Program - Nursing: Traditional (RN) Track or LPN to RN Track

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Nursing: Traditional (RN) Track or LPN to RN Track

Program Information

Anoka-Ramsey Community College (ARCC), along with other nursing programs in the Minnesota State System, is in the process of transitioning out of the Minnesota Alliance for Nursing Education (MANE) alliance. Campuses that were formerly part of the MANE program will offer a nursing program tailored for their respective campus. This includes a separate application form and process for each college.

The nursing program at ARCC will continue to prepare graduates to provide care to individuals, families, and communities in health promotion, acute and chronic illness, and at the end of life. We will continue to offer a nursing program that leverages evidence-based, innovative practices to produce knowledgeable, diverse, and skilled nursing graduates.

The Dual Admission nursing program at ARCC remains designed to be completed in as little as four years of full-time study. Successful completion of in as few as four semesters leads to the option for an Associate of Science Degree in Nursing offered by Anoka-Ramsey Community College and eligibility to take the NCLEX RN licensure examination. Nursing students may then continue for additional semesters leading to a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Nursing (BSN) offered by Metropolitan State University or Minnesota State University Moorhead. Nursing courses at ARCC are offered daytime only during the spring and fall semester.  

Dual Admission Information for current and future ARCC nursing students and for students:

Minnesota State University-Moorhead (MSUM) Dual Admission RN to BSN
Metropolitan State University (Metro) Dual Admission RN to BSN
Metropolitan State University (Metro) Progression for Students Accepted through Spring 2024

Changes are coming for the Fall 2025 admission cycle for Nursing

The program will no longer be using the TEAS test as part of the application process starting Fall 2025, but will be changing to the Health Science Reasoning Test (HSRT). The Health Science Reasoning Test (HSRT) must be taken to be considered for admission to the Nursing program starting with the Fall 2025 application.

The Fall 2025 application cycle opens January 1st, 2025 and is open through midnight February 1st, 2025.

The HSRT testing window for Fall 2025 is from November 1st 2024 until February 1st 2025 when both the testing and application window will close. The link to the testing registration will be provided closer to the actual testing dates.

The HSRT is a 50 minute, 35 question, multiple choice, online exam designed to measure critical thinking skills that requires you to read information and respond to questions based on the reading. All information needed to answer the questions is in the reading, so there is no need for healthcare background information.

The HSRT can only be taken once per application cycle. Only the first exam will be considered with your application. Students are responsible for any additional charges. There is a $32 fee payable when scheduling in RegisterBlast. A Photo ID is required.

Testing Accommodations must be approved by the Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) prior to scheduling the exam.

Nursing Holistic Admissions at ARCC

The Anoka-Ramsey Community College nursing admissions review team evaluates nursing applications from a holistic review lens. The holistic review team carefully evaluates three components of the application materials submitted to determine applicants’ preparedness for the rigor of the nursing program.

Metrics (TEAS score, general education course completion): 50%
Experience (education, work and volunteer experience, LPN status): 35%
Attributes (essays): 15%
Review details about these components on application materials provided on this webpage.

The MANE nursing curriculum remains in effect for current nursing students and students accepted to the nursing program at ARCC through the Spring 2024 term. The new ARCC nursing curriculum begins with students accepted to the Fall 2024 term. Curriculum plans for respective terms are available on this webpage.

APPLYING TO THE NURSING PROGRAM AT ARCC:

The nursing application form is posted on the nursing webpage under Important Links during respective Spring and Fall application cycles. NEW: An LPN cohort will be offered on the Cambridge campus only starting with the Spring 2025 application cycle. The LPN cohort will continue to be offered on the Coon Rapids campus only in fall application cycles.

  • Spring 2025 Semester Cohort: Application opens for two months April 1 through June 1; application submission deadline is June 1 at 11:59p.m. Decision notifications are emailed to applicants August 1.
  • Fall 2025 Semester Cohort: Application opens for one month January 1 through February 1; application submission deadline is February 1 at 11:59p.m. Decision notifications are emailed to applicants April 1.
  • Spring 2026 Semester Cohort: Application opens for one month June 1 through July 1; application submission deadline is July 1 at 11:59p.m. Decision notifications are emailed to applicants September 1.

Please review all the information below before applying to the ARCC nursing program.

Nursing Program Application and Admissions Information Session Video (25:42)
Nursing Program Admission Criteria for Spring 2025
Nursing Application Guide Sheet
Nursing Program Guides/Curriculum Plans
CNA Information Packet

  • The ARCC Associate of Science in nursing dual enrollment program at Anoka-Ramsey Community College at the Cambridge and Coon Rapids Campuses located in Cambridge and Coon Rapids Minnesota is accredited by the:

    Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
    3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400
    Atlanta, GA 30326
    (404) 975-5000

    The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the ARCC Associate of Science in nursing dual enrollment program is Continued Accreditation. View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program at acenursing.us/accreditedprograms/programSearch.htm.

