Program Overview
Blended delivery with real rural reach — the College of St. Scholastica runs its 12-month Post-Baccalaureate BSN at two Minnesota campuses (Duluth and St. Cloud), combining online coursework and synchronous webinars with in-person labs, rural clinical placements, and a Benedictine, holistic approach to care.
The College of St. Scholastica offers a Post-Baccalaureate Nursing pathway for students with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree, completed in a 12-month, three-semester format at Duluth or St. Cloud, Minnesota. Students complete online nursing coursework with synchronous webinars, plus in-person labs and clinical rotations.
The program uses modern simulation labs and structured clinical placements — including acute, ambulatory, and rural sites — and embeds Benedictine values and holistic nursing principles.
Graduates qualify to test for the NCLEX-RN and can also complete requirements toward public health nurse certification.
Accreditation
The baccalaureate nursing program at the College of St. Scholastica is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), and its pre-licensure nursing programs are approved by the Minnesota Board of Nursing. The College of St. Scholastica is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN.
ABSN Admission Summary
This post-baccalaureate BSN uses NursingCAS and multiple annual start terms, so timing and prerequisite progress drive admission strength. The school favors applicants who finish more prerequisites before applying, especially science courses.
Application deadlines and start terms
- Fall (September start, Duluth and St. Cloud): priority March 15; rolling until final deadline July 10
- Spring (January start, Duluth and St. Cloud): priority July 15; rolling until final deadline Oct. 25
- Summer (May start, St. Cloud): priority Nov. 15; rolling until final deadline March 7
- Application platform: NursingCAS (start terms with open seats show in the program filter)
Eligibility and GPA requirements
- Non-nursing bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
- 3.0 cumulative GPA for eligibility
- Current CNA/NA-R registration or course completion
Prerequisites
- Required: lifespan developmental psychology, general chemistry, anatomy and physiology sequence, microbiology, nutrition, and a pathopharmacology option (pathopharmacology OR pathophysiology + pharmacology)
- All prerequisites completed before the program start date, with transcripts received
- Recommended for stronger consideration: four prerequisites completed at application time, with three in science
- Most prerequisites require C or better; the pathopharmacology requirement has a higher grade rule when taken outside St. Scholastica
Post-acceptance compliance: caregiver and criminal background checks, CPR certification, immunization documentation, CNA/NA-R registration, and an online orientation module. A $750 non-refundable deposit is due with the decision response form.
Curriculum
The curriculum emphasizes holistic nursing principles, Benedictine values, and practical applications in acute, ambulatory, and rural care settings, with a Lifespan Nursing sequence, a Professional Nursing sequence, six practicums, and a population health track.
NSG 4510 – Lifespan Nursing I
Focuses on holistic nursing care across the lifespan, addressing selected health conditions in diverse populations through evidence-based practice.
NSG 4515 – Lifespan Nursing II
Continues Lifespan Nursing I, further examining holistic care for clients with specific health challenges across various life stages and populations.
NSG 4520 – Lifespan Nursing III
Explores advanced holistic nursing care for clients with specific health alterations, emphasizing evidence-based practice for diverse populations.
NSG 4525 – Lifespan Nursing IV
Extends Lifespan Nursing I-III, providing deeper insights into holistic care for clients across the lifespan with various health conditions.
NSG 4530 – Lifespan Nursing V
Completes the Lifespan Nursing series, focusing on comprehensive, evidence-based care for clients experiencing complex health alterations.
NSG 4630 – Practicum I
Introduces clinical skills and the nursing process through simulation and hands-on practice, emphasizing safe, holistic care for clients of all ages.
NSG 4632 – Practicum II
Builds on Practicum I with a faculty-led acute care clinical, enhancing skills in safe, effective, and holistic patient care.
NSG 4634 – Practicum III
Focuses on ambulatory care, allowing students to apply nursing skills in real-world settings under preceptorship.
NSG 4636 – Practicum IV
Provides rural health and acute care clinical experiences, emphasizing holistic care with a preceptor and faculty support.
NSG 4638 – Practicum V
Engages students in simulations for managing complex health conditions, fostering clinical judgment and safe care practices.
NSG 4640 – Practicum VI: Capstone Clinical
A culminating practicum offering intensive, hands-on experience in patient care; students may add an international component through NSG 4777.
NSG 4805 – Introduction to Nursing Practice
Introduces foundational nursing concepts and the nursing process, setting the groundwork for the program’s clinical focus.
NSG 4810 – Professional Nursing I
Introduces core professional nursing principles and practices essential for baccalaureate nursing.
NSG 4820 – Professional Nursing II
Expands on Professional Nursing I, advancing students’ understanding of professional nursing concepts and practices.
NSG 4830 – Professional Nursing III
Continues building on previous professional nursing courses, focusing on complex nursing principles.
NSG 4860 – Population Based Healthcare I
Covers the basics of population-based care and public health principles, preparing students for public health nurse certification.
NSG 4865 – Population Based Healthcare II: Clinical Application
Applies community assessment and public health nursing in real-world settings, fulfilling requirements for public health nurse certification.
NSG 4875 – Transition to Nursing Practice
Enhances prior nursing courses by solidifying professional principles necessary for successful baccalaureate-level nursing practice.
More detail is available in the College of St. Scholastica nursing catalog.
Clinicals
The program includes clinical learning in real patient care settings, plus structured simulation and skills lab training across acute, ambulatory, and rural placements, with the school securing placements through its coordination office.
- Clinical sites: Duluth placements often include Essentia St. Mary’s Hospital and St. Luke’s Hospital plus regional sites; St. Cloud placements include CentraCare St. Cloud Hospital and Twin Cities-area agencies
- Preceptor model: some rotations pair students with RN preceptors, with oversight by St. Scholastica faculty
- Student costs: students pay for transportation, and some rotations may require longer travel or overnight stays
- Simulation and skills labs: both locations use modern simulation labs with varied manikins, skills stations, and structured debriefing
Tuition
Estimated total program cost is about $48,552, based on the published $14,784 per-semester rate for three semesters plus additional program costs:
- Tuition: $14,784 × 3 semesters = $44,352
- Estimated additional fees/costs: ~$4,200 (NCLEX prep subscription, exam security software, clinical compliance subscription, lab supplies)
- Total estimated program cost: ~$48,552 (personal expenses can add more)
Confirm current figures via the official tuition page.