Nursing
Advancing to a BSN from an LPN or RN
NDSU offers two tracks for nurses who are licensed as either a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or a registered nurse (RN).
The NDSU School of Nursing offers individual, personalized advising to all students prior to and once accepted in the professional programs. NDSU accepts courses from Regional Accredited Colleges and Universities.
LPN to BSN
The LPN to BSN program is designed for a licensed practical nurse (LPN) seeking to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Graduates are then eligible to apply for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to become a Registered Nurse (RN). Coursework in the professional program is completed on a part-time basis (approx. 6 nursing credits a semester) over the length of two years (including summers). Courses are delivered online with clinical work completed in a variety of Fargo locations during the summer semesters. The curriculum builds on students' prior knowledge to develop critical thinking, theoretical knowledge, leadership, and growth in the RN professional role.
Admission Requirements for LPN-BSN
- Completion of the NLN NACE (RN-BSN) Exams are required prior to applying to the professional program.
- Admission to NDSU (it is recommended the application be submitted by Sept. 1st for spring start). Note: Admission to NDSU is not required to complete the validation exams (NACE exams).
- Completed Application, which is sent to students after passing the NACE exams. Application deadline: Oct. 15th.
- Professional Nursing Program Requirements
- NLN NACE exams must be completed with passing score prior to applying to the professional program.
- Graduate with a Diploma or Certificate in Nursing or an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing.
- Cumulative GPA of a 2.75 or greater and a Nursing GPA of 3.0 or greater.
- The completion of the following courses with a "C" or higher:
- Biology 220/2201 & 221/2211: Anatomy and Physiology I and II with lab
- Microbiology 202/202L: Introduction to Microbiology
- English 120: College Composition II
- Communications 110: Fundamentals of Public Speaking
- Psychology 250: Developmental Psychology
- Sociology 110: Introduction to Sociology
- Current unencumbered nursing license as a Licensed Practical Nurse or must be able to obtain license by May and will be admitted on probation pending licensure.
RN TO BSN
The RN to BSN program is designed for registered nurses who want to advance to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The two-year one hundred percent online program is geared for part-time students. Coursework focuses on the current health care system/environment, quality and safety, evidence-based practice, population-focused nursing, leadership and chronic health issues. The program is intended to educate nurses to practice with a transformed perspective, having a better understanding of themselves and the complex environment in which nurse’s work.
Admission Requirements for RN-BSN
- Admission to NDSU.
- Completion of an associate of science in nursing or an associate of applied science in nursing.
- Current unencumbered nurse license (RN).
- Cumulative GPA of 2.75.
- Transcripts from all post-secondary schools attended.
- Completed School of Nursing application including personal statement and background check.
- Interview upon request.
Demonstrated Competency Credits for RN-BSN
- 18 demonstrated competency credits will be awarded upon completion of the first semester to students who have earned an Associates of Applied Science Degree.
- 25 demonstrated competency credits will be awarded upon completion of the first semester to students who have earned an Associates of Science Degree.
Sample Program Guide
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: A Sample Program Guide provides an unofficial guide of program requirements and should be used by prospective students who are considering attending NDSU in the future. It is NOT an official curriculum and should NOT be used by current NDSU students for official degree planning purposes. Note that the official curriculum used by current NDSU students can vary from the Sample Program Guide due to a variety of factors such as, but not limited to, start year, education goals, transfer credit, and course availability.
To ensure proper program completion, enrolled students should utilize Degree Map and Schedule Planner in Campus Connection and consult regularly with their academic advisor to ensure requirements are being met.
Plan of Study: Pre-Licensure Fall Start Professional Program
Freshman | |||
---|---|---|---|
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
ENGL 110 | 3 | ENGL 120 | 3 |
CHEM 117 | 3 | BIOC 260 | 4 |
CHEM 117L | 1 | COMM 110 | 3 |
SOC 110 or ANTH 111 | 3 | PSYC 111 | 3 |
PHIL 257 | 3 | MICR 202 | 2 |
NURS 150 | 1 | MICR 202L | 1 |
14 | 16 | ||
Sophomore | |||
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
BIOL 220 | 3 | BIOL 221 | 3 |
BIOL 220L | 1 | BIOL 221L | 1 |
PSYC 250 | 3 | HNES 250 | 3 |
NURS 301 | 3 | NURS 321 | 2 |
NURS 306 | 2 | NURS 322 | 2 |
Cultural Diveristy (D) Elective | 3 | NURS 360 | 4 |
15 | 15 | ||
Junior | |||
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
ENGL 325 | 3 | NURS 352 | 4 |
NURS 341 | 3 | NURS 362 | 4 |
NURS 342 | 5 | NURS 382 | 1 |
NURS 300 | 4 | CHP 400 | 3 |
Global Persepective (G) | 3 | ||
15 | 15 | ||
Senior | |||
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
