Concordia
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Concordia students will be prepared to face life’s unscripted challenges and thoughtfully influence the affairs of the world.
Review the FAQs to understand the requirements and expectations for the Accelerated BSN program.
Email AccelNursing@cord.edu with additional questions.
| Where is Concordia College located? |
We are located in Moorhead, MN which has a population of approximately 42,000 and borders North Dakota on it's eastern side. Fargo is located across the Red River and has a population of 121,000. The local area is referred to as the F-M area. Concordia College is not affiliated with other universities that have the same name. |
| What is an "accelerated" nursing program? |
Our Accelerated BSN is a fast-track to becoming an RN. The program is completed within a year, and is ideal for college graduates who have completed a baccalaureate degree in a non-nursing major from a U.S. regionally accredited institution. Learn more about Accelerated Programs. |
| When does the program start and how long does it run? | The 12-month program begins in January. Students complete the program in December of the same year. |
| Can I complete the program online? |
No. Our program is classroom-based and follows the academic year and summer sessions. Students have classes 3-4 days per week and clinical experiences 2-3 days per week. Clinical schedules vary across day, evening, night shift, on weekdays and possibly weekends. |
| Do I need to be admitted to Concordia College before applying for the Accelerated Nursing program? |
No. Admission to Concordia is not completed until an applicant has been accepted into the program. |
| Do I receive a second baccalaureate degree after I complete the Accelerated BSN? |
Yes. Upon successful completion of the program, the student will receive a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. |
| Are international students eligible to apply to the BSN program? |
A baccalaureate or graduate degree in a non-nursing major from a U.S. regionally accredited college or university is required to apply to the program in order to access clinical program sites. If you do not have a degree from a U.S. institution with regional accreditation, you do not meet the requirements for this program. If you meet the requirement above, you must have a valid, unexpired visa through the duration of the program to participate in clinical activities. Students will need to work closely with the Assistant Director of the International Community to complete the required paperwork necessary throughout the duration of the program. |
| How many students are accepted into the program each year? | 16 students are accepted to the program each year. |
| Who is the program intended for? | This program is ideal for anyone who wants to change careers or students deciding late in their baccalaureate study to pursue a career in nursing. |
| What is the curriculum for the Accelerated BSN program? |
The program length is three semesters and includes 54 credit hours. Visit the Courses page for all course details and a printable overview. |
| Am I eligible to sit for the professional registered nurse (RN) licensure examination following the program? | Yes. Successful completion of our program results in the awarding of a baccalaureate degree in nursing (BSN) and you are able to sit for the Nursing Candidate Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) and become a registered professional nurse (RN). |
| If I am an LPN or have my associate degree in nursing or a non-nursing major, can I apply to the BSN program? | No. This program is designed for individuals who have already acquired a baccalaureate degree in a non-nursing major. This program is not intended to be a ladder program for LPN to baccalaureate-purposed RNs. |
| Does my experience in the healthcare field or a related major improve my chance of being admitted to the program? |
We do not require students to be Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) or Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs). Baccalaureate-prepared nurses function under a completely different scope and standard of practice. Experience in these areas does not influence an individual's chance of admission nor does the type of major completed with the earned baccalaureate degree. Additionally, we do not give preference to applicants based on the school where the previous baccalaureate degree was earned. |
| Is it difficult to get into the Accelerated BSN program at Concordia? |
Admission to our program is competitive and based on selective and cumulative GPA and other application requirements including references, a personal statement and resume. |
| When can I apply to the program? |
Applications for the January 2024 cohort will be accepted through November 15, 2023 or until the cohort if filled, whichever come first. Qualified applicants who complete the process earlier in the application cycle will have a better chance of being admitted. The admission team will begin reviewing applications in March, then on a monthly basis. |
| What are the requirements for admission to the program? |
