page_banner_chemistry.jpg

Undergraduate Programs

Explore more than 40 majors and minors.

Disability_Services.jpg

Graduate & Online

Explore on-campus and online graduate programs.

page_banner_chemistry.jpg
Disability_Services.jpg
the-world-of-technology-is-changing.jpg

Apply for Free

Begin an amazing new chapter in your life. 

180704_14030.jpg

Admission Requirements

You belong at DWU. Take a look at the requirements for admission.  

the-world-of-technology-is-changing.jpg
180704_14030.jpg
180704_1963.jpg

Life at DWU

 

Living on campus is a great opportunity to make lifelong friends.

210901_8698.jpg

Student Activities and Organizations

We offer a variety of ways to get involved on campus.  

180704_1963.jpg
210901_8698.jpg
Give_to_DWU_2.jpg

Giving

Every gift helps our students, no matter how large or small.  

9T5A9324-0001.jpg

Alumni

There are many ways to stay connected to Dakota Wesleyan University.

Give_to_DWU_2.jpg
9T5A9324-0001.jpg
DWvDrdt_(9_of_19).jpg

Why DWU?

Why should you consider DWU? Because we are all about YOU. 

about-2-photoaidcom-2x-ai-zoom.jpg

Campus Map and Direction

Need help getting to campus? You’ll find directions and maps here.

DWvDrdt_(9_of_19).jpg
about-2-photoaidcom-2x-ai-zoom.jpg
210901_8795.jpg
lpn-0001.jpg

Accelerated and GROW YOUR POTENTIAL

LPN-B.S.N. in Sioux Falls

As an LPN, you already work hard to provide the best possible care for patients. Elevate your career and gain more responsibility with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) degree in Sioux Falls.

What kinds of jobs and specialties await you when you earn your Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing (B.S.N.)? 

Hospital registered nurse

Clinical nurse

Public health nurse
Nursing director
Nurse educator

What’s the Difference at DWU?

  • Accelerated
    With a mix of fast-paced, in-person and online classes, you’ll earn your B.S.N. in 28 months or less.
  • Clinicals
    You’ll gain hands-on experience through valuable clinical experience that will grow your capacity as a nurse.
  • 30 Credits
    As an LPN, 30 credits will automatically transfer from your LPN program.
  • Sioux Falls 
    In-person classes will be located downtown Sioux Falls at 114 S. Main Street.  
  • Personal 
    With a small class size, you’ll belong to a group of professional nurses who support your learning and development every step of the way.
  • Confidence
    DWU nursing graduates have a high pass rate with the National Council of State Boards of Nursing Licensing Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). After you graduate, you will be ready for the exam. Plus, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing (B.S.N.), you will be better prepared to serve patients and enjoy more employment opportunities, career advancements and higher pay.
Accreditation

The baccalaureate program at Dakota Wesleyan University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791. The Dakota Wesleyan University LPN-B.S. Nursing program has been granted full approval status by the South Dakota Board of Nursing, 4305 S. Louise Ave., Suite 201, Sioux Falls, SD 57106-3115, 605-362-2760. 

Nursing Admission Requirements

Admission to the LPN-B.S. Nursing Program is contingent upon completing the following requirements:  

  1. Active, unencumbered LPN license to practice nursing in South Dakota. The LPN degree must have been granted from an accredited institution of higher education. You will need to provide a current copy of your SD LPN license. You will be granted 30 credits for your LPN license.
  2. Transcripts 
    • An official copy of all college transcripts. 
    • If coursework is still in progress, attach a current transcript that documents all of the courses in progress from that institution. 
    • A cumulative grade point average of 2.7 or above in college, university, vocational or technical school is required. 
Essays, exams and references are not required.
Post-Admission Requirements

Once you have been accepted and confirmed your spot in the program, you will need to complete the following steps before class begins.

