ÈÕ±¾avÊÓƵ

The College of Nursing provides a state-of-the-art nursing program that prepares graduates for the circumstances and situations necessary to practice anywhere in the United States. An emphasis in liberal studies and humanities, as well as in social and natural sciences, provides the foundation for a student's nursing education. Hands-on clinical internships are available at many of the hospitals in our state.

The degree is designed to be completed in eight semesters (four years). Students typically take 14-17 credits per semester and have three semesters of prerequisites. The nursing courses take five semesters to complete.

Before discussing differences, let's look at similarities between the programs:

• Graduates from both programs take the National Council Licensure Examination to become licensed as registered nurses.
• Students take arts and sciences to support the nursing core requirements.
• Entry-level staff nurse positions appear similar. (However, the baccalaureate-prepared nurse has a broader educational background, thus affording greater career opportunities.)
• Students complete coursework in communication skills, technical skill mastery and clinical care of child-bearing women, psychiatric patients and children and adults with health variations.

Now, the differences. A baccalaureate degree requires 120-130 credits and 620-945 clinical practice hours. Graduates are classified as professional nurses. In addition to basic knowledge, the baccalaureate student completes courses in professional issues, statistics, research, health promotion and maintenance, health assessment, pathophysiology, community health and leadership. We prepare graduates to work in unstructured settings with more complex patients, and they manage and direct themselves and others as well as work in collaboration with the multidisciplinary team.

As a general rule, associate degree programs require 65-91 credits and 585-810 clinical practice hours and can be completed in four to six semesters. Graduates of associate degree programs are classified as technical nurses. They have basic nursing knowledge and are prepared to work in structured settings with less complex patients. They direct themselves and others, and they work as part of a team.

On the Brookings main campus, we admit 64 students each fall and spring. At the Rapid City site, we admit 72 students each fall and spring. At the Sioux Falls site, we admit 48 students each spring.

Admission to the nursing program is competitive, and while there are sufficient spaces, qualified students may not always be offered their first-choice location. Qualified applicants are strongly encouraged to accept placement at one of our other College of Nursing locations, if offered. Alternatively, they may choose to be placed on a waiting list for their preferred location.

Students who do not meet the admission qualifications often use the following semester to focus on fulfilling requirements while also completing electives, general education courses or nursing major support classes.

Applicants will be notified of acceptance by university email. Acceptance is conditional on meeting additional requirements including drug screening, background checks, evidence of health insurance, current immunization status, CPR certification and purchase of an approved laptop computer.

Typically, many (but not all) of the prerequisite courses students must take will transfer to ÈÕ±¾avÊÓƵ from another institution. To ensure you will receive appropriate credit, check the to see if a course you are considering has previously been evaluated by the Registrar's Office or check with your academic advisor to make sure the course you wish to take will equate to the proper ÈÕ±¾avÊÓƵ course.

Due to the distinctive structure of each nursing program, coursework from other programs may not transfer to ÈÕ±¾avÊÓƵ. Prospective students are encouraged to consult with an academic advisor for guidance.