Nursing at VCSU
Preparing for a Nursing Career at VCSU
If you are interested in pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing, you can take the pre-nursing coursework on our campus as a VCSU student. Students can have the college experience with one-on-one attention for the general education prerequisites after which you will transfer to a nursing program of your choice to finish the bachelor’s degree and take your exams to become a licensed Registered Nurse (RN).
A Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing is ideal for students that want to go into professional nursing and see themselves in leadership roles. The BSN’s scope includes care in cardiac, oncology, neonatal, neurological and obsetric/gynecological nursing, along with others. The BSN is commonly preferred for registered nursing jobs in a hospital setting and essential for nurses seeking to move up the career ladder because they have a broader liberal arts education preparing them for more advanced leadership roles. If you are thinking about continuing your education to become an advanced practitioner, a BSN is required. This also includes nurse anesthetists, midwives, nurse educators and clinical nurse specialists.
Pre-nursing Coursework offered by VCSU
- BIOL 150 General Biology I -4 credits
- BIOL 220 Anatomy and Physiology I -4 credits
- BIOL 221 Anatomy and Physiology II -4 credits
- BIOL 310 Microbiology -4 credits
- CHEM 115 Introductory Chemistry -4 credits
- CHEM 116 Intro Organic and Biochemistry -5 credits
- CIS 170 Intro to Computer Information Systems -2 credits
- COMM 110 Speech -3 credits
- ENGL 110 College Composition I -3 credits
- ENGL 120 College Composition II -3 credits
- Humanities/Social Science Electives -9 credits
- MATH 103 College Algebra -2 credits
- MATH 321 Probability & Statistics -3 credits
- PSYC 111 Introduction to Psychology -3 credits
- PSYC 250 Developmental Psychology -3 credits
- PSYC 370 Abnormal Psychology** -3 credits
- SOC 110 Intro to Sociology -3 credits
*Course not offered at VCSU, but can be taken online through another NDUS school **Some BSN programs require this class
Faculty Contact
Dr. Hilde van Gijssel, hilde.vangijssel@vcsu.edu, (701) 845-7337
Dakota College offers classes on the Valley City State University (VCSU) campus. You can earn a certification or a two-year degree in a high-demand field from Dakota College in a variety of programs offered through a partnership with VCSU.
Practical Nursing Certificate (PN)
Practical Nursing Certificate General Prerequisites
- Current CPR certification for BLS Provider
- Math requirements
- ACT composite score of 19 or completion of 12 credit hours of nursing program coursework with a GPA of 2.75 or higher
- A program minimum GPA of 2.75 and a minimum grade of C for all of the nursing required courses.
- A cumulative minimum GPA of 2.50
- Standardized Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) with a score in Basic level or higher
- TOEFL exam is required for all applicants for whom English is not their native language or who have not attended 4 years of US high school and achieved a High School GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Career Opportunities
LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSES (LPN) provide basic nursing care. They work under the direction of registered nurses and physicians. LPN’s work in a variety of settings, including long term care facilities, hospitals, clinics, and private homes. Duties of the LPN vary depending on their work setting and the state in which they work. Duties may include monitoring patients’ health, administering basic patient care, medication administration, reinforcing patient education and maintaining health records.
Associate Degree Nurse (ADN)
These courses are offered by the Dakota College at Bottineau on the campus of Valley City State University. Students can pursue an associate degree in nursing.
Associate Degree Nurse General Prerequisites
- Completion of DNP Practical Nursing Program OR Active and unencumbered license to practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse in North Dakota
- Active and unencumbered license to practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse in the United States & North Dakota
- Current CPR certification for BLS Provider
- Completion with a C or better and GPA of at least 2.75 in nursing with the following general courses:
- ENGL 110 Composition I
- PSYC 111 Introduction to Psychology
- BIOL 220 Anatomy & Physiology I
- BIOL 221 Anatomy & Physiology II
- PHRM 215 Introduction to Pharmacology#
- PSYC 250 Developmental Psychology
# must be taken within the last 7 years
Career Opportunities
REGISTERED NURSES (RN) work with physicians and other healthcare specialists to promote health, prevent disease, and cope with illness. They are advocates and educators for patients, families, and communities. When providing direct patient care they observe, assess, and document symptoms, responses, and progress in patients.
Contact Information
Dakota College at Bottineau at VCSU
Becky Pfennig at 701-845-7682 or becky.pfennig@vcsu.edu