Dakota College at Bottineau Nursing: Programs, NCLEX & Requirements (2026)
Nursing at Dakota College at Bottineau runs through the Dakota Nursing Program—a four-college consortium with cohorts in Bottineau, Minot, and Valley City. Below: PN and ADN pathways, 2025–2026 NDUS tuition, and first-time NCLEX-RN outcomes published in the consortium’s AD Program Outcomes PDF.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
Dakota College at Bottineau is the Bottineau-home campus for the Dakota Nursing Program, so you learn alongside students statewide through interactive video, local labs, and regional clinicals—without paying private-college tuition.
Overview & Why Students Choose Dakota College at Bottineau
Set in north-central North Dakota near the Turtle Mountains, Dakota College at Bottineau delivers nursing education as part of the Dakota Nursing Program (DNP)—a collaboration of Bismarck State College, Dakota College at Bottineau, Lake Region State College, and Williston State College. Courses combine interactive video, face-to-face labs, and clinical rotations so you can stay in the region while accessing faculty expertise statewide.
The college offers an 11-month Practical Nursing certificate and an Associate of Applied Science in nursing that prepares graduates to apply for the NCLEX-RN (we refer to this pathway as Associate Degree in Nursing / ADN for clarity). After the ADN, many students transfer to a BSN completion program elsewhere in North Dakota or online.
According to the Dakota Nursing Program AD Program Outcomes PDF, the first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for Dakota College at Bottineau was 82% in the 2024–2025 reporting period (table comparing BSC, DCB, LRSC, and WSC). National and North Dakota aggregate benchmarks appear in the same table. Confirm newer cohorts on dakotanursing.org and with the North Dakota Board of Nursing.
Reasons students choose Dakota College at Bottineau
Four-college consortium, one curriculum
You join a standardized Dakota Nursing Program with shared outcomes, faculty resources, and NCLEX preparation across partner colleges—backed by published program-outcome tables.
Multiple DCB sites
DCB lists nursing instruction in Bottineau, Minot, and Valley City (plus online components), so you can compare seat capacity and commute options within the consortium.
Transparent published rates
The consortium publishes first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates by college and year in its AD outcomes PDF—useful for comparing DCB to peer campuses on the same timeline.
Affordable NDUS tuition
Per-credit and full-time tuition for Fall 2025 / Spring 2026 are posted on DCB’s tuition page, with an additional nursing program fee for PN and ADN.
Nursing Programs Offered
Dakota College at Bottineau hosts two Dakota Nursing Program pathways. The official degree/certificate names below match DCB’s nursing page and the consortium site.
Practical Nursing (Certificate)
An 11-month program culminating in a Practical Nurse Certificate; graduates may apply to take the NCLEX-PN for North Dakota LPN licensure. Delivered through the consortium with prerequisites listed in the annual PN checklist PDF.
Associate Degree in Nursing (AAS / ADN pathway)
The Associate of Applied Science in nursing prepares graduates to apply for the NCLEX-RN. The Dakota Nursing Program structures RN study as year two after PN for many students; LPNs may enter an advanced-standing ADN track. On this page we use ADN as the pathway label for the associate RN program.
Dakota College at Bottineau does not list a standalone BSN completion on its nursing homepage; plan BSN progression through transfer partnerships or online RN-to-BSN programs after licensure.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
According to the Dakota Nursing Program AD Program Outcomes PDF (September 2025), Dakota College at Bottineau’s first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate was 82% for the 2024–2025 reporting period. The same table lists national and North Dakota pass-rate benchmarks plus consortium and sister-campus figures (BSC, LRSC, WSC) for side-by-side comparison.
For additional context, DCB’s 2024 graduate survey analysis PDF (hosted on dakotanursing.org) includes school-reported outcome snapshots; methodology and response rates may differ from the consortium table above. For regulatory context and licensure rules, use the North Dakota Board of Nursing.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate (DCB) | 82% (2024–2025 reporting period, per Dakota Nursing Program AD Program Outcomes PDF) |
| Source | Dakota Nursing Program — AD Program Outcomes PDF; North Dakota Board of Nursing. Confirm current cohort data with DCB and the Board. |
NCLEX outcomes change by cohort and data source (consortium PDF vs. graduate survey vs. board publications). Always confirm the latest first-time pass rates with the North Dakota Board of Nursing and Dakota College at Bottineau.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
The Dakota Nursing Program publishes an English Proficiency Policy for applicants born outside the U.S./Canada or for whom English is not a first language. DCB’s international pages outline insurance and admissions steps for F-1 students. Use the checklist below as guidance—not legal advice.
- English-language proficiency: Follow the DNP English Proficiency Policy PDF and DCB international-student requirements (TOEFL/Duolingo thresholds appear on the consortium ADN FAQ for ESL applicants).
- Transcript / credential evaluation: Submit evaluations as required by Dakota College at Bottineau admissions.
- North Dakota Board of Nursing: For RN or PN licensure by examination, confirm eligibility, documentation, and background checks with ndbon.org.
