School of Nursing

Department of Traditional Undergraduate Nursing | Department of Post-Baccalaureate Nursing | Department of Non-Traditional Nursing

The School of Nursing undergraduate nursing program consists of three tracks with a baccalaureate nursing major: Traditional Undergraduate, Post-Baccalaureate and RN to BS Online.  The undergraduate nursing program is approved as a licensure-preparing program by the Minnesota Board of Nursing and is accredited by the Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education, One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 530, Washington DC 20036, (202)887-6791.

Department of Traditional Undergraduate Nursing

Traditional Undergraduate Nursing Track

The Traditional Undergraduate Nursing Track prepares students for entry-level professional nursing practice, including the health needs of underserved populations. This level of education is based on core knowledge and clinical competency applied through a unique blend of critical thinking, caring, communication and collaboration. Health promotion, illness management and population-based care are the focus of the traditional undergraduate curriculum. Students are prepared to practice holistically as leaders in healthcare delivery, with an educational foundation grounded in the Benedictine values. Throughout the curriculum simulation, technology and integrative therapies are blended to prepare students as healers of the mind, body and spirit. Graduates will have the skills and knowledge necessary for responsible living and meaningful work.
The track leads to a bachelor of science degree with a major in Nursing and qualifies the graduate to take the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensing Examination for Registered Nurses). Graduates are eligible to apply for registration as a Minnesota public health nurse and have the academic credentials to pursue master's study in Nursing.
The following program outcomes identify the depth and breadth of knowledge which graduates of all undergraduate nursing programs are able to demonstrate. Upon completion of the undergraduate nursing programs the graduate will:

1. Synthesize knowledge from nursing, the arts and sciences and the Benedictine values in the holistic practice of professional nursing.
2. Demonstrate professional values and behaviors consistent with professional standards.
3. Demonstrate competence for entry-level professional practice.
4. Advocate for healthcare that is sensitive to the needs of clients including vulnerable populations.
5. Assume responsibility for ongoing professional development in an ever-changing healthcare environment.

Admission and Retention Procedure and Policies

New first-year students are eligible for the ENTER Program, which is a criterion-based, early admission program. Eligible students who, upon admission to the College, declare their intent to pursue a baccalaureate degree in Nursing will be guaranteed admission to the Traditional Undergraduate Nursing Track if they meet the ENTER Program criteria (available on the Web and in the Traditional Undergraduate Nursing student handbook).
Students who do not meet the criteria will be able to apply to the Traditional Undergraduate Nursing Track through the following standard application process. Applicants should:

1. Submit a completed college application to the major form and plan of study work sheet to the Nursing Department during fall semester of sophomore year.
2. Complete a Health Care Provider or Professional Rescuer CPR course for Adults, Infants, and Children.
3. Complete a CNA course, take the state exam and be registered with the state as a CNA.
4. Have a minimum St. Scholastica GPA of 3.0 with at least a C in all required prerequisite courses.
5. Show evidence of meeting all immunization requirements.
6. Pass a background study upon admission.

The departmental Admission and Progression Committee reviews all applications. The department reserves the right to select those with the best qualifications from applicants who meet the minimum criteria. The department chair notifies applicants in writing of the committee's action. Following acceptance to the major, students must maintain a minimum of a C grade in all nursing courses and required support courses.
Retention in the program is contingent upon compliance with academic policies stated in the college catalog, the student handbook and in the Traditional Undergraduate Nursing student handbook. Since the healthcare delivery system is changing rapidly, revisions may be necessary in course requirements prior to the publication of a new catalog. Any changes in requirements made prior to the student's admission to the major are binding on the student.

Admission to the major:

DGN 1101, 1102, ENG 1110, SOC 1125 or SOC 2433, PSY 2208, 3341, CHM 1020, BIO 1036 and CHM 1035, BIO 2110, 2120, 2020 and CTA 1102.

Nursing requirements:

NSG 2200, NSG 3200, 3225, 3300, 3325, 3335, NSG 4200, 4225, 4235, 4240, 4343, 4500, and a Nursing elective, HSC 2215, 3020, 3777, and PSY 3331 or PSY 2335.

