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For students entering the university under the 2025-26 Undergraduate Catalog and later, the following admission criteria will apply:

Applicants for the RN to BSN program must:

1. Be a registered nurse with an associate degree in nursing and an unencumbered license in the state of practice.
2. Minimum GPA of 2.5.
3. Have achieved C grades in all coursework applied to baccalaureate requirements.
4. Have three or fewer prerequisite courses to complete.

Conditional admission may be granted to approved students currently enrolled in an associate degree program. For more information on special circumstances, contact the program adviser.

Before submitting your application, be sure to review the admission criteria.

1. Submit an application to the university.
   • Prior to applying to the nursing program, students must apply for admission to SDSU. The university application can be completed online through the Office of Admissions.
   • Students graduating with an undergraduate degree from SDSU this academic year will need to complete a new application.
   • Official transcripts showing a conferred B.A. or B.S. degree or prerequisite courses (both completed and in progress) are necessary for admission. These transcripts must be submitted directly to SDSU Office of Admissions. If you will have courses in progress at the application deadline, you must send updated official transcripts to SDSU upon completion of coursework. Coursework completed at Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓƵ, Dakota State University, University of South Dakota, Northern State University, South Dakota School of Mines or Black Hills State University does not need to be submitted to SDSU Office of Admissions.
2. Complete the application for admission to the nursing program.
   • The application and application materials for the professional nursing major must be completed online through . You are encouraged to submit the application at least one week prior to the application deadline.
   • Application materials will include unofficial or official transcripts.
3. Submit Test of English as a Foreign Language, International English Language Testing System or Duolingo score report with NursingCAS Application (nonnative speakers of English)
   • The College of Nursing requires all students who meet the definition of English as a second language to complete the Test of English as a Foreign Language, International English Language Testing System or Duolingo exam, regardless of residency status. English as a second language is defined as a student who was instructed and spoke primarily in a language other than English in the K-12 grades.
   • The minimum Test of English as a Foreign Language score required for admission to the professional nursing major is 79 (iBT), with a minimum speaking score of 26. The required International English Language Testing System band score for admission to the professional nursing major is 6.5, with a minimum of 6.0 in each module. The minimum Duolingo score required is 110. These scores are required before the student will be accepted into the professional nursing major.

As the nurse is a professional who deals with human lives, it is mandatory that a higher level of English fluency be met in order to ensure the safety of clients and students.

The English as a second language requirement for the College of Nursing is the same as that required by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. The College of Nursing requires all students who meet the definition of student with English as a second language to complete the Test of English as a Foreign Language, International English Language Testing System, Duolingo or an accepted substitute. English as a second language is defined as a student who was instructed and spoke primarily in a language other than English in the K-12 grades or primary and secondary schooling.

The minimum Test of English as a Foreign Language score required for admission to the professional program is 79 (iBT), with a minimum speaking score of 26. The required International English Language Testing System band score for admission to the professional program is 6.5, with a minimum of 6.0 in each module. The minimum Duolingo score for admission to the professional program is 110. The Test of English as a Foreign Language, International English Language Testing System or Duolingo is required for all students for whom English is a second language, regardless of residency status. These scores are required before the student will be accepted into the professional program.

The student is responsible for all testing fees.

All students must submit federal and supplemental criminal background checks. Admission to the College of Nursing is not contingent on a clean background check. However, clinical placement and future licensure may be impacted by background check results.

Those seeking admission must meet the College of Nursing technical standards.

Once admitted, the student must purchase a laptop computer that meets our computer requirement (unless you already have one). The student must also complete the compliance requirements. The student will be given instructions to complete compliance requirements through the online management system.

Standard program compliance requirements are comprised of both university requirements and clinical agency requirements. SDSU College of Nursing does not guarantee clinical placement for students who are not in compliance with clinical agency requirements. Clinical agencies may change their compliance requirements at any point in time and students are expected to be in compliance with any of these changes.

Students who are unsuccessful in a course may need to transfer to a College of Nursing site in Brookings, Sioux Falls or Rapid City to continue progressing in the program.

Compliance requirements

Criminal background check: Students must complete a criminal background check through the online management system. An annual background check is required.

Ten-panel drug screen: Students will complete a drug screen through the online management system. Instructions will be provided at the time of purchase, including approved laboratory locations for completing the drug screen.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation certification: Certification must be Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers issued by the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross.

Health insurance: Students must provide proof of health insurance coverage.

Online training: Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act and infection control training will be completed through a designated online platform.

Required SDSU College of Nursing forms:

• Certificate of health
• Multiwaiver release form
• Room scan consent form
• Participation and self-transportation agreement

Additional compliance requirements and immunizations:

• Tuberculin (TB) testing
• Hepatitis B
• MMR (measles, mumps and rubella)
• Varicella (chickenpox)
• Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis)
• Influenza
• COVID-19 (optional)

Immunization exemption requests will be submitted in writing using the SDSU immunization exemption request form which will be available in the online management system. An exemption approved by SDSU College of Nursing does not guarantee the exemption will be granted by clinical agencies.

Due to the distinctive structure of each nursing program, coursework from other programs may not transfer to SDSU. Prospective students are encouraged to consult with an academic advisor for guidance.