Programs in Nursing

Office: Hagener Science Center Room #102

MSU-Northern offers Nursing Programs that promote collaborative clinical learning, critical thinking, and personal growth in a career that is dynamic, diverse, and offers the opportunity to work in a variety of different capacities and places. Achieving the Associate of Science Degree in Nursing (ASN) prepares you to establish the seamless pathway into the Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing (RN-BSN Online Completion Program). MSU-Northern enhances the registered nurse's opportunity to complete a bachelor’s degree in nursing while working as a healthcare professional.

Instruction for Nursing courses can be delivered in multiple forms; Face-to-Face, Online (only), Hybrid (combination of Face-to-Face and Online), and Distant Technologies. ASN courses are predominantly Face-to-Face and RN-BSN Completion courses are primarily Online with the two-credit clinical in the student’s geographical area.

Montana State University-Northern Department of Nursing Associate of Science Degree in Nursing program (ASN) is fully approved by: Montana State Board of Nursing (MT BON) 301 South Park, P.O. Box 200513, Helena, MT 59620. Phone: 1-406-841-2340 www.nurse.mt.gov The RN-BSN Completion Program follows the Rules and Statutes of the Montana State Board of Nursing.

The Associate of Science Degree in Nursing (ASN) Program at MSU-Northern located in Havre, Montana and the Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing (RN-BSN Completion) are accredited by:

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)

3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400

Atlanta, Georgia 30326

  Phone 404-975-5000

The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Associate of Science Degree in Nursing program is Continuing Accreditation.

The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing program is Continuing Accreditation.

View the public information disclosed by ACEN regarding these programs at http://www.acenursing.com/accreditedprograms/programsearch.htm

ASN Program Information

The ASN qualifies the graduate to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN).  The ASN program prepares the nursing graduates for the advanced beginner entry-level as a RN in a variety of health care organizations. 

Pre-Nursing students receive advisement from the Department of Nursing, located in Hagener Science Center.  ASN Nursing students are assigned nursing faculty advisors upon admission to the program.  For information regarding the RN-BSN Completion Program, call the MSU-Northern Department of Nursing at 406-265-4196 for the application.

All students in the MSU-Northern ASN program are required to take standardized proficiency examinations during the program.  These examinations provide the student, faculty, and program with information concerning student comprehension, application of nursing content and academic growth. Nursing students are required to pay fees for these examinations.  These fees will be paid during the semester of the examination and are not refundable.

Further information and program requirements may be obtained by calling the Department of Nursing office at 406-265-4196 or the University toll-free number, 1-800-662-6132 or by visiting the Department of Nursing webpage at https://www.msun.edu/academics/chs/nursing/index.aspx

To be considered for Fall 2024 admission into the Associate of Science Degree in Nursing (ASN) Program the following requirements must be met: 

  1. Be admitted to Montana State University-Northern (a separate application to the University is required)

  2. Submit official transcripts from any college and/or university that you have attended or currently attending; Send transcripts to MSU-Northern, P.O. Box 7751, Havre, Montana 59501. Transcripts will be evaluated to determine credit allotment and articulation. No required course, including basic skills courses, will be waived simply on the basis that the applicant has a prior college degree.

  3. A Selective cumulative GPA of 2.50 or higher

  4. An extracted GPA of a 2.85 or higher with the following required pre-nursing courses: College Algebra, Anatomy & Physiology I w/lab, College Writing I, and General Chemistry w/lab. A grade of “C” or higher is required. A grade of C- in any course is not acceptable; the course must be retaken. These courses may be taken at MSU-Northern or at other accredited institutions. Course substitution forms may need to be submitted before applying to the ASN program.

  5. Complete a Kaplan Admissions Exam with a minimum score of 65%. The Kaplan Admissions Exam can be taken twice, with dates being 30 days apart.  The Kaplan Admissions Exam score sheet must be dated for this 2024 year.

  6. Copy of government issued photo identification document (driver’s license, passport, etc.)

  7. Obtain an application and information packet from the Department of Nursing Office to apply for ASN admission. Applications are accepted May 1 through June 15.

  8. Students who desire to transfer into the Associate Degree Program from another school of nursing may apply by submitting a petition to the Director of Nursing.  Placement in the program is determined on an individual basis through transcript and/or course evaluations. Applicants may be asked to take a standardized or teacher-constructed test, and demonstrate specific skills in the University nursing laboratory or in a clinical setting. Once placement is determined, admission is granted on a space-available basis.

  9. Applicants not admitted into the Nursing Program by their expected date of admission must reapply for future consideration.

Upon admission, current documentation is required to be on file in the Student's Castlebranch account, or on file in the Department of Nursing office:

  1. A two-step TB skin test, or QuantiFERON TB Test; Tuberculosis Policy: All nursing students are screened annually, for tuberculosis. Initially a two-step tuberculin skin test (TST) will be used to provide a baseline. Each nursing student is responsible for providing evidence of screening for TB. Documentation incudes: TB screening form (date and test result cited as positive or negative). If symptomatic, the nursing student is required to submit documentation of medical evaluation of the nursing student’s health status related to TB. Nursing students with a positive skin test are required to provide written clearance from their health care provider in order to provide patient/client care. Additional requirements may be expected based upon current Centers of Disease Control (CDC).

  2. MMR immunization, MMR Policy: Have immunizations that are current for, or have documented proof of, immunity to measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR). Adults born before 1957 are generally considered immune to measles and mumps.  All adults born in 1957 or later should have documentation of 2 or more doses of MMR vaccine unless they have a medical contraindication to the vaccine or laboratory evidence of immunity to each of the three diseases.  Documentation of provider-diagnosed disease is not considered acceptable evidence of Immunity for Measles, Mumps or Rubella, (Recommended Adult Immunization Schedule United States 2015, CDC.gov).

  3. Current Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tdap) vaccination according to the Center for Disease Control guidelines.

  4. Documentation of the Hepatitis B vaccination B series, including titer, or have a valid waiver on file.

  5. Varicella Immunization; two shot series or Titer.

  6. Background check provided through CastelBranch. The cost of the background check is the student's responsibility. If you have any criminal activity stated on your background check, it is recommended that you contact the Montana Board of Nursing to determine if you are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam upon completion of the ASN Program.

  7. A current Health Insurance card

  8. Flu shot documentation or doctor’s note stating why you cannot receive the flu shot every fall semester.

  9. Drug testing is required every fall semester. The test is provided through CastleBranch. The cost of the drug test is the student's reponsibility. (This test will be scheduled for you by the Department of Nursing office after the start of Fall semester).

  10. Clinical Facilities may require other vaccinations and/or additional testing. Responsible of students to pay any fees for these requirements.

  11. Professional liability insurance which is provided by MSU-Northern through student program fees.

  12. All ASN nursing students are mandated to take the AHA BLS certification course that will be offered in the NRSG 233-Foundations of Nursing Lab during Fall Semester.

  13. Health Standards are to be met as required by the participating clinical facilities.  Additional laboratory/diagnostic test results or verification of required health standards/status are met.

  14. HIPPA Policy: All Nursing Students are legally accountable under the Health Information Privacy and Accountability Act (HIPPA) of 1996 to ensure the confidentiality of patient health information.


  15.  

Requirements for Progression through the ASN Program

  1. All courses required for the nursing programs are required to earn a grade of “C” or higher.

  2. Nursing students are required to maintain an 80% average on tests and quizzes in each nursing course in order to pass.

  3. To progress in the program, the nursing student is required to successfully pass both the didactic and clinical portions of a course. If either is not passed, the entire course must be repeated.

  4. Standardized testing is required throughout the ASN program.  The nursing student is required to meet the criteria established within each course.

Clinical Requirements

Students are expected to participate in clinical experiences in hospitals, nursing homes, and other community agencies at varied time schedules. The clinical schedule may involve day, evenings, and weekend assignments. Students must allow for flexibility for meeting their academic and clinical schedules. Participation in the clinical area is dependent upon space availability. Students must provide their own transportation to and from the classroom and the clinical areas; transportation is not factored into clinical time. Attendance policies will not accommodate traveling to and from campus/clinical.

