BSN Program FAQs

Is the BSN program accredited?

Yes, NDSU’s BSN program is fully accredited by the Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

What requirements are needed for admission?

A minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 in college course work. Actual GPAs of admitted students are generally higher.

Completion of the prerequisite courses with a grade of "C" or higher. Actual grades for prerequisite course of admitted students are generally higher.

Detailed instructions are provided with the online application. Students applying to the professional nursing program must:

• Be admitted to North Dakota State University as a pre-nursing major (for the term of program start).
  • For more information about applying to NDSU, visit NDSU Admissions
• Complete the nursing program application (separate from NDSU application)
• Complete application capacity fee & background check complete after earning entry into the professional nursing program
• Complete personal statement video
• Complete admissions test
• Interview only upon request from the School of Nursing
• Provide any additional items as requested

Please Note: In order to be eligible for spring nursing program admission, the prerequisite courses must be in-progress during the fall semester.

How often are applications accepted for the BSN program?

The Nursing Program online application will be available in mid-February (for fall admission) and mid-August (for spring admission). Application materials must be submitted to the School of Nursing by the application deadlines below:

• Fargo site: April 20 for both fall and spring program start
• Bismarck site: April 20 for fall admission, and October 20 for spring admission

Can the professional nursing program be completed in less than 3 years?

No. The curriculum is designed in a way which allows courses to build on each other, and the courses must be taken in sequence.

When can I apply to the nursing program?

In order to be eligible for fall nursing program admission, the prerequisite courses must be completed by the end of spring semester. In order to be eligible for spring nursing program admission, the prerequisite courses must be in-progress during the fall semester. View Admission page for more information.

If I take prerequisite courses in the summer after applying to the program for fall admission, will they count for the application?

No. All prerequisite courses must be completed or in-progress prior to April 20 in order for the application to be considered.

In order to be eligible for fall nursing program admission, the prerequisite courses must be completed by the end of spring semester. In order to be eligible for spring nursing program admission, the prerequisite courses must be completed by the start of fall semester.

Do courses transferred from another college count for prerequisite courses?

If the transferred course is accepted as equivalent to a prerequisite course at NDSU, it will be accepted. NDSU’s Registration & Records Department determines this by evaluating transcripts from other colleges. You are responsible for submitting official transcripts for all college credits you have received.

Does NDSU offer an Accelerated BSN program (for students who already have a Bachelors degree)?

Yes, there is a second-degree accelerated BSN nursing track

Do I have to be an NDSU student to apply to the nursing program?

No. You must be accepted to NDSU before applying, but prerequisite courses can be completed at another college.

What Chemistry course do I need to take in order to apply to the program?

Completion of a minimum of 11 credits (of the 19 credits required) in the science category is required. Preference will be given to those students who have completed 11 credits (or more). View Admission page for more information.

Will I be able to “specialize” in an area of nursing while in the BSN program?

The NDSU nursing program will prepare you as a generalist. You will be exposed to many areas in nursing. You will be able to “specialize” in a certain area of nursing when you become employed after graduation.

Is the BSN program offered online?

No, the courses in the BSN program are traditional, in classroom courses.

Does being a nurse aide help my chances of getting into the program?

Being a nurse aide does not give a student an advantage in the admission process.

How many prerequisite classes can I retake?

To be admitted to the nursing program, a student may not have repeated any prerequisite course more than once. A maximum of three prerequisite courses may be repeated.

When will I be notified if I am accepted into the program?

You will receive an email typically by mid-June for admission.

What should I do if I do not get accepted into the program?

You are encouraged to speak with an academic advisor in Fargo or Bismarck to consider your options.

NDSU Fargo
ndsu.nursing@ndsu.edu
(701) 231-6115

NDSU Nursing at Sanford Health, Bismarck
ndsu.bisnursing@ndsu.edu
(701) 224-3800

How many times can I apply to the program?

A student can apply a maximum of two calendar years with Fargo having two application cycles and Bismarck having 4 application cycles in two year (SON policy 2.40). There is a limit of three prerequisite courses you are able to retake.