Nursing

Office: Hagener Science Center Room 102

Montana State University-Northern offers the following nursing programs: Associate of Science in Nursing Degree (ASN) and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree (RN-BSN Completion Program).

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 of 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://acenursing.com/accreditedprograms/programsearch.htm

Advising 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 students, faculty, and program with information concerning student comprehension, application of nursing content and academic growth.  Nursing students are required to pay fees for these examination and are not refundable.

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 practive.  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.

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

Associate of Science in Nursing Degree (ASN program)

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 are currently attending; Send transcript to MSU-Northern Registrar’s office, 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 tuberculuin skin test (TST) will be used to provide a baseline. Each nursing student is responsible for providing evidence of screening for TB. Documentation includes: 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 Center 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, Diptheria, 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. 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 responsibility. (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 student 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 may be required by these facilities. The Department of Nursing faculty will require documentation that the 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.

Students are expected to participate in clinical experiences in hospitals, nursing homes, and other community agencies at varied time schedules. Students who are employed must arrange with employers to allow for flexibility in meeting their academic and clinical schedules. The clinical schedule may involve day, evenings, and weekend assignments.

Faculty members have an obligation to the client to ensure that nursing students who care for them are competent to do so. In the interest of safeguarding the client’s welfare, students must meet the criteria detailed in the Nursing Student Handbook. To be allowed to participate in clinical assignments the student must:

1. Demonstrate good health status and practices and be free from any condition that could jeopardize client safety and comfort
2. Demonstrate emotional stability
3. Demonstrate sensitivity to client safety and comfort
4. Practice within legal standards and demonstrate regard for professional ethics
5. Comply with agency requirements pertinent to student participation
6. Carry out client care assignments with the required knowledge and skill as determined in classroom theory and laboratory demonstrations

Students Note: You cannot participate in clinical experiences if you fail to keep current your proof of requirements. Failure in clinical experience also results in failure in the nursing course(s). Also, please note that all Associate Degree Nursing students pay a $600/semester program fee.

General Requirements for Progression and Graduation

To assure progression through the program, the Nursing student is required to maintain the total academic and clinical requirements. When assigned to clinical situations, the student must meet the criteria that assure safety and welfare.

1. Pass the required General Education courses. Students who does not pass the General Education courses that are embedded in the ASN curriculum cannot progress to next semester of the ASN program. The general education courses include:(Anatomy & Physiology II with Lab, Intro to Psych, Intro to Sociology, and Microbiology with Lab). Any student requesting an Incomplete in these 4 courses has to meet with the Dean for approval.
2. Earn a grade of “C” or higher in all courses required for the nursing program, even the required General Education courses.
3. Maintain an average of 80% or higher on tests and quizzes in order to pass the nursing courses.
4. Pass both the didactic and lab/clinical courses in the same semester. If either is not passed, both must be repeated together.
5. Meet the criteria established for the standardized testing (Kaplan and Hurst Review) required for the nursing courses.

Reinstatement after Withdrawal from the Nursing Major

Reinstatement to the nursing major is not automatic. A former student must submit a petition to the Director of Nursing before the beginning of the semester. The petition must state the reason the student was unsuccessful and what has been done to increase the chances for success if readmitted. Students petitioning for reinstatement may be required to pass a written test and a practical performance exam for placement into the nursing program. Students who have left the program for non-academic reasons, and have been out for one year or less, may be reinstated without testing on a space available basis.

Additional information regarding student policies and guidelines may be found in the Nursing Student Handbook, which is updated annually.

Faculty Academic Advisors

1. Faculty advisors are assigned to each student upon admission to the nursing program. New advisors may also be assigned as students progress to the RN-BSN program.
2. A student is expected to meet with his/her advisor a minimum of twice per semester to discuss grades, academic plans or problems, course changes, etc. The student or the advisor has the right to initiate a change in the advising assignment. Students are encouraged to confer with advisors as academic problems, conflicts, or concerns arise.

Transportation

Students must provide their own transportation to and from the classroom and the clinical areas.

Program Fee

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

Summary

If the above criteria are not met, or if there is any circumstance that may constitute an unreasonable risk to the safety and well being of the patient/client, a student may be removed from the program. The final decision regarding removal will be based on the judgment of the Nursing faculty and Director.