  1. Immunizations and Immunization Records
    • Immunizations and immunization records are required prior to participating in clinical rotations. These include (2) MMR or titers proving immunity, Hepatitis B series & Hepatitis B Titer (Hep B Surface Antibody), Tdap vaccinations, Varicella vaccination, annual Tuberculosis testing (QuantiFERON TB Blood Test is required), and an annual influenza vaccination. Covid-19 vaccinations are per guidelines/requirements of clinical facilities.
  2. Physical Evaluation
  3. CPR Certification and Renewal
    • Incoming nursing students must be CPR certified. The American Heart Association course, HeartCode® BLS (Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers CPR) is required. BLS must have a hands-on training component.
  4. Criminal Background Check
    • Department of Nursing requires criminal Background checks on all incoming, accepted nursing students. Background checks are completed before taking the first nursing course and before beginning clinical rotations in a health care agency. Instructions will be provided to you upon acceptance.
  5. Major Medical Health Insurance
    • Dakota Wesleyan University's contractual agreements regarding clinical experiences with cooperating agencies require that all nursing students be covered under a major medical health insurance policy throughout the entire calendar year. If you are 26 or under and are covered under a parent’s medical insurance policy, you will need to verify with your parent’s insurance agent that coverage applies to you while attending DWU.

All costs associated with these requirements are the student’s responsibility. 

Ready to apply? Complete our free application now.
Need more information? Let’s connect!
3Y9A7537.jpg

“Our program offers a more efficient path to completion, with fewer required credits than other Sioux Falls-based options. This means you'll graduate earlier and at a lower overall cost.” 

– Penny Tilton, DNP, M.S.N., RN
Associate Professor of Nursing
Administrative Chair of Nursing

Course List

Classroom simulations will be mixed with online courses. A total of 123 credits are required for graduation, which include:

  • 30 non-nursing credits are accepted for a licensed LPN nursing degree from an accredited nursing program
  • 54 nursing core credits
  • 39 non-nursing general education and support courses

Nursing Core - 54 Credits

NUR 218 Introduction to Professional Nursing Concepts

Hours
This didactic course covers fundamental concepts in nursing. Students explore foundational concepts that allow application to the discipline of nursing. A signature assignment based on core course competencies validates student learning. Prerequisites: NUR 316 Corequisites: NUR 326, NUR 310, NUR 321

NUR 316 Nursing Concepts in Pathophysiology

Hours
This didactic course covers basic concepts in pathophysiological processes and their effect on multiple body systems. Students explore the effect and progression of selected disease entities in client populations. This course provides a foundation for clinical judgement, diagnosis, and management of clients experiencing existing alterations in or risks for alterations in health status. Prerequisites: BIO 220, CHM 113/CHM 113L. Corequisites: BIO 233, BIO 330.

NUR 318 Concepts in Nursing Leadership

Hours
This didactic course allows students to apply concepts of nursing leadership to professional nursing practice. Students integrate communication, leadership styles, professional values, ethics, systems thinking, and multidisciplinary collaboration into practice. Informatics and technology are also explored. Prerequisites: NUR 342, NUR 320, NUR 426, NUR 332. Corequisites: NUR 408, NUR 411, NUR 412.

NUR 320 Fundamental Nursing Concepts II

3 Hours
This clinical, lab and didactic course allows students to gain fundamental competency of foundational nursing content and skills. Emphasis is on introductory medical/surgical concepts that focus on acute illness and health alterations. Lifespan, culture and diversity considerations for health and illness are explored. Students will use the nursing process, nursing diagnosis and clinical reasoning to apply fundamental concepts learned to lab, class, and clinical settings. Prerequisites: NUR 218, NUR 326, NUR 321. Corequisites: NUR 342, NUR 426, NUR 332.

In addition, the Mitchell Campus must take NUR 310.

NUR 321 Health Assessment Nursing Concepts

Hours
This lab and didactic course allow students to gain competency in comprehensive health assessment skills and basic concepts of health promotion and disease prevention. Students learn and practice skills related to communication, health assessment, promoting well-being, and lab and diagnostic testing. Students integrate nursing process and nursing diagnosis and learn techniques to gather and record patient data. A signature assignment based on core course competencies validates student learning. Prerequisites: NUR 316. Corequisites: NUR 218, NUR 326, NUR 310.

NUR 326 Nursing Concepts in Pharmacology

Hours
This course provides the foundation of basic pharmacology for professional nurses in general practice. Emphasis is on collaborative nursing management required for pharmacological therapies for healthcare participants across the lifespan. The course incorporates core drug knowledge related to therapeutic use, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, contraindications, adverse effects, and drug interactions with other drugs/food. Dosage calculations and basic conversions are explored while maintaining client safety. Prerequisites: NUR 316. Corequisites: NUR 218, NUR 310, NUR 321.

NUR 332 Nutrition Concepts in Health and Illness

Hours
This didactic course covers basic concepts of nutrition related to the discipline of nursing practice. Students explore principles of human nutrition in health and during illness in clients across the life span. Prerequisites: NUR 218, NUR 326, NUR 310, NUR 321. Corequisites: NUR 342, NUR 426, NUR 320.

NUR 342 Mental & Social Health Nursing Concepts

Hours
This clinical and didactic course allows students to gain competency in the care of individuals across the lifespan that are experiencing mental illness. Students examine acute and chronic mental illness and the affect that social health has on these clients. The course allows students to gain experience in the care of clients with mental illness and allows an examination of treatment options and community and private resources for this population. Prerequisites: NUR 218, NUR 326, NUR 210, NUR 321 Corequisites: NUR 342, NUR 320, NUR

NUR 408 Advanced Nursing Concepts

Hours
This clinical and didactic course allows students to gain competency of advanced nursing content and skills. Emphasis is on higher level thinking medical/surgical concepts that focus on acute illness and health alterations. Lifespan, culture and diversity considerations for health and illness are explored. Students will use the nursing process, nursing diagnosis and clinical reasoning/judgement to apply advanced concepts learned to class and clinical settings. Prerequisites: NUR 320, NUR 332, NUR 342, NUR 426 Corequisites: NUR 318, NUR 411, NUR 412 5

NUR 411 Lifespan Nursing Concepts I

Hours
This clinical and didactic course allows students to gain competency in providing nursing care for childbearing clients and their families across the lifespan to include pregnancy, birth, and the newborn period. Students explore women’s health, male/female reproduction, and contraception. Prerequisites: NUR 320, NUR 332, NUR 342, NUR 426 Corequisites: NUR 318, NUR 408, NUR 412

NUR 412 Lifespan Nursing Concepts II

3 Hours
This clinical and didactic course allows students to gain competency in providing nursing care for infants, children and adolescents across the lifespan to include the context of the family. Students explore normal development and nutrition and focus on abnormal development and congenital defects. Prerequisites: NUR 320, NUR 332, NUR 342, NUR 426 Corequisites: NUR 318, NUR 408, NUR 411

NUR 418 Concepts in Nursing Management

3 Hours
This didactic course allows students to apply concepts of nursing management to professional nursing practice. Students integrate management of care through collaborative thinking, clinical judgement, and examining healthcare quality. A reexamination and integration of nursing concepts is accomplished through an exhaustive review in preparation for the NCLEX RN exam. Prerequisites: NUR 408, NUR 411, NUR 412, NUR 318 Corequisites: NUR 423, NUR 440, NUR 450.

NUR 423 Complex Nursing Concepts

Hours
This clinical and didactic course allows students to gain competency in complex nursing content and skills. Emphasis is on higher level thinking medical/surgical concepts that focus on acute and chronic illness and health alterations. Lifespan, culture and diversity considerations for health and illness are explored. Students will use the nursing process, nursing diagnosis and clinical reasoning to apply complex concepts learned to class and clinical settings. Prerequisites: NUR 408, NUR 411, NUR 412, NUR 318 Corequisites: NUR 418, NUR 440, NUR 450.

NUR 426 Nursing Concepts in Population Health

3 Hours
This clinical and didactic course allows students to gain competency in the practice of population focused health promotion and disease and injury prevention across the lifespan. Students learn health education concepts and the effect that health disparities. health economics, culture and spirituality have on the health of a population. Infectious outbreaks are explored, and students gain experience with multidisciplinary collaboration and care coordination. Health promotion and disease prevention is integrated within the course and health care policy is assessed for its effect on the population health of individuals, families, groups, and communities. Prerequisites: NUR 218, NUR 326, NUR 310, NUR 321. Corequisites: NUR 342, NUR 320, NUR 332.

NUR 440 Nursing Concepts in Research

3 Hours
This didactic course allows students to focus on developing an evidenced based practice foundation. Students explore evidenced based practice, research designs and ethics in research. Emphasis is placed on the connection of research to patient centered care, safety, quality, and patient outcomes. Students gain practice with the elements of a research paper. Prerequisites: NUR 408, NUR 410, NUR 318. Corequisites: NUR 423, NUR 418, NUR 450.

NUR 450 Transition to Professional Practice

3 Hours
This clinical course provides students with the opportunity to gain competency in independent professional nursing practice and to apply, integrate, synthesize, and evaluate all concepts learned throughout the program. Students gain experience in a structured clinical setting through one-on-one collaboration with a dedicated preceptor. This allows students to gain experience for transition into entry level nursing practice. Prerequisites: NUR 408, NUR 410, NUR 318. Corequisites: NUR 423, NUR 418, NUR 440.

If you have taken general education courses in the past, you may be able to move right into the nursing core courses. Review the LPN-B.S.N. Plan of Study and visit with your admissions counselor to discuss your options.  

LPN-B.S.N. Plan of Study

For other academic policies, see the DWU catalog.

Get to Know Your Professors

With our low student-to-teacher ratio, you will be supported every step of the way.

Anastasia Barber, M.S.N., RN

Assistant Professor of Nursing

Melissa Coull, M.S.N., RN

Assistant Professor of Nursing

The Experience

Clinical experience is critical to your career. We have included clinical opportunities in almost every semester. With clinical hours, you can practice your skills as you learn them. 

The LPN-B.S.N. curriculum is designed to build on the foundational nursing skills you have already mastered as a licensed practical nurse (LPN). The goal is to move your knowledge of human health needs and nursing interventions to a deeper level. The program content is designed to develop leadership and management of care skills needed by the registered nurse (RN) in the current healthcare practice setting.

Nursing Mission Statement, Vision and Core Values
Arlene Gates Department of Nursing Mission Statement

The Arlene Gates Department of Nursing, as an integral part of Dakota Wesleyan University, is aligned with its mission, vision, values, and philosophy. The nursing department aspires to prepare students for meaningful careers in professional nursing within a liberal arts setting. The nursing department aspires to cultivate a challenging learning environment based on Christian values and acceptance of diversity. The faculty foster lifelong learning, professional development, and responsibility to service.

Arlene Gates Department of Nursing Vision

The Vision of the Arlene Gates Department of Nursing is to strategically develop and grow DWU nursing programs to further the practice of professional nursing throughout the region.

Arlene Gates Department of Nursing Core Values

The Mission, Vision and Philosophy of the Arlene Gates Department of Nursing are carried out with guidance from AACN’s Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education (AACN, 2019). The core values for nursing are human dignity, integrity, autonomy, altruism, and social justice.

Program Learning Outcomes

The Program Learning Outcomes are supported by AACN’s The Essentials: Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education (AACN, 2019). Based on ten domains that represent the essence of professional nursing practice and expected competencies for each domain, four spheres of care are articulated. The domains, competencies and spheres of care lend a uniqueness to the profession of nursing, and diversity to practice (AACN, 2019) while providing a guide for the nursing curriculum toward outcomes-based learning.

The four spheres of care are: 
  1. disease prevention/promotion of health and wellbeing
  2. chronic disease care
  3. regenerative or restorative care
  4. hospice/palliative/supportive care across the lifespan

The domains and competencies allow the learner to build knowledge, skills, and abilities for entry into professional practice. The Essentials also features eight overarching concepts which are fundamental to professional nursing practice and are integrated within and across the domains and competencies. The Essentials serve as a guide for the DWU nursing programs’ program learning outcomes.

