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Department of Nursing

B.S.N. Degree Online for the Registered Nurse

Welcome
The Minot State University RN to BSN online nursing program is for the registered nurse (RN) who wishes to pursue a baccalaureate degree in nursing. A total of 128 credits are needed to complete the BSN. These credits meet both Minot State University and the Department of Nursing requirements.

The RN to BSN program is available in a flexible and convenient online format, with one designated clinical course. Clinical experiences are arranged to be completed in your local area under the direction of qualified faculty.

Minot State University’s RN to BSN online program is available for part time or full time students. Full time enrollment generally allows the RN to complete the curriculum in a minimum of 15 - 18 months. The time needed to complete the program is determined by how much of the required course work is completed at the time of admission.

The RN to BSN online program builds upon prior learning and experiences. Each course is designed to provide the RN with advanced knowledge in nursing concepts and principles. This new knowledge is directly related to the professional nurse’s roles and responsibilities regarding individuals, families and the community.

Outcomes for the student completing the MSU Nursing Major program are:

BSN Degree Benefits
Current and future healthcare needs for the world’s citizens require evidence based professional nursing practice which is vital to advance quality nursing care. The baccalaureate degree in nursing prepares one for nursing practice opportunities in varied environments and in complex clinical situations. There is a continual need for highly competent, well educated, caring nurses to meet the ever growing demands of individuals and society’s healthcare needs. Federal agencies, management positions, the military, Magnet Institutions, public health agencies and multiple other clinical environments require the BSN prepared nurse within their institutions. The BSN degree also prepares the nurse for graduate education and for management, leadership, and educational roles. Identify other benefits of baccalaureate nursing education at: www.aacn.nche.edu/Media/NewsReleases/2010/carnegie.html and www.aone.org.

Directions for completing admission to Minot State University and the application process for the msu RN to BSN online nursing program
Application to the Department of Nursing’s RN to BSN online program is a separate procedure from the application to Minot State University.

Please contact MSU Enrollment Services for an application to MSU and to request a MSU Undergraduate Catalog. Minot State University applications can also be retrieved online at: www.minotstateu.edu link to "Apply Now". The MSU Undergraduate Catalog can be requested from MSU Enrollment Services and is also available online at www.minotstateu.edu link to "Current Students". Applications to the RN to BSN online program will not be considered until admission to MSU is complete and all prior official transcripts have been received by MSU Enrollment Services.

Applications to Minot State University’s RN to BSN online program will be accepted and are considered throughout the academic year. The RN to BSN online application is found at www.minotstateu.edu link to "Academics", link to "Nursing", link to "RN to BSN online".

  1. First, apply to MSU; include a $35.00 application fee. All prior official transcripts must be sent to: MSU Enrollment Services, 500 University Ave W, Minot, ND 58707.
  2. Once accepted to MSU, students will be advised by the RN to BSN Advanced Standing Director in the Department of Nursing.
  3. Request an appointment with the RN to BSN Advanced Standing Director. A review of prior course work will be conducted, after which an individualized Program of Study will be developed. During the review, the Director will address the requirements for graduation from MSU and the nursing program. After evaluating all the information, the Director will recommend a date of application to the nursing program. Students will be admitted to the program in either the Fall or Spring semester.
  4. Students who have graduated from a board approved nursing education program and have passed the NCLEX-RN exam must submit all of the following to the Department of Nursing:
    1. RN to BSN online program application, including a $25.00 application fee (made out to MSU)
    2. copy of current CPR certification and a copy of current un-encumbered RN license
    3. copy of immunization status
    4. criminal background check information
  5. Students who have graduated from a board approved nursing education program BUT have not yet passed the NCLEX-RN exam, may complete the RN to BSN application form (along with required documents noted in #4 above) and take the following courses before acceptance into the RN to BSN program:
    1. General Education courses
    2. Required support course (PSY 241, or MATH 240)
    3. Nursing 363 Nursing Theory & Research
    4. Nursing 383 Professional Nursing
    5. Special Topics course approved by the Nursing Department
  6. Cumulative GPA 2.5 or above on a 4.0 scale required

Minot State University graduation requirements
The MSU Registrar’s Office reviews student transcripts for graduation requirements. All MSU and nursing requirements must be met prior to graduation. A minimum grade point average of 2.0 is required for all baccalaureate degree candidates. Students must have completed:

Minot State General Education Courses (38 credits)
General Education courses taken in North Dakota and recognized by the North Dakota University System & the General Education Requirement Transfer Agreement (GERTA) are accepted at MSU. Credits earned at out of state institutions will be evaluated by the Registrar’s Office. General Education Courses are available online and on campus.

GE1: Communications9 credits
GE2: History3 credits
GE3: Humanities6 credits
GE4: Wellness/Personal Development 2 credits
GE5: Math4 credits
GE6: Science8 credits
GE7: Social Science6 credits

MSU Diversity Requirement (6 credits)
Effective 2008, diversity courses are required for all students. Each MSU student will be required to complete six (6) credits of designated diversity courses.

Only courses officially designated by the Curricular Diversity and Campus Climate Committee (CDCCC) will satisfy these requirements. Diversity courses will be marked on official transcripts. Refer to listing of approved courses at: www.minotstateu.edu link to "Academic Affairs", link to "Diversity".

Required Support Course (Nursing)
Statistics course (PSY 241, or MATH 240)
This course must be taken before or concurrent with NURS 363 Nursing Theory & Research course.

NCLEX Examination Credit
A course fee of $200.00 is attached to each of the five nursing courses identified with a single * in the chart below, for a total of $1000.00. This fee is to cover the NCLEX Examination Credit. Forty (40) Credits will be posted on the official transcript during the semester of graduation. The NCLEX Examination Credit is designed to help you meet the required minimum of 60 credits at a 4 year institution.

RN to BSN ONLINE (21 credits)
  Nursing 363 Nursing Theory & Research Statistics course required before or concurrent 3 credits
* Nursing 383 Professional Nursing I (1st 8 weeks of semester) 3 credits
* Nursing 483 Professional Nursing II (2nd 8 weeks of semester) 3 credits
* Nursing 457 Public Health for Professional Nursing I
(prerequisite: N 363) Theory course 3 credits
3 credits
* Nursing 458 Public Health for Professional Nursing II
** Clinical course 135 hours
3 credits
* Nursing 493 Professional Nursing III Capstone (prerequisite: N 363) 3 credits
  Special Topics - Choose One:
*** HMS 333 Transcultural Healthcare
     HMS 460 Quality & Risk
     HMS 463 Issues in Health Care Regulations
3 credits
 
* A course fee ($200.00) applied to each of the five nursing courses
(NURS 383, NURS 483, NURS 457, NURS 458, NURS 493)
** Clinical arranged in home area
*** HMS 333 Transcultural Healthcare course meets the 3 credits Graduation Diversity requirement for MSU

Immunization Policy
The MSU Department of Nursing requires students to provide proof of immunizations.
Complete the immunization document found at www.minotstateu.edu/health/immunization.shtml and send it to: Student Health Center, Minot State University, 500 University Ave. W., Minot ND 58707 or fax to 701-858-3371. You can find Minot State University’s immunization policy at www.ndus.edu/policies/sbhe-policies/policy.asp?ref=2352.

Criminal Background Check Policy
The Department of Nursing policy requires students to submit a criminal background check. Additionally, some states or agencies require drug testing and/or fingerprints on students before they participate in clinical experiences. If the result of the check renders the student ineligible to complete the clinical nursing course, the student may be subject to dismissal from the RN to BSN online program. Students are responsible for any associated costs. The Criminal Background Check is completed upon admission to the program.

Transfer Credits
The MSU Registrar’s Office evaluates and records transfer credits from regionally accredited degree granting institutions and they are generally honored by the University. Registered nurses who are associate degree or diploma school graduates should contact the Department of Nursing Advanced Standing Director for guidance. Course syllabi may be required for evaluation of transfer credit.

Electives or Transfer Courses
26 credits, online electives or earned transfer credits as needed for graduation

Investment
MSU tuition and fees $241.63 per credit
RN to BSN online program application fee $25.00
MSU Nursing Major Program Fee $25.00 per credit
Books $600.00 approx. per semester
Nursing course fee (N 383, N 483, N 457, N 458, N 493) $200.00 for each course
Name Pin/Lab Coat/Other $100.00 (estimate)
Travel Varies (N 458 course)
All tuition and fees are subject to change. No additional tuition for out of state students To inquire about financial aid, contact Financial Aid Office at 701-858-3838 or 1-800-777-0750 ext. 3838

Equal Opportunity
Minot State University subscribes to the principles and laws of the state of North Dakota and the federal government pertaining to civil rights and equal opportunity, including Title IX of the 1972 Education Amendments. Minot State University policy prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, gender, religion, age, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, marital status, or disability in the recruitment and admission of students and the employment of faculty, staff, and students, and in the operation of all college programs, activities, and services. Evidence of practices which are inconsistent with this policy should be reported to the Human Resource Director in the Administration Building.

Accreditation
The Minot State University Department of Nursing Program has full approval of the North Dakota Board of Nursing. In addition, the nursing program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. Minot State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Sample Nursing Sequence
Full Time Student Example

Fall #1 Spring #1 Summer #1 Fall #2
N 363
N 383
N 483
PSY 241, or MATH 240 (if still needed)
HMS 333 (Special Topics Choice)
N 457
N 458
HMS 463 (Special Topics choice)
HMS 333 (Special Topics Choice)
General Education
HMS 333 (Special Topics Choice)
N 493
HMS 460 (Special Topics Choice)
HMS 333 (Special Topics Choice)
General Education

For More Information
Mary Smith RN, MS
Assistant Professor, Advanced Standing Director
Department of Nursing, Minot State University
500 University Ave W
Minot, North Dakota 58707
701-858-3101 or 1-800-777-0750 ext. 3101
Fax: 701-858-4309
Email: nursing@minotstateu.edu or minotstateu.edu/nursing or mary.smith@minotstateu.edu



The Department of Nursing reserves the right to alter content and courses to maintain relevance with professional nursing practice.