Other requirements

The Traditional Undergraduate Nursing student handbook and other departmental publications detail specific requirements in regard to class attendance, clinical and laboratory responsibilities and uniform and equipment needs for students. Students provide their own transportation for off campus learning experiences in Nursing courses.

Transfer

Students wishing to transfer from another college or university apply through the Admissions Office. Transcripts are evaluated by the Office of Transfer Admissions and the Department of Traditional Undergraduate Nursing. Students are then advised regarding the appropriate course of study.

Department of Post-Baccalaureate Nursing 

Post Baccalaureate Nursing Track

The Post-Baccalaureate Nursing Track is an option available to college graduates with non-nursing majors. The School of Nursing offers two accelerated nursing bachelor of science degree options:  a traditional day school program at the Duluth campus and an online hybrid program at the St. Cloud campus.

The curriculum is based on the same philosophy and outcomes as the Traditional Undergraduate Nursing Track, incorporating an integrated approach to learning with a concentration in the Nursing major.

Upon completion of the program requirements, students will be awarded a bachelor of science degree with a major in Nursing and be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN licensure examination and to be registered as a Minnesota public health nurse and have the academic credentials to pursue master's study in Nursing.

A cohort will begin the traditional accelerated program in Duluth each May. Nursing coursework (50 credits) is completed in 4 consecutive semesters over 15 months. A cohort will begin the online hybrid accelerated program in St. Cloud each September. Nursing coursework (50 credits) is completed in 4 consecutive semesters over 16 months.  Students will work with nursing faculty and expert nurse preceptors in both urban and rural healthcare facilities.

Prerequisites for this track include

Baccalaureate or higher degree attained, chemistry 4 credits, anatomy and physiology 6-8 credits, microbiology 3-4 credits, developmental psychology 3-4 credits, statistics 3-4 credits, nutrition 2-4 credits, and pathophysiology 3-4 credits. Coursework must be completed prior to beginning nursing coursework with a grade of C or higher.  CLEP credits will be accepted. A CNA course followed by state registration as a CNA and current certification in CPR must be completed prior to entry into the Post-Baccalaureate Nursing Track.

Applications are accepted in the fall for the following May start for Duluth and September for St. Cloud cohorts. 

Department of Non-Traditional Nursing

RN to BS Online Program

The RN to BS Online Nursing Track is designed for the associate degree or diploma RN who seeks a bachelor's degree in Nursing.  This program is based on the same philosophy and outcomes as the Traditional Undergraduate Nursing Track.  The BS degree includes general education courses and required nursing courses.  If you have a bachelor of science or arts degree, an associate of arts degree or have met the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum, the majority of your general education requirements are satisfied.  All additional general education requirements need to be completed before the start of the RN to BS Online Track.

Academic programs will be individualized based on previous educational experience.  You need 128 credits to graduate.  Of these, 44 must be taken in the RN to BS Online Nursing Track.  We will assist you with program planning.  Upon completion of program requirements, including community health clinical, students will be eligible to be certified as a public health nurse.

The RN to BS Online Nursing Track is designed to build on your experience as a registered nurse.  Sixteen semester credits in nursing, at $50 per credit, are credited toward the BS degree upon successful validation of prior learning by means of a nursing portfolio that documents your RN experience. 

Upon completion of program requirements, students are awarded a bachelor of science degree with a major in Nursing and are eligible to be registered as a Minnesota public health nurse and have the academic credentials to pursue master's study in Nursing.

Upper-division requirements for RN to BS:

NSG 3125, 3355, 3361, 4570, 4571 (optional), 4472, 4580, 4590, 4998; TRS 3311, and Statistics (Descriptive and Inferential)

Dean, School of Nursing: Marty Witrak, PhD, RN, FAAN
Chair, Department of Traditional Undergraduate Nursing: Paula Byrne, MSN, RN
Chair, Department of Post-Baccalaureate Nursing: Sheryl Sandahl, DNP, RN, CNP, MPH
Chair, Department of Non-Traditional Nursing: Susan Hyndman, EdD, RN