- Immigration & visa: Clinical courses may have restrictions for certain visa types—confirm with DCB and the international office before applying.
Policies change frequently. Verify with Dakota College at Bottineau’s admissions and international offices and the North Dakota Board of Nursing.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
Admission to the Dakota Nursing Program is competitive and separate from general college admission. You must apply to Dakota College at Bottineau (or your chosen consortium college) before submitting the consortium nursing application. DCB opens nursing applications annually December 1 – March 5.
Application timeline
| Entry Term | Deadline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fall cohort (typical) | March 5 | Electronic DNP application with narrative statement (300–600 words) per consortium checklist PDFs. |
| TEAS scheduling (PN) | Before March 1 | PN applicants schedule ATI TEAS on or before March 1 of the application year per the PN prerequisites PDF. |
Admissions snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance rate (nursing) | Not publicly disclosed |
| PN GPA thresholds | Minimum 2.5 high-school or college GPA (if 12+ college credits); nursing GPA on completed prerequisites ≥2.75 where applicable per 2025–26 PN prerequisites PDF. |
| TEAS (PN) | ATI TEAS required; composite ≥45.0%; two attempts per application cycle; scores valid up to two years before March 5. |
| TEAS (ADN) | Consortium ADN page states AD applicants are not required to take the TEAS. Advanced-standing LPN applicants use the ATI PN Comprehensive Predictor (≥92% predicted NCLEX-PN probability) per advanced-standing checklist. |
| DCB seat capacity (example) | Bottineau 10, Minot 24, Valley City 10 ADN seats per consortium capacity table—verify current year. |
Honest tip: Download the current PN and advanced-standing ADN PDFs from dakotanursing.org each cycle—minimum scores, course lists, and GPA rules change when the PDFs are revised.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Figures below come directly from Dakota College at Bottineau’s Fall 2025 / Spring 2026 tuition schedule (published on the “Paying for College” page). Rates are subject to change; verify billing in Campus Connection.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Full-time tuition & fees (12 credits, Bottineau campus or online) | $2,745.48 per semester for ND, SD, MN, MT, or Canadian residents; $3,204.22 for other U.S. states / international (same table). |
| Part-time per credit (Bottineau campus) | $228.79 (regional) / $267.02 (non-resident) per credit when enrolled in fewer than 12 credits. |
| Part-time per credit (online) | $248.95 (regional) / $287.18 (non-resident). |
| Nursing program fee | $500 per semester for Practical Nursing and ADN programs (listed in DCB’s specialized-program fee notice). |
| Books & supplies (estimate) | $500 per semester (institutional estimate on same page). |
| Source | Dakota College at Bottineau — Tuition & Fees. Consortium nursing cost estimate: DNP draft 2025–2026 estimated costs. |
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
The Dakota Nursing Program publishes multi-year NCLEX-RN benchmarks in its AD outcomes PDF; DCB’s 2024 graduate survey analysis adds school-reported graduate-survey metrics (e.g., job placement, self-reported work location). Treat survey percentages as self-reported with response-rate limitations noted in the PDF.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate (consortium table) | 82% for DCB in 2024–2025 (AD Program Outcomes PDF) |
| RN job placement (graduate survey, school-reported) | 96% “2024 RN Job Placement” in DCB 2024 graduate survey PDF—confirm methodology in the document. |
| Source | AD Program Outcomes PDF; DCB 2024 graduate survey analysis. |
Is Dakota College at Bottineau the Right Fit for You?
Dakota College at Bottineau fits learners who want a public, community-college price point and are comfortable with hybrid delivery (video + labs + clinicals). Consider whether Bottineau, Minot, or Valley City sites match your housing and commute needs.
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Want PN or ADN pathways through a structured consortium with published NCLEX outcome tables.
- Prefer small-town North Dakota cost of living while rotating to larger hubs (e.g., Minot) for coursework.
- Plan to work in rural or tribal health settings across the northern Plains after licensure.
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Need a traditional four-year BSN on one campus—DCB does not award BSNs.
- Are uncomfortable with interactive video instruction and multi-site scheduling.
- Expect a single published acceptance rate—DCB does not publish nursing-specific acceptance rates.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Dakota Nursing Program students rotate through hospitals, clinics, and community agencies across the northern tier of North Dakota. Exact contracts change by term; the list below illustrates major employers commonly referenced in regional workforce materials.
| Facility / system | Details |
|---|---|
| Trinity Health (Minot) | Regional referral center serving north-central ND; common site for advanced clinical experiences when students are based at DCB Minot. |
| CHI St. Alexius Health (Bismarck) | Major tertiary system within reasonable driving distance for select rotations or employment after licensure. |
| Rural & tribal health | Critical access hospitals, IHS/tribal clinics, and long-term care facilities support rural nursing pipelines—confirm assigned sites each semester with DCB. |
Student Experience & Campus Life
Dakota College at Bottineau promotes a small-campus environment with residence halls (Gross, Mead, Milligan), student life programming, and the Academic Center for Excellence. Nursing students interact with peers across the consortium, so expect regular use of classroom technology and occasional travel to partner sites. Student-athletes can participate in NJCAA sports as “DCB Jacks.”
For nursing-specific help, DCB lists coordinators and faculty contacts on its nursing page (including Bottineau and Minot contacts).
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Bottineau, ND
- Address
- 105 Simrall Blvd, Bottineau, ND 58318, US
- Telephone
- 701-228-2277 (main) · Nursing coordinator example: 701-228-5449 (per DCB nursing page)
- Contact email
- carissa.pollman@dakotacollege.edu (Nursing & Health Professions Coordinator)
- Website
- dakotacollege.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Read the Associate Degree Nurse (RN) and dakotanursing.org application instructions for your pathway (PN vs. advanced-standing ADN).
- Download the current prerequisite PDFs (PN, internal ADN, or advanced-standing ADN) and compare courses to your transcripts.
- If you are applying to the PN program, schedule the ATI TEAS before the March 1 testing window ends; ADN applicants generally do not take TEAS.
- Create an account in Campus Connection and review how tuition, fees, and the $500/semester nursing fee appear on your bill.
- Bookmark the AD Program Outcomes PDF for NCLEX benchmarking.
- Email the nursing coordinator with questions about Bottineau vs. Minot vs. Valley City sites.
- Add calendar reminders for the December 1 – March 5 nursing application window.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dakota College at Bottineau a good school for nursing?
DCB offers PN and ADN pathways through the accredited Dakota Nursing Program with published first-time NCLEX-RN data for DCB in the consortium’s AD Program Outcomes PDF (82% in 2024–2025). Whether it is “good” for you depends on location, cost, and learning format—use the consortium outcomes and visit campus.
What programs does Dakota College at Bottineau offer for nursing?
DCB offers a Practical Nursing certificate (NCLEX-PN) and an Associate of Applied Science in nursing leading to NCLEX-RN eligibility. Both are part of the Dakota Nursing Program consortium.
What are the Dakota Nursing Program application deadlines?
Dakota College at Bottineau lists nursing applications annually from December 1 through March 5. You must apply to DCB (or your home consortium college) before applying to the consortium nursing program.
Does Dakota College at Bottineau require the TEAS for nursing?
Practical Nursing applicants must take the ATI TEAS (minimum composite 45% on the 2025–26 PN prerequisites checklist). The consortium’s ADN page states associate-degree RN applicants are not required to take TEAS; advanced-standing LPN applicants use the ATI PN Comprehensive Predictor instead.
What is the NCLEX-RN pass rate for Dakota College at Bottineau?
The Dakota Nursing Program AD Program Outcomes PDF lists an 82% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for DCB in the 2024–2025 reporting period. Confirm newer cohorts with the North Dakota Board of Nursing and dakotanursing.org.
How much is tuition at Dakota College at Bottineau for nursing?
For Fall 2025 / Spring 2026, DCB publishes $2,745.48 per semester tuition and fees for 12 credits at the regional rate (Bottineau/online), plus a $500 per semester nursing program fee for PN and ADN. Non-resident and per-credit amounts are higher—see the tuition page.
Where can I take Dakota Nursing Program classes through DCB?
DCB offers Dakota Nursing Program sites in Bottineau, Minot, and Valley City with online components, per the DCB nursing homepage and consortium capacity table.
Is Dakota College at Bottineau nursing accredited?
The Dakota Nursing Program publishes North Dakota Board of Nursing approval dates by campus and states NLN CNEA accreditation for the DCB ADN program through Spring 2028, alongside HLC institutional accreditation. Confirm on dakotanursing.org.
References
- Dakota College at Bottineau — Nursingdakotacollege.edu/nursing
- Dakota College at Bottineau — Tuition & Fees (Fall 2025 / Spring 2026)dakotacollege.edu/admissions-financial-aid/tuition-and-fees
- Dakota Nursing Program — AD Program Outcomes (NCLEX-RN table)ad-program-outcomes-2.pdf
- Dakota Nursing Program — ADN RN degree overviewdakotanursing.org/home-2/adn-rn-degree
- Dakota Nursing Program — PN prerequisites (2025–26)website-pn-prerequisites-25.26.pdf
- North Dakota Board of Nursingndbon.org
- National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)ncsbn.org
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Registered Nursesbls.gov/ooh
Editorial Standards & Review
About the author: Francesco Di Siena, RN, writes evidence-based nursing education guides for NurseOnShift.
Review: This page was reviewed by Araceli Collado, RN, for alignment with Dakota College at Bottineau tuition pages, Dakota Nursing Program PDFs (NCLEX table, prerequisites, TEAS rules), and North Dakota Board of Nursing program-approval statements.
Disclaimer: This page is for general reference only. It does not constitute professional, admissions, or financial advice. Requirements, deadlines, tuition, and policies change; always verify with the institution and the North Dakota Board of Nursing.
Published: 2026-03-27 · Last reviewed: March 27, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy