May 11, 2016 – Fargo, North Dakota – Advanced education in nursing can lead to additional career opportunities. North Dakota State University tailors its nursing programs to both full-time students and working professionals. The NDSU School of Nursing begins a new online blended RN to BSN program starting in fall semester 2016 and is currently accepting applications to the program. 

The online, part-time program provides flexibility for nurses to advance their careers and transform their professional practice. 

NDSU’s RN to BSN program is a two-year, part-time online program that allows nurses with associate degrees the flexibility to earn their bachelor’s of science degree in a manner that fits with their schedules. 

Courses are designed to build on the knowledge that registered nurses learned in their associate degree program, as well as through their on-the-job experience.  Each student will receive individual advising and evaluation of their transcripts. The program grants 15 credits for demonstrated competency/NCLEX success at no cost to the nurses who are accepted into the program at NDSU. 

The RN to BSN program is five semesters in length. The program is online with the exception of day-and-a-half on-campus immersions each fall and spring semester at NDSU. Clinical experiences in leadership and population-focused care can be completed in the student’s home community. 

The program is designed to accommodate those nurses who are working and who also have additional responsibilities. Courses are offered in eight-week blocks—generally two consecutive courses each semester. 

“The program provides nurses with associate degrees the flexibility to earn their bachelor’s of science degree in a manner that fits with their schedules,” said Holly Sandhurst, program director and assistant professor of practice at NDSU. “The curriculum was developed after reviewing studies that revealed what is important to nurses who want to earn their BSN. The NDSU RN to BSN program prepares nurses to transform their nursing practice.”

For more information, visit NDSU RN to BSN, or contact Holly Sandhurst at holly.l.sandhurst@ndsu.edu or at 701.231.7886. 

The Institute of Medicine of the National Academies recommends a goal of increasing the proportion of nurses with a baccalaureate degree from 50 percent to 80 percent by 2020. North Dakota will have 4,430 nursing openings through 2020, according to a study by the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce.