Associate Degree Nursing [RN]
The Dakota Nursing Program offers an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree in Nursing (Year Two of the 1+1 pathway), preparing Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and eligible Paramedics to become Registered Nurses (RNs)
Getting Started
Internal Applicants
Current PN / Paramedic Bridge Students
- Who it’s for: Current Dakota Nursing Program PN students or Paramedic-to-Nurse Bridge students.
- Application Path: Internal transition directly into year two.
- Testing: Meets pre-admission Minimum 92% predicted probability of passing NCLEX-PN.
Advanced Standing Applicants
External LPN Graduates
- Who it’s for: Graduates from an external, state board-approved PN program.
- Licensure: Requires a current, active, unencumbered U.S. LPN license.
- Testing: Must take the ATI PN Comprehensive Predictor (>92% score).
English Proficiency [ESL]
Language requirements for non-native English speaking applicants. Required for applicants without 4 years of in-person U.S. high school.
- TOEFL iBT Score: Minimum composite score of 86 (with at least 26 Speaking, 20 Writing, 20 Reading, 20 Listening).
- Duolingo (DET) Score: Minimum overall score of 115 (with sub-scores of 90+ across all categories).
- Testing Policy: Maximum of 2 attempts per application cycle, (28 days apart); scores valid for 2 years.
Program Resources & Printable Guides
Access official program outlines, full policy documents, and financial breakdowns below
Partner Colleges
1133 College Dr
Bismarck, ND 58501
701-224-5575
105 Simral Blvd
Bottineau, ND 58318
701-845-7680
1801 College Dr. N
Devils Lake, ND 58301
701-662-1600
1410 University Ave
Williston, ND 58801
701-774-4290
AD Curriculum
16 total credits
COURSE NUMBER
NURS 224
NURS 225
NURS 226
NURS 227
MICR 202+lab
COURSE TITLE
Professional Role Development
Alterations in Health 1
Maternal Child Nursing
Clinical Application 1
Microbiology and Lab
SEMESTER CREDITS
2
3
3
4
4
15 total credits
COURSE NUMBER
NURS 228
NURS 229
NURS 237
NURS 259
ELECTIVE
COURSE TITLE
Alterations in Health 2
Health Promotion & Psychosocial Nursing
Clinical Application 2
Role Transition
**See Campus Specific Requirements
SEMESTER CREDITS
4
2
5
1
3
Completing the Associate Degree Nursing (AAS) curriculum fulfills Year 2 of the Dakota Nursing Program, preparing graduates to earn their Associate in Applied Science in Nursing (72–73 total credits) and qualify for the NCLEX-RN® exam for Registered Nurse licensure.
Note: The Physical Education requirement for the AAS Degree in Nursing is waived at BSC, DCB, and LRSC. Students enrolled through WSC are required to complete a 2-credit wellness elective in place of a communication elective, bringing the Year 2 completion total to 30 credits.
Associate Degree Nursing Application Assessment Calculator
Use the calculator below to estimate your total admission score based on the 62-point scale. Enter your exact cumulative and nursing GPAs, TEAS test scores, prerequisite course grades, and qualifying status criteria to view your real-time score total.
(Note: This tool is for personal planning and self-assessment; official verification occurs during the formal review process.)