Minimum required credits for PC: 43
PC Student Education Plan (SEP)
Program Description
The Dakota Practical Nursing program prepares students to work as licensed practical nurses (LPN) under the supervision of a registered nurse, physician, or dentist. LPNs perform acts utilizing specialized knowledge, skills, and abilities for people in a variety of settings (2003 ND Nurse Practice Act). Employment is found in hospitals, nursing homes, health centers, and clinics, as well as in a variety of other settings. This program of study leads to a Certificate. Upon completion of the program, the individual is qualified to apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses, as required by the North Dakota State Board of Nursing for licensure as an LPN. Graduates may apply to the Dakota Associate Degree Nursing Program at the consortium colleges or transfer many of the credits earned to another community college or university. The Dakota Practical Nursing Program is offered in collaboration between four colleges: Bismarck State College, Lake Region State College, Dakota College at Bottineau, and Williston State College.
Students in the practical nursing program will be required to attend summer semester. Students enrolled in programs that require attendance during summer term in order to graduate must consider additional financial planning in order to meet costs during the summer term.
Criteria for Admission
Admission to the practical nursing program is on a competitive basis. The following must be met to be considered for admission:
- Admission to Williston State College.
- Possession of a high school diploma or equivalent with a 2.5 GPA or higher. If a student has completed 12 credits of college classes, the college GPA will be considered instead of high school GPA.
- Proof of current CPR training for Health Care Providers from the American Heart Association or the Red Cross.
- Student must have completed at minimum ASC 093 with a “Satisfactory” grade or “C” or better so they are prepared to enter MATH 103 College Algebra (or higher math courses), OR equivalent scores for EdReady/ACT/PLAN/SAT/COMPASS. (Math Skills Readiness must be completed within 5 years of application).
- ACT composite score of 19, or
- ACT/COMPASS/ASSET/Acuplacer/SAT test(s) with an equivalent score, or
- Successful completion of 12 credits of college courses with a mimimum GPA of 2.5
- Completion of ATI Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) with a score of 45.0% or higher. (*Reminder: This is an IN-PERSON exam; WSC does not accept online proctored TEAS Exams.)
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50.
- For any required college courses completed prior to admission, the grade in that course must be a 2.0 (C) or higher, and nursing GPA for all completed required nursing courses must be 2.75 or higher.
- Anatomy and Physiology I and II with Lab (A&P II must be taken within the last 7 years)
- Introduction to Pharmacology (must be taken within the last 7 years)
- Developmental Psychology
- Introduction to Psychology
- Composition I
- Other: Microbiology (required for ADN program)
- For those of whom English is not their native language (including international and/or U.S. residents), additional language proficiency requirements must be met by successfully passing the TOEFL exam or utilizing DuoLingo.
- Prior to entering class all students must pass a drug screening exam and criminal background check.
Application instructions for admission to the Dakota Nursing Program may be obtained from www.dakotanursing.org. The admissions committee will review the application and qualifications of each individual. Students will be notified in writing of their acceptance status. The number of students admitted will vary by location.
Program Outcomes
Students will be able to demonstrate:
- Teamwork & Communication - Participate as a member of the interdisciplinary health care team through effective communication in the delivery and management of client care.
- Professionalism & Leadership - Incorporate professional standards and scope of practice as a certificate practical nurse while pursuing professional growth within legal, ethical, and regulatory frameworks.
- Client-Centered Care - Provide culturally competent care for clients while promoting their self-determination and integrity.
- Evidence-Based Practice & Nursing Judgment - Utilize the nursing process, science, and clinical reasoning to provide quality evidencedbased client care.
- Quality Improvement & Safety - Employ evidence based decision making to deliver safe and effective client care and to evaluate client outcomes.
- Informatics - Utilize appropriate technology to communicate effectively and manage information in the delivery of client care. All courses required for the practical nursing program must be passed with a minimum of a "C".
Program Requirements
In addition to the program-specific requirements, please see the general graduation requirements for CTE programs.
BIOL 220 | Anatomy & Physiology I L/L | 4 credits
BIOL 221 | Anatomy & Physiology II L/L | 4 credits
ENGL 110 | College Composition I | 3 credits
NURS 120 | Foundations of Nursing | 3 credits
NURS 121 | Practical Nursing I | 3 credits
NURS 122 | Clinical Practice I | 3 credits
NURS 124 | Clinical Practice II | 3 credits
NURS 126 | Clinical Practice III | 3 credits
NURS 127 | Practical Nursing II: Introduction to Medical-Surgical Nursing | 2 credits
NURS 129 | Practical Nursing III | 3 credits
NURS 145 | Introduction to Maternal-Child Nursing | 2 credits
PHRM 215 | Introduction to Pharmacology | 3 credits
PSYC 111 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 credits
PSYC 250 | Developmental Psychology | 3 credits
UNIV 100 | College Strategies 1 credit OR UNIV 101 | College Transitions | 1 credit
View course descriptions.
Upon completion of the 11-month program, students will be eligible for a Certificate in Practical Nursing.
Students must have a NDUS e-mail account and access to reliable high speed internet. Some course components may be offered in an online format. Classes will be presented using a variety of technology. Students must complete the 43 credits, passing each class with a minimum of a "C", with a 2.75 GPA or higher.
Clinical experiences are supervised by WSC nursing faculty. Clinical experiences will be provided at CHI St. Alexius-Williston, local clinics, Bethel Lutheran Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, the State Hospital in Jamestown, ND, and at other specified locations.
Opportunity for validation of student achievement of specific course objectives by alternate methods is provided by the Nursing Department. Nursing faculty will review each situation on an individual basis. For further information, contact the Nursing Program Director.