The Program Learning Outcomes are as follows: 
  1. Teach graduates to independently provide culturally sensitive, competent nursing care in a variety of settings guided by a scientific concept-based curriculum and professional accountability.
  2. Develop graduates who incorporate critical thinking and clinical judgement in the provision of holistic, evidence-based nursing care of clients throughout the lifespan.
  3. Support graduates in the planning and providing of person-centered, coordinated nursing care that contributes to safe and high-quality care outcomes.
  4. Facilitate graduates who communicate and collaborate with inter-professional teams, utilize health information technology, incorporate cost-effectiveness, and utilize educational principles to promote wellness and well-being.
  5. Motivate graduates to be committed to lifelong learning and service, display leadership, and who participate in scholarships that advance the profession of nursing.
  6. Produce graduates who exhibit caring behaviors and who uphold moral ethical and ethical competence in the practice of nursing.
Program Goals
  • The programs’ three year mean for NCLEX-RN pass rates will be at or above the minimum standard of 80% required by the nursing programs’ accrediting body (CCNE) Collegiate Commission on Nursing Education.
  • The programs’ three year mean for NCLEX-RN pass rates will be above the minimum standard of 75% required by the programs’ licensing body the (SDBON) South Dakota Board of Nursing.
  • Seventy percent (70%) of students admitted into the B.S.N. program will graduate within five years through achievement of one of the CCNE standards found in standard IV-B.
  • Seventy percent (70%) of students admitted into the LPN to B.S.N. program will graduate within four years through achievement of one of the CCNE standards found in standard IV-B.
  • Ninety percent (90%) of graduates who are actively seeking employment in nursing will be employed as a practicing registered nurse at six to twelve months post-graduation.
  • At six to twelve months post-graduation all items on the graduate survey will receive a mean of 3.0 or higher.
LPN-B.S.N. Transfer Credits

Are you a transferring from another institution? Great! DWU accepts and welcomes students from other accredited colleges and universities approved by the U.S. Department of Education. 

If you meet admission requirements for the LPN-B.S.N. program, you will earn 30 transfer credits for your LPN license. The remaining 54 nursing credits and 39 non-nursing general education and support courses are included in the LPN-B.S.N. Plan of Study. 

Coursework completed at other colleges or universities may meet one or more of the required general education or support courses. The DWU registrar's office will evaluate your official transcript to ensure transferred credits meet requirements for the degree. Keep in mind, the credit can be no older than 10 years and other catalog conditions for transfer credits may apply. 

LPN-B.S.N. Program Costs

Program Tuition: $400/Credit Hour 

Nursing Credits (54): $21,600 

General Education Credits (39): $15,600 

Nursing Clinical Fee: $1,785 

TOTAL TUITION AND FEES: $38,985 

Other anticipated expenses (estimated and subject to change):  
  • Background check: $87 | You must complete a background check within 30 days of the start of the first nursing course. The cost of the background check is your responsibility.  
  • Uniform: $40 | You are responsible for the purchase of one royal blue scrub uniform. This is an approximate cost. 
  • Nursing Textbooks: Approx. $1,379 | This includes the cost of nursing textbooks for the entirety of the program.
  • Other Textbooks: varies based on your schedule and course requirements.
  • CPR Certification: $55-$65 | This covers a required CPR course provided by the American Heart Association Basic Life Support for Health Care Providers.
  • RN Licensure Fee: $100 | This fee is due to the South Dakota Board of Nursing upon graduation.
  • NCLEX-RN Exam: $200 | This is the registration fee to Pearson Testing upon graduation in order to take your exam. 

Complete your FAFSA Online

Complete your FAFSA online to begin the financial aid process and to determine the various types of aid you may qualify for to help finance your education. Dakota Wesleyan University’s code for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is 003461.

 Several payment plan options are available for you: 

  • Online with a checking account or credit card
  • Monthly payment plan
  • Check or money order
  • PLUS or alternative loan

Are you a member of the United Methodist Church? Students enrolled in the LPN-B.S. program are eligible for the United Methodist Recognition Award, a $1,000 annual scholarship awarded to confirmed members of the United Methodist Church. You must be a member for at least one year and a certification form is required.

LPN23_Crop1.jpg
DWU_Icon.png

Questions?

If you have any questions or would like further information, please contact us.

Email: admissions@dwu.edu
Phone: 605-995-2650