A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a four-year undergraduate degree that prepares students for a career as a registered nurse (RN). The program combines classroom learning with hands-on clinical experience, simulation, and lab. The curriculum is focused on preparing students for generalist practice, with additional education in specialty areas such as obstetrics, pediatrics, critical care, and mental health. Graduates of the BSN program are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam to become licensed as registered nurses. RNs can work in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, schools, and community health centers. BSN-prepared nurses may also have opportunities for advancement into leadership, management, and advanced practice roles.

Although graduates of associate degree programs are qualified to provide direct patient care, a BSN opens doors to more nursing positions and ultimately more career options and earning potential. Many job postings for nursing positions now list the BSN as a preference, if not a requirement.

Additionally, organizations such as the American Nurses Association are now recognizing the BSN as the minimum educational requirement for professional nursing. Many hospitals are requiring ADNs to go back to school to earn their Bachelor¡¯s degree. Furthermore, BSN RNs are also prepared for roles in research, leadership, or management. Nurses hoping to advance their careers (such as nurse practitioner) will need a BSN degree to continue on in their graduate work.

Students must first be admitted to NSU and may enter the nursing program through Direct Admission or Standard Admission pathways. Standard Admission students may apply during their final semester of pre-nursing courses and must have at least a C in all pre-nursing courses and hold a minimum 2.7 GPA. Direct Admission students submit an application but have a guaranteed place held upon completing requirements. See course requirements and admission requirements for more details.

Northern State University's Department of Nursing offers a distinctive guaranteed admission pathway for exceptional incoming freshmen who demonstrate strong academic achievement. This Direct Admission Program provides qualified students with assured entry into the nursing program, provided they maintain specific academic standards throughout their pre-nursing coursework. While this route streamlines the admission process for high-achieving students, candidates must meet specific program requirements to retain their guaranteed position.  Refer to the Admissions tab for minimum requirements.

The BSN consists of 120 credits of general education, prerequisite courses, and nursing courses. These credits are typically split over 3 semesters of pre-nursing/general education courses and 5 semesters of nursing courses. Program length depends on your start time and how quickly you complete prerequisites. Some students are admitted to NSU with dual credits or AP credits, which can accelerate the time to completion.
?    Traditional Path (Spring start): 4 years total, with 2? years spent in the nursing major
?    Fast Path (Fall start): 3 years total with year-round coursework, with 20 months spent in the nursing major

Students who begin the nursing program in the Fall will take required nursing courses during the summer, while those starting in the Spring will not have summer nursing courses. However, many students choose to take general education courses during summer sessions to lighten their course load during the regular academic year, allowing them to focus more on their nursing coursework when the program becomes more intensive.

Approximately thirty-two students are accepted twice a year (spring and fall cohorts), though the exact number may vary by semester based on program capacity and qualified applicants.

?    Pre-nursing students are completing prerequisite courses and have not yet been admitted to the program.
?    Nursing students have been accepted into the program and are enrolled in nursing courses.

The nursing program offers two start times with different pacing. Students who complete their pre-nursing courses in the Fall semester will join the Spring cohort and follow the traditional 4-year path. Students who complete pre-nursing courses in the Spring semester will join the Fall cohort and follow the year-round path that can be completed in fewer years.

The LPN to BSN bridge program is currently in the final approval process and is expected to begin in Spring 2026. This program is designed for LPNs who wish to advance their education and career by earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. If you are an LPN and interested in this track, please contact Caycee Bertsch, Program Advisor, at 605-626-7923 for more information about admission requirements and the application process.

Yes, the program uses holistic admissions, which evaluates applicants beyond GPA and test scores. This comprehensive approach considers healthcare experience, volunteer work, leadership roles, essays, letters of recommendation, and personal circumstances to assess each applicant's unique background and potential for success in nursing school and the healthcare profession.

Take general education dual-credit courses that apply to the BSN Plan of Study. Completing at least 24 dual credits can put you on the Fast Path.

No, we do not offer a formal accelerated program. However, the Fast Path (Fall start) allows you to finish a year earlier by taking courses year-round.

Most nursing courses are offered face-to-face on the NSU campus in Aberdeen, SD, though some classes are offered in hyflex or online formats. Pre-nursing courses have more flexible delivery options. Research shows that while online learning can be effective for certain content, hands-on clinical skills, critical thinking development, and the professional competencies essential for safe patient care are best developed through face-to-face instruction and clinical experiences.

Yes, many students successfully balance work and activities alongside their studies. While nursing school is demanding with coursework and clinical rotations, careful prioritization and time management allows students to maintain jobs and participate in activities. Activities can provide important stress relief and healthy coping strategies that will serve you throughout your nursing career. Learning to balance self-care with multiple priorities is actually an important skill you'll need as a nurse, so these experiences can support your overall success and professional development.

Yes. The Department of Nursing awards scholarships to both pre-nursing and nursing students based on various criteria. Scholarships are also available through the state of South Dakota for high-need professions like nursing. Students are encouraged to explore opportunities through healthcare agencies, military programs, professional nursing organizations, and national foundations. For scholarship information, visit NSU Nursing Scholarships or NSU Financial Aid.

The new state-of-the-art simulation and lab center features advanced equipment, such as high-fidelity manikins and virtual reality systems, allowing students to practice clinical scenarios and essential nursing procedures in a safe, controlled environment. This cutting-edge facility enhances nursing education quality and better prepares students for real-world clinical practice by developing critical thinking, decision-making, and hands-on skills. The new facility features modern, well-equipped classrooms designed to facilitate interactive learning and foster student engagement. In addition, the building includes comfortable and quiet study areas where students can work individually or collaborate with their peers on group projects and assignments.