Practical Nursing

Contact Information 

Jeri Christiansen, Associate Professor/PN Program Coordinator
jeri.christiansen@ndscs.edu 
701-671-2640 
Mayme Green Allied Health Center 213M

Delivery Methods 

Face-to-Face Wahpeton
Face-to-Face Fargo / CIC
Combination

This three-semester program is available for individuals who wish to pursue a career in nursing and become a Practical Nurse (PN). The graduate will have an excellent opportunity for immediate employment and/or transfer to a Registered Nursing program.

The course sequence for the program is sequenced to include general education and nursing program courses over three semesters, concluding with the national examination (NCLEX-PN) to receive licensing as a Practical Nurse (PN).

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 Practical Nurse. If arrested, charged and/or convicted of any felony, the applicant is required to meet with the program director and/or PN program coordinator. A federal criminal history background check will also be required to test for the NCLEX-PN.

The NDSCS Practical 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.      

The NDSCS Practical Nursing Program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30326 (404) 975-5000. The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Registered Nursing program is Continuing Accreditation.

This program requires students to own a personal laptop and printer, capable of completing the assignments and testing required by the program, with a current operating system that includes a webcam and microphone. Tablets and Chromebooks are not compatible with online classes and 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 1^st or November 15^th.  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 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.
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 Diploma Practical Nursing Program.
4. Submit a high school transcript or GED with a 2.0 cumulative GPA or higher. If an applicant fails to meet the high school or GED cumulative GPA of 2.0, then the following requirements apply. Applicants have completed 12 or more credits at a college with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.
5. Anatomy & Physiology (BIOL 220*) and Anatomy & Physiology Lab (BIOL 220L*) must be completed or if in process of completing, student may continue the selection process and be admitted as a conditional acceptance. Once grades are posted and received a “C” or better student would receive full acceptance into the program.
6. Complete a program assessment examination and meet the program benchmark.
7. Be a current Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and submit a copy of the certificate. If an applicant is in process (As of April 1^st or November 15^th) they may continue the selection process and may be accepted conditionally on successful completion of CNA License.
8. Review Essential Functions for Practical Nursing students and submit the Essential Functions Verification form.
9. Holistic admission criteria required by the nursing program for selection.

Criteria for Selection

The point-based selection process will be determined by meeting all selection requirements, assessment score, completed selected college level general education courses within the program plan, overall cumulative GPA (high school/GED or college) and holistic admission criteria. It is highly recommended that the applicant checks with the PN program to ensure all admission requirements have been received before the application deadline.

*Program selection process details, contact information, and forms are in the Practical Nursing Program Information and Selection Process 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 TB screening are required by the program as dictated by the clinical site facilities. Additional requirements could include but are not limited to drug screening, finger printing, state specific background checks, and other vaccinations dependent on clinical or 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 a Diploma (PN) degree; and be eligible for the National Council Licensure Exam for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN).