Pre-Licensure Nursing Program Student Handbook

School of Nursing

Spring 2026

Welcome

The School of Nursing staff and faculty of Minnesota State University, Mankato welcomes you as you begin your academic and professional journey as a nursing student. The Nursing Student Handbook is an essential resource for you and informs you of the School of Nursing’s Pre- Licensure Program requirements, policies, and resources. The Handbook will assist in your communication, understanding, and overall academic success as a nursing student.

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the material contained within this handbook. However, all policies, procedures, and program information are subject to change. The provisions of this handbook do not constitute a contract between the student, the college, or the School of Nursing. Students will be responsible for and held to changes in the Nursing Student Handbook. Nursing students will be notified of handbook changes.

School of Nursing Organization and Leadership: The Pre-Licensure Program
The University and The Pre-Licensure Program Academic Leaders for 2025-2026
Program Approvals
Vision and Mission
Innovation and Excellence
Empowerment and Social Justice
The Discipline of Nursing
Program Outcomes
Standards for Professional Nursing
Community Advisory Council
School of Nursing Committees
Affirmative Action Plan
Equity, Access, and Inclusion
Access for Individuals with Disabilities
Academic Advising
Counseling
Student Health Services
Communication
Awards and Scholarships
Mu Lambda Sigma Chapter, the International Honor Society of Nursing
Student Nurses Association (SNA)
Policies for Students
MSU Statement of Academic Honesty
Progression, Retention, and Grade Requirements
Pre-Nursing Grade & Course Requirements
Transfer Students from Other Nursing Programs
Grading Scales and Progression Requirements
Dropping or Adding a Course
Repeating Nursing Courses
Procedure After an Unsuccessful Attempt at a Course
Program Progression Appeal Process
Grade Appeal Process
Dismissal
Leave of Absence (LOA)
Student Success Plan
Clinical Placements
Clinical Onboarding
Maverick Family Nursing Simulation Center
Confidentiality and Patient Privacy
N95 Masks
Social Media
Unsafe Student Conduct
Substance Use and Alcohol
Expectations for Theory and Experiential Learning Courses
Student Documentation Required for Experiential Learning
Uniforms and Professional Attire
Stethoscope
Valuables at Experiential Learning
Student Travel to Clinical/Experiential Learning Sites
Other NURS Designated Courses
Helpful Information and Resources
Student Expenses
ATI
Pinning
Licensure Information
Nursing Student Resources and Links
Tennessen Warning
Land Acknowledgment Statement
Four-Year Academic Plan of Study for students admitted under the 2024-2025 catalogue and earlier
Four-Year Academic Plan of Study for students admitted under the 2025-2026 catalogue and later
Appendix A
Appendix D
Appendix G
Appendix M

School of Nursing Organization and Leadership: The Pre-Licensure Program

The School of Nursing is part of the College of Allied Health and Nursing. The Dean is the academic administrator with overall responsibility and oversight of academic programs within the college, including the School of Nursing.

The School of Nursing has a Department Chairperson who is elected from the faculty. The Department Chairperson meets established standards and qualifications to be the Director of Nursing programs at Minnesota State University, Mankato.

The Pre-Licensure Program has Director(s) who are responsible for the day-to-day operations and communication with faculty and students in the program regarding academics and clinical.

The University and The Pre-Licensure Program Academic Leaders for 2025-2026

University President: Dr. Edward Inch
Provost & Senior Vice-President for Academic Affairs: Dr. David Hood
Dean, College of Allied Health and Nursing: Dr. Patricia Marincic
Interim Associate Dean, College of Allied Health and Nursing: Dr. Roy Kammer
School of Nursing Chairperson: Dr. Marilyn Swan
Pre-Licensure Program Director: Dr. Maya Bastian
Director of Undergraduate Nursing Clinical Placement: Dr. Christianne Bixby
Maverick Family Simulation Center Coordinator: Dr. Megan Dohm

Program Approvals

Minnesota State University, Mankato, is approved for accreditation by the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, IL 60604
Phone: 800-621-7440

The Bachelor of Science, Nursing (Pre-Licensure) is approved by the Minnesota Board of Nursing.

