Valley City State University Nursing: PN, ADN & Pre-Nursing Pathways (2026)
Valley City State University hosts the Dakota Nursing Program in partnership with Dakota College at Bottineau, so you can complete a Practical Nursing certificate or an Associate Degree in Nursing on the VCSU campus while using VCSU student life and services. VCSU also offers pre-nursing coursework for students planning to transfer to a BSN elsewhere—there is no BSN awarded by VCSU itself. This guide reflects the VCSU undergraduate catalog and official tuition page (2025–2026) and points to the North Dakota Board of Nursing for NCLEX outcomes.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
If you want a small public campus in eastern North Dakota with Viking athletics and student life—but need PN or ADN training—the Dakota Nursing Program lets you take consortium nursing classes on site while your prerequisites and general education can align with a later BSN transfer plan.
Overview & Why Students Choose Valley City State University
Valley City State University is a public institution in the North Dakota University System (NDUS), located along the Sheyenne River in Valley City. Unlike many four-year universities, VCSU does not grant a Bachelor of Science in Nursing on campus. Instead, the undergraduate catalog “Nursing at VCSU” page describes three pathways: (1) general education and pre-nursing coursework at VCSU in preparation to transfer to a BSN program elsewhere; (2) an 11-month Practical Nursing certificate delivered on the VCSU campus through a partnership with Dakota College at Bottineau; and (3) an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) through Dakota College at Bottineau at the Valley City site for students who completed the PN program or are licensed practical nurses.
The Bottineau Nursing Program page explains that students can earn the PN certificate or ADN while participating in campus life at VCSU. Pre-licensure nursing programs are approved by the North Dakota Board of Nursing; Dakota College at Bottineau’s consortium AAS program is listed there as nationally accredited by CNEA.
First-time NCLEX-PN and NCLEX-RN pass rates for North Dakota programs appear in the North Dakota Board of Nursing nursing education annual reports and data resources. This page does not reproduce a specific percentage here because the latest cohort should be read directly from those official publications (programs may be reported under Dakota College at Bottineau or consortium listings). Confirm outcomes with the Board and Dakota College.
Reasons students choose VCSU for nursing pathways
One campus, consortium nursing
You can take Dakota Nursing Program courses on the VCSU campus while accessing VCSU student services and activities.
Stacked ladder (PN → ADN)
The catalog describes an 11-month PN certificate, then an ADN option with additional semesters for students who are PN graduates or working LPNs.
Pre-nursing for transfer
If your goal is a BSN at another NDUS or out-of-state school, VCSU lists specific prerequisite courses (biology, chemistry, anatomy and physiology, psychology, and more) for advising.
Published undergraduate tuition
VCSU publishes 2025–2026 per-credit and annual tuition bands for multiple residency categories on its Tuition & Fees page—useful for budgeting general education.
Nursing Programs Offered
The following list is taken from the VCSU undergraduate catalog Nursing at VCSU page and the Bottineau Nursing Program overview. VCSU does not award a BSN; nursing credentials at the Valley City site are offered through Dakota College at Bottineau as part of the Dakota Nursing Program consortium.
Pre-licensure & transfer preparation
Pre-nursing coursework (transfer preparation)
VCSU offers general education and science prerequisites—such as biology, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, chemistry, psychology, and statistics—for students who plan to transfer to a BSN program at another institution. This pathway does not confer a nursing degree from VCSU.
Practical Nursing Certificate (Dakota College at Bottineau)
An 11-month PN program offered on the VCSU campus through the partnership with Dakota College; prepares students for basic patient care and NCLEX-PN eligibility. The catalog lists TEAS (Basic level or higher), GPA, CPR, and other prerequisites.
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN / AAS, Dakota College at Bottineau at Valley City)
For students who completed the PN program or are licensed practical nurses; additional coursework and clinical rotations lead to RN preparation and NCLEX-RN eligibility. The North Dakota Board of Nursing lists the Dakota College consortium AAS as CNEA-accredited.
Graduate nursing (MSN, DNP)
Not publicly listed on the VCSU catalog pages cited for this guide. If you already hold an RN license and need an online RN-to-BSN or graduate program, confirm options with VCSU academic advising or consider other NDUS institutions.
Program offerings, prerequisites, and accreditation statements change. Verify the current list with the VCSU catalog, Dakota College at Bottineau, and the North Dakota Board of Nursing approved programs page.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
For North Dakota pre-licensure programs, the North Dakota Board of Nursing publishes nursing education annual reports and maintains a data dashboard with trends and statistics. The Valley City site is part of the Dakota Nursing Program consortium administered through Dakota College at Bottineau; cohort-level first-time NCLEX-PN and NCLEX-RN pass rates for approved programs should be read from the Board’s annual report tables or data releases rather than assumed from this profile.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-PN / NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate (site-specific) | Not stated on this page—use the North Dakota Board of Nursing nursing education annual reports and data resources. Locate programs approved under Dakota College at Bottineau / Dakota Nursing Program Consortium. |
| Source | ND Board of Nursing — Data · Approved nursing programs. Confirm the latest cohort with the Board and Dakota College. |
NCLEX outcomes change by cohort. Always confirm the latest pass rates with the North Dakota Board of Nursing and the school that awards your credential (Dakota College at Bottineau for PN/ADN at Valley City).
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
The VCSU catalog Nursing at VCSU section states that the TOEFL exam is required for Practical Nursing applicants for whom English is not their native language or who have not attended four years of U.S. high school with a 3.0 GPA or higher. Use the checklist below for broader questions; verify with VCSU, Dakota College at Bottineau, and the North Dakota Board of Nursing.
- English-language proficiency: TOEFL or other scores for Dakota Nursing PN applicants per the VCSU catalog; confirm current minimums.
- Transcript / credential evaluation: WES, CGFNS, or other evaluators required by NDUS or Dakota College.
- North Dakota Board of Nursing: For RN or PN licensure by exam, confirm eligibility, background checks, and documentation for internationally educated applicants.
- Immigration & visa: Program eligibility for F-1 or other visa types and impact on clinical placements.
Policies change frequently. Verify with Enrollment Services, Dakota College (Valley City site), and the North Dakota Board of Nursing. This guidance is not legal advice.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
Admission requirements differ by pathway. Pre-nursing students apply to VCSU through standard undergraduate admissions. Practical Nursing and ADN applicants must meet Dakota College at Bottineau and consortium rules published in the VCSU catalog. The catalog lists faculty contacts: Dr. Hilde van Gijssel (hilde.vangijssel@vcsu.edu, 701-845-7337) for pre-nursing questions, and Becky Pfennig (becky.pfennig@vcsu.edu, 701-845-7682) for the Dakota College Valley City site.
Application timeline
| Entry Term | Deadline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-nursing (VCSU) | Not publicly disclosed on this page | Confirm with VCSU Admissions and Enrollment Services (701-845-7101). |
| PN / ADN (Dakota at VCSU) | Not publicly disclosed on this page | Consortium programs typically start in fall; confirm application dates with Becky Pfennig and Dakota College. |
Admissions snapshot (from catalog excerpts)
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate (Nursing) | Not publicly disclosed |
| Practical Nursing GPA | Catalog: program minimum GPA 2.75 in nursing coursework; cumulative minimum GPA 2.50; minimum grade of C in required nursing courses. |
| ACT / coursework | Catalog: ACT composite 19 or 12 credit hours of nursing program coursework with GPA 2.75+ for PN pathway. |
| TEAS | Catalog: TEAS at Basic level or higher required for Practical Nursing. |
| ADN prerequisites | Catalog: completion with C or better and nursing GPA ≥2.75 in listed courses including ENGL 110, PSYC 111, BIOL 220–221, PHRM 215, PSYC 250 (pharmacology within last 7 years). |
Honest tips
