepted each year.
Applicants must have a grade point average of at least 2.5 on their previous college level work and must have at least a C in any prerequisite courses taken before being accepted into the nursing program. The BSN completion program requires students to meet all of the general education requirements of a bachelor’s degree. Students then complete advanced nursing courses and complete clinical experience before graduation.
Contact:
Dickinson State University
291 Campus Drive,
Dickinson, ND 58601
(701) 483-2507
Jamestown College Nursing Program Review
Jamestown College (JC) is a small private college located in Jamestown, North Dakota. There are about 1,000 students enrolled in this liberal arts college that was founded by the Presbyterian Church in 1883. Jamestown College is known for its science and nursing programs. The student to faculty ratio is 13 to 1, so students are able to get the extra help that they need. Students live in the on-campus residence halls at Jamestown College.
Nursing Program
Nursing
Jamestown College offers a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). The program prepares students for a career as a professional nurse who is knowledgeable and ready to work in a variety of healthcare facilities. The college has a reputation of placing 100% of its graduates in many different hospitals, clinics, and other places all over the United States, including the famous Mayo Clinic and others. Applicants who are interested in entering the nursing program must first apply to the college and be accepted into Jamestown College. A minimum high school grade point average of 3.25 is required, and the preferred ACT score is 24 or 1100 on the SAT. It is highly recommended that applicants have had biology and chemistry while they were in high school.
Those who are accepted into the program are expected to maintain a grade point average of at least 3.0 on the prerequisite nursing courses that they complete at the college. Once enrolled in the nursing program, students may not get a grade less than C on nursing course. Acceptance into the program is competitive, and the decision of which students are admitted relies primarily on applicants’ grade point averages. When the program is completed, graduates take the NCLEX-RN for their licensure as Registered Nurses (RNs).
RNs and LPNs
RNs and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) may enter the BSN program at Jamestown College. They may take an orientation and transition module or preparation of portfolios to receive credit for the nursing courses that they completed while studying for their nursing careers. Previously earned college credit can also be transferred to meet the general college requirements of the college. Each RN or LPN may take a different amount of time to complete the program since some students will require fewer courses than others, depending on how many credits were transferred into the BSN program. There is also a full-time or part-time option.
All BSN students complete their clinical experience at diverse clinical settings. Some of these are the James River Correctional Center, North Dakota State Hospital, Jamestown Regional Medical Center, Anne Carlsen Center for Children, and Sanford Hospital. There are also international travel opportunities for nursing students who may choose to travel to Chogoria, Kenya during their senior year. This experience counts as clinical experience since students travel to a hospital in the jungle and visit villages to provide nursing care and medicine. Students also have the chance to visit orphanages and schools and to go on a safari while they are there. Another international opportunity for seniors is to Nha Trang, Vietnam and Taipei, Taiwan. Students experience the modern medical facilities in these countries and can experience healthcare and eastern medicine.
Contact:
Jamestown College
6000 College Lane,
Jamestown, ND 58405
(701) 252-3467
Sanford College of Nursing Program Review
Sanford College of Nursing (SCN), previously known as the Medcenter College of Nursing (MOCN), is located in Bismarck, North Dakota. The facility includes classrooms, a computer lab, library, conference rooms, study areas, and four clinical learning labs. Students use the computer lab for computer-assisted instruction programs, for nursing care planning, and as a place to write papers and complete other assignments. The college has learning labs that simulate patient care rooms and equipment that students use for practice purposes. There is also a simulation lab where students practice on “patients” before they move on to treat human patients.
Nursing Program
The nursing program is a four-year program that prepares students for many different entry level positions in hospitals, clinics, doctor’s offices, schools, and other healthcare facilities. Those who are interested in attending the Sanford College of Nursing should complete an application. Applicants are considered individually, and admission is based on scholastic ability and achievement. Potential students must also show that they have maturity and integrity before being admitted to the program. Applicants must first enroll in the general education prerequisite courses before applying to the nursing program. A grade point average of at least 2.5 in this academic work is required. Students must complete all of the prerequisites before enrolling in the junior year of the nursing program.
