College of Nursing

Roberta K. Olson, Dean
Nancy Fahrenwald, Associate Dean
SWG 255, 605-688-5178 or
1-888-216-9806, Ext. 2
Box 2275, Brookings, SD 57007-0098
E-mail: roberta.olson@sdstate.edu

Introduction

The Mission of the College of Nursing at South Dakota State University is to advance the nursing profession and improve human health through excellence in education, research, practice and service to society. Faculty, students and graduates of the College value scholarly activities which will expand nursing science, nursing knowledge and nursing practice while providing leadership in the delivery of nursing and health care for individuals across the life span, communities and populations. The College engages in strategic and inter-professional partnerships to improve human health and foster diversity in the people and perspectives shaping the discipline.

The mission serves to:
• Recruit and retain students who reflect a qualified, diverse student body.
• Prepare graduates who are internationally competitive, globally informed, ethically grounded and socially responsible.
• Provide an environment rich in research to improve nursing practice and health care outcomes.
• Provide expertise to consumers, health care professionals and health systems.

Non-majors are encouraged to select courses in the College of Nursing. These courses, contributing to general education, include: NURS 201, Medical Terminology and all the Health Science courses.

Departments

Graduate Nursing
Nursing Student Services
Undergraduate Nursing
West River Nursing

Degrees Offered

Bachelor of Science
Master of Science*
Doctor of Nursing Practice*
Doctor of Philosophy*

* Graduate degrees are offered in collaboration with the Graduate School. For details, see the Graduate Catalog.

Accreditations

South Dakota Board of Nursing (approval)
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

Programs

Through the College of Nursing, students can earn a Bachelor of Science, a Master of Science, a Doctor of Nursing Practice, or a Doctor of Philosophy degree with a major in nursing. Graduates of the undergraduate program have a broad and basic preparation for professional nursing practice. They are qualified for first-level positions in hospitals, community health agencies, industry, Indian Health Service, military, and other institutions where professional nurses are employed. Graduates are prepared to assume professional responsibility for promotion of health and prevention of illness. They assume responsibility for the guidance of nursing personnel and work cooperatively with other health care providers. They have the foundation for advanced study in nursing or specialization at the graduate level.

The undergraduate nursing program at SDSU is approved by the South Dakota Board of Nursing. Both the undergraduate and graduate programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The College is a member agency in the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.

Candidates for graduation in the standard and accelerated curriculum are eligible to write the National Council Licensure Examination-RN (NCLEX-RN) for licensure as registered nurses. Licensure as a registered nurse (RN) is required by law in every state in order to practice professional nursing.

Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing

Three types of undergraduate curricula lead to the Bachelor of Science with a major in nursing: one for standard students, one for RNs who are academically prepared at the associate degree or diploma level and now seek a bachelor’s degree, and the accelerated option for students with non-nursing baccalaureate degrees who wish to obtain a degree in nursing. The program includes university core curriculum, major support courses in communication and the social, physical, and biological sciences, and nursing major courses. Graduates of the standard and the accelerated programs in nursing are eligible to write the National Council Licensure Examination to become registered nurses. They are prepared to practice in both hospital and non-hospital settings and have the foundation for advanced study in nursing. Graduates of the RN Upward Mobility option are already registered nurses and are prepared to expand their practice in the areas of community health, health promotion and leadership. They also have the foundation for advanced study in nursing.

Master of Science, Doctor of Nursing Practice, and Ph.D. Degrees in Nursing

The graduate programs in nursing consist of advanced theoretical and clinical study in nursing and advanced work in selected supportive fields. The Master of Science degree program offers the following specializations: family, psychiatric, and neonatal nurse practitioner; nurse educator; clinical nurse leader; and nurse administrator. The Doctor of Nursing Practice degree offers the following specializations: family, psychiatric, and neonatal nurse practitioner. Future plans include a pediatric nurse practitioner and a pediatric clinical nurse specialist option. The Ph.D. in Nursing prepares nurse scientists. See separate Graduate Catalog.

Health Science Minor

The Health Science minor provides experience in health knowledge, health services, and healthful environment to undergraduate students from various disciplines. Students have the option of earning a minor in Health Science as detailed under Health Science course offerings.