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Nursing Admissions

We are accepting applications for the 2010-2011 nursing programs which begin with nursing coursework in the fall of 2010. We will accept applications from June 15, 2009 through February 15, 2010.  Applications, transcripts, and/or supporting documents received after February 15, 2010 will not be considered for the fall 2010 start date.

Minnesota West's Nursing Program will prepare you to become a PN (Practical Nurse) or an RN (Registered Nurse). Choose the program that works for you. Admission to the Nursing Program requires a separate application process.

nursing classroom photos

Application Materials

Nursing Application Packet 2010-2011 (PDF)

Submit completed application materials to the Worthington Campus for:
Practical Nursing Program (PN) - Worthington Campus
Associate Degree Nursing Program (RN) - Worthington and Pipestone Campuses
Three Year Nursing Plan (General education, PN and RN coursework)  - Combined online, ITV and face-to-face delivery.

Mitz Diemer
Minnesota West - Worthington Campus
1450 Collegeway
Worthington , MN 56187

Submit completed application materials to the Pipestone Campus for:
Nursing - Practical Nursing Program  (PN) - Pipestone campus
Eileen Christensen
Minnesota West - Pipestone Campus
PO Box 250
Pipestone, MN 56164

See the Nursing Program Web site for more information.

Application Process

1.    Complete the online Minnesota West application for admission.
2.    Print and complete the Minnesota West Nursing Program Application.
3.    Payment of a $20 non-refundable one time application fee is required.
4.    Transcripts:
Official high school and college transcripts must be sent directly to the Nursing Department at the campus of application. Some general courses required for nursing programs have a time limit of 5 years (i.e.  Biology, Anatomy, Physiology, Medical Terminology, and Developmental Psychology).  The Registrar will evaluate transcripts for course currency upon admission to the program.
5.    Assessment Testing:
Minnesota West has mandatory placement in courses based on the Accuplacer. The Accuplacer consists of tests in reading, English and math. You are required to take the assessment test unless deemed eligible for a waiver after showing a copy of your transcripts to a counselor or advisor. Test information and sample questions are available for your review purposes.

If you are applying to the Practical Nursing Program, Associate Degree Nursing Program or Three Year Nursing Plan, you are required to take the PSB Nursing Aptitude test. The PSB test assesses general mental ability (includes verbal, math, and non-verbal), spelling, natural science, judgment, and personal adjustments. We look very closely at the math and science indicators. If you score below the 70th percentile, we will recommend courses that will help insure your future success. Sample questions are available. Print and complete the registration form.

If you are entering the Associate Degree Nursing Program as a licensed practical nurse, you must take the NLN Profile Exam I.  You are responsible for the $75 test fee. Print and complete the registration form.

Prerequisites

Practical Nursing Program
1.    Completion of a federally-approved Nursing Assistant (NA) course within the past three years, or in good standing on the Minnesota Nursing Assistant Registry. To challenge the NA course if you have taken a course before 1990, contact jo.sirovyREMOVE-THIS@mnwest.edu.
2.    Successful completion of BIOL 2245, Medical Terminology, or equivalent transfer course.
3.    Successful completion of BIOL 1115, Human Biology, or equivalent biology course
4.    Successful completion of CSCI 1102, Introduction to Microcomputers, or equivalent transfer course.
5.    Current CPR certification from the American Heart  Association-Basic Life Support or American Red Cross-CPR for the Professional Rescuer

Associate Degree Nursing Program (Registered Nursing)
1.    Licensed Practical Nurse
2.    A minimum college GPA of 2.5
3.    Successful completion of BIOL 2245, Medical Terminology, or equivalent transfer course.
4.    Successful completion of CSCI 1102, Introduction to Microcomputers, or equivalent transfer course.
5.    BIOL 2201, Anatomy, or equivalent transfer course
6.    PSYC 1150, Developmental Psychology, or equivalent transfer course
7.    PSYC 1101, Introduction to Speech, or equivalent transfer course
8.    NURS 2100, Professional Nursing Transition

Three Year Nursing Plan – (This three year cohort includes general education, PN and RN coursework)
1.    Completed MnSCU Application for General Admission and completed Nursing Program Application
2.    Official final high school transcript with graduation date OR a copy of completed GED certificate
3.    Official copies of your most current college coursework sent directly to the Nursing Department
4.    A one-time non-refundable $20 application fee must be sent with the application form
5.    Results of the PSB Nursing Aptitude Test and Accuplacer Test
6.    Licensed Practical Nurse before continuing in the RN coursework

Please Note: Minnesota West College Catalog is updated every 2 years. Current course descriptions are found in the Associate Degree Nursing Handbook.

Acceptance/Selection Process to the Nursing Program

Admission to the Nursing programs is competitive. Applicants who have met the minimum admission requirements by February 15, 2010, will be reviewed for fall 2010 admission to the program.

Admission to the nursing program is determined by a screening committee based on the following criteria:
•    Nursing test scores (PSB test for Practical Nursing Program and NLN test for Associate Degree Nursing Program)
•    College GPA
•    Coursework related to the degree requirements for the nursing program. Minnesota West will evaluate the college transcripts and post transfer credits to your Minnesota West transcript in accordance with MnSCU policy 3.21.

Applicants who do not meet the minimum admission requirements or fail to complete the nursing program admission process by the February 15, 2010 deadline will be denied admission to the nursing program. Minnesota West will notify all applicants in writing of their admission status in the nursing program within six weeks of the application deadline. Please do not call to check on your admission status before April 1, 2010.

Requirements after Acceptance to the Nursing Program

1.    Minnesota health care agencies used for clinical experiences are required to obtain background checks on personnel providing direct patient care, including student nurses.  You must sign and submit a student background check form at orientation.
2.    FBI Background Check
3.    Completion of all prerequisite coursework
4.    Current health insurance
5.    You are required to meet certain requirements before beginning your clinical experience.  These include completion and submission of:
a.    Minnesota West Nursing Health History Form. This form includes required immunizations/tests for Tuberculin (Mantoux) test, MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) Tetanus, Hepatitis B series, Polio/Oral, and Chicken Pox.
b.    Current CPR certification from the American Heart  Association-Basic Life Support or American Red Cross-CPR for the Professional Rescuer
6.    You are responsible for transportation costs for nursing clinical experiences, health examinations, malpractice insurance, CPR certification, etc.
7.    You are required to take a standardized achievement examination near the completion of the program.  You are responsible for the cost of the examination.
8.    You must maintain a minimum grade of C (a 2.0 cumulative GPA) in all courses to continue progression in the nursing program.

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