Nursing Program

NURSING PROGRAM: CSB/SJU offers a four-year bachelor of science degree with a major in nursing. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE, 2007) and approved by the Minnesota Board of Nursing (2009).

For post-baccalaureate degrees and RN degree completion programs, please refer to the AACN website:http://www.aacn.nche.edu/education/nurse_ed/index.htm

To learn more about the Nursing Program at CSB/SJU, please click on the following topics:

Nursing Program Requirements
Early Admission Program
Transfer Credits
Transfer Students
Pre-nursing Students at CSB/SJU
Nursing Program Fee
Frequently Asked Questions

NURSING PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

CSB/SJU Nursing students apply for admission to the Nursing major in December of their sophomore year after successfully completing three semesters of pre-requisites.
CSB/SJU offers a Nursing Early Admission Program to select incoming students based upon standardized test scores achieved during high school.
Program Requirements
1. Completion of all prerequisite courses with at least a grade of C in each course prior to final acceptance into the nursing major—Prerequisite courses include: Biology 121, 212, 214; Psychology 111, 360; Nursing 110, 112, 207; Nursing 340; Statistics (Math 124, Psychology 221 or Sociology 201). View the Academic Planner.
2. A minimum of 40 semester credits
3. Prerequisite-course GPA requirement of 2.75
4. Completion of application materials
5. Current physical examination including up-to-date immunizations
6. Successful completion of American Heart Association CPR course: BLS for the Healthcare Provider (must provide proof - a copy of both sides of your card)
Transfer Credits:
1. For pre-approval of Nursing pre-requisite course equivalents, submit an email to ktwohy@csbsju.edu the Chair of the Nursing Department, and the Registrar, and provide:
  - Full name of the college or university
  - Number of credits
  - Complete course description
2. Upon completion of the course, submit an official transcript to the Registrar and a copy to the chair of the Nursing Department.
3. For pre-approval of Core course equivalents, contact Academic Advising.
4. Having a few transfer credits does not make you a transfer student (See definition below)
Transfer Students:

For the purpose of acceptance to the Nursing major at CSB/SJU, a transfer student is defined as a first-time CSB/SJU student, known to have previously attended a postsecondary institution after graduating from high school, who will complete the major and core requirements in less than four years of full time study at CSB/SJU.
High school students graduating with advanced placement (AP) or postsecondary option credits (PSEO) are not considered transfer students.
Qualifying transfer students will be considered for acceptance on a space-available basis after qualifying students who have completed their pre-requisite courses at CSB/SJU.
If you have transfer credits and progress through the CSB/SJU program in at least four years of full-time study, you are not considered a transfer student.

PRE-NURSING STUDENTS AT CSB/SJU

Employment
When considering employment, pre-nursing students should keep in mind that pre-requisite courses will be very challenging for most students. We advise you allow 3 hours per credit per week for study time outside of the classroom/lab. i.e., 16 credits=48 hours per week; 18 credits=54 additional hours per week.

Extra Curricular Activities
Nursing program classes and clinical scheduling may unavoidably run into game and practice times. The department will make every attempt to avoid scheduling single section courses at times that may conflict with athletic practice. Please consult with involved faculty well in advance regarding existing or potential conflicts. Link to College Policy
First-year Advising Meetings
Declared Nursing students must attend one session each semester.
Second-year Advising and Registration Meetings
Declared Nursing students must attend one session each semester.
Minors and second majors
The nursing requirements are very demanding. Students wishing to obtain a minor or major in another field will have to extend their education beyond 4 years. The prerequisite courses will be very challenging for most students.
Program Requirements
Transfer credits

NURSING PROGRAM FEE
The program fee is charged to the nursing students each semester. The program fee covers lab supplies and equipment, liability insurance, software, etc. For the 2009-2010 academic year, the program fee is $375 per semester. The fee is evaluated prior to each semester.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Does admission to CSB/SJU mean that I am accepted into the nursing major?

No. Like all students, nursing students apply for admission to the nursing major during their sophomore year. (CSB and SJU do offer a Nursing Early Admission Program to select incoming students based on standardized test scores achieved during high school.

How challenging are the nursing courses and requirements?

The nursing requirements are very demanding, students wishing to obtain a minor in another field may have to extend their education beyond 4 years. The prerequisite courses will be very challenging for most students.

Will I be accepted to the nursing program if I meet the minimum qualifications?

Not necessarily. CSB and SJU can serve 45 students in each class. Students must meet the minimum qualifications to be considered for admission to the nursing major. The admission process is competitive; and, in recent history, we have not been able to accept all qualified applicants.

How many students typically apply to the nursing major and how many are accepted?

The number of students applying to the nursing major varies from year to year, but has been rising in recent years. As in most nursing programs, it is likely that we will have significantly more qualified applicants than available spaces.

What services do the colleges offer to assist me with choosing a major? What happens if I am not accepted to the nursing major?

All students who have expressed an interest in the nursing major will be invited to attend an information session early in their first year. Students are strongly encouraged to attend this important session. The academic advising and career services offices will work individually with students to help each of them explore their interests and strengths. It is important to us that you find a rewarding academic program and a career. The colleges will work with you to develop a four-year plan for success.

Is it easier to be admitted to the nursing major at other colleges?

Most nursing programs are facing the same challenges as CSB and SJU. It is important that you contact each of the colleges you are considering to make sure you have the facts so that you can make a well-informed decision.

Can I be accepted to the nursing major if I am not admitted to the Early Admission Program?

CSB and SJU will offer the Early Admission Program to a limited number of students, leaving some spaces for students to apply through the regular admission process.

How can I get more information?

Please contact the Admission Office at 800-544-1489 or 320-363-2196. Or e-mail admissions@csbsju.edu You can also find more information online at www.csbsju.edu/admission