Get the details on Northland’s Nursing A.S. Degree program—outcomes, accreditation, transfer options, and more.
Program Description
The AD Mobility Nursing program educates Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) for the role of Registered Nurse (RN). The RN role includes a broad area of human service aimed at assisting the client in attaining the highest level of health possible. Students learn how to assess, collect, and contribute to client data based on physiological, developmental, sociocultural, psychological, and spiritual needs. Students learn to provide nursing interventions to the client and significant others throughout the health-illness continuum. Students learn how to develop and implement individualized teaching plans in order to restore, maintain, and promote health. Students in the AD Mobility Nursing Program learn how to delegate tasks, interact effectively, and provide leadership to other members of the healthcare team.
Practical Nursing graduates are awarded 13 PN credits towards the first year of the AD Mobility Nursing Program. After prerequisites are met, students can complete the full-time program in 2 semesters (fall and spring) and the part-time program in 3 semesters (spring, fall, and spring). Students are then eligible to apply to take the national licensing examination to become a Registered Nurse (RN). Graduates of the AD Mobility Nursing Program may articulate to a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing.
Program Accreditation
Northland Community & Technical College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
The Northland Community and Technical College Associate Degree Nursing Program has campus locations in East Grand Forks and Thief River Falls, MN. This program is approved by the MN Board of Nursing and is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 975-5000
Accreditation Details:
- The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Associate Degree Nursing program is Accredited.
- View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program on the ACEN website.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Student will advocate for patients and families in ways that promote their self-determination, integrity, and ongoing growth as human beings (National League for Nursing (NLN).
- Student will recognize the patient or designee as the source of control and full partner in providing compassionate and coordinated care based on respect for patient’s preferences, values, and needs (Quality Safety Education in Nursing (QSEN).
- Student will make judgments in practice, substantiated with evidence, that integrate nursing science in the provision of safe, quality care and that promote the health of patients within a family and community context (NLN).
- Student will minimize the risk of harm to patients and providers through both system effectiveness and individual performance (QSEN).
- Student will use information and technology to communicate, manage knowledge, mitigate error, and support decision-making (QSEN).
- Student will implement one’s role as a nurse in ways that reflect integrity, responsibility, ethical practices, and an evolving identity as a nurse committed to evidence-based practice, caring, advocacy, and safe, quality care for diverse patients within a family and community context (NLN).
- Student will function effectively within nursing and inter-professional teams, fostering open communication, mutual respect, and shared decision-making to achieve quality patient care (QSEN).
- Student will examine the evidence that underlies clinical nursing practice to challenge the status quo, question underlying assumptions, and offer new insights to improve the quality of care for patients, families, and communities (NLN).
- Student will integrate best current evidence with clinical expertise and patient/family preferences and values for delivery of optimal health care (QSEN).
- Student will use data to monitor the outcomes of care processes and use improvement methods to design and test changes to continuously improve the quality and safety of healthcare systems (QSEN).
Partnerships
Northland works with colleges, universities, and industry partners to support continued education and career advancement beyond Northland. See the list below for partnerships specific to the Nursing program.
| Institution | Additional Information |
|---|---|
| Bemidji State University | Operation LEAD |
| Mayville State University | Bachelor of Science (RN to BSN) Program |
| Minnesota State University – Mankato | RN Baccalaureate Completion Online |
| Minnesota State University – Moorhead | RN to BSN Dual Acceptance Program |
| Minot State University | RN to BSN 100% online (BSN Completion Program) |
| University of North Dakota | Online RN to BSN |
Licensure & Certifications
Upon meeting the requirements of a Board of Nursing-approved associate degree nursing program, students are eligible to apply to take the National Council State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) Licensure Exam. Upon passing the exam, the student will obtain a Registered Nurse License.
Notice
Important Information About Course Credits
Starting August 2027, the Nursing program will not accept credits earned through unaccredited online learning platforms like StraighterLine, Sophia, and Study.com for program completion. Credits issued by these entities will not be assessed for program acceptance or count toward program completion after August 2027. As you start your program, identify if the timeline allows for these course credits. For more information, contact the program’s advisor. Students are encouraged to utilize the test out process if they feel they meet requirements of the course.
Additional Program Resources
Explore technology requirements, program outcomes, scholarships, student involvement opportunities, and helpful nursing resources.
Textbooks
Required textbooks and course materials are available through the Northland Bookstore.
Computer Requirements
Students are required to have a computer, reliable internet access, and Microsoft Word for completing and submitting coursework. Because nursing courses include online components, students should be prepared to access course materials both on campus and at home. As a Northland student, you can purchase Microsoft Office through the Northland Bookstore at a significantly reduced rate.
View the Computer Requirements Document for current laptop specifications.
Assessment Technology Institute (ATI) Requirements
Northland partners with Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI) to provide NCLEX preparation, practice assessments, review materials, and learning resources used throughout the program.
The ATI package includes:
- ATI textbooks and digital resources
- Online access codes
- NCLEX preparation tools
- A live NCLEX review course offered prior to graduation
The ATI package fee is currently $1,850 and is billed through the NURS 2121 Psychosocial Integrity course. Financial aid, third-party funding, or personal payment may be used. Previously purchased ATI packages cannot be transferred or reused.
Average Class Size
- Lecture Courses: 30-40 students
- Lab Courses: 15-20 students
- Clinical Courses: Approximately 10 students per instructor
Career Outlook
Registered Nurses are in high demand across Minnesota and throughout the United States. Graduates are prepared for employment in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, public health organizations, and other healthcare settings.
Graduate Placement Rate
- 95-100% employment placement
Pass Rates for the RN NCLEX Examination
Graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).
- 2024: 94.37%
- 2023: 94.12%
- 2022: 81.43%
Program Completion Rates
- 2024: 91%
- 2023: 92%
- 2022: 84%
Northland Foundation Scholarships
The Northland Foundation offers scholarships for both Fall and Spring semesters. A single online application covers all Foundation scholarships. Criteria vary by award and may include program focus, student goals, or personal circumstances.
Local Scholarships
Students are encouraged to explore scholarship opportunities through:
- Service clubs such as the Elks and American Legion
- Local banks and credit unions
- Community organizations
- Employers
Additional Scholarship Resources
Northland Student Nurse Association
Nursing students are encouraged to participate in the Student Nurse Association, which provides opportunities for leadership, networking, service projects, and professional development.
Service Learning
Students may participate in community-based service projects such as:
- Volunteer service initiatives
- Health fairs
- Community screenings
- School health education
Phi Theta Kappa (PTK)
Eligible students may join Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society for two-year colleges. Membership provides:
- Conference and networking opportunities
- Academic recognition
- Scholarship opportunities
- Leadership development
Nurse for a Day
Each year, AD Mobility Nursing students participate in the Nurse for a Day outreach program, introducing elementary students to the nursing profession through hands-on activities.
Activities may include:
- Hand hygiene and infection prevention
- Casts and splints
- Medication safety
- Basic health assessments
- Listening to heart and lung sounds
- Taking temperatures and blood pressure
This community engagement experience helps inspire future healthcare professionals while allowing nursing students to strengthen their education and communication skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about admissions, clinical placements, course requirements, and program expectations.
Yes. The AD Mobility Nursing program requires students to have a laptop and bring it to all theory classes. Because nursing courses include online components, you will also need reliable internet access at home. Please refer to the Laptop Requirements section for minimum computer specifications.
- Fall Start: March 1
- Spring Start: October 1
Applications and all required materials must be submitted by the deadline.
Applicants will be notified of their admission status by:
- October 31 for the spring start
- March 31 for the fall start
To apply to the AD Mobility Nursing program, you must first be admitted to Northland Community & Technical College. After completing the college admission application, you must also submit the AD Mobility Nursing program application.
For complete application requirements and program policies, review the AD Mobility Nursing Student Policy Handbook.
Admission to the AD Mobility Nursing program is competitive and based on established selection criteria. For detailed information, please review the AD Mobility Nursing Student Policy Handbook.
In Thief River Falls, we have clinicals at Sanford Health in Thief River Falls, MN, and Essentia Medical Center in Fosston, MN.
East Grand Forks has clinicals at the Riverview Health Center in Crookston, MN, and Altru Medical Center in Grand Forks, ND.
Clinical placements vary by campus location.
East Grand Forks
- Altru Medical Center, Grand Forks, ND
- Riverview Health, Crookston, MN
Thief River Falls
- Essentia Health, Fosston, MN
- Sanford Health, Thief River Falls, MN
Clinical locations are subject to change based on program needs and site availability.
After admission decisions are released, accepted students will receive instructions for submitting required program documents, including:
- Current CPR certification
- Official immunization records
- Signed acceptance materials
Once all required documents have been received, students will complete a clinical preference survey. Clinical placements are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis based on when all required materials are received. While every effort is made to accommodate preferences, placement at a specific clinical site cannot be guaranteed.
The part-time AD Mobility Nursing program uses a block schedule designed to help students balance school, work, and family responsibilities. Many students enter the program with some or all general education requirements already completed. If you are only taking nursing credits, your schedule will look like this for the spring part-time program:
Spring Semester (5 Credits)
- NURS 2110: Health Assessment & Professional Skills (3 credits)
- NURS 2121: Psychosocial Integrity (2 credits)
- Schedule: One day of lecture per week
Fall Semester (7 Credits)
- NURS 2123: Nursing Interventions I (3 credits)
- NURS 2125: Clinical I (4 credits)
- Schedule: Half-day lecture plus one clinical day per week
Spring Semester (9 Credits)
- NURS 2131: Nursing Interventions II (3 credits)
- NURS 2133: Professional Role (2 credits)
- NURS 2135: Clinical II (4 credits)
- Schedule: One day of lecture plus one clinical day per week
Students who still need general education courses may have additional coursework and scheduling requirements.
We accept any 3 or 4-credit college-level chemistry with a lab component to it, but you should know the differences between the different chemistries. We recommend the Survey of Gen/Org/Inorganic Chemistry Course. You will receive three extra points in the selection process if you complete the NCTC CHEM 2205 Survey of Gen/Org/Inorganic Chemistry rather than another chemistry course.
CHEM 2205: Survey of Gen/Org/Inorganic Chemistry
The Survey of Gen/Org/Inorganic Chemistry course is intended for students entering the nursing and health science fields. This is a comprehensive survey course covering the basics of general chemistry to introduce organic chemistry and biochemistry needed for the advanced physiology course which is also required for the AD nursing program.
An assessment score for math of 60 is needed for Survey of Gen/Org/Inorganic Chemistry compared to 85 for some Intro to Chemistry classes. The course is geared directly to nursing students and to nursing applications in the clinical area. It includes information on organic chemistry which is the chemistry of living organisms, along with inorganic chemistry.
We do accept Intro to Chemistry and any other college-level chemistry. Information on Intro to Chemistry is listed below. You WILL NOT receive three extra points in the selection process for chemistry. You will receive points for the grade you obtained in your chemistry.
CHEM 1020: Intro to Chemistry
This course is designed to provide the student with an understanding of principals and theories of chemistry, atomic and molecular structure, elements, compounds, mixtures, the periodic table, the nature of gasses, liquids and solid states, and chemical reactions. This is a 4 credit course which may require higher math assessment scores. This course is not specifically oriented to nursing.