In addition to applying to BSC, the Dakota Nursing Program application must be submitted for an applicant to be considered for the BSC Nursing Program.
Fall 2024 Nursing Application
Program Description
Bismarck State College offers an 11-month LPN program, then students can continue into the Associate Degree RN program, which is 9 months in length. The program is offered through the Dakota Nursing Program, a collaboration between Bismarck State College, Lake Region State College, Williston State College and Dakota College at Bottineau. BSC also offers satellite site programs at the hospitals in the North Dakota communities of Ashley, Harvey, Hazen, Hettinger, and Garrison. The establishment of the program allows individuals in these communities to earn their nursing degrees through non-traditional means, thereby decreasing the need for students to travel away from home to obtain a career in nursing.
Students learn nursing training as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or advanced training as a Registered Nurse (RN). Enrollment is limited with the selection made through a comprehensive and competitive process.
Nursing education is organized as a career ladder. Students are eligible to earn a Certificate in Practical Nursing after the first 11 months of nursing classes. If qualifications are met, including maintaining a minimum required program GPA of 2.75, students may continue and complete the second year, which leads to an Associate in Applied Science degree in nursing (RN). Clinical experiences occur at the local hospitals, nursing homes, and community settings and include Med/Surg, Operating Room, ER, Maternal/Newborn, Pediatrics, Psychiatry and ICU.
Classroom education is delivered from instructors on campus and at distant sites via the Interactive Video Network (IVN). Clinical/lab practice occurs at local sites in nursing homes, hospitals and other community settings. Mobile simulations are also used at each community site.
Preparation
A strong science background is recommended with high school preparation in the biological sciences, especially anatomy and physiology, and mathematics (at least Algebra II).
Program Requirements
Year 1 - Students who successfully complete the curriculum receive a Program Certificate in Practical Nursing. Students may choose to continue into Year 2 and/or apply to take the National Council of State Boards of Nursing PN examination (NCLEX-PN).
Year 2 - Students who successfully complete the curriculum receive an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Nursing and are eligible to take the NCSBN exam (NCLEX-RN).
Those planning to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) should consider the RN to BSN or RN to MSN bridge programs offered in the state. (See the coordinator for details.)
Career Opportunities
Graduates of nursing programs are in high demand in North Dakota and throughout the United States. The Dakota Nursing Program prepares an individual to practice nursing independently, interdependently and safely to individuals in a variety of settings with 100% job placement.
Career Possibilities for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs): Clinics, hospitals, long-term care facilities, and acute care centers.
Career Possibilities for Registered Nurses (RNs): Hospital acute care settings, long-term care facilities, clinics, outpatient offices, health care industry, community and public agencies.
TECHNICAL/LIMITED ENROLLMENT
Delivery Method: On-Campus
Program Begins: Fall Only
For more information contact:
Nursing Program Approval, College Accreditation and Discrimination Statement
BSC's Nursing Programs (Practical Nursing Certificate and Associate Degree in Applied Science in Nursing) have Continued Full Approval through March 2024 by the North Dakota Board of Nursing. The ND Board of Nursing is a US Department of Education recognized state approval agency. https://www.ndbon.org/Education/Academic/Programs.asp
The Dakota Nursing Program consortium Colleges are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Please see the following website for verification and dates for each college: https://www.hlcommission.org/
ACCREDITATION REVIEW VISIT BY THE ACEN
The Associate Degree Nursing Program at Bismarck State College Nursing Program located in Bismarck, North Dakota is accredited by the
Accreditation Commission for Education for 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 associate degree nursing program is continuing accreditation.
View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program at
https://www.acenursing.org/search-programs
BSC Nursing Programs do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, or disability in employment or the provision of services.
*The Nursing Student Handbook is specific to students in the Dakota Nursing Programs, therefore the nursing handbook policies may be more stringent than your College Student Handbook policies.
Licensing/Certification Disclosure
Following graduation from the PN or AD nursing program the student is eligible to take the LPN or RN NCLEX exam. Passing the exam is required for LPN and RN licensure. Under the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) nurses can practice in other NLC states, without having to obtain additional licenses.