Q. When does the 2008 Post-Baccalaureate Nursing Cohort start?

A. The Post-Baccalaureate nursing program will have a Mandatory Orientation on May 27, 2008 with classes beginning on May 28, 2008.

Q. I have a non-nursing baccalaureate degree. How do I become a baccalaureate prepared nurse? How does this program work for me?

A. The Post-Baccalaureate nursing program is designed for the baccalaureate graduate with a non-nursing major. The program consists of nursing prerequisites, support courses and concentrated nursing courses. General education requirements of the College are waived if you have a bachelor's degree in another field.

Q. Is the program accredited?

A. The Baccalaureate program is approved by the Minnesota Board of Nursing and accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Q. Will I earn another degree?

A. No, you will receive a Baccalaureate in Nursing Certificate. Your previous bachelor's degree combined with this post baccalaureate/second major certificate is equivalent to a bachelor's degree in Nursing. The College of St. Scholastica is approved by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and the Minnesota Board of Nursing approves this credential.

Q. How many credits will I need to complete?

A. You will complete 50 nursing credits (divided into four semesters).

Q. What courses will I take at St. Scholastica?

A. Refer to Course Descriptions.

Q. How long will it take to earn the Baccalaureate in Nursing Certifiate?

A. 15 months - Starting in May with program completion the following August.

Q. What difference will a baccalaureate degree make in my ability to practice nursing?

A. Baccalaureate nursing emphasizes community based nursing practice, which is the wave of the future. An emphasis on leadership and management skills facilitates upward mobility. Competence in areas of health promotion and health teaching is developed along with skill in nursing interventions with those who are ill or injured. Baccalaureate education in nursing provides a foundation for graduate study.

Q. How do I apply if I am an international student?

A. Contact Ollie Meyer for specific information

Q. Is Financial assistance available?

Students should complete the FAFSA so the Financial Aid office can determine eligibility for financial aid. The College's Financial Aid Office (218-723-6047) has programs of financial assistance for students including scholarships, grants, loans and college employment. Employers may offer tuition reimbursement - check with your employer for eligibility. You might also consider looking into
Minnesota Department of Health's loan forgiveness programs: http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/chs/loan.htm or federal assistance through the Nursing Education Loan Repayment Program at http://www.bhpr.hrsa.gov/nursing/loanrepay.htm

Q. Where can I get more information?

The College of St. Scholastica
Post-Baccalaureate Nursing Program
1200 Kenwood Avenue
Duluth, MN 55811

1-800-447-5444 ext. 6025 or 218-723-6025
e-mail: pbn@css.edu