Applicants must meet all of the following criteria in order to be considered for acceptance in the program: A baccalaureate degree in a non-nursing major from a U.S. regionally accredited college or university. The degree must be completed and verified via official transcript(s) prior to enrollment in the program. A cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher on all post high school coursework. All prerequisite coursework must be completed prior to enrollment in the program and appear on an official U.S. regionally accredited transcript. See FAQ about prerequisites (below) for further information. NOTE | Students may be provisionally accepted to the program pending degree completion and/or completion of prerequisite coursework. Final official transcripts indicating degree and prerequisite completion are required to be fully accepted in the program. |
| What are the requirements for international students? |
International Students are required to have a baccalaureate or graduate degree in a non-nursing major from a U.S. regionally accredited college or university in order to apply for the accelerated nursing program. If you do not have a degree from a U.S. institution with regional accreditation, you do not meet the requirements for this program. Additionally, students must have a valid, unexpired visa through the duration of the program to participate in clinical activities. If these academic and visa requirements are met, students are required to: Contact the Minnesota Board of Nursing (contact information below) directly to discuss their individual eligibility for U.S. licensure including where they intend to practice nursing following the program. Request a written letter from the Minnesota Board of Nursing with details of eligibility for U.S. licensure. Attach the Minnesota Board of Nursing letter to their NursingCAS application under the Documents section as a supplemental document. If you are planning on returning to your native country after completing the Concordia College Nursing Program please submit a letter from your country’s Board of Nursing stating they will recognize our program and you are eligible for Nursing licensure or certification in your native country. If the Minnesota Board of Nursing indicates a student is eligible for U.S. licensure upon completing our program and the student meets all other eligibility requirements (prerequisite coursework, GPA requirements, etc.) their application will be reviewed by the accelerated nursing admissions team. If a student is offered a seat in the program, they will need to work closely with Concordia’s Admissions Office and the Assistant Director of the International Community to complete the required paperwork necessary throughout the duration of the program. Minnesota Board of Nursing 1210 Northland Drive-Suite 120 Mendota Heights, MN 55120 Phone: 612-317-3000 Fax: 651-688-1841 Email: nursing.board@state.mn.us |
| What are the prerequisite courses I need to complete prior to enrollment in the program? |
Prerequisite course requirements: Each individual college-level course must be at least three semester credits, and must be completed with a letter grade of C (2.0) or better. Pass/Fail completions are not accepted. Prerequisite courses should have a combined GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale. All biology and chemistry courses must include a linked lab component. Labs must be noted on the transcript or verified by a course syllabus, a college catalogue or a letter from the college Registrar's Office. Linked labs may be either in-person or virtual. Online college-level courses are acceptable from regionally accredited US institutions. We highly recommend all prerequisite courses be completed within seven years of application to provide a strong foundation for program coursework. Preference will be given to applicants who meet this requirement. Psychology General, Introductory or Lifespan Human Nutrition General or Lifespan Human Anatomy & Physiology Must cover the following body systems including neurological, cardiac, respiratory, GI, GU, musculoskeletal and integumentary. Courses that are part of a series must be completed at the same institution (there are limited exceptions to this requirement). This course must include a linked lab. Microbiology Fundamental or General. This course must include a linked lab Chemistry Introductory Chemistry or higher is accepted. Allied Health or Survey of Chemistry courses are accepted. A course that addresses organic and/or biochemistry content is highly recommended to prepare for coursework in the nursing major. This course must include a linked lab. Mathematics College Algebra, Statistics (preferred) or higher math |
| How do I apply to the Accelerated BSN program? | Your application is completed through NursingCAS. Visit the Applicant Help Center for specific details about the application process. Select Spring 2024 Select Concordia College, Moorhead MN / Accelerated BSN as your program of interest. Complete the three NursingCAS application sections and the Concordia College section, which includes documents, prerequisites, reference selection, and questions. Submit your application along with payment of $60 (first application) and, if applicable, $45 for each additional application. Applications will be reviewed when all documents have been submitted and transcripts are validated. Applicants are able to check the status of their application on their NursingCAS account. |
| What are the additional documents required for the application? | The following are required to complete your application: Official transcripts (with all degree and prerequisite coursework completed) from all post-high school U.S. regionally accredited colleges and/or universities sent directly to NursingCAS. (See transcript FAQ for further information) Two professional references (See reference FAQ for further information) Current one-page resume A personal statement 500-750 words in length addressing your motivation for returning to school, vocational and career goals, and what you believe to be the necessary characteristics and attributes of a healthcare professional All prerequisite coursework with required documentation |
