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