Students are required to have complete criminal background checks before beginning any clinical experience. Those who have been convicted of felonies and some other crimes are not permitted into the healthcare facility to complete their clinical experience. In addition, students with convictions may not be granted a license to work as a Registered Nurse (RN). For this reason, background checks are required by the college. If an applicant has been convicted of any criminal offence besides a minor traffic offense, admission will probably not be granted. It is important that prospective nursing students realize that even if they meet all of the minimum requirements, it does not guarantee that they will be admitted to the nursing program.
The focus of the nursing program at the Sanford College of Nursing is to prepare students to become leaders in the healthcare systems in which they work. Students receive experience in many different settings while they are students at the college, and the Sanford Medical Center (SMC) is one of the main clinical experience sites for students. They also rotate to a variety of community agencies, schools, and clinics. Students are well-prepared to take the national exam that leads to licensure as a Registered Nurse, the NCLEX-RN.
Also, the college realizes that many students need financial aid to complete their nursing degree. Some of the sources of financial aid are grants, loans, student employment, and scholarships. An outstanding opportunity for students who do not want to pay student loans for years is the Sanford Health Nursing Student Tuition Loan Program. It is available to all good students who meet all of the admission requirements who would like Sanford Health Health Systems to employ them as Registered Nurses. Those graduates who choose to work with Sanford Health Systems (SHS) or any of its affiliates may have their nursing student loan cancelled. If you opt to work elsewhere, you have the option to directly repay the loan amount you borrowed. There are also Federal Work-Study Programs available. In this program, students work in community jobs for minimum wage pay. This money can be used to pay for tuition and college expenses.
Contact:
Sanford College of Nursing
512 N. Seventh Street,
Bismarck, ND 58501
(701) 323-6271
Minot State University Nursing School Review
Minot State University (MSU, MiSU) is located in Minot, a city in north central North Dakota. It is the fourth largest city in the state. The university was founded in 1913 and started as a normal school to train teachers.
Today, it has around 3,400 students who are in 60 undergraduate programs or graduate programs. Minot State is a member of the North Dakota University System that is made up of 11 colleges and universities with doctoral, master, baccalaureate, and community colleges.
Minot State is close to a major air force base and to the Turtle Mountain Region and Garrison Dam/Missouri River area. The university draws most of its students from North Dakota, Montana, and from several Canadian areas. There are also several Native American communities that are located in the area and who can be found at Minot State as faculty members and students.
Nursing Programs
BSN Degree
The Department of Nursing at the university offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. Students are prepared to meet the nursing shortage that is expected to continue to grow greater in upcoming years. Students are prepared to work at many different healthcare facilities, including hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, retirement homes, schools, community agencies, doctors’ offices, and other healthcare settings. During the four years of the program, students take the general education requirements of the university plus nursing core courses. They also complete rotation at a variety of healthcare settings to prepare them for their careers. At the completion of the program, graduates take the NCLEX-RN to become licensed as Registered Nurses (RNs).
Applicants who want to enter the nursing program must first be accepted by Minot State University. Also, all science courses must be completed before students are admitted to the program. Students must have a grade point average of 2.75 and must have earned at least a C in each support course. Support courses require a grade point average of 2.8. Another requirement is that applicants must take the TEAS test and have a satisfactory score on this test. Applicants who were born outside of the U.S. or Canada must complete the TOEFL exam and score a minimum score of 79 or minimum paper based score of 550. Admission to the nursing program is decided through a point system.
RN to BSN Online
The university also offers an RN to BSN program that is completed online. RNs who want to complete their bachelor’s degree in nursing must meet the general education requirements of the university as well as the nursing program requirements. The program is designed to be flexible and to meet the needs of working nurses. Students may complete the program on either a full-time or part-time basis. Once credits from the student’s associate degree are transferred to Minot State, the student must complete the remainder of the 128 credits needed for the BSN. This can be accomplished full-time in a minimum of 15 to 18 months, depending on how many courses a student must complete. RNs can expect to have more job opportunities after completing the program and graduating. Many agencies require RNs with a BSN, including federal agencies, the military, public health agencies, and companies that hire nurses for management positions.
Contact:
Minot State University
500 University Avenue West,
Minot, ND 58707
(800) 777-0750
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
North Dakota State University Nursing School Review
North Dakota State University (NDSU) is a research university that has been rated as one of the top 108 public and private universities in the U.S. The university is part of the North Dakota University System. It is located in Fargo and has around 14,000 students. It began in 1890 as the North Dakota Agricultural College. Today, the university has agricultural research extension centers that cover close to 20,000 acres. There are 102 bachelor’s degree programs, 66 master’s degree programs, and 44 doctoral programs, and 10 graduate certificates offered at the university. The university is more affordable than many others and tuition is around 11 percent less than other colleges and universities in the region.
Nursing Programs
Baccalaureate Degree Pre-Licensure Track
The Baccalaureate Degree Pre-Licensure Track is a traditional four-year bachelor’s degree program that leads to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Graduates qualify to take the NCLEX-RN, the national exam that leads to licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN). The pre-nursing program consists of the first two semesters at the university. It is open to all high school graduates interested in becoming professional nurses. Students must first be admitted to the university. During their first year, students take liberal arts and science courses and do not begin the nursing major until the beginning of the sophomore year. Admission to the program is competitive, and students must have a grade point average of 3.0 in their freshman courses to apply to the program. Most of the students who are admitted have substantially higher grade point averages.
Students applying to the nursing program must have a background check that includes a criminal background check and FBI check. The proper immunizations and vaccines are also required since students may be exposed to blood and body fluids. They must also maintain professional behavior once admitted to the program. Students complete all of the university’s bachelor’s degree requirements plus nursing core courses and electives. Clinical experience is also completed once students are in the nursing program.
LPN-BSN Track
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) who have an associate degree in nursing may apply to enter this program that leads to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). The program is designed to meet the needs of working LPNs and is convenient to fit into their schedule since most of the program is completed online according to the nurse’s schedule. It usually takes six semesters for LPNs to complete the program, including summers. Students are required to take some coursework on campus during the summer semesters. Depending on the amount of credits that may be transferred to the BSN program, students often need to complete some prerequisite courses before entering the program. Applicants take an advanced placement test to determine how many credits they will be allowed to transfer to the BSN program. When the program is completed, graduates take the NCLEX-RN for licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN).
Master’s Degree
Master of Science
This program is designed for RNs who have a BSN. Applicants must apply to the university’s graduate admissions department by submitting an application and an official transcript. Also, the GRE is required and the scores must be sent to the graduate admissions office. A copy of the applicant’s RN unencumbered license must also be submitted, along with a statement of purpose and three professional letters of recommendation. Applicants must have a grade point average of at least 3.0 on their undergraduate studies to qualify for this program. Students must complete the core nursing courses required for the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). In addition, the courses related to the concentration chosen by the student must also be completed. The concentrations are discussed below.
Family Nurse Practitioner/Doctor of Nursing Practice
Nurses with a BSN may enter this MSN program and also complete their Doctor of Nursing Practice. A grade point average of at least 3.0 is required on undergraduate work. Applicants must be licensed RNs with an unencumbered license. In addition, they must complete a Graduate School application and submit three professional references plus a written narrative explaining their professional experience and future nursing goals. The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree requires at least 86 credits to complete. Students must maintain at least a 3.0 grade point average in their coursework. In addition, a dissertation, clinical dissertation, or thesis is required.
Nurse Educator
This MSN program requires a minimum of 39 credits to complete. Students are prepared to teach undergraduate nursing students and to educate staff and patients in a variety of settings. Coursework includes strategies for teaching, curriculum development, and evaluation. A grade point average of 3.0 or higher is required for the courses in the program. Students also complete a practicum of teaching experience.
Doctor of Nursing Practice MS-DNP/FNP
This program is designed for RNs who have completed their MSN and wish to pursue an advanced nursing degree. The program leads to a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) degree. Students are prepared to provide the most advanced nursing care to families and their members of all ages. The DNP program prepares the nurse practitioner for leadership and clinical roles in many different healthcare settings. The program is a distance delivered program that focuses on preparing nurses to serve those who do not receive regular medical treatment. It takes three years of full-time study to complete the program, including summer sessions. The part-time program takes four years to complete including summer sessions.
Contact:
North Dakota State University
1340 Administration Avenue,
Fargo, ND 58102
(701) 231-8011
Presentation College Nursing Program Review
Presentation College (PC) is located in Aberdeen, South Dakota. It is a Catholic private college that was established in 1922. Around 790 students are enrolled at the college. Students of all faiths attend the college that offers bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, and certificate programs. Although many different programs are offered at the college, it is known for its health and medical programs. Nursing is the most popular program at Presentation College, and students who are looking for a small college with a very low student to faculty ratio will want to consider attending this college.
Nursing Programs
Baccalaureate Nursing Program
Presentation College offers a Baccalaureate Nursing Program that leads to a Bachelor of Science Nursing (BSN). Students take all of the required courses for a bachelor’s degree plus specialty nursing courses to prepare them for their career as a nurse. At least 127 credits are necessary for graduation. Graduates are prepared to take the NCLEX-RN that is required for licensure as a Registered Nurse after completing the program. Clinical experience is an important part of the program that prepares RNs to enter the workforce and work directly with patients in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, community agencies, and other healthcare facilities. A BSN prepares students for leadership roles in nursing if they begin working after graduation, or it is the preparation needed to continue studying for a master’s degree in nursing.
BSN Completion Program for RNs (RN to BSN)
Presentation College requires applicants to have a minimum grade point average of 2.0. Also, SAT scores must be at least 860, or an applicant must have an ACT score of at least 18. Applicants with scores below these are sometimes accepted on probation. The college also accepts students who were home schooled or who have completed their GED. The BSN completion program for RNs (Registered Nurse (RN) to Bachelor of Science (BSN) is designed for nurses who have already earned their Associate degree or who have a diploma in nursing. The program can be completed in about half the time that it takes to complete a traditional BSN since credits from the nurse’s previous coursework can usually be transferred to the bachelor’s degree program.
LPN to BSN Completion
The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to BSN Completion program is designed to allow LPNs who are currently licensed to earn their BSN. It takes between four to six semesters to complete the program that is all online. Clinical experience is also at one of the college’s virtual sites. Since students choose when they complete their work, they can keep working as they earn their BSN. At the end of the program, graduates take the NCLEX-RN for licensure as a Registered Nurse.
RN to BSN Completion
RNs can complete their BSN through Presentation College’s online program. All parts of the program are offered online, and clinical experience is completed near the student’s home area. The program takes 16 months to complete and can be done while the student works full-time. Applicants must have current licensure as an RN.
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Presentation College offers a two-year Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program that trains students for entry-level jobs as a Registered Nurse. Students are trained in the technical side of nursing care, but they also take some liberal arts and science courses. At the completion of the nursing courses and clinical experience, graduates take the NCLEX-RN exam to become licensed as Registered Nurses.
Contact:
Presentation College
1500 N. Main Street,
Aberdeen, SD 57401
(800) 437-6060
University of Mary Nursing School Review
The University of Mary (U-Mary) is located in Bismarck, North Dakota. It is a liberal arts private, Catholic university with over 3,000 students enrolled in its programs. Besides the university’s location in Bismarck, it has other locations in North Dakota, Montana, Missouri, Kansas, Arizona, and Rome, Italy. There are 52 undergraduate programs, 8 master’s degree programs, and 1 doctoral degree program.
The college is known for being very affordable for a private university. Students have the opportunity to take an entire semester of studies in Rome at the Rome Campus. The university has a unique guarantee that students will complete their bachelor’s degree in four years or the college will fund your fifth year without cost to the student. The student must keep a minimum grade point average and not fail any classes to qualify for this guarantee.
Nursing Programs
Nursing
The University of Mary offers either a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in nursing. The program prepares students to work in many healthcare facilities such as hospitals, clinics, schools, and other settings, or to continue studies to complete a Master of Science in Nursing. Students complete their clinical experience in public health agencies, nursing homes, community agencies, and other facilities. At the completion of the program, graduates take the NCLEX-RN for licensure as a Registered Nurse. To qualify for admission for the program, candidates must have a grade point average of at least 2.75 or higher, and they must earn at least a C in the prerequisite courses for the nursing program. There is a preadmission exam that must be taken before being admitted to the nursing program and students must have a criminal background check, physical exam, and must have CPR certification.
Nursing – LPN to BS
This program is designed for the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) with either a certificate or associate degree who wants to complete a bachelor’s degree in nursing. The Bachelor of Science (BS) degree with a major in nursing prepares the graduate to take the NCLEX-RN to obtain licensure as a Registered Nurse. Most courses are online so that students do not need to attend classes each day. This allows nurses to continue working. To be admitted to the program, the student must be a currently Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) with a grade point average of 2.75 or higher. Candidates must take the LPN Comprehensive Predictor Exam and earn a satisfactory score. The student who is accepted into the BS program must earn at least 128 credits.
Nursing – RN to BS
The Registered Nurse (RN) to Bachelor of Science (BS) program is for nurses who have an associate’s degree who want to complete their bachelor’s degree. Students in the program work in a cohort format which makes completing projects easier to do. Applicants must have a grade point average of 2.75 on their previous coursework and at least an average of 2.0 in nursing courses. Students are able to continue working during the program and can complete the program in about two years after the credits from their associate’s degree have been transferred to the college.
MSN Family Nurse Practitioner FNP
This Master of Science in Nursing program offers some unique features that are not found at every college or university. The program is partially online and also requires classes at the college. Visits to the college are limited. Clinical experiences are another requirement of this program. A unique feature is that the program can be completed in only 15 to 18 months. Also, the GRE is not required, so nurses do not need to spend time studying for this exam that is usually required for admission to graduate programs. Candidates for the program must be currently licensed RNs with an unencumbered license and a BSN. An undergraduate grade point average of 2.75 or better is also required. Students in the program are prepared to deliver primary care to members of families of all ages. The program requires that students complete 53 semester credits and 900 clinical hours.
MSN Nurse Administrator
This Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program prepares nurses to work as leaders in clinical settings and in other facilities within the community. It is designed for RNs who have previously completed a bachelor’s degree. Courses are offered either on-site or online, and both options are accelerated. Students have the opportunity to complete the program in only 15 to 18 months to earn this MSN degree. Applicants must have an undergraduate grade point average of 2.75 or better. A total of 36 credits are required to complete this program.
Diploma/ADN to MSN: Nurse Administrator
This program is designed for RNs with a diploma or associate degrees who want to add to their credentials as professional nurses. There are two bridge courses in this program that are related to community health and leadership. Prerequisite courses are statistics, chemistry, microbiology, psychology, and English.
MSN Nurse Educator
The University of Mary offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Nurse Educator program. Students in the program learn to teach undergraduate nurses as well as patients and staff in hospitals and other healthcare facilities and in the community. Two accelerated program choices are available, which are to complete the program on site or online. The advantages to this program are that it can be completed in only 15 to 18 months with a MSN degree. Also, students do not need to take the GRE to be admitted to the program. Applicants must have a BSN with an undergraduate grade point average of at least 2.75. This program requires that 41 credits are completed.
Contact:
University of Mary
7500 University Drive,
Bismarck, ND 58504
(800) 288-6279
University of North Dakota Nursing School Review
The University of North Dakota (UND) is located in Grand Forks and was founded in 1883. It is a public university that has over 14,000 students enrolled in a variety of programs. It is the only school that offers law and medicine in the state of North Dakota. The university is known for its School of Aerospace Sciences for training pilots from around the world. The university offers many other programs, including nursing.