NURS 402 | 4 | NURS 404 | 4 |
NURS 403 | 5 | NURS 406 | 4 |
NURS 410 | 2 | NURS 450 | 4 |
NURS 460 | 3 | Humanities & Fine Arts (A) | 3 |
Humanities & Fine Arts (A) | 3 | ||
17 | 15 | ||
Total Credits: 122 |
Pre-Licensure Spring Start Professional Program
First Year | |||
---|---|---|---|
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
ENGL 110 | 3 | ENGL 120 | 3 |
NURS 150 | 1 | COMM 110 | 3 |
CHEM 117 | 3 | MICR 202 | 2 |
CHEM 117L | 1 | MICR 202L | 1 |
SOC 110 or ANTH 111 | 3 | PSYC 111 | 3 |
PHIL 257 | 3 | BIOC 260 | 4 |
14 | 16 | ||
Second Year | |||
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
BIOL 220 | 3 | NURS 301 | 3 |
BIOL 220L | 1 | NURS 306 | 2 |
PSYC 250 | 3 | BIOL 221 | 3 |
Elective | 3 | BIOL 221L | 1 |
Cultural Diversity (D) | 3 | HNES 250 | 3 |
Humanities & Fine Arts (A) | 3 | ||
13 | 15 | ||
Third Year | |||
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
NURS 321 | 2 | ENGL 325 | 3 |
NURS 322 | 2 | NURS 341 | 3 |
NURS 360 | 4 | NURS 342 | 5 |
Humanities & Fine Arts (A) | 3 | NURS 300 | 4 |
Global Perspective (G) | 3 | ||
14 | 15 | ||
Fourth Year | |||
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
NURS 352 | 4 | NURS 402 | 4 |
NURS 362 | 4 | NURS 403 | 5 |
NURS 382 | 1 | NURS 410 | 2 |
CHP 400 | 3 | NURS 460 | 3 |
12 | 14 | ||
Fifth Year | |||
Fall | Credits | ||
NURS 404 | 4 | ||
NURS 406 | 4 | ||
NURS 450 | 4 | ||
12 | |||
Total Credits: 125 |
Sample Program Guide
LPN to BSN Program
- PN Program Transfer Credits = 40-60 credits
- Total Credits for a degree must = 120
- Nursing Validation (17 credits): NURS 362 Family Nursing II, NURS 352 Family Nursing I, NURS 402 Mental Health Nursing, NURS 403 Adult Health Nursing II
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: A Sample Program Guide provides an unofficial guide of program requirements and should be used by prospective students who are considering attending NDSU in the future. It is NOT an official curriculum and should NOT be used by current NDSU students for official degree planning purposes. Note that the official curriculum used by current NDSU students can vary from the Sample Program Guide due to a variety of factors such as, but not limited to, start year, education goals, transfer credit, and course availability.
To ensure proper program completion, enrolled students should utilize Degree Map and Schedule Planner in Campus Connection and consult regularly with their academic advisor to ensure requirements are being met.
Second Year | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | ||
BIOL 220 | 3 | BIOL 221 | 3 | ||
BIOL 220L | 1 | BIOL 221L | 1 | ||
PSYC 250 | 3 | SOC 110 | 3 | ||
Humanities/Fine Arts & Global Perspectives | 3 | Humanities/Fine Arts & Cultural Diversity | 3 | ||
10 | 10 | ||||
Third Year | |||||
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | Summer | Credits |
CHEM 117 | 3 | NURS 305 | 3 | NURS 406 | 4 |
CHEM 117L | 1 | NURS 360 | 4 | ENGL 325 | 3 |
MICR 202 | 2 | BIOC 260 | 4 | NURS 420 | 3 |
MICR 202L | 1 | ||||
7 | 11 | 10 | |||
Fourth Year | |||||
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | Summer | Credits |
NURS 372 | 2 | NURS 407 | 3 | NURS 407L | 3 |
NURS 374 | 2 | NURS 460 | 3 | CHP 400 | 3 |
NURS 405 | 2 | HNES 250 | 3 | ||
PSYC 111 | 3 | ||||
9 | 6 | 9 | |||
Fifth Year | |||||
Fall | Credits | ||||
NURS 450 | 4 | ||||
4 | |||||
Total Credits: 76 |
Sample Program Guide
RN to BSN Program
- Total Credits for a degree = 120
- RN Program Transfer Credits = approximately 60 credits
- 60 credits toward degree must be earned from a four-year degree granting institution
- Competency credits will count toward this requirement
- Demonstrated Competency Credits = 18 with an earned Associates of Applied Science OR 25 with an Associate of Science
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: A Sample Program Guide provides an unofficial guide of program requirements and should be used by prospective students who are considering attending NDSU in the future. It is NOT an official curriculum and should NOT be used by current NDSU students for official degree planning purposes. Note that the official curriculum used by current NDSU students can vary from the Sample Program Guide due to a variety of factors such as, but not limited to, start year, education goals, transfer credit, and course availability.
To ensure proper program completion, enrolled students should utilize Degree Map and Schedule Planner in Campus Connection and consult regularly with their academic advisor to ensure requirements are being met.
First Year | |||
---|---|---|---|
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
NURS 326 | 1 | NURS 346 | 1 |
NURS 356 | 3 | NURS 366 | 3 |
NURS 420 | 3 | NURS 386 | 3 |
7 | 7 | ||
Second Year | |||
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
NURS 426 | 1 | NURS 456 | 1 |
NURS 446 | 3 | NURS 462 | 3 |
NURS 446L | 1 | NURS 462L | 1 |
ENGL 325 | 3 | NURS 478 | 3 |
8 | 8 | ||
Total Credits: 30 |
Sample Program Guide
This program is for those who have completed a non-nursing bachelor's degree or have completed a graduate degree.
First Year | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | Summer | Credits |
NURS 300 | 4 | NURS 342 | 5 | NURS 402 | 4 |
NURS 303 | 3 | NURS 352 | 4 | NURS 406 | 4 |
NURS 323 | 4 | NURS 362 | 4 | NURS 430 | 2 |
NURS 360 | 4 | NURS 463 | 4 | ||
NURS 420 | 3 | ||||
18 | 17 | 10 | |||
Second Year | |||||
Fall | Credits | ||||
NURS 450 | 4 | ||||
4 | |||||
Total Credits: 49 |