If you intend to earn a BSN eventually, map transfer agreements early: VCSU pre-nursing is not a nursing major. If you are pursuing PN or ADN, schedule TEAS preparation and gather immunization and background-check requirements typical of clinical programs. Email the Valley City site administrator with site-specific questions before the application deadline.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Valley City State University publishes 2025–2026 undergraduate tuition and fees on its Tuition & Fees page. Figures below are representative rates based on 15 credits per semester (30 credits per year) as stated by VCSU; actual costs vary with credit load. Nursing clinical courses billed through Dakota College at Bottineau may use different tuition or fee schedules—confirm with Dakota College for program-specific charges.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate tuition (2025–26, VCSU) | North Dakota resident: $6,983 per year ($232.76 per credit). Minnesota reciprocity / contiguous states / Manitoba / Saskatchewan: $7,821 per year ($260.70 per credit). Midwest Student Exchange / WUE / alumni dependent: $8,729 per year ($290.95 per credit). Other non-resident / international: $12,220 per year ($407.34 per credit). |
| Fees & estimates (2025–26, VCSU) | University and technology fee: $2,027 per year. Room and board (double room, 15 meals/week): $7,950 per year. Books and supplies estimate: $1,100 per year (per VCSU table). |
| Nursing program tuition | Not publicly disclosed on this page for Dakota College nursing credits—confirm with Dakota College Tuition & Fees. |
| Source | Valley City State University — Tuition & Fees (2025–2026). Confirm amounts on your student account. |
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
Graduates of the Practical Nursing certificate are prepared for NCLEX-PN and LPN roles in long-term care, clinics, and hospitals. ADN graduates are prepared for NCLEX-RN and entry-level RN practice. For verified first-time NCLEX pass rates, use North Dakota Board of Nursing publications rather than unofficial summaries.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-PN / NCLEX-RN pass rates | See North Dakota Board of Nursing annual reports and data resources. |
| Job placement / employment | Not publicly disclosed on this page. Ask Dakota College for graduate surveys or employer partnerships. |
| Source | North Dakota Board of Nursing; Dakota College at Bottineau. |
Is Valley City State University the Right Fit for You?
VCSU fits students who want a small public university campus experience in rural North Dakota while completing a PN or ADN through the Dakota Nursing consortium, or who need affordable prerequisite coursework before transferring to a BSN program elsewhere.
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Prefer a single campus for general education and consortium nursing labs/clinical coordination.
- Want a PN-to-ADN ladder without leaving the Valley City area.
- Value published NDUS tuition bands and regional reciprocity options on VCSU’s tuition page.
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Require a four-year BSN from the same institution—VCSU does not award a BSN.
- Need a large urban hospital network for every rotation without travel.
- Expect an exclusively online pre-licensure nursing program (confirm delivery with Dakota College).
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Valley City is a regional hub in Barnes County. CHI Mercy Health operates an acute care hospital in Valley City (CommonSpirit), providing emergency, surgical, obstetric, and other services. Additional clinics, long-term care, and community agencies serve the Sheyenne River valley. Fargo and Grand Forks offer larger tertiary centers within driving distance for select experiences. Exact clinical placements for the Dakota Nursing Program vary—confirm sites with Dakota College.
| Facility | Details |
|---|---|
| CHI Mercy Health (Valley City) | Critical access hospital serving Barnes County; major local employer for nurses and allied staff. |
| Regional employers | Long-term care, home health, and rural health clinics across eastern North Dakota; clinical assignments depend on consortium contracts. |
Student Experience & Campus Life
VCSU promotes NCAA Division II athletics (Vikings), student organizations, and residential life on a compact campus. Dakota Nursing students participate in campus events while completing nursing coursework delivered through the consortium. The VCSU library maintains a nursing research guide for scholarly sources. Student-to-faculty ratio is not broken out for nursing on the pages used for this guide—ask the program if class size matters to you.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Valley City, ND
- Address
- 101 College St SW, Valley City, ND 58072, US
- Telephone
- Enrollment Services: (701) 845-7101 · Toll Free: 1-800-532-8641
- Contact email
- Enrollment Services: enrollment.services@vcsu.edu · Dakota Nursing (Valley City site): becky.pfennig@vcsu.edu · Pre-nursing: hilde.vangijssel@vcsu.edu
- Website
- vcsu.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Read the Nursing at VCSU catalog page end-to-end and decide which pathway (pre-nursing, PN, or ADN) matches your goals.