Bachelor of Science In Nursing Degree

The following is the policy for applying to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree (RN-BSN Online Completion) program:

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 exam
6. Applications are accepted year round.
7. Students are required to set up an account with Castlebranch. Castlebranch provides secure storage of student's required documents for the program. The student is responsible for the fees associated with this account. For more information: www.castlebranch.com
8. Prior to starting the clinical courses, the student must meet the following requirements:
   1. MMR immunization or titer
   2. Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap) immunization
   3. Hepatitis B vaccination series or titer
   4. Two-Step TB Test or QuantiFERON test
   5. Health Insurance Card
   6. Professional Liability Insurance document
   7. Copy of RN license
   8. Current BLS certification
   9. Background check provided through CastleBranch.

General Requirements for Progression and Graduation

The MSU-Northern Department of Nursing is required to follow the Montana State-Wide RN-BSN Completion Model Curriculum adopted in 2016.

To assure progression through the program, the student must meet the total academic and clinical requirements. When assigned to clinical situations, the student is also required to assure patient safety and welfare.

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 descripted with your approved Degree Plan. RN-BSN Completion students may petition the faculty if an extension is needed due to extenuating circumstances.

Reinstatement after Withdrawal from the Nursing Major

1. A student who has been removed for academic performance or who has withdrawn from the program, may reapply to the Department of Nursing for readmission to the RN-BSN Program.
2. A student who has been removed for academic performance or who has withdrawn from the program is required to petition the Department of Nursing APG Committee and the Department of Nursing Director in writing for readmission to the RN-BSN Completion program. The written petition gives permission for the APG Committee and Director to review the student’s record. It also includes the following documents:
   1. A copy of their current transcript;
   2. A written success plan describing how he/she plans to meet the course requirements and identifying how he/she will overcome the barriers of the past;
   3. A written summary of his/her nursing academic career plan;
3. The APG Committee will consider each case on presentation of the information submitted in the petition. There is no guarantee that the student will be readmitted.
4. Readmission depends on:
   1. The APG’s evaluation of the likelihood of the applicant’s successful performance in succeeding course work;
   2. All admission criteria being met.
5. If approval for readmission is granted, the student will resume the nursing program at a point of entry which allows for smooth progression to the next sequence as determined by the APG Committee.
   1. The student may be advised to audit a previous nursing course so that transition can be made smoothly and student achievement enhanced.
   2. Students may be advised to successfully complete the appropriate standardized examinations as required by the Department of Nursing.

Additional information regarding student policies and guidelines may be found in the Nursing Student Handbook, which is updated annually.

Academic Advisors

Advisors are assigned to each student upon admission to the program. A student is expected to meet with his/her advisor a minimum of twice per semester to discuss grades, academic plans or problems, course changes, etc. The meeting may be face-to-face, by e-mail, by telephone or by Zoom. The student or the advisor has the right to initiate a change in the advising assignment. Students are encouraged to confer with advisors as academic problems, conflicts, or concerns arise.

Transportation

Students must provide their own transportation to and from the clinical facilities.

1. Students are expected to participate in clinical experiences in hospitals, nursing homes, and other community agencies at varied time schedules. Students who are employed must arrange with employers to allow for flexibility in meeting their academic and clinical schedules. The clinical schedule may involve day, evenings, and weekend assignments.
2. Participation in the clinical area is dependent upon space availability.
3. Faculty members have an obligation to the patient/client to ensure that nursing students who care for them are competent to do so. In the interest of safeguarding the patient/client’s welfare, students must meet the criteria detailed in the Nursing Student Handbook. To be allowed to participate in clinical assignments the student must:
   1. Demonstrate good health status and practices and be free from any condition that could jeopardize patient/client safety and comfort.
   2. Demonstrate emotional stability.
   3. Demonstrate sensitivity to client safety and comfort.
   4. Practice within legal standards and demonstrate regard for professional ethics.
   5. Comply with agency requirements pertinent to student participation.

If the above criteria are not met, or if there is any circumstance that may constitute an unreasonable risk to the safety and well-being of the patient/client, a student may be removed from the program. The final decision regarding removal will be based on the judgment of the nursing faculty and Director.