Dickinson State University (DSU) reaffirms its commitment to providing a robust nursing program that meets the needs of students and supports the healthcare workforce in southwestern North Dakota. Following a thorough evaluation of the nursing program’s structure and alignment with industry demands, DSU has announced the development of a traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. This new pathway will ensure that the University continues to graduate well-prepared registered nurses (RNs) without gaps in student success or community support.

The new BSN program is expected to launch as early as Fall 2025. The transition to this traditional pathway reflects DSU’s proactive approach to increasing nursing graduates and improving retention by focusing on pre-nursing preparation.

Why the Shift to a Traditional BSN Program?

Previously, DSU offered a laddered two-plus-two nursing program, where students first earned an Associate of Applied Science in Practical Nursing (AASPN) to become licensed practical nurses (LPNs), followed by the option to complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to become registered nurses (RNs). The new traditional BSN pathway eliminates the LPN requirement and focuses on a direct RN pathway from the start.

By making this shift, DSU aims to:

  • Reduce attrition through focused pre-nursing coursework, ensuring students are fully prepared for the demands of the RN program.
  • Increase the number of graduates each year by streamlining the educational pathway.
  • Provide students with a more seamless route to earning their BSN degree without requiring additional steps or programs.

Options for Current AASPN Students

As part of the transition, DSU will provide several options for current AASPN students:

  • Stop Out option: Students may complete the AASPN program and become licensed practical nurses.
  • Transition to the BSN program: Students may transition into the new RN program without adding time to their academic plan.

Meeting the Needs of Students and the Community

The decision to move to a traditional BSN program reflects DSU’s commitment to student success and the healthcare needs of the region. With faculty departures, limited resources, and the need for streamlined programming, this shift ensures that DSU remains well-positioned to serve its students and community effectively.

“This change aligns our nursing program with current healthcare industry expectations, better preparing students for success and ensuring that DSU continues to provide well-qualified, compassionate registered nurses to the region,” stated Carey Haugen and Collette Christoffers, co-administrators of DSU’s nursing program.

The healthcare industry can rest assured that Dickinson State University will continue to graduate nursing students each year, despite the transition to a new program structure. Current third- and fourth-year nursing students are on track to graduate in spring 2025 and spring 2026, respectively. Meanwhile, first- and second-year students who choose to transition into the new traditional BSN program are expected to graduate in spring 2027 and spring 2028. To further meet the needs of the students and surrounding community, the Associate of Applied Science in Practical Nursing will pause shortly as revisions to the program are made to implement a Licensed Practical Nursing certification. LPN certification programs are usually completed in one year or less as compared to AASPN programs, which require two years of study but result in the same licensure. This seamless shift ensures no interruption in the pipeline of skilled nursing professionals from DSU.

The traditional BSN structure also offers a faster pathway for students with prior degrees. Those who already hold an associate of science, associate of arts, or a bachelor’s degree in another field will be recognized as general education complete. As a result, these students can earn their BSN in as little as two years, accelerating their path to becoming registered nurses.

“Our nurse administrators have done a tremendous job finding a solution that provides a clear pathway for students while increasing the number of RN graduates our community so desperately needs,” said Ty Orton, acting president of DSU. “The future of nursing looks bright at DSU.”

For more information about the future of DSU’s nursing program, please contact Carey Haugen at carey.haugen@ndus.edu and Collette Christoffers at c.christoffers@ndus.edu.