  • For students admitted through Spring 2024: Upon completion of the associate of science (AS) degree in the Nursing (MANE) program’s five semesters, students will meet the following learning outcomes.

    1. Demonstrate reflection, self-analysis, self-care, and lifelong learning into nursing practice.
    2. Apply leadership skills to enhance quality nursing care and improve health outcomes.
    3. Utilize best available evidence and informatics to guide decision making.
    4. Incorporate ethical practice and research within the nursing discipline and organizational environments.
    5. Collaborate with inter-professional teams to provide holistic nursing care.
    6. Adapt communication strategies to effectively respond to a variety of health care situations.
    7. Practice holistic, evidence-based nursing care.

    New Program Student Learning Outcomes

    For students admitted starting Fall 2024: Upon completion of the associate of science (AS) degree in the Nursing program’s four semesters, students will meet the following learning outcomes.

    1. Demonstrate professional nursing behaviors including comportment, self-reflection, self-analysis, self-care, and lifelong learning.
    2. Demonstrate leadership skills and use information technologies to enhance quality nursing care and improve health outcomes.
    3. Evaluate evidence utilizing informatics to guide decision making.
    4. Collaborate with inter/intra-professional teams to provide holistic nursing care.
    5. Adapt communication strategies to effectively respond to a variety of health care situations.
    6. Incorporate ethical and evidence-based practice within the nursing discipline and organizations.
    7. Practice holistic, evidence-based equitable person-centered care promoting social justice for individuals, families, and communities.
    8. Demonstrate clinical judgment founded on practice standards, conceptual knowledge and safety principles.
  • Acceptance to the program allows for dual admission to Anoka-Ramsey Community College and Metropolitan State University and Minnesota State University-Moorhead culminating in a baccalaureate degree at students' university of choice.

    Students meeting the criteria below are invited to apply to the nursing program at Anoka-Ramsey Community College.

    Application Periods:

    December 1 through February 1: Fall Start
    April 1 through June 1: Spring Start

    The following criteria are required for application to the nursing program at Anoka-Ramsey Community College.

    1. General admission to Anoka-Ramsey Community College must be completed.
    2. General Education courses
      Admission credit is awarded based on the number of General Education courses completed at the time of application with a C or better grade. Additional credit is awarded if four of the nine General Education courses are completed at ARCC or ATC. Required General Education courses are listed on posted curriculum plans. Official transcripts are still required to verify courses.
    3. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)certification
      The certification number of a current or past CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) certification is required at the time of application. LPNs are not required to have CNA certification. Students with other licenses or certifications, or who have CNA training without certification, or other healthcare experience that includes direct patient care may submit a Nursing Program Exception Request for CNA substitution consideration. The Request form is available on the nursing webpage.
    4. All applicants are required to complete the most current Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI), standardized Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) Version 7 prior to application deadlines. Only the TEAS Version 7 with a minimum score of 58.7 is accepted.
    5. Advanced standing applicants, Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) must maintain unencumbered licensure from any state in the United States during their entire time in the nursing program. Applying for advanced standing is only available for Fall Semester start at the Coon Rapids campus.

    Accepted applicants must submit evidence of having completed the following criteria to the ARCC nursing department prior to the start of nursing courses and must remain current throughout the program. Requirements include, but may not be limited to:

    • Documentation of current CPR Healthcare Provider.
    • Completion of current Minnesota Human Services Background Check.

    If an applicant has  been arrested, charged or convicted of any criminal offense, he or she should investigate the impact that the charge or conviction may have on his or her chances of employment or licensure as a registered nurse and the student’s  chances to obtain federal, state and other higher education financial aid ( by Minnesota Statute 135A. 157).

    If the applicant refuses, or is disqualified as a result of the background study, the applicant will be unable to successfully complete the requirements of the program.

    Completed health and immunization record, including proof of current immunizations and tuberculosis testing, and/or other requirements as defined by the clinical agency.

    Admission policies are subject to change without notice. Applications will be accepted under the terms in place at the time of application and received by the nursing department. It is the responsibility of the student to keep up to date on any changes that may affect their qualifications for acceptance.

  • To graduate with your associate in science (AS) degree in Nursing from Anoka-Ramsey Community College, you must fulfill the following General Education/Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC) requirements:

    • A minimum of 75 semester credits numbered 1000 or above.
    • A minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 in courses numbered 1000 or above at ARCC.
    • A minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 in all MnTC courses.
    • Satisfy residency requirements.
    • A minimum grade of C and an evaluation of “safe” in clinical practice must be earned in all program and General Education/MnTC requirements.
    • Completion of specific degree requirements.
    • To complete your program, please submit the appropriate application found here.
    • The requirements of this program are subject to change without notice.

     

  • 35 credits
    NURS 2700*        Health Promotion and the Role of the Professional Nurse—Theory (4), Lab (2), Clinical (3)  9
    NURS 2750* Nutrition and the Role of the Professional Nurse  2
    NURS 2800* Chronic & Palliative Care—Theory (3), Clinical (3), Lab (1) 7
    NURS 2820* Pharmacology and the Role of the Professional Nurse  3
    NURS 2850* Applied Pathophysiology for Nursing I  2
    NURS 2900* Acute and Complex Care—Theory (3), Clinical (3), Lab (1)  7
    NURS 2920* Applied Pathophysiology for Nursing II 2
    NURS 2950* Nursing Leadership ITheory (2), Clinical (1) 3
    *Course has prerequisite - see course schedule or catalog description.
  • 35 credits
      LPN Advanced Standing credits 5
    NURS 2720*               Transition to the Role of the Professional Nurse—Theory (3), Clinical (1)  4
    NURS 2750*                    Nutrition and the Role of the Professional Nurse  2
    NURS 2800* Chronic and Palliative Care—Theory (3), Clinical (3), Lab (1) 7
    NURS 2820* Pharmacology & the Role of the Professional Nurse  3
    NURS 2850* Applied Pathophysiology for Nursing I  2
    NURS 2900* Acute & Complex Care—Theory (3), Clinical (3), Lab (1)  7
    NURS 2920* Applied Pathophysiology for Nursing II 2
    NURS 2950* Nursing Leadership I—Theory (2), Clinical (1) 3
    *Course has prerequisite - see course schedule or catalog description.
  • 40 credits 
    BIOL 1106*+  Principles of Biology I  4
    BIOL 2113*-  Human Anatomy & Physiology I  4
    BIOL 2114*  Human Anatomy & Physiology II  4
    BIOL 2201*  Microbiology  4
    CHEM 1050* Fundamentals of General, Organic and Biological Chemistry  3
    CMST 1110
    OR CMST 2220
    OR CMST 2210
    Introduction to Communication
    OR Interpersonal Communication
    OR Intercultural Communication
     3
    ENGL 1120*
    OR ENGL 1121* 
    Crosscurrent College Writing and Critical Reading OR College Writing and Critical Reading 4
    PHIL 1200
    OR PHIL 1110
    Medical Ethics
    OR Introduction to Ethics
    3
    PSYC 1110 General Psychology 4
    PSYC 2235* Lifespan Development 4
    SOC 1111
    OR ANTH 2201
    General Sociology 
    OR Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
    3

    + BIOL 1106 as needed for prerequisite for BIOL 2113 (Fall 2023 only) and BIOL 2201.
    *Course has a prerequisite. Prerequisites are listed on the course schedule and in the Anoka-Ramsey Catalog Course Descriptions pages.
    - prerequisite not required beginning Spring 2024

  • NCLEX First Time Pass Rates

    End of year 2020: 85.28%

    End of Year 2021: 79.19 %

    End of Year 2022: 82.76%

    End of Year 2023: 96.81%

    Completion Rate of Program

    Admission F22*Covid impact

    Admission S23*Covid impact

    Coon Rapids

    Coon Rapids

    Traditional

    LPN

    Traditional

    LPN

    100%

    150%

    100%

    150%

    100%

    150%

    N/A

    19/54=35.2%

    TBD

    3/8=37.5%

    TBD

    TBD

    TBD

    Cambridge

    Cambridge

    100%

    150%

    100%

    150%

    11/24 =45.8%

    TBD

    TBD

    TBD

     

    Admission F21*Covid impact

    Admission S22*Covid impact

    Coon Rapids

    Coon Rapids

    Traditional

    LPN

    Traditional

    LPN

    100%

    150%

    100%

    150%

    100%

    150%

    N/A

    16/70=22.9%

    35/70=50%

    2/5=40%

    4/5=80%

    21/80=26.3%

    34/80=42.5%

    Cambridge

    Cambridge

    100%

    150%

    100%

    150%

    8/26=30.8%

    14/26 =53.8%

    16/31=51.6%

    23/31=74.2%

     

    Admission F20*Covid impact

    Admission S21*Covid impact

    Coon Rapids

    Coon Rapids

    Traditional

    LPN

    Traditional

    LPN

    100%

    150%

    100%

    150%

    100%

    150%

    N/A

    24/68 = 35.3%

    36/68 = 52.9%

    4/9=44.4%

    8/9=88.9%

    32/80 = 40%

    40/80 = 50%

    Cambridge

    Cambridge

    100%

    150%

    100%

    150%

    17/31 = 54.8%

    25/31 = 80.6%

    15/31 =48.4%

    18/31 =58.1%

     

    Admission F19

    Admission S20*Covid impact

    Coon Rapids

    Coon Rapids

    Traditional

    LPN

    Traditional

    LPN

    100%

    150%

    100%

    150%

    100%

    150%

    N/A

    35/73 =47.9%

    47/73 = 64.4%

    1/4= 25%

    1/4 = 25%

    32/79 =40.5 %

    50/79 = 63.3%

    Cambridge

    Cambridge

    100%

    150%

    100%

    150%

    23/32 = 71.9%

    24/32 =75%

    15/32 =46.9%

    27/32 = 84.4%

    Employment and Continuing Education

    2021-2022 Graduates

    Employment in field

    59/147

    40.1%

    Continuing education in field

    47/147

    32%

    2020-2021 Graduates

    Employment in field

    50/151

    33.1%

    Continuing education in field

    62/151

    41.1%

    2019-2020 Graduates

    Employment in field

    35/162

    21.6%

    Continuing education in field

    92/162

    56.8%

     

     

  • Please go to AnokaRamsey.edu/resources/testing-services/teas-testing/ for the most up-to-date information about TEAS testing.

    Applicants to the Anoka-Ramsey nursing program are required to take the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) prior to being admitted. Applicants may take the TEAS as many times as they like and submit their highest score.

    The newest version of the ATI TEAS test (TEAS 7) became available June 1, 2022; only the TEAS Version 7 will be accepted for the nursing program at ARCC.

    The cost to take the ATI TEAS test and testing options are posted on the ATI website. Students will need to upload a copy of the TEAS transcript with the ARCC nursing application form. The official TEAS transcript must be sent directly to ARCC from ATI. Transcript request instructions are on the ATI website.

    ATI Nursing Education website
    (Set up an account with ATI in order to register for the TEAS test)
    Review the ATI TEAS Version 7 breakdown https://atiteas.info/

  • Be sure to review the information on the Minnesota Board of Nursing website for important information about preparing for the NCLEX. Graduates from the ARCC Nursing Program are required to complete the virtual ATI (VATI) NCLEX preparation.

    Alignment with U.S. States and Jurisdiction’s Nursing Educational Requirements

  • The Student Nursing Association (SNA) is a student run organization that is dedicated to promoting the success and health of all Anoka-Ramsey students and the community we serve.  We strive to provide education and leadership opportunities to all students. We are a member school of the National Student Nurses Association (NSNA) whose mission is: to mentor students preparing for initial licensure as registered nurses, and to convey the standards, ethics and skills that students will need as responsible and accountable leaders and members of the profession.

    National Student Nursing Association (NSNA): www.nsna.org/

  • *Some occupations may require advanced education

    • Ambulatory Care Nurse
    • Case Manager
    • Clinic Nurse
    • Community Nurse
    • Correctional Nurse
    • Critical Care Nurse
    • Enterostomal Therapy Nurse
    • Flight Nurse
    • Forensic Nurse
    • Gastroenterology/Endoscopy Nurse
    • Home Care/Visiting Nurse
    • Infection Control Nurse
    • Intravenous Therapy Nurse
    • Long-Term Care Nurse
    • Managed Care Nurse
    • Maternal/Child Nurse
    • Medical Equipment Sales and Training
    • Mental Health Nurse
    • Parish Nurse
    • Perioperative Nurse
    • Pharm/Med Sales
    • Rehabilitation Nurse
    • Research Nurse
    • School Nurse
    • Staff Nurse
    • Subacute Care Nurse
    • Telephone Triage
    • Travel Nurse
  • Successful completion of the Nursing degree program at the Anoka-Ramsey Community College will meet the requirements for certification by the Minnesota Board of Nursing.
    Certification is required by Minnesota as well as by some states to acquire a state license to practice the profession of Nursing or for employment as a certified/licensed Nurse. Anoka-Ramsey Community College highly recommends that you contact the appropriate state licensing board in the state or locality in which you wish to practice or be employed.

    State Board Licensing Contacts

    For questions, please contact Dr. Sandra Kohler or Dr. Gwen O'Brien.

    ***Disclaimer: The information above is valid as of July 31, 2022. The information is not a legal determination, but is based on non-legal interpretation of the information provided by the respective Boards of Nursing. Each nursing program should validate information for their particular program. This information was provided by the System Director for Nursing Initiatives.

Supplementary Information

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