Nursing (Registered Nursing LPN to RN)

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
Online: Some Classes

This program is available to Licensed Practical Nurses who wish to continue their nursing education 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 utilizing the transfer (articulation) agreements the program has with select colleges. 

The Registered Nursing courses follow a specific sequence as the student progresses through the program. Required general education courses may be taken at any time during the program but must be completed within three semesters of beginning the program. It is highly recommended that students complete all general education courses prior to enrolling in the RN program courses.

Criminal background checks will be required. A previous conviction may affect clinical rotations and a state board of 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 RN 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 selection process. Classes are dependent on enrollment. The following requirements must be met by April 15. Applicants that apply after the deadline may complete the selection requirements and be placed on a waiting list. If openings become available, they may be selected, based on points, until the first day of class. 

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. Submit an official high school transcript and all official college transcripts to Enrollment Services.
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 ASN Nursing Program.
4. Be a graduate of a Board of Nursing approved Associate in Applied Science or an Associate in Science Practical Nursing Program.
5. Hold an active and unencumbered license as a Practical Nurse (LPN).
6. Applicants who will be graduating from an approved associate degree granting Practical  Nursing Program the semester prior to starting the RN Program can apply with the following provision: Applicants must pass the National Council Licensure Exam for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) with proof of successful completion of the exam submitted to the RN Program no later than July 15.
7. Achieve the benchmark minimum of a “C” in all prerequisite courses required for the Registered Nursing program. A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.25 is required.
8. Submit official ACT and/or placement testing results to Enrollment Services. Results must meet the criteria to enroll in MATH 103 the first semester of the program OR submit an official transcript with MATH 103 completed with a “C” or higher.
9. Complete selection assessment examinations and meet the program benchmarks for both assessments. Refer to *Selection Process Booklet for specific benchmark scores. The program reserves the right to change the assessments.
10. Review Essential Functions for Registered Nursing Students and submit the Essential Functions Verification form.
11. IV Therapy Certification completed and proof sent to program administrative assistant.
12. Holistic admission criteria required by the nursing program for selection.

Criteria for Program Selection

A point based system is utilized based on the following required selection benchmark scores on selection assessment examination, cumulative GPA of last completed semester, PN work experience, RN general education courses completed, and holistic admission criteria. Selection order will be based on the highest total points achieved. 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 located in the Registered Nursing-ASN 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 Science in Nursing (RN) degree; and be eligible for the National Council Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).