Nursing

This is an archived copy of the 2023-24 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.ndsu.edu.

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

  1. Completion of the NLN NACE (RN-BSN) Exams are required prior to applying to the professional program.
  2. 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).
  3. Completed Application, which is sent to students after passing the NACE exams. Application deadline: Oct. 15th.
  4. Professional Nursing Program Requirements
    1. NLN NACE exams must be completed with passing score prior to applying to the professional program.
    2. Graduate with a Diploma or Certificate in Nursing or an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing.
    3. Cumulative GPA of a 2.75 or greater and a Nursing GPA of 3.0 or greater.
    4. 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
  5. 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

  1. Admission to NDSU.
  2. Completion of an associate of science in nursing or an associate of applied science in nursing.
  3. Current unencumbered nurse license (RN).
  4. Cumulative GPA of 2.75.
  5. Transcripts from all post-secondary schools attended.
  6. Completed School of Nursing application including personal statement and background check.
  7. 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
FallCreditsSpringCredits
ENGL 1103ENGL 1203
CHEM 1173BIOC 2604
CHEM 117L1COMM 1103
SOC 110 or ANTH 1113PSYC 1113
PHIL 2573MICR 2022
NURS 1501MICR 202L1
 14 16
Sophomore
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BIOL 2203BIOL 2213
BIOL 220L1BIOL 221L1
PSYC 2503HNES 2503
NURS 3013NURS 3212
NURS 3062NURS 3222
Cultural Diveristy (D) Elective 3NURS 3604
 15 15
Junior
FallCreditsSpringCredits
ENGL 3253NURS 3524
NURS 3413NURS 3624
NURS 3425NURS 3821
NURS 3004CHP 4003
 Global Persepective (G) 3
 15 15
Senior
FallCreditsSpringCredits
NURS 4024NURS 4044
NURS 4035NURS 4064
NURS 4102NURS 4504
NURS 4603Humanities & Fine Arts (A) 3
Humanities & Fine Arts (A)3 
 17 15
Total Credits: 122

Pre-Licensure Spring Start Professional Program

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
ENGL 1103ENGL 1203
NURS 1501COMM 1103
CHEM 1173MICR 2022
CHEM 117L1MICR 202L1
SOC 110 or ANTH 1113PSYC 1113
PHIL 2573BIOC 2604
 14 16
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BIOL 2203NURS 3013
BIOL 220L1NURS 3062
PSYC 2503BIOL 2213
Elective 3BIOL 221L1
Cultural Diversity (D)3HNES 2503
 Humanities & Fine Arts (A)3
 13 15
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
NURS 3212ENGL 3253
NURS 3222NURS 3413
NURS 3604NURS 3425
Humanities & Fine Arts (A)3NURS 3004
Global Perspective (G)3 
 14 15
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
NURS 3524NURS 4024
NURS 3624NURS 4035
NURS 3821NURS 4102
CHP 4003NURS 4603
 12 14
Fifth Year
FallCredits 
NURS 4044 
NURS 4064 
NURS 4504 
 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
FallCreditsSpringCredits 
BIOL 2203BIOL 2213 
BIOL 220L1BIOL 221L1 
PSYC 2503SOC 1103 
Humanities/Fine Arts & Global Perspectives3Humanities/Fine Arts & Cultural Diversity3 
 10 10
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
CHEM 1173NURS 3053NURS 4064
CHEM 117L1NURS 3604ENGL 3253
MICR 2022BIOC 2604NURS 4203
MICR 202L1  
 7 11 10
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
NURS 3722NURS 4073NURS 407L3
NURS 3742NURS 4603CHP 4003
NURS 4052 HNES 2503
PSYC 1113  
 9 6 9
Fifth Year
FallCredits  
NURS 4504  
 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
FallCreditsSpringCredits
NURS 3261NURS 3461
NURS 3563NURS 3663
NURS 4203NURS 3863
 7 7
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
NURS 4261NURS 4561
NURS 4463NURS 4623
NURS 446L1NURS 462L1
ENGL 3253NURS 4783
 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
FallCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
NURS 3004NURS 3425NURS 4024
NURS 3033NURS 3524NURS 4064
NURS 3234NURS 3624NURS 4302
NURS 3604NURS 4634 
NURS 4203  
 18 17 10
Second Year
FallCredits  
NURS 4504  
 4
Total Credits: 49