North Dakota State College of Science, a leading educational institution committed to providing exceptional healthcare programs, is pleased to announce the launch of its new Practical Nursing Diploma starting in the spring of 2024. This three-semester program has been specifically designed to meet the evolving needs of the healthcare industry and prepare students for a successful career in practical nursing.

Recognizing the increasing demand for skilled professionals in the nursing field, NDSCS is also introducing an accelerated Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Registered Nurse (RN) Program. This two-semester program is tailored for graduates of a diploma Practical Nursing (PN) program, offering an efficient pathway for further career advancement.

"We are thrilled to announce the addition of our new Practical Nursing Diploma and the accelerated RN program," says Dr. Lisa Karch, Ph.D., Executive Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs. "These programs reflect our commitment to meeting the industry's requirements and providing our students with the best education and career opportunities."

Students pursuing the Practical Nursing Diploma will complete general education courses, laboratory instruction, and clinical instruction at local health care facilities. Throughout the diploma program, students will gain hands-on experience and knowledge through clinical rotations and coursework that covers a wide range of healthcare topics.

The introduction of the accelerated RN program enables diploma PN graduates to seamlessly transition into the AAS RN program. This program will equip students with the essential skills and expertise required to excel in the field of nursing at an accelerated pace, allowing them to take advantage of the growing opportunities and demands within the healthcare industry.

"We understand the importance of supporting our students' career aspirations," says Debra Smith, Director of Nursing Programs at NDSCS. "The accelerated RN program allows diploma PN graduates to build upon their foundation and quickly become registered nurses, contributing to the healthcare workforce more efficiently."

NDSCS takes pride in its dedicated faculty and state-of-the-art facilities that provide an immersive learning environment for aspiring healthcare professionals. With a strong emphasis on practical experience and comprehensive curriculum, students can be confident in their ability to succeed in the nursing field upon completion of these programs.

Prospective students are encouraged to visit the NDSCS website at NDSCS.edu/Nursing for more information on admission requirements, application procedures, and program details.

The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) has formally granted continuing accreditation to the North Dakota State College of Science Registered Nursing and Practical Nursing programs. This includes the one-year Associate in Science in Nursing degree (ASN RN), the two-year Associate in Applied Science degree in Registered Nursing (AAS RN), and the Practical Nursing Degree.

According to acenursing.org, the ACEN supports the interests of nursing education, nursing practice, and the public through the functions of accreditation. Accreditation is a voluntary, peer-review, self-regulatory process by which non-governmental associations recognize educational institutions or programs that have been found to meet or exceed standards and criteria for educational quality. The monitoring of certificate, diploma, and degree offerings is tied closely to state examination and licensing rules and to the oversight of preparation for work in the profession.

NDSCS offers three academic options for Nursing students. The Practical Nursing program is for students who are interested in pursuing a career in nursing or wish to transfer to an associate or bachelor’s program for nursing. The two-year Associate in Applied Science Registered Nursing program is available to applicants wishing to become a Registered Nurse. The Associate in Science Registered Nursing program option is available to Licensed Practical Nurses who wish to continue their nursing education to become a Registered Nurse.

New for fall, Licensed Practical Nurses who graduated from a diploma program will also have the option to obtain their Associate Degree in Registered Nursing. In addition to its regular cohorts, NDSCS has conducted more than 32 satellite nursing programs as part of its commitment to meeting the workforce needs of rural North Dakota and the region. NDSCS-Fargo location is planning to add the Associate of Applied Science Registered Nursing Program option beginning in Spring 2024.

To learn more about the NDSCS Nursing program visit NDSCS.edu/Nursing or email NDSCS.Nursing@ndscs.edu

The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) has formally granted initial accreditation to the North Dakota State College of Science Registered Nursing programs. This includes the one-year Associate in Science in Nursing degree (ASN RN) and the two-year Associate in Applied Science degree in Registered Nursing (AAS RN).

The College’s Practical Nursing program has been accredited by the ACEN since 1991. The NDSCS Practical Nursing program is scheduled for continuing accreditation in 2019 and the Registered Nursing programs are scheduled for continuing accreditation in 2022.

According to acenursing.org, the ACEN supports the interests of nursing education, nursing practice, and the public by the functions of accreditation. Accreditation is a voluntary, peer-review, self-regulatory process by which non-governmental associations recognize educational institutions or programs that have been found to meet or exceed standards and criteria for educational quality. The monitoring of certificate, diploma, and degree offerings is tied closely to state examination and licensing rules and to the oversight of preparation for work in the profession. 

NDSCS offers three academic options for Nursing students. The Practical Nursing program is for students who are interested in pursuing a career in nursing or wish to transfer to an associate or bachelor’s program for nursing. The two-year Associate in Applied Science Registered Nursing program is available to applicants wishing to become a Registered Nurse. The Associate in Science for Nursing program is available to Licensed Practical Nurses who wish to continue their nursing education and become a Registered Nurse. In addition to its regular cohorts, NDSCS has conducted more than 30 satellite nursing programs as part of its commitment to meeting the workforce needs of rural North Dakota and the region.

To learn more about the NDSCS Nursing program visit www.ndscs.edu/nursing or call 1-800-342-4325 ext. 2521.