Navigating the Normandale Community College RN Nursing Program: A Comprehensive Guide
Normandale Community College takes pride in its Nursing Program, offering a path to a baccalaureate nursing degree through a partnership with Minnesota State University, Mankato. The Normandale Nursing Department prepares students to become entry-level professional nurses, ready to begin their careers as competent and caring members of the healthcare team. This article will explore the prerequisites, curriculum structure, admission process, and other key aspects of the RN Nursing program at Normandale Community College.
Normandale's Nursing Program: An Overview
Normandale Community College's nursing program is designed to provide an efficient and affordable path to both an Associate of Science (AS) and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). The curriculum follows the Minnesota Alliance for Nursing Education (MANE) model. This collaboratively developed curriculum removes barriers for students wishing to obtain their BSN. Normandale offers the first five semesters of the MANE curriculum. After completing these semesters, students receive their Associate of Science degree. Then, they may elect to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for Registered Nurse Licensure.
Partnership with Minnesota State University, Mankato
Normandale Community College has a partnership with Minnesota State University, Mankato, allowing students a flexible path to a baccalaureate nursing degree. Students work directly with advising teams at both institutions to ensure prerequisite coursework is completed at Normandale. They also ensure that all admissions criteria for Minnesota State Mankato are met. Students accepted into the Maverick Advance Plan (MAP) program are eligible for the transfer student scholarship from Minnesota State University, Mankato. Students must have an Unrestricted RN License by the start of the RN-Baccalaureate Completion Program at Minnesota State University, Mankato. Students may be in progress or have plans to complete the NCLEX-RN examination when making application.
Curriculum Structure and Key Components
The nursing program spans four semesters after the completion of pre-requisites and is designed to be full-time. Classes are generally held during the traditional school day, although clinical experiences may be scheduled in the evening. The Normandale Nursing program has adopted the Minnesota Alliance for Nursing Education (MANE) curriculum. Students will have the opportunity to complete the remaining three semesters of the MANE BSN curriculum as Metropolitan State University students.
General Education Requirements
Coursework in this degree program satisfies a portion of the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC). The general education requirements may be taken before admission or as scheduled in the four-semester Nursing sequence. Specifically, CHEM 1050 requires students complete CHEM 1020 Introductory Chemistry as a prerequisite, or have passed high school chemistry within two years of enrolling in CHEM 1050. CHEM 1061 Principles of Chemistry 1 may be substituted for CHEM 1050. PSYC 2210 Developmental Psychology: Life Span may be substituted for PSYC 1050.
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Admission Requirements and Application Process
Yes - there is strong interest in Normandale's nursing program, and while a holistic application process is followed, the selection process is competitive. The application to the nursing program is February 1 for fall semester and June 1 for spring semester. Applicants will be notified in writing on or before March 15 for fall semester and July 15 for spring semester. Candidates will be instructed in their acceptance letter of the due date to accept or decline the admission offer. Admissions policies are subject to change. Applications will be accepted under the terms in place at the time an application is received by the Health Science Division.
Holistic Admission Practices
As part of the program’s commitment to equity, holistic admission practices are utilized in granting program admission.
GPA Requirement
Students must have a total cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
ATI TEAS Pre-Entrance Exam
Complete the ATI TEAS pre-entrance exam.
Health and Safety Requirements
Nurses and nursing students often care for patients who have or may be at risk for serious illness. All nursing students will complete a Minnesota Department of Human Services Background study, and you must receive full clearance. Submit your documentation to the Health Sciences Enrollment Manager by the due dates stated during orientation.
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Health and Immunization Documentation
Provide health and immunization documentation for each year you are in the nursing program. Your health care provider must sign the document. Complete the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommended immunization schedule for adults.
Performance Standards
These performance standards are required abilities for effective performance in Minnesota State nursing education programs. The standards are compatible with the scope of practice as defined by the Minnesota Board of Nursing. The examples show how a standard may be applied in entry-level nursing education programs. Reasonable accommodations for meeting standards may be available for otherwise program-qualified individuals with disabilities.
Accreditation and Approval
Normandale’s nursing program is approved by the Minnesota Board of Nursing and accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 3343 Peachtree Rd NE, Suite 850, Atlanta, Georgia 30326.
Preparing for the NCLEX-RN Examination
The AS in Nursing prepares students to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for registered nurse licensure in Minnesota. Until NCLEX-RN success is achieved the graduate is not an RN. Normandale nursing graduates who took the NCLEX-RN for the first time in 2021 had a 96.2% rate of passing and becoming registered nurses. Graduates are prepared to write the National Council Licensing Examination (NCLEX-RN), and upon success may begin practice as registered nurses.
Supervised Clinical Experiences
Supervised clinical experiences are provided in various settings including but not limited to rehabilitation, long-term care, and acute care.
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Articulation Agreements
Graduates are eligible to articulate to baccalaureate nursing programs in the Minnesota State system as part of the Minnesota State Nursing Articulation Agreement.
Additional Resources
Nursing information sessions are offered each semester. Explore the nursing program at Normandale. DiscoverNursing is designed specifically for those considering a career in nursing. CAREERwise is Minnesota's gateway to career, education, employment and business information.
Key Dates
Applications for Fall semesters are open from March 1 - April 15. Applications for Spring semesters are open from September 1 - October 15. Planning to apply for the Nursing program for Fall 2026 or Spring 2027?
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