North Dakota State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree as a two-phase program consisting of a pre-professional program and a professional program. 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 four-year 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, department and faculty offices are located at the Stop and Go Center. Laboratories and some classes are held at Sudro Hall. At the Bismarck site, department offices, faculty offices and classrooms are located north of Sanford Health. A nursing skills laboratory, assessment laboratory and simulation center are maintained at both sites 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 their specialized 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 Professions. 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 and assistance. 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 program may be completed at NDSU or at another accredited college or university. Transfer students are encouraged to contact a pre-nursing advisor early to discuss course selection and transferability. The professional program, which takes three years to complete, must be taken in sequence and cannot be accelerated due to clinical placements.

Selective Admission

To apply to the professional program, students must be admitted to the University and have completed select prerequisite coursework.

One cohort of students is admitted into the professional nursing program each spring and fall semester. To apply to the professional program, an online application must be submitted by April 20 for both fall and spring start on the Fargo site and April 20th for fall semester and September 20 for spring semester at the Bismarck site. Enrollment to the nursing major is limited.

Eligibility for application requires 1) a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.75* on all college level work, 2) completion of the prerequisite courses with a grade of “C” or higher, 3) eligibility for sophomore standing, and 4) submission of the completed application.

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. The following documents must be on file in the School of Nursing:

1. Admission to NDSU as a pre-nursing major (for the term of program start)
2. Completion of the Nursing Program application
3. Submission of the application fee & background check
4. Submission of a personal statement video
5. Completion of an admissions test and an interview upon request
6. Provide any additional items as requested

The application may be obtained online at www.ndsu.edu/nursing

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.)

• COMM 110 Fundamentals of Public Speaking
• ENGL 120 College Composition II
• PSYC 111 Introduction to Psychology
• SOC 110 Introduction to Sociology or ANTH 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.)

• BIOL 220/220L Human Anatomy and Physiology I/Lab
• BIOL 221/ 221L Human Anatomy and Physiology II/Lab
• BIOC 260 Elements of Biochemistry

• CHEM 117/117L Chemistry Concepts and Applications/Lab
• MICR 202/202L Introductory Microbiology/Lab