- If you are applying to PN or ADN, email becky.pfennig@vcsu.edu for the next start term and TEAS scheduling.
- Register for the TEAS if required for your pathway; aim for the Basic level or higher on the PN catalog list.
- Compare your transcripts to prerequisite courses (e.g., ENGL 110, BIOL 220–221, PHRM 215 for ADN).
- Download the latest nursing education annual report from the North Dakota Board of Nursing when available.
- Budget using VCSU’s Tuition & Fees table and confirm Dakota College nursing rates separately.
- Add calendar reminders for application deadlines and campus visit days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Valley City State University offer a BSN nursing degree?
No. The VCSU undergraduate catalog states students may complete general education and pre-nursing coursework at VCSU in preparation to transfer to a BSN program of their choice. Pre-licensure PN and ADN credentials are delivered through Dakota College at Bottineau at the Valley City site.
Where do I find NCLEX pass rates for Dakota Nursing at Valley City State University?
Use the North Dakota Board of Nursing nursing education annual reports and data dashboard. Programs may be listed under Dakota College at Bottineau or the Dakota Nursing Program Consortium. Confirm cohort-level tables with the Board.
What is Valley City State University undergraduate tuition for 2025–2026?
VCSU’s Tuition & Fees page lists North Dakota resident undergraduate tuition at $232.76 per credit ($6,983 per year at 30 credits), with other residency categories and fees on the same page. Nursing courses billed through Dakota College may differ.
Does the Practical Nursing program at VCSU require the TEAS?
The VCSU catalog Nursing at VCSU section lists the TEAS at Basic level or higher among PN prerequisites. Confirm retest policies and deadlines with Dakota College at the Valley City site.
Who advises pre-nursing students at Valley City State University?
The catalog lists Dr. Hilde van Gijssel at hilde.vangijssel@vcsu.edu or (701) 845-7337 for pre-nursing advising.
What GPA does the VCSU catalog list for Practical Nursing?
The catalog lists a program minimum GPA of 2.75 and cumulative minimum GPA of 2.50 for the PN certificate, with minimum grades in required courses. Confirm current rules with Dakota College.
Is the ADN at Valley City accredited?
The North Dakota Board of Nursing lists Dakota College at Bottineau’s Dakota Nursing Program Consortium (AAS) as nationally accredited by CNEA. The Valley City site is part of that consortium; confirm current status with the Board and Dakota College.
What English proficiency does Valley City State University list for Practical Nursing?
The catalog lists TOEFL requirements for applicants for whom English is not their native language or who lack four years of U.S. high school with a 3.0 GPA. Verify current policy with the program.
What hospitals are near Valley City State University?
CHI Mercy Health operates a hospital in Valley City. Fargo and Grand Forks offer larger systems within driving distance. Clinical placements vary—confirm with Dakota College.
References
- Valley City State University — Undergraduate Catalog, Nursing at VCSUcatalog.vcsu.edu/undergraduate-catalog/admissions/nursing-at-vcsu
- Valley City State University — Bottineau Nursing Programvcsu.edu/academics/other-programs/bottineau-nursing-program
- Valley City State University — Tuition & Fees (2025–2026)vcsu.edu/admissions/tuition-fees
- Valley City State University — Contact / Enrollment Servicesvcsu.edu/about-vcsu/contact
- North Dakota Board of Nursing — Approved Nursing Programsndbon.org/academic/nursing-programs
- North Dakota Board of Nursing — Datandbon.org/data
- North Dakota Board of Nursing — Nursing Education Annual Report (document index)ndbon.org/document/2023-2024-nursing-education-annual-report
- Dakota College at Bottineaudakotacollege.edu
- 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 program scope (pre-nursing, PN, and ADN via Dakota College partnership), 2025–2026 tuition alignment with VCSU’s published Tuition & Fees table, and North Dakota Board of Nursing sourcing for NCLEX.
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: March 27, 2026 · Last reviewed: March 27, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy