The pre-licensure track is intended for students who do not currently possess an RN license. Students accepted to the program can complete their degree in as little as five semesters. In addition to earning their degree, students are prepared to earn licensure by taking the NCLEX.
Why BSU Nursing
- Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Rolling admissions—once you meet the program requirements, you can apply and rest assured that you will be starting in the next cohort. There is no prolonged waiting period or surprises.
- 100% NCLEX pass rate
- Enormous, fully equipped nursing lab. Nearly 8,000 square feet (6 hospital bays, 2 high fidelity simulation rooms, 4 recording rooms and 5 clinic bays).
Your Next Steps
- Apply to BSU
- Apply for Financial Aid (if necessary)
- Contact the Nursing Student Services Coordinator to make a degree plan
- Apply to the pre-licensure track once you’ve met the application requirements
Pre-Licensure Program Specifications
- Pre-Licensure Four Year Schedule (intended for students coming to BSU with no college credit)
- TEAS Assessment Exam Scheduling at BSU
- American Heart Association Basic Life Support Certification
For more information on the courses in this program, visit the course catalog.
Pre-Licensure Application Requirements
All applicants must be meet the following requirements prior to submitting their application:
| Criteria | Requirements |
|---|---|
| General course work (successfully completed) | At least 30 college credits (including transfer credits) |
| Program prerequisites (completed within the past 5 years and achieved at least a “C-” grade)* |
BIOL 1111/1112 Anatomy & Physiology for Allied Health I/II — 8 credits with lab PSY 3237 Lifespan Development — 4 credits PSY 1100 Introduction to Psychology — 4 credits CHEM 1111 General Chemistry I — 4 credits with lab |
| GPA (Overall) | At least 2.80 (including transfer credits). Applicants who do not have a cumulative GPA of 2.8 or higher may still apply if their credits in the last five years are at a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher (at least 30 credits including transfer) |
| Nursing Assistant course or valid Practical Nurse license | Acceptable proof includes an educational transcript or course completion document from a care facility. Taking the CNA certification test is not required, nor does the certificate qualify as proof of course completion. |
| CPR Certification | Current American Heart Association HeartCode BLS or American Heart Association BLS for Healthcare Providers CPR certification |
| ATI TEAS Assessment Exam | Complete the ATI TEAS Assessment Exam with a minimum score of 58.7%. Students may take the exam more than once but any test results must be from the last two years in order to be considered. |
*Prerequisite courses transferred from another school must be formally approved by the nursing department as equivalent before you submit your application.
Accepted Students: Pre-Licensure Program
Student Handbook
All students are required to review and acknowledge the Student Handbook. Updates and revisions are published periodically and at minimum, students should re-review annually.
Program Start
The Pre-licensure program begins each spring semester. Accepted students unable to begin the program must re-apply for future admission.
Additional Costs
Beyond standard tuition/fees and textbooks, there are additional costs that students should plan for. It’s worth noting that students may already own shoes and undershirts.
* = part of your BSU bill
| Estimated Additional Expenses for Nursing in First Semester | |
| Differential Tuition (NRSG course = $36.20 per credit each semester)* | $434.40 |
| National and/or International Background Check | $ 42 |
| State Background Check | $ 44 |
| ATI Nursing Education fee (each semester)* | $ 713 |
| Scrubs | $ 60 |
| Shoes for lab/clinical | $ 100 |
| Stethoscope & Case | $ 120 |
| Lab Kits* | $150 |
| Approximate Total | $1,663.40 |
Orientation
Mandatory orientation is Monday, November 4, 2024 at 4 pm in Bridgeman 100. Students unable to attend in-person will be allowed to participate virtually.
Compliance Requirements
Students will receive an invitation to Clinician Nexus, a student-friendly software designed to manage clinical and program requirements. Plan to complete the immunizations, certifications and background checks and other steps assigned by December 1, 2024.
Faculty Advisors
Faculty advisors play a key role in student success. Students will meet their faculty advisor at orientation and can further their connection throughout classes, office hours, department events, and more.
Scholarships
Department of Nursing Scholarships are available through the University Foundation from November to February. Recipients are announced in the spring and financial awards are applied for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Contact
Get in touch with the Nursing Student Services Coordinator if you have any questions about the pre-licensure program, submitting your application, registering for courses and everything in between!
Michael Simpson
Nursing Student Services Coordinator
Location: Bensen Hall 223
Phone: (218) 755-2486
Email: michael.simpson@bemidjistate.edu
FAQ
The pre-licensure track is NOT a hybrid/online program. Students can do their pre-requisite coursework online or through a different institution, but all courses in the major are offered on campus at BSU with no scheduled summer courses.
There is a new cohort that starts every January. Students should plan to have their application submitted by no later than mid-December.
A minimum of five semesters. Admitted students officially begin the program in spring of their sophomore year (see four year recommended schedule).
Yes! — but transfer students must be admitted to BSU prior to applying to the nursing major. Any prerequisite courses transferred from another school must be formally approved by the nursing department. If you have any questions as to whether courses are considered equivalent, please work with the Nursing Student Services Coordinator.
Any student can apply provided they’ve met the application requirements. Many of our first-year students come to BSU with significant amounts of college credits earned, so it may be possible to apply to the program right away rather than using your first-year to complete those requirements. If you think this might apply to you, please contact the Nursing Student Services Coordinator.
Between 50 — 60.
You only need to show proof that you’ve completed the class. That can be a transcript or a certificate of completion. Although getting certified and working as a CNA is great experience for nursing, the department wants applicants to have taken the class for the skills you learn. It’s up to the applicant whether they want to get certified.
Bemidji and the surrounding areas. Clinical rotations begin during a student’s junior year.
Yes, the Community Health course and corresponding clinical experiences will allow you to apply within your state’s Board of Nursing upon graduation.
We do not have an accelerated LPN-BSN program; however, LPNs are welcome to apply, but they will need to fulfill the same requirements as other students.
We do not have an accelerated program; however, a prior Bachelor’s degree means that the student will have already met the Core Curriculum requirement.