*The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at Northern State University is pursuing program approval by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) (https://www.hlcommission.org). The baccalaureate degree program in nursing is anticipated for Fall 2025 with prerequisite courses starting now.
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Your first steps, before you can begin the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at Northern State University, follow these steps:
- Become a Wolf: Apply to Northern State University as a pre-nursing major.
- Once you apply, you will be assigned a pre-nursing advisor who will help you navigate the process, assist you with creating a plan of study, and guide you through completing the prerequisites.
- Students typically apply to the BSN program during their sophomore year, after completing the necessary prerequisite courses. Direct and Standard Admission requirements are described below.
For additional information, contact Dr. Lyncee Monson, Associate Dean of Nursing, at lyncee.monson@northern.edu or 605-626-7776.
Direct Admission Requirements:
Students who are admitted to NSU may apply for guaranteed admission to the program based on the following criteria:
- Admission to NSU & first-time freshman status
- Meet one of the following:
- Option A: ACT composite score of 27 or higher and high school GPA of 3.5 or higher OR
- Option B: high school GPA of 3.8 or higher
- Maintenance of cumulative GPA of 3.0
- Minimum grade of C or higher in all pre-nursing courses and core courses required for graduation
- Students who do not maintain the cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher are still welcome to apply for the program through the Standard Admission Route
- Students must apply to the nursing major by the deadline once all prerequisite courses are completed or in progress (tracking purposes only). Contact your advisor for more information on the process of admission/application to the nursing major.
- Additional requirements for admission still apply (criminal background check, drug screening, etc.)
Standard Admission Requirements:
- Admission to NSU
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7
- Minimum grade of C or higher in all pre-nursing and courses required for graduation
- Students must apply to the nursing major by the deadline (semester prior to anticipated start) once all prerequisite courses are completed or in progress. Contact your advisor for more information on the process of admission/application to the nursing major
- Additional Requirements after conditional acceptance to the program include but are not limited to: criminal background check, drug screening, health physical, immunizations, and CPR certification
- Please note that felony convictions, other criminal offenses (excluding minor traffic violations), etc. may result in denial of admission, denial for eligibility for RN licensure, and/or denial of employment in the healthcare field
- NSU and clinical institutions reserve the right to refuse to accept a student based on criminal background or drug screen results