Rural Nursing Locations

The Bismarck State College (BSC) Nursing Program offers the practical nursing degree program at hospitals in the North Dakota communities of Ashley, Harvey, Hazen, Hettinger, and the Associate Degree RN program in Garrison. The program allows individuals in these communities to earn their nursing degree through non-traditional means, eliminating the need for students to travel away from home to obtain a career in nursing.

How the program works

The BSC Practical Nursing program is an 11-month course with classes beginning in August.

Students are at the medical facility that houses the program 3-4 days a week to receive theory instruction via the Interactive Video Network (IVN) and hands-on training with an on-site instructor in the lab and clinical setting.

Upon completion of the program, students receive a Practical Nursing (PN) certificate from BSC and are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN exam. Graduates can either enter the workforce as a Licensed Practical Nurse or apply to the BSC Associate Degree Nursing program and in 9 months become a Registered Nurse.

The BSC Nursing (RN and PN) pass rate is above state and national average at 100%. Tuition assistance may be available from upon hire.

Ashley, N.D.

(PN) training offered at Ashley Medical Center.

Hettinger, N.D.

(PN) training offered at West River Health Services

Garrison, N.D.

Associate Degree Nurse (ADN) training offered at CHI St. Alexius Health Garrison.

Hazen, N.D.

(PN) training offered at Sakakawea Medical Center (SMC).

Harvey, N.D.

(PN) training offered at St. Aloisius Medical Center.

How to get started

Apply to Bismarck State College
- BSC admissions application
- Select Practical Nursing as your program of study
Begin by taking required general education courses. These and the other application requirements can be found online.
Apply to the BSC Nursing program after Dec. 1, but prior to the March 5 deadline
- BSC Nursing program application
- Select BSC and the satellite site you will be attending