| How do I submit my official transcripts? Can my transcripts be reviewed prior to the application period? |
Request your official transcripts from each regionally accredited US college or university's registrar's office and have them sent directly to: NursingCAS Transcript Processing Center PO Box 9201 Watertown, MA 02471 Your transcripts will be reviewed and verified by NursingCAS and attached to your application. Transcripts are only reviewed through the application process. We do not review unofficial transcripts due to the volume of applicants for the program. |
| How does the reference process work? | We require two professional references. Employers, supervisors, professors and advisors, or clergy make great references. The individuals you choose should be able to comment on your ability to empathize and care for all clients in a non-judgmental and culturally appropriate manner. This may include examples of observed behaviors. We suggest you identify your references early and let them know they will be receiving a “reference request” from nursingcasinfo@nursingcas.org on your behalf. Our Accelerated BSN program page has a designated tab for you to request your references. |
| How do I know if my application has been reviewed? |
Once your application is complete and verified by NursingCAS, you will receive an email from Concordia, via NursingCAS, that your application is ready for review. The admission team will begin reviewing applications in March, then on a monthly basis. Applications are reviewed in the order they are received, so we strongly suggest you apply early. Applicants will be notified of admission to the Accelerated BSN program promptly following review. Upon acceptance, students are required to pay a non-refundable deposit of $250. This deposit reserves a seat in the program and is applied toward programmatic expenses during the first semester. |
| What should I expect from my clinical experience? How are they arranged? |
Concordia has long-standing relationships with a variety of healthcare organizations in the community. Students benefit from having all clinical experiences planned and arranged by nursing faculty to acquire 600 hours of clinical practice. We retain a ratio of one faculty to seven students in all clinical settings to ensure direct supervision and strong mentorship. We have contracts with 15 clinical agencies to provide a variety of experiences across specialties, diverse patient populations, and the lifespan. |
| In addition to knowledge from coursework and clinicals, what will I take away from the program? |
Following the program students will be able to: Apply concepts from arts, humanities and sciences to professional nursing practice. Communicate clearly and effectively. Apply critical thinking skills in deliberate decision-making. Provide nursing care in accordance with Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice (ANA, 2015) and Nursing's Social Policy Statement: The Essence of the Profession (ANA, 2010). Provide nursing care in accordance with the Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements (ANA, 2015). Sit for the Nursing Candidate Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to become an RN. |
| What does the Accelerated Nursing program cost? | The Accelerated BSN program at Concordia College is designed for full-time students to complete in 12 months. Per credit tuition is $795 for the 2024 cycle. There are other fees students are responsible for. Please see the Program Costs page for further details. |
| Is there financial aid available for the program? | Questions related to tuition and financial aid are addressed through the Business Office (218.299.3150) and Financial Aid Office (218.299.3010) on campus. Scholarships may be available through regional health systems but they are not provided through the Nursing Department or Concordia College. You must seek out these opportunities on their own. |
| What kind of support will I receive from faculty during the program? |
The nursing faculty at Concordia place strong emphasis on advising and mentoring students to achieve their greatest potential. You will receive individual guidance throughout the program and in your next steps toward becoming an RN. |
| Is housing available for students in the program? |
The Fargo-Moorhead community has a variety of housing options available. On campus housing is primarily for undergraduate students, however, there may be exceptions. If you have questions about housing, contact our admissions team. |
| Am I responsible for my own transportation during the program? |
Yes, students are responsible for transportation to all clinical experiences. The F-M area does not offer transportation that coincides with all clinical shifts. Students are able to ride share to some clinicals with other students. Use of Uber, Lyft and/or taxis are not a dependable means of transportation for clinical assignments. |
The nursing faculty at Concordia are experienced instructors and strong, consistent advisors.
meetThe 2024 application cycle is open!
Review admission requirements and the steps needed to apply.
Learn | Work | Lead
Concordia students will be prepared to face life’s unscripted challenges and thoughtfully influence the affairs of the world.
Contact the admission team at AccelNursing@cord.edu with questions about the Accelerated BSN.
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