Dakota Nursing Program
Associate Degree Nurse (AAS)
The associate degree nursing program prepares individuals with the knowledge, abilities, and skills to practice nursing independently and interdependently through the applications of the nursing process in an effort to provide safe nursing care to individuals and families across the life span in a variety of settings. Graduates of the program may apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) which is required for practice as a registered nurse. Employment opportunities include acute care centers, long term care facilities, clinics, outpatient offices, industry, and community agencies.
Students admitted into the DCB Associate Degree Nursing Program must successfully pass a criminal history background check prior to registering for classes.
Applications for admission into the Associate Degree Nursing program are due in the spring of each year. Acceptance into the program is decided in the spring/summer of each year.
This program is part of the Dakota Nursing Program, a collaborative effort between Bismarck State College, Williston State College, and Lake Region State College.
Prerequisites for the Associate Degree Nursing Program (RN) for Dakota Practical Nursing Students:
- Successful completion of the first year of the Dakota Nursing Program with a minimum GPA of 2.75 in all prerequisite and a minimum GPA of 2.75 in the 40 credit course requirement as defined in the Practical Nurse curriculum.
Prerequisites for the Associate Degree Nursing Program (RN) for all other students:
- Admission to DCB as well as completion of a formal application to the Dakota Associate Degree Nursing Program. Admission to the College does not guarantee admission to the ADN program. Application forms for admission to the Dakota Associate Degree Nursing Program may be obtained from the Nursing Coordinator during the first half of spring semester.
- Unencumbered license to practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse in the United States
- Minimum GPA of 2.75 in all prerequisite courses (including nursing classes) and an overall minimum GPA of 2.5.
- Pass a preadmission examination
- Completion of the following courses, each with a grade of C or better:
- ENGL 110 - Composition I
- PSYC 111 - Introduction to Psychology
- BIOL 220 - Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab
- BIOL 221 - Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab
- PHRM 215 - Introduction to Pharmacology (must be within 7 years of ADN admission)
- PSYC 250 - Developmental Psychology
- A certain level of English proficiency is necessary for academic success in nursing as well as for patient safety. In addition to general college English proficiency requirements, all applicants for whom English is not their native language (including International and/or U.S. residents) must meet additional language proficiency requirements for admission to the Dakota Nursing Program. These requirements must be met prior to consideration.
Associate Degree Nursing Curriculum
Fall
NURS 224 - Professional Development - 2 credits
NURS 225 - Alteration in Health I - 3 credits
NURS 226 - Maternal Child Nursing - 3 credits
NURS 227 - Clinical Application I - 4 credits
Communication Elective - 3 credits
Spring
NURS 228 - Alterations in Health II - 4 credits
NURS 229 - Health Prom & Psych Nursing - 2 credits
NURS 237 - Clinical Application II - 5 credits
NURS 259 - Role Transitions - 1 credit
BIOL 202 - Microbiology L/L - 4 credits