Nursing students need to make their own arrangements for transportation to health care agencies for clinical and are expected to do so at their own expense for travel, food, and lodging.

Additional information regarding student policies and guidelines are found in the Nursing Student Handbook.

Program Fee

All students admitted into the ASN program pay a $600 program fee per semester.

RN-BSN Online Completion Program Information:

The RN-BSN Online Completion Program provides a seamless pathway for graduates of the ASN program and for licensed registered nurses to continue their education in the nursing profession. The RN-BSN Completion program builds on previous nursing education and is directed toward an expanded educational base in the areas of nursing leadership and management, community health, and advanced clinical practice. The RN-BSN Completion program builds on previous nursing education and is directed toward an expanded educational base in the areas of nursing leadership and management, community health, and advanced clinical practice. The RN-BSN Completion program is offered through MSU-Northern’s distance learning program.  This program allows the student to maintain employment and residency in their geographical area while completing the required BSN courses and 90 clinical hours. The RN-BSN Completion graduate is prepared as a generalist to practice in varied settings and has the foundation for graduate education.

To be considered for admission into the RN-BSN Online Completion:

  1. Be admitted to Montana State University-Northern (a separate application to the University is required)

  2. Submit official transcripts from any college and/or university that you have attended or are currently attending; transcripts will be evaluated to determine credit allotment and articulation per university policy. No required course, including basis skills courses, will be waived simply on the basis that the applicant has a prior college degree.

  3. GPA admission requirements: a cumulative GPA of 2.50 is required to be admitted into the RN-BSN Completion Nursing Program.

  4. Submit a copy of government issued photo identification document (driver’s license, passport, etc.)

  5. Submit a copy of current licensure as a Registered Nurse (for U.S. state where the practicum is to be done) or proof of registration and scheduled date for the NCLEX-RN exam

  6. Applications are accepted year-round.

Upon Admission, current documentation is required to be on file in the Student's CastleBranch account. Or on file in the Department of Nursing office:

  1. A two-step TB skin test, or QuantiFERON TB Test; Tuberculosis Policy: All nursing students are screened annually, for tuberculosis. Initially a two-step tuberculin skin test (TST) will be used to provide a baseline. Each nursing student is responsible for providing evidence of screening for TB. Documentation incudes: TB screening form (date and test result cited as positive or negative). If symptomatic, the nursing student is required to submit documentation of medical evaluation of the nursing student’s health status related to TB. Nursing students with a positive skin test are required to provide written clearance from their health care provider in order to provide patient/client care. Additional requirements may be expected based upon current Centers of Disease Control (CDC).

  2. MMR immunization, MMR Policy: Have immunizations that are current for, or have documented proof of, immunity to measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR). Adults born before 1957 are generally considered immune to measles and mumps.  All adults born in 1957 or later should have documentation of 2 or more doses of MMR vaccine unless they have a medical contraindication to the vaccine or laboratory evidence of immunity to each of the three diseases.  Documentation of provider-diagnosed disease is not considered acceptable evidence of Immunity for Measles, Mumps or Rubella, (Recommended Adult Immunization Schedule United States 2015, CDC.gov).

  3. Current Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (TDAP) vaccination according to the Center for Disease Control guidelines.

  4. Documentation of the Hepatitis B vaccination B series, including titer, or have a valid waiver on file.

  5. Varicella Immunization; two shot series or Titer.

  6. Background check provided through Castlebranch. the cost of the background check is the student's responsibility. If you have any criminal activity stated on your background check, it is recommended that you contact the Montana Board of Nursing to determine if you are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam upon completion of the ASN Program.

  7. Submit proof of current personal professional liability insurance

  8. A Current Health Insurance Card

  9. Health standards are to be met as required by the participating clinical facilities.  Additional laboratory/diagnostic test results or verification of required health standards/status may be required by these facilities. The Department of Nursing faculty will require documentation that the standards/status are met.

  10. HIPPA Policy:  All Nursing Students are legally accountable under the Health Information Privacy and Accountability Act (HIPPA) of 1996 to ensure the confidentiality of patient health information.

Requirements for Progression thru the RN-BSN Online Completion Program

  1. A grade of “C” or higher must be earned in all courses required for the nursing program major.

  2. Maintain a GPA of at least 2.5, or higher, while enrolled in the RN-BSN Completion Program

  3. Students accumulating two grades of “W” or two grades below “C” in any course(s) required for the Nursing Major will be dropped from the program and may not be readmitted for 3 years.

  4. To progress in the program, the nursing student is required to successfully pass both the didactic and clinical portions of a course. If either is not passed, the entire course must be repeated.

  5. RN-BSN Completion students are required to complete the program within five (5) consecutive years of beginning the program as described with your approved Degree Plan. RN-BSN Completion students may petition the faculty if an extension is needed due to extenuating circumstances.

ASN and RN-BSN Completion Program Graduation

Graduation is dependent upon the Nursing Student meeting the professional standards and criteria of safe and effective nursing care as prescribed by the curriculum.

Students who are going to graduate need to follow all university policies and procedures relating to graduation as published in MSU-Northern Course Catalog. The current MSU-Northern Course Catalog: https://www.msun.edu/registrar/catalogs.aspx

  1. Application for graduation forms must be completed and submitted to the registrar’s office in Havre during the fall semester for spring graduation and spring semester for fall graduation.

  2. Gowns and announcements need to be ordered through the bookstore during the fall semester prior to graduation.

  3. All students who have received financial aid during their college experience must have an exit interview with the Financial Aide Officer.

ASN Program

Pre-Nursing
BIOH 201Human Anat Phys I4
BIOH 202Human Anat & Phys I Lab0
CHMY 121Intro to General Chemistry3
CHMY 122Intro to Gen Chem Lab1
WRIT 101College Writing I3
M 121College Algebra3,4
First Year Fall
BIOM 250Microbiology for Hlth Sciences3
BIOM 251Microbiology Hlth Sciences Lab1
NRSG 230Nursing Pharmacology3
NRSG 231Nursing Pharm Lab2
NRSG 232Foundations of Nursing3
NRSG 233Foundations of Nursing Lab3
First Year Spring
NRSG 256Pathophysiology3
NRSG 234Adult Nursing I3
NRSG 235Adult Nursing I Clinical2
NRSG 236Health & Illness Maternal Nurs2
NRSG 237Health/Illness Mat Nurs Clinic1
BIOH 211Human Anatomy & Physiology II4
BIOH 212Human Anatomy & Physiology II Lab0
Second Year Fall
NRSG 254Mental Health Concepts3
NRSG 255Mental Health Concepts Clinic1
NRSG 244Adult Nursing II3
NRSG 245Adult Nursing II Clinical2
NRSG 246Health & Illness Child/Fam2
NRSG 247Hlth & Illns Chld/Fam Clinical1
SOCI 101Introduction to Sociology3
Second Year Spring
NRSG 259Adult Nursing III3
NRSG 260Adult Nursing III Lab1
NRSG 261Adult Nursing III Clinical2
NRSG 266Managing Client Care RN2
NRSG 267Managed Client Care Clinical2
PSYX 100Intro to Psychology3

RN to BSN 

GEN ED Requirements
PSYX 230Developmental Psychology3
STAT 216Introduction to Statistics3
WRIT 350Technical Editing3
Upper Division Humanities3
Spring Semester
NRSG 322Health Promotion and Education3
NRSG 325Adv. Health Assessment3
NRSG 326Complex Health Care Needs3
NRSG 305Nursing/Health Care Ethics3
Summer Semester
NRSG 301Nursing in the Community5
NRSG 302Nursing in the Comm Clinical1
NRSG 320Nursing/Healthcare Informatics3
NRSG 424Nursing Research & Evidence3
Fall Semester
NRSG 344Family Nursing3
NRSG 361Global Nursing/Healthcare3
NRSG 463Leadership & Mang for RN5
NRSG 464Leadership & Mang RN Clinical1