Contact Information
Trina Fear, RN program coordinator
Trina.Fear@ndscs.edu
701-671-2698
Mayme Green Allied Health Center 213L
Delivery Methods
Face to Face: Wahpeton; Fargo; Combination
Online: Some Classes
This two-year program is available for individuals who wish to pursue a career in nursing and become a Registered Nurse (RN). The graduate will have an excellent opportunity for immediate employment and/or transfer to a baccalaureate program in nursing.
The course sequence for the program is sequenced to include general education and nursing program courses over four semesters, concluding with the national examination (NCLEX-RN) to receive licensing as a Registered Nurse (RN).
Criminal background checks will be required. A previous conviction may affect clinical rotations and a state board of nursing could deny an application for licensure as a Registered Nurse. If arrested, charged and/or convicted of any felony, the applicant is required to meet with the department chair and/or RN program coordinator. A federal criminal history background check will also be required to test for the NCLEX-RN.
The Registered Nursing program has been granted full approval from the North Dakota Board of Nursing (NDBON), 919 South 7th Street, Suite 504, Bismarck, ND 58504, 701-328-9777, www.ndbon.org and is initially accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta GA 30326, 404-975-5000, www.acenursing.org.
This program requires access to a personal laptop and printer, capable of completing the assignments/testing required by the program, with a current operating system and webcam/microphone. Tablets and Chromebooks are not compatible with online classes/testing.
Equal opportunity policy
The NDSCS Department of Nursing adheres to the NDSCS Equal Opportunity Policy as stated in the NDSCS Catalog (www.NDSCS.edu).
Admission/Selection Requirements*
Applicants will be admitted to the program following a point-based selection process. The following requirements must be met by April 1st or Dec 1st. Applicants that apply after the deadline can complete the selection requirements and be placed on the alternate list. If openings become available the applicant may be selected, based on points, until August 1st / Jan 1st.
1. Complete the NDSCS Application for Admission if the applicant has not attended NDSCS or complete a re-application if the applicant has previously attended or is a past graduate of NDSCS.
2. Applicants without a United States high school transcript (four years), will be required to complete English language proficiency exam(s) and meet the benchmark score(s) prior to continuing the selection process. Contact the program to schedule the assessments if this applies.
3. Complete the Supplemental Program Application for the Registered Nursing-AAS Program.
4. Submit a high school transcript / GED with a 2.25 GPA or higher. If an applicant fails to meet the high school/college GPA of a 2.25, the following requirement applies: they must complete, or be in the process of completing, at least 12 general education credits from the nursing curriculum and achieve a "C" or higher to apply to the program.
5. Submit official ACT and/or placement testing results to Enrollment Services. Results must meet the criteria to enroll in ENGL 110 and MATH 103 the first semester of the program OR submit an official transcript with ENGL 110 and MATH 103 completed with a “C” or higher.
6. Complete a program selection assessment examination and meet the program benchmark score. Exam can be retaken once.
7. Be a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and submit a copy of the certificate. If an applicant is in process (as of April 1 or Dec 1st); they may continue the selection process and be placed on the alternate list (based on points). Once the CNA is complete, and if an opening occurs, they may be accepted up to August 1st.
8. Review Essential Functions for Registered Nursing Students and submit the Essential Functions Verification form.
9. Holistic admission criteria required by the nursing program for selection.
Criteria for Program Selection
The point-based selection process will be determined by meeting all selection requirements, assessment score, select completed college level general education courses within the program plan, overall GPA (high school or GED/college) and holistic admission criteria. It is highly recommended that the applicant checks with the RN program to ensure all admission requirements have been received before the application deadline.
*Program selection process details contact information and forms are in the Registered Nursing-AAS Program Information and Selection Process Booklet available at www.NDSCS.edu/Nursing (click on Program Selection Process) or contact the program at ndscs.nursing@ndscs.edu.
Selection Requirements are subject to revision. Please check with the department or program website under Program Selection Requirements for current information.
For accepted students, specific immunizations, criminal background checks, CPR certification (Basic Life Support (BLS) Provider by American Heart Association (AHA) OR Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers from American Red Cross (ARC) ONLY), and health insurance are required by the program as dictated by the clinical site facilities. Additional requirements could include but not limited to; drug screening/ finger printing, state background checks, and COVID-19 vaccinations dependent on clinical/preceptor site-specific student prerequisites. *All requirements must remain current while in the program and will be at the students’ expense.
Award
Upon successful completion of the required courses (“C” or higher), students will be awarded an Associate in Applied Science (RN) degree; and be eligible for the National Council Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).