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Pre-Nursing Student Handbook
2020-2021
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Welcome The School of Nursing staff and faculty of Minnesota State University, Mankato welcomes you
as you begin your academic and professional journey as a pre-nursing student. The Pre-Nursing
Student Handbook is an essential resource for you to read and become informed of the School of
Nursing’s advising structure, program requirements, policies and resources that will impact your
academic plan of study. The Handbook will assist in your communication, understanding and
overall academic success as a pre-nursing student.
Academic Advising
Academic advising is an ongoing process where the student and advisor(s) work together to
clarify goals, establish meaningful educational plans, effectively use resources and seek
opportunities. The end goal is for you to be an involved, independent, self-directed life-long
learner. Within the School of Nursing, pre-nursing students have an opportunity to utilize both
the Student Relations Coordinator (SRC) and the Pre-Nursing Advising Assistant as academic
resources through progression of the pre-nursing curriculum.
Advising Structure
Pre-nursing students will have opportunities to meet with advisors during group advising
sessions, individual appointments, and walk-ins. Group advising sessions are held each
semester for first-year students to provide information regarding the program application
requirements, pre-requisite coursework, admission preparation, policies and academic
planning. It is the expectation for all first-year students to attend a group advising session,
prior to scheduling an individual appointment or walk-in. Second-year students are encouraged
to schedule individual advising appointments to allow time to review progress towards
admission and alternative plans of study.
Student Responsibilities for Advising
• Be an active participant in the advising experience.
• Accept responsibilities for your decisions.
• Follow through with recommended actions and referrals from advisor.
• Provide advisor with accurate information about interests, abilities and goals.
• Come prepared to each advising session with questions and materials for discussion.
• Learn and understand the nursing program’s application and admission requirements.
• Read and understand the contents of the Pre-Nursing Student Handbook.
• Check MavMAIL daily and be aware of important dates, deadlines and opportunities.
• Know how to access and interpret information on E-services including registration,
billing, grades, and Interactive Degree Audit (DARS).
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Table of Contents
Vision and Mission .......................................................................................................... 4 Four-Year Academic Plan of Study ................................................................................... 6 Admission to Pre-Licensure Program ............................................................................... 7 Admission Ranking .......................................................................................................... 9 ATI TEAS Exam .............................................................................................................. 10 Group Interview ............................................................................................................ 13 Policies for Pre-Nursing Students .................................................................................. 14
A. Pre-Requisite Grade Requirement ....................................................................... 14 B. Standard Grading Scale ....................................................................................... 14 C. Double Letter Grading Scale ................................................................................ 14 D. AP and IB Examination Scores ............................................................................. 15 E. Repeat Core Pre-requisite ................................................................................... 15 F. Course Substitutions ........................................................................................... 15 G. Course Waivers ................................................................................................... 16 H. Pre-Nursing Appeal ............................................................................................. 16 I. 5-Year Limit for Core Science Pre-requisites ........................................................ 17 J. Nursing Assistant Admission Requirement .......................................................... 17 K. English Language Proficiency Requirement ......................................................... 17 L. Minimum Grade Pre-req for NURS 282 and 284 .................................................. 17
Specific Pre-Nursing Resources ..................................................................................... 18 Additional Academic & Student Support Resources ...................................................... 18 Aging Studies Minor for Nursing Students ..................................................................... 21 APPENDICES
A. Pre-Nursing Appeal ............................................................................................. 22 B. Nursing Assistant Admission Requirement FAQ ................................................... 23
Disclaimer
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the material contained within this handbook. However, all
policies, procedures, and program information are subject to change. The provisions of this handbook do not
constitute a contract between the student, the college, or the School of Nursing. Students will be responsible for
and held to changes in the Pre-Nursing Student Handbook. Pre- Nursing students will be notified of handbook
changes.
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Vision and Mission
SCHOOL OF NURSING
Vision
The School of Nursing is an intellectual community that strives for innovation and excellence
within education, scholarship, and practice in family and societal nursing.
Mission
The mission of the School of Nursing is to influence health care for the individual, family, and
society through the advancement of nursing science, the promotion of clinical scholarship, and
innovative education of practitioners and clinical leaders.
Statements of Values
As a School of Nursing we value the individual, the family, and society, innovation and
excellence, empowerment and social justice, and the discipline of nursing.
Family and Society
• Facilitate health and healing of individuals, families, and society by integrating evidence, clinical reasoning, interprofessional perspectives, and client value preferences in providing nursing care.
• Provide quality and compassionate health care to individuals, families, and society within a dynamic environment.
• Focus on development, validation, and dissemination of nursing practice models that attend to the unique nature of individuals, families, and society.
• Support the scholarship of nursing practice with emphasis on advancing family and societal health and healing.
• Provide leadership in the development of educational models and policies to improve family and societal nursing within a global health context.
• Support individual, family, and societal health as the central purpose for the nursing discipline.
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Innovation and Excellence
• Recognize and embrace the importance of change, creativity, courage, flexibility, inquisitiveness, and perseverance in our journey toward excellence.
• Value the use of simulation, technologies, information, and communication systems in supporting safe quality nursing practice.
• Create a culture of safety and promote quality initiatives by anticipating and responding to changing issues and trends influencing policies and practices in health care.
• Promote experiential learning through a variety of pedagogical approaches.
• Support the work of the Glen Taylor Nursing Institute for Family and Society and the International Family Nursing Association (IFNA).
Empowerment and Social Justice
• Exemplify personal and professional accountability by modeling nursing values and standards.
• Respect variations and complexity of care across the continuum of health care environments and allocation of resources in caring for all.
• Demonstrate tolerance for uncertainty within the world and its effect on health care.
• Enhance the quality of health for all people.
• Integrate knowledge of health care, policy, finance, and regulatory environments to enhance political awareness, fiscal responsibility, and advocacy for social justice.
• Strive for ethical decision-making in the application of social justice.
The Discipline of Nursing
• Provide a scientific basis for nursing actions that guides practice to support family and societal health.
• Advance the discipline by developing and disseminating knowledge that enhances nursing scholarship and the quality of health for all people.
• Use philosophical foundations to reflect values and beliefs that support family and societal health.
• Incorporate the pattern of knowing to promote individual, family, and societal health.
• Utilize evidence based practice to promote individual, family, and societal health.
• Disseminate paradigms and products of inquiry that promote family and societal health.
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Pre-Licensure Program SCHOOL OF NURSING
FOUR-YEAR ACADEMIC PLAN OF STUDY
*BIOL 220 Human Anatomy (4cr)
*ENG 101 or 104 Composition (4cr)
*GEOG 103 Intro to Cultural Geography (3cr)
General Education - Goal Area 1B (3cr)
*CHEM 111 Chemistry of Life Processes Part II (5cr)
*NURS 101W Courage, Caring & Teambuilding (3cr)
~PSYC 101 Intro to Psychological Science (4cr)
General Education - Goal Area 10 (3cr)
*BIOL 330 Principles of Human Physiology (4cr)
*KSP 235 Human Development (3cr)
*STAT 154 Elementary Statistics (4cr)
~FCS 242 Nutrition for Healthcare Providers (3cr)
General Education - Goal Areas 6, 9, WI (3cr)
~BIOL 270 Microbiology (4cr)
~NURS 282 Pathophysiology for Healthcare Professionals (3cr)
~NURS 284 Pharmacology for Healthcare Professionals (3cr)
~NURS 286 Relationship-based Care in Nursing Practice (3cr)
General Education - Goal Areas 6, 7, Diverse Cultures (3cr)
NURS 333 Professional Nursing (3cr)
NURS 334 Physiologic Integrity I (4cr)
NURS 335 Family & Societal Nursing Inquiry (3cr)
NURS 336 Assessment and Nursing Procedures (5cr)
NURS 363 Critical Inquiry in Nursing (2cr)
NURS 364 Physiologic Integrity II (5cr)
NURS 365 Nursing Care of Families in Transition (7cr)
NURS 366 Quality, Safety & Informatics in Healthcare (2cr)
NURS 433 Community Oriented Nursing Inquiry (4cr)
NURS 434 Physiologic Integrity III (4cr)
NURS 435 Nursing Care of Families in Transition (3cr)
NURS 436 Psychosocial Integrity (4cr)
NURS 463 Nursing Leadership and Management (3cr)
NURS 464 Physiologic Integrity IV (4cr)
NURS 465 Nursing Care of Families in Crisis (2cr)
NURS 466 Professional Role Integration (4cr)
Pre-requisite coursework must be completed with a minimum C letter grade
*Core Pre-requisites - Must be complete prior to application.
~Support Pre-requisites- Must be complete prior to program start date.
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Admission to Pre-Licensure Program
Application for admission to the Pre-Licensure Program is a separate process, and in addition to
University admission. Admission is competitive; meeting minimum requirements does not
guarantee acceptance. Application periods occur twice year. Application deadlines are the
fourth Friday of fall and spring semester.
Application Criteria
1. Completion of 30 semester credits.
2. A minimum total cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
3. Completion of required Core Pre-requisites with a minimum C grade.
Pre-requisite Courses
Students must complete pre-requisite courses for application and admission eligibility. All
coursework must be completed with a minimum C letter grade.
Core Pre-requisites must be completed prior to program application.
BIOL 220 Human Anatomy
BIOL 330 Principles of Human Physiology
CHEM 111 Chemistry of Life Processes Part II
ENG 101 Composition
GEOG 103 Intro to Cultural Geography
KSP 235 Human Development
NURS 101W Courage, Caring & Teambuilding
STAT 154 Elementary Statistics 4.
Support Pre-requisites must be completed prior to beginning program.
BIOL 270 Microbiology
FCS 242 Nutrition for Healthcare Professionals
PSYC 101 Intro to Psychological Science
NURS 282 Pathophysiology for Healthcare Professionals
NURS 284 Pharmacology for Healthcare Professionals
NURS 284 Relationship-based Care in Nursing Practice
Application Procedures
a) Applicants must be accepted as an undergraduate student to Minnesota State University, Mankato.
b) Applicants are responsible for being informed of the School of Nursing’s Application
Criteria, along with the specific Core and Support Pre-requisites.
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c) Applicants are responsible for including all of the required information upon submission of the Pre-Licensure Program application. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
d) Official transcripts from ALL post-secondary institutions must be transferred and evaluated by the Registration Office prior to application submission.
e) All pre-requisite course substitutions and/or waivers must be complete and notated on Degree Audit Report (DARS) prior to application submission. A copy of the approved substitutions or waiver is also acceptable, if DARS has not been updated by Registration Office.
f) Applicants must submit a current Minnesota State Mankato Nursing Program, BS Degree Audit Report (DARS) with the program application.
g) Applicants using a standardized exam score (e.g. AP, IB, CLEP) as a substitute for a Core Pre-requisite, must attach a copy of their score to the program application, unless the score is noted on the DARS.
h) Applicants who submitted a Pre-Nursing Appeal, and received approval from the Pre-Licensure Program Committee, must attach a copy of this appeal to the program application.
i) Applicants are asked to place all application materials in a large manila envelope and deliver them to the School of Nursing Office in 360 Wissink Hall. They may also be submitted electronically in the assignment drop-box located in the D2L Pre-Nursing Advising Workshop. Contact [email protected] if you wish to submit your materials electronically, but are unable to access the D2L Workshop.
j) Applicants must complete the ATI Test of Essential Academic Skills (ATI TEAS) for admission consideration. (See ATI TEAS Exam section for details)
k) Applicants must participate in a group interview for admission consideration. (See Group
Interview section for details)
l) The Pre-Licensure Program application can be obtained on the School of Nursing website: https://ahn.mnsu.edu/academic-programs/nursing/nursing-bs/application-admission/
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Admission Ranking
a) Each applicant pool is rank ordered using the Core Pre-requisite GPA, the total TEAS score and the group interview score.
o Core Pre-requisite GPA is 50% o Total TEAS score is 25% o Group interview score is 25%
b) The School of Nursing will offer admission to the top 56 students from each applicant pool.
Admission Notification
a) Admission notification letters will be emailed on Wednesday, five weeks after the application deadline. All letters will be emailed to the applicant’s MavMAIL address listed on the application.
b) Admitted students are required to attend the mandatory Admission Advising session, held the following week.
Admission
Full admission requires all students to fulfill the following requirements prior to Pre-Licensure Program start date:
1) Certified as a nursing assistant, and listed as active on a Nursing Assistant Registry in the
United States.
2) Completion of Support Pre-requisites with a minimum C grade.
3) Approval to work with patients without supervision from the Minnesota Department of
Health Background check.
Admission Data
The following data should be used to inform and prepare pre-nursing students for eventual application to the Pre-Licensure Program. The data was compiled using the grades and scores from admitted students.
• Average Core Pre-requisite GPA: 3.6 – 3.7
• Average TEAS Examination Score: No data. Fall 2020 is the first term using exam.
• Average Group Interview Score: 21.8 / 23
Students are encouraged to track their Core GPA as they prepare for application and admission.
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ATI TEAS® Exam
Purpose: The ATI Test of Essential Academic Skills (ATI TEAS®) measures basic essential skills
deemed most appropriate and relevant to indicate readiness and success in a nursing program. It is a computerized exam, administered by the School of Nursing and required for admission consideration.
Format: Multiple Choice, 170 questions
Time Limit: 209 minutes (about 3 ½ hours). Each subject area has a time limit.
Subject Areas:
• Reading - 64 minutes
• Mathematics - 54 minutes
• Science - 63 minutes
• English & Language Usage - 28 minutes
Scoring: The total score from the exam will be used towards the admission ranking process.
The total score is 25% of the ranking. There is no minimum score requirement.
TEAS® Exam Policies
• The TEAS® must be completed by the application deadline- fourth Friday of the semester.
• The TEAS® may only be taken during the semester applying to the Pre-Licensure Program at MNSU.
• The TEAS® may only be completed once a semester.
• TEAS® scores are valid for one year.
• The highest valid TEAS® score will be used towards admission ranking.
• Students may test at another site and request an official TEAS® transcript to be sent to the School of Nursing. The transcript must be received by the application deadline.
• If the TEAS® is taken more than once a semester, the School of Nursing will only use the score from the first attempt.
TEAS® Registration & Payment
Registration & payment will be completed online through the ATI Website.
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Minnesota State University, Mankato offers the TEAS® exam to Pre-Licensure Program applicants in the month of September and January. Testing availability will become limited as the application deadline approaches. Students are encouraged to plan ahead. Testing dates and times are made available two months prior to application deadline.
Registration for the TEAS® will close at 12:00am, 24 hours prior to the exam date.
Due to COVID-19, all TEAS® exams will be administered via remote proctoring.
Cost: $92 paid directly to ATI
REGISTER FOR TEAS:
Follow the student instructions to create an ATI account and register for the TEAS.
TEAS® Preparation
ATI recommends around 6 weeks of preparation prior to taking the ATI TEAS® exam.
A variety of preparatory products and packages are available for purchase including a Study Manual, Practice Assessments and the SmartPrep Tutorial which creates a personalized study plan. Purchases can be made directly on the ATI website in the Online Store.
Free study resources can be accessed on the ATI Facebook Page for live TEAS® prep events as well as previously recorded videos and the ATI Student Blog for practice questions, TEAS® tips and more.
TEAS® Accommodations
Every attempt will be made to accommodate qualified students with disabilities. Students on file with Accessibility Resources are advised to schedule an individual appointment with the Student Relations Coordinator (SRC) via MavConnect or by contacting the School of Nursing Advising Office. Reasonable accommodations will be provided in accordance to the plan established with Accessibility Resources.
Published sessions on ATI's website does not guarantee accommodations are available for that session and a testing date may need to be scheduled after the application deadline. Students seeking accommodations must notify the SRC prior to the application deadline.
TEAS® Remote Proctoring
We are excited to offer the TEAS exam remotely. You will need to review the items below to learn about this process and for it to work smoothly on your test day.
1. Read the TEAS Student Quick Start Guide to ensure your computer meets the technical requirements. Check with IT Solutions or the Library about their laptop checkout programs if needed.
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2. Visit the ATI TEAS Online Remote Proctored Exam webpage to review the FAQs, testing requirements and what to expect.
3. Watch the Student Orientation Video: ATI Remote Proctoring with Proctorio. 4. Once you’ve completed the above steps, complete a Dry Run 1-2 days before your test
date to install the Proctorio Chrome Extension. ▪ Login to your ATI account ▪ Click Add Product located in the upper right ▪ Go to website for most up to date ID and password. ▪ https://ahn.mnsu.edu/academic-programs/nursing/nursing-bs/application-
admission/
Day of Exam
The day before your test date, you will be emailed the assessment ID from the School of Nursing Advising Office email account.
Prior to exam start time:
You must start your exam at the stated start time. We recommend you start the process below 30 minutes prior to the start time of your TEAS exam. If you do not start the exam within 30 minutes of the official start time, you will not be able to test. Exams will not be refunded or rescheduled due to late arrival. • Review the Student Quick Start Guide • Make sure you have Google Chrome and the Google Chrome Extension on your device.
You will not be able to take the remote version of the ATI TEAS Exam with any other browser.
• Login to your ATI account • Click on MY ATI tab, then the TEST tab. • Click the ADD PRODUCT button and enter the assessment ID provided by the School of
Nursing Advising Office, click Begin. • If the Google Chrome Extension is installed, you will be taken through the pre -checks,
validate your identity, complete the webcam image test and scan your environment. • Finally, you’ll be asked to sign the test taker agreement and agree to the terms and
conditions. • Click Start Test • The proctor must approve you to begin prior to being able to proceed. The start
button on the instructions page will not be available until the proctor approves your attempt.
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Group Interview
Pre-Licensure Program applicants must participate in an on-campus group interview for
admission consideration. Each group interview may hold up to 5 students and will be conducted
by two nursing faculty members.
After the application deadline, applicants will be contacted via email with interview information
including available dates, times and sign up. Interviews will take place in October and February
during the respective application periods. Sample interview questions will be provided after
selected interview date and time is confirmed.
The purpose of the interviews are to evaluate the students’:
• Ability to communicate independently and within a group.
• Ability to critically think and articulate their ideas.
• Professional behavior in demeanor, dress, and interactions.
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SCHOOL OF NURSING
POLICIES FOR PRE-NURSING STUDENTS
In addition to the student policies outlined in the Minnesota State University, Mankato Catalog, the
following policies are in effect for pre-nursing students.
A. Pre-Requisite Grade Requirement
All Core and Support pre-requisites must be completed with a minimum C letter grade. Pass/No
credit are not acceptable.
B. Standard Grading Scale
The standard grading scale uses straight A, B, C, D and F letter grades, in addition, faculty
members have the option of using +/- for further differentiation of achievement. Every grade
carries with it a certain number of ‘quality points’ used for GPA calculation.
Grade Quality Points Grade Quality Points Grade Quality Points
A+ 4.00 A 4.00 A- 3.67
B+ 3.33 B 3.00 B- 2.67
C+ 2.33 C 2.00 C- 1.67
D+ 1.33 D 1.00 D- .67
F 0.00
C. Double-Letter Grading Scale
Some post-secondary institutions use the double-letter grading system (e.g. AB, BC). To convert a double-letter grade to the standard scale, the School of Nursing uses the following calculations:
a. Take the standard quality points for the first letter grade, and multiply by the
course credit.
b. Next, take the standard quality points for the second letter grade, and multiply
by the course credit.
c. Add the two outcomes together, and divide it by double the amount of the
course credit.
d. Example: 4-credit course with AB letter grade
A(4.0) x 4cr = 16
B(3.0) x 4cr = 12
(16 + 12) / 8cr = 3.5 quality points
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D. AP and IB Examination Scores
Minnesota State University, Mankato awards credit for Advanced Placement (AP) and
International Baccalaureate (IB) Examinations. This credit may fulfill pre-requisite coursework
with a passing letter grade.
a. If an AP/IB exam score is used to complete a core pre-requisite, a letter grade will be
assigned at the time of application to calculate the Core Pre-requite GPA.
AP/IB Score of 5 = A
AP/IB Score of 4 = B
AP Score of 3 = C
E. Repeat Core Pre-requisite
Core pre-requisites may only be repeated one time each (two overall attempts), regardless of letter
grade. The School of Nursing will use the average grade from the two attempts to calculate the Core
pre-requisite GPA for admission ranking. A withdraw from a Core prerequisite will be considered one
attempt, and a (-0.33) quality point deduction will be assigned to determine the average grade.
Examples:
The average course grade is calculated by using the quality points assigned for each letter grade (see
Policy B., Standard Grading Scale; Policy C., Double-Letter Grading Scale).
• 1st attempt at 4 credit course: C (2.0 quality points) = 2.0 X 4 credits = 8 GPA points
• 2nd attempt at 4 credit course: A (4.0 quality points) = 4.0 X 4 credits = 16 GPA points
• 24 GPA points/8 credits = 3.0 quality points
• In this example, the average grade for this 4 credit course will be 3.0, or a “B”.
A withdraw (W) from a course will be considered one attempt at the course. A (-0.33) quality point
deduction will be assigned when one of the course attempts is a W.
• 1st attempt at 4 credit course: W (-0.33 quality points) = (-0.33) X 4 credits = (-1.32) GPA points
• 2nd attempt at 4 credit course: B (3.0 quality points) = 3.0 X 4 credits = 12 GPA points
• 10.68 GPA points/4 credits = 2.67 quality points
• In this example, the average grade for this 4 credit course will be 2.67, or a “B-”.
Exception: An exception to this policy applies to students who completed a Core pre-requisite
during high school. These students may choose to repeat the course. This is their final attempt.
The two grades will not be averaged. Their second attempt is the final letter grade that will be
used to calculate the Core Pre-requisite GPA.
F. Course Substitutions
Course substitutions may be awarded when a transfer course was not determined equivalent,
or an exact match, to a pre-requisite. The School of Nursing may award a substitution if the
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transfer course is determined to be comparable in nature, content and level to the pre-
requisite course.
1. It is the responsibility of the student to contact the Student Relations Coordinator when
seeking a course substitution. Students may be asked to provide a course description
and/or course syllabus from the previous institution. Further consultation with the
School of Nursing Chairperson may be necessary.
2. If a substitution is granted, official paperwork will be completed, and a copy is given to
the student for their records. The Registration Office processes all approved
substitutions for official documentation on the Degree Audit Report (DARS).
3. Once a substitution is approved, the Repeat Core Pre-requisite policy applies.
G. Course Waivers
Course waivers may be provided by the School of Nursing when students have satisfied course
pre-requisites through other educational or employment experiences, which do not involve
credit. A course waiver indicates students have the background necessary to continue in the
academic program.
1. Students inquiring about a waiver should meet with the School of Nursing Chairperson
to discuss prior learning experiences. Additional materials that provide further
explanation of the experience may be requested for full consideration.
2. If a waiver is granted, official paperwork will be completed, and a copy is given to the
student for their records. The Registration Office processes all approved waivers for
official documentation on the Degree Audit Report (DARS).
3. Waivers do not provide any college credit towards the degree and will not impact the
Core pre-requisite GPA for admission. Students may need to take additional credit to
meet the requirements of the program.
H. Pre-Nursing Appeal
Students may petition the Pre-Licensure Program Committee when extenuating
circumstances impacted their academic performance, and found themselves to be in
violation of a School of Nursing Policy. The procedure to follow is outlined below:
a. Schedule an appointment with the Student Relations Coordinator (SRC) to discuss
options, including appeal process and deadlines.
b. Complete the “Pre-Nursing Appeal” form. (See Appendix B)
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c. Submit “Pre-Nursing Appeal” form and supporting documents to the SRC.
Submission of document one week prior to the Committee meeting is required so
members have time to carefully review all materials.
d. The SRC will notify the Pre-Licensure Program Committee Chairperson of the
upcoming appeal.
e. The Pre-Licensure Program Committee will make a decision based on a review of the
personal letter, supporting documentation if provided, the academic record of the
student, and the Student Relations Coordinator and faculty member statements.
f. The Pre-Licensure Program Committee Chairperson will notify the student by letter
of their appeal acceptance or denial.
I. 5-Year Limit for Core Science Pre-requisites
All core science pre-requisite courses (BIOL 220, BIOL 330 and CHEM 111) must be completed
within 5 years of the program application deadline. Students with science credits older than
five years will need to retake the applicable coursework. An appeal is not needed if courses are
retaken due to 5-year limit.
J. Nursing Assistant Admission Requirement
All students admitted to the Pre-Licensure Program must be certified as nursing assistants, and
listed as active on a Nursing Assistant Registry in the United States. (See Appendix C)
K. English Language Proficiency Requirement Applicants to the Pre-Licensure Program from non-English speaking countries must
demonstrate minimum English proficiency requirements in one of the following ways:
• TOEFL iBT minimum score of 84 with a minimum speaking score of 26
• TOEFL PBT minimum score of 560
• IELTS overall score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 on all modules
M. Minimum Grade Pre-req for NURS 282 and 284
Students must have a minimum grade of a C in both BIOL 220 and BIOL 330 in order to enroll in
NURS 282: Pathophysiology for Healthcare Professionals and NURS 284: Pharmacology for
Healthcare Professionals.
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Specific Pre-Nursing Resources
Resource Description Location Phone
School of Nursing Advising Office
Provides academic advising services to all students pursing an undergraduate major in nursing.
360 Wissink Hall
507-389-6022
Student Nurses Association (SNA)
An organization providing knowledge of nursing through volunteer activities, monthly meetings, conventions, fundraising and presentations by health care professionals. Open to pre-nursing and nursing students.
Meetings take place once a month in T-242
507-389-6022
Anatomy and Elements of Nursing Learning Communities
Provides pre-nursing students opportunities to join a community that supports their academic success and transition to college life. Participants gain access to faculty, peer mentoring and advising within their program of study.
C131 Crawford Residence
507-389-1450
Core GPA Calculator This tool enables pre-nursing students to track their Core Pre-requisite GPA as they prepare for application and admission to the Basic Nursing Program.
Additional Academic & Student Support Resources
Office Description Location Phone
Academic Catalogs Academic requirements listed by catalog year.
Academic Success Strategies Smartstart Study Skills
These resources offer tips and strategies for students to improve and advance their learning experience.
Accessibility Resources Seeks to create an accessible university community providing equal opportunity in all aspects of the educational environment. Provides support to all students with disabilities
132 Memorial Library
507-389-2825
Career Development Center
Provides services and resources to assist students and graduate with career planning, and employment searches.
209 Wigley Administration
507-389-6061
Center for Academic Success
Free trained tutors are available on a walk-in basis to assist students with writing, languages, math, science and more.
125 Memorial Library
507-389-1791
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Counseling Center Free, confidential counseling services for social, personal, or academic concerns.
285 CSU 507-389-1455
Emergency Grants Emergency grants are available to students who encounter unexpected expenses. Student must meet eligibility criteria, meet with a Grant Advisor and complete the application process for consideration. The School of Nursing SRC is a Grant Advisor.
360 Wissink Hall 507-389-6022
IT Solutions Center Provides technology support to students, staff and faculty.
121 Wissink Hall 507-389-6654
Institutional Diversity Provides direct services to students and hosts educational programs, cultural activities and conferences for area youth, faculty and staff.
269 CSU 507-389-6300
Kearney International Center
Offers two service areas-International Student and Scholar Services, and the International Programs Office (Study Abroad)
250 CSU 507-389-1281
LGBT Center Provides support, advocacy, referral and sense of community to LGBTQQA students.
194 CSU 507-389-5131
Mathematics and Statistics Learning Center
Free tutoring on a walk-in basis for undergraduate math and statistics courses.
285 Wissink Hall 507-389-5891
MavConnect Students use MavConnect to facilitate communication among academic advisors, instructors, students and others at the University that support student success.
New Student and Family Programs
Assists new students with adjusting to the rigors of college; assist undecided students
103 Preska Residence
507-389-5498
Policies A to Z Includes all University academic polies and procedures
Registration Resources All information pertaining to registration including the course schedule, registration deadlines, registration windows, registration problems, polices and forms.
Scholarships Information on University Scholarships and login to Scholarship Finder.
Statement of Student Responsibilities
The "Statement of Student Responsibilities" was established by students, faculty, and staff to clarify behavioral expectations of students.
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Student Financial Services
(Campus Hub) Assists with financial aid programs and personal financial managements.
First floor CSU 507-389-1866
800-722-0544
Student Health Services
Provides an on campus clinical with a full-service pharmacy, lab services and health education; low-cost and convenient health services.
21 Carkoski Commons
507-389-6276
Student Support Services
The TRIO program provides one-on-on support and tutoring to first generation, students with disabilities, and low-incomes students.
355 Wiecking Center
507-389-2797
Veterans Resource Center
Provides assistance, peer support, and educational events for all students impacted by military services.
167 CSU 507-389-5726
Veterans Benefits and Assistance
Located in the Office of the Registrar; assists veterans, their dependents, National Guardsmen and Reservists with educational benefits.
132 Wigley Administration
507-389-5251
Women’s Center Provides programs, connections, advocacy, services and leadership opportunities for all MSU students
218 CSU 507-389-6146
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AGING STUDIES MINOR FOR NURSING STUDENTS
This minor provides undergraduate nursing students the opportunity to explore the biological,
psychological and social perspectives on aging, while enhancing their specific knowledge of
nursing in relation to older persons. Within the next two decades, elders over the age of 65 will
comprise 25% of the population in the United States, leading to a shortage of over one million
nurses to serve the aging population, making this minor particularly beneficial in supporting this
career choice. Students must complete the Pre-Licensure Program and 3 additional courses from
the Gerontology Core and Social & Behavioral Science Core to be awarded this minor.
Nursing Core
The aging-related components of the Pre-Licensure Program curriculum are now integrated
with other areas of the life course. As such, successful completion of the current curriculum
also signifies completion of all aging-related, Nursing-specific coursework for the Aging Studies
Minor for Nursing Students. [NURS 334, 335, 336, 366, 434, 435]
Gerontology Core (3 credits)
· GERO 200 /200W: Family Dynamics of Aging 3cr
Social & Behavioral Science Core (choose 6 credits)
· ANTH 436W: Anthropology of Aging 3cr
· PSYC 466: Psychology of Aging 4cr
· SOC 404: Sociology of Aging 3cr
· SOWK 419: Social Work and Aging 3cr
Course Planning Guide:
ANTH 436W Fall term each even numbered year.
GERO 200W (online) Fall and Spring terms each year
GERO 200 (online) Summer term each year
PSYC 466 Spring term each year
PSYC 466 (online) Summer term each year
SOC 404 (hybrid) Fall term each year
SOWK 419 Spring term each year
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Appendix A
Pre-Nursing Appeal
Name:___________________________________ Tech ID/Star ID:_______________________
Local Address:_______________________________City:_______________________________
State:__________ Zip Code:_____________ Phone Number: __( ) -______________
Instructions:
Prior to completing the Pre-Nursing Appeal, students must schedule an appointment with the Student
Relations Coordinator to discuss options, including appeal process and deadlines. The Pre-Nursing
Appeal and all supporting documents must be submitted one week prior to a Pre-Licensure Program
Committee.
Appeal Due Date: ________________ Meeting Date: _________________
I. Attach a personal letter which includes the following information:
• Your appeal request.
• An explanation of the extenuating circumstances which impacted your academic performance.
• Your plan on how you have changed these circumstances.
• Strategies you plan to use which will enhance your academic performance in the future.
II. Attach documentation from professionals that have assisted you in these circumstances (example:
physician, counselor, etc.) or acknowledgment of no additional supportive documentation.
III. Attach any other supporting documentation you would like the Nursing faculty to review.
Submit your Pre-Nursing Appeal form, personal letter and supporting documents to:
Kasi Johnson, Student Relations Coordinator
School of Nursing
360 Wissink Hall
Mankato, MN 56001
Students’ names and other identifying information is redacted on the appeal documents. Students will
be notified by letter from the Pre-Licensure Program Chairperson of their appeal acceptance or denial.
By signing below, I acknowledge that I understand the appeal process as outlined in the Pre-Nursing
Handbook. Further, I understand that I will be required to meet the conditions outlined in the letter
from the Pre-Licensure Program Chairperson, including a denial. I understand that if my appeal is
denied, I may be unable to pursue nursing at Minnesota State University, Mankato. It is my
responsibility to clarify appeal conditions.
Student Signature:_________________________________________ Date:__________________
23
Appendix B
Nursing Assistant Admission Requirement
All students admitted to the Pre-Licensure Program must be certified as nursing assistants,
and listed as active on a Nursing Assistant Registry in the United States.
What is a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)?
Certified Nursing Assistants work under a nurse’s supervision and help patients of all ages perform basic daily
tasks. They often work in nursing homes, assisted living, hospice, hospitals, community based long-term care, and
other long-term care settings.
When do I need to be a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)?
The CNA is not required to apply to the program, but must be completed prior to the program start date.
How do I get on a Nursing Assistant Registry?
1. Successfully complete an approved nursing assistant training and competency test-out. or
2. Successfully pass an approved competency test-out for nursing assistants. ▪ Students may secure a Nursing Assistant in Training position at a long term care facility which will
provide the necessary training for the test-out. ▪ Students may utilize the free study materials provided by the Minnesota Department of Health and
test-out without taking a course or obtaining a position.
Where can I find an approved training/testing site?
CNA training and testing is offered through approved sites, usually through community/technical colleges,
hospitals and nursing homes. Students are encouraged to complete the training and/or test-out during the
summer months. The Minnesota Department of Health’s Nursing Assistant website has a directory of approved
sites in Minnesota: https://www.health.state.mn.us/facilities/regulation/directory/natrainingsites.html
How do I stay on the Registry?
In Minnesota, nursing assistants must perform at least 8 hours of paid duties every 24 months to stay on the
Registry. If you do not work as a paid nursing assistant, your certification is only valid for 24 months from date of
issue. If certification was not earned in Minnesota, refer to that states guidelines.
I got my CNA in a different state. Do I need to transfer it to Minnesota?
No, however for admission, your CNA must be active on a state Nursing Assistant Registry within the United States.
For program admission, you must submit verification from the Registry on which you are active. Only if you plan to
work in MN as a CNA will you need to transfer your certification.
Do I need to keep my CNA active after I begin the nursing program?
No, you are not required to keep your CNA active after beginning the Pre-Licensure Program, unless you plan on
working as a CNA while finishing the major.
Additional information can be found at the Minnesota Department of Health website or your states Department
of Health website. https://www.health.state.mn.us/facilities/providers/nursingassistant/index.html