Nursing Programs
Traditional 4 Year BSN
The university offers this program for students who want to prepare for a career as a professional nurse. The program leads to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Students take liberal arts and sciences plus prerequisite courses before beginning the nursing program. Applicants must apply to both the university and the College of Nursing. Those who apply must have a grade point average of at least 2.50 on the courses that have been completed at the University of North Dakota. About 56 students are admitted each semester, and students are chosen by using a point system. Those accepted into the program focus on nursing courses and clinical experience at a variety of clinical sites in the area. At the end of the program, students take the NCLEX-RN for licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN). Nurses with a BSN are in demand all over the United States, and the number of professional nurses is expected to increase in the future.
Accelerated BSN
The Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is open only to students who have a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing. Applicants must apply both to the university and to the College of Nursing, and the amount of time required to complete the degree depends on how many credits from the applicant’s previous bachelor’s degree can be transferred to the nursing program. A grade point average of 3.0 in previous college level work is preferred. Admission is competitive since only 16 students are admitted each year. Once a student has met all of the prerequisites by completing required coursework before beginning the nursing program, an accelerated curriculum of nursing courses and clinical experience must be completed. When the program is completed, graduates take the NCLEX-RN to obtain their licenses to practice as a Registered Nurse.
LPN to BSN
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) may earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) by completing this program. Credit is given for some of the nursing courses that they have taken. Students must meet all of the university’s requirements for bachelor’s degree students in addition to the required coursework and clinical experience that the College of Nursing mandates. At the end of the program, students take the NCLEX-RN to become licensed Registered Nurses.
RN to BSN
This Registered Nurse (RN) to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is designed for nurses who have previously earned an associate degree or who have a diploma in nursing. There are 129 credits required for the BSN, and typically students can transfer around 130 credits from their previous nursing studies to the program. There is a full-time program as well as a part-time program for RNs who must continue working while they are in the program. Students who opt for the full-time program can complete it in one year, but this depends on how many credits a student has to transfer to the BSN program.
MS Tracks
The university offers a variety of Master of Science (MS) degrees with specialties in Nurse Anesthesia, Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric and Mental Health, Nursing Education, Gerontological Nursing, and Advanced Public Health Nursing. All students in the MS programs must complete the basic core nursing courses required by this degree in addition to the advanced nursing practice coursework required by the specialty that they choose. Each of these is discussed below.
Master of Science Nurse Anesthesia Track
This program trains RNs with a BSN to take the national exam for certification as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). The program requires 78 credits that are completed in 28 months of full-time study. Applicants must have completed a statistics course, College Algebra or an ACT score of 26 or more. They may also test out of this course on the university math placement test. Applicants must have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 or better and a current license as an RN. Two years or more experience working in a critical care setting is desired, but students with one year’s experience are considered. Applicants are also required to have completed an advanced Biochemistry course. Only 12 students are accepted into this highly competitive program each year.
Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner
This program is online and prepares RNs with a BSN to provide primary care to all family members. Five semesters are required, including one summer session. Students must complete from 59 to 61 credits and 645 clinical hours. At the completion of the program, graduates take the national exam for certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner.
Psychology and Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist or Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
This MS program is offered by the university via online delivery except for one week each year. Students must complete between 61 and 63 credits to earn their MS as a Psychiatric and Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist. Those who want a career as a Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner must earn between 60 and 62 credits. Both programs prepare RNs to specialize in mental health issues, while the Nurse Practitioner prepares RNs to provide primary care for patients with mental health issues. Applicants are expected to have a current license as an RN and to have a grade point average of 3.0 or better in the last two years of undergraduate courses. They must also have completed a statistics course and must have at least one year of experience as an RN.