1210 Northland Dr. #120
Mendota Heights, MN 55120
Phone: 612-317-3000
Email: nursing.board@state.mn.us

The baccalaureate degree in nursing at Minnesota State University, Mankato is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Vision and Mission

The School of Nursing is an intellectual community that strives for innovation and excellence within education, scholarship, and practice in family and societal nursing.

Mission

The mission of the School of Nursing is to influence health care for the individual, family, and society through the advancement of nursing science, the promotion of clinical scholarship, and innovative education of practitioners and clinical leaders.

Statement of Values

As a School of Nursing, we value the individual, family, and society, innovation and excellence, empowerment, social justice, and the discipline of nursing.

Family and Society

Facilitate health and healing of individuals, families, and society by integrating evidence, clinical reasoning, inter-professional perspectives, and client value preferences in providing nursing care.
Providing quality and compassionate health care to individuals, families, and society within a dynamic environment.
Focus on development, validation, and dissemination of nursing practice models that attend to the unique nature of individuals, families, and society.
Support the scholarship of nursing practice with emphasis on advancing family and society health and healing.
Provide leadership in the development of educational models and policies to improve family and societal nursing within a global health context.
Support individual, family, and societal health as the central purpose for the nursing discipline.

Innovation and Excellence

Recognize and embrace the importance of change, creativity, courage, flexibility, inquisitiveness, and perseverance in our journey toward excellence.
Value the use of simulation, technologies, information, and communication systems in supporting safe quality nursing practice.
Create a culture of safety and promote quality initiatives by anticipating and responding to changing issues and trends influencing policies and practices in health care.
Promote experiential learning through a variety of pedagogical approaches.
Support the work of the Glen Taylor Nursing Institute for Family and Society and the International Family Nursing Association (IFNA).

Empowerment and Social Justice

Exemplify personal and professional accountability by modeling nursing values and standards.
Respect variations and complexity of care across the continuum of health care environments and allocation of resources in caring for all.
Demonstrate tolerance for uncertainty within the world and its effect on health care.
Enhance the quality of health for all people.
Integrate knowledge of health care, policy, finance, and regulatory environments to enhance political awareness, fiscal responsibility, and advocacy for social justice.
Strive for ethical decision-making in the application of social justice.

The Discipline of Nursing

Provide a scientific basis for nursing actions that guides practice to support family and societal health.
Advance the discipline by developing and disseminating knowledge that enhances nursing scholarship and the quality of health for all people.
Use philosophical foundations to reflect values and beliefs that support family and societal health.
Incorporate the pattern of knowing to promote individual, family, and societal health.
Utilize evidence-based practice to promote individual, family, and societal health.
Disseminate paradigms and products of inquiry that promote family and societal health.

Program Outcomes

The graduate of the Minnesota State University, Mankato baccalaureate of Science in Nursing is able to:

Synthesize knowledge for nursing practice to facilitate equitable health of individuals, families, and society.
Demonstrate person-centered care to promote, maintain, sustain, and regain equitable health of individuals, families and society.
Implement population health interventions to promote equitable population health outcomes.
Apply scholarship for nursing practice to improve health and transform healthcare.
Employ quality and safety principles to enhance quality and minimize the risk of harm to patients and providers.
Examine effective interprofessional partnerships to collaboratively optimize care, enhance healthcare experiences, and strengthen outcomes for all, including those who are historically marginalized.
Apply knowledge of systems-based practice to provide safe, quality, and equitable care to diverse populations.
Utilize information and healthcare technologies effectively to manage and improve the delivery of safe, high-quality, efficient, and equitable healthcare.
Demonstrate professionalism to reflect nursing’s identity, characteristics and values.
Develop personal, professional, and leadership skills to promote self-care, nursing expertise, and leadership.

Standards for Professional Nursing

The School of Nursing adheres to The Essentials of Baccalