Minimum required credits for AAS: 62

Program Description:

The Dakota Associate Degree Nursing program is designed to be a 1+1 nursing program in which completion of the first year meets the requirements for a practical nursing certificate and completion of the second year of this program meets the requirements for an AAS degree in Nursing. Students must be an LPN with an unencumbered USA license or be in the final process of completion of the Dakota Practical Nursing program. The Dakota Associate Degree Nursing curriculum prepares individuals with the knowledge, abilities, and skills to practice nursing independently through application of the nursing process to provide safe nursing care to individuals and families across the lifespan in a variety of settings. Upon completion of the program, the individual is qualified to apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses, as required by the North Dakota State Board of Nursing for licensure as a RN.

Employment opportunities include acute care centers, long-term care facilities, clinics, outpatient offices, industry, and community agencies. Graduates may transfer many of the credits earned in the associate degree program to a baccalaureate nursing program. The Dakota Associate Degree Nursing Program is offered in collaboration between four colleges: Bismarck State College, Lake Region State College, Dakota College at Bottineau, and Williston State College.

Criteria for Admission:

For current Dakota Practical Nursing Students:

1. Successful completion of the first year of the Dakota Nursing Program with a minimum GPA of 2.75 in all prerequisite and program courses.
2. Proof of current CPR training for health care providers.
3. Submission of appropriate forms available from the nursing department by the designated date.
4. Successful completion of the preadmission examination.

For All Other Applicants:

1. A graduate from a state board approved PN program from an accredited college and current LPN with an active, unencumbered license to practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse in the United States of America.
2. Proof of current CPR training for health care providers.
3. Admission to WSC, 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 www.dakotanursing.org.
4. Successful completion of the preadmission examination.
5. Completion of the following courses, each with a grade of “C” or better, and an overall GPA of at least 2.75:
   1. ENGL 110  College Composition I
   2. PSYC 111  Introduction to Psychology
   3. BIOL 220  Anatomy & Physiology I L/L
   4. BIOL 221  Anatomy & Physiology II L/L*
   5. PHRM 215   Introduction to Pharmacology*
   6. PSYC 250  Developmental Psychology
   7. UNIV 100 College Strategies or UNIV 101  College Transitions as determined by college advisor
      * Must be within seven years of ADN admission
6. Minimum GPA of 2.75 in all prerequisite and program requirements, having passed all required courses with a minimum of a “C” and overall cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 or higher.
7. For those of whom English is not their native language (including international and/or U.S. residents), additional language proficiency requirements must be met by successfully passing the TOEFL exam.

The Admissions Committee will review the application and qualifications of each individual. All applicants must pass a background check and drug screen. Students will be notified of their acceptance status.

Students will be notified of their acceptance status.

Program Outcomes:

Students will be able to demonstrate:

1. Teamwork & Communication - Collaborate with clients and members of the interdisciplinary health care team to optimize effective communication, caring behaviors, and management of client needs.
2. Professionalism & Leadership - Adhere to professional standards and scope of practice as an associate degree registered nurse while pursuing professional growth and acting as a leader and change agent within legal, ethical, and regulatory frameworks.
3. Client-Centered Care - Provide culturally competent care and advocate for clients while promoting their self-determination and integrity.
4. Evidence-Based Practice & Nursing Judgment: Implement nursing judgement to make safe, effective, and evidenced-based decisions that integrate science and the nursing process in providing holistic client care.
5. Quality Improvement & Safety - Incorporate a spirit of inquiry to make evidence based clinical judgements and management decisions to improve the safety and quality of care across a variety of systems.
6. Informatics - Integrate current technology to support decision-making and manage information in the delivery of client care.

All courses required for the associate degree nursing program must be passed with a minimum of a “C”.