Master of Science in Nursing – Nurse Education Track
The university offers this MS program for RNs who want a career in nurse education. Students are prepared to teach undergraduate nursing students and to provide staff training and education in a variety of healthcare settings. They also specialize in patient education. A post-master’s certificate is also available to those who have already completed their MS in nursing. The program is offered online for RNs who are working and are unable to take time off to further their education.
Master of Science in Nursing – Gerontological Nursing
This is an online program that prepares RNs with a BSN to work with elderly patients. Students must choose to enter the Gerontological Nurse Practitioner or Gerontological Clinical Nurse Specialist program. Applicants must have a current RN license, have completed a statistics course, and have a minimum grade point average of at least 3.0 for their last two years of undergraduate studies. The program may be completed full-time in 5 semesters or part-time in 8 or 9 semesters.
Master of Science in Nursing – Advanced Public Health Nurse Track
This program prepares RNs with a BSN to work in leadership positions in public health, both in clinical settings and in administration. Applicants are required to have a statistics course completed, a grade point average of at least 3.0 in the last two years of their undergraduate studies, and current licensure. One year’s experience as an RN is preferred.
Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing
This doctoral program is designed for RNs with a MS who want to further their education to prepare for a career in research or college level teaching positions in nursing. There is also an entry point for post-baccalaureate students who are RNs with a BSN who have master’s degrees in other fields. The amount of time required to complete the program depends on the area that the student chooses as a focus.
Contact:
University of North Dakota
2901 University Avenue Stop 8264,
Memorial Union Room 314,
Grand Forks, ND 58202
(800) 225-5863
United Tribes Technical College Nursing Program Review
The United Tribes Technical College (UTTC) is an accredited college through the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. UTTC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, functioned by the following five tribes: the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate, the Spirit Lake Tribe, the Three Affiliated Tribes of Fort Berthold, the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indian, and the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. It is commissioned by the state of North Dakota. The UTTC was originally established for American Indians to receive training and employment placement and since has become affiliated with all nationalities abroad. Native Americans and people of all backgrounds are given the opportunity to be provided with an excellent education in a variety of choices of study.
Associate of Applied Science Degree in Practical Nursing (AASPN)
The United Tribes Technical College’s Practical Nursing Department (PN), requires its interested students to complete its Admission Requirements before a student is considered into the program. Admission requirements include: demonstration of physical capabilities required in the nursing profession; successful completion of BIO 220 and NUR 101; current enrollment or completion of NUR 203, NUR 206, BIO 221, and BIO 203; a GPA of 2.50 or higher; and a criminal background check report may not have any convictions of felonies, any reports on a health care abuse registry, and may not have any convictions of a crime against a minor in order to be accepted into the program. General Education requirements for the AASPN are necessary for admission into the Practical Nursing program as well.
In the first year of entrance, the Introductory Nursing Courses provide students with classroom theory and skill labs to teach the basics of the nursing profession along with the ethical and legal practices of the nursing industry. Courses that teach the different age groups, such as geriatric and children care for example, give the diverse knowledge of patient interaction and responsibilities required. Quality health care delivery to patients and professionalism towards staff and team members are just a few things taught in the introductory courses.
The next semesters enrolled for an AASPN, the student will be given the opportunity to learn in a medical environment as well as the classroom by following faculty around various clinical settings. Learning through hands-on experience, while still under the supervision of highly skilled staff, is what gives UTTC’s students the advantage of becoming confident and accomplished nursing professionals. All staff of the nursing faculty have at least a Master’s Degree in Nursing. A review course for the licensing exam is given towards the end of completing the program. Once the program is completed, students are fully prepared to apply for the national licensure exam (NCLEX-PN) to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).
Graduate students are then ready for the real world upon achievement of the exam. Graduates are employed through facilities such as hospitals, medical clinics, home health, hospice, or nursing home and rehabilitation centers. The UTTC’s AASPN is a nationally accredited program through the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission and is approved by the North Dakota Board of Nursing.
Contact:
United Tribes Technical College
3315 University Drive
Bismarck, ND 58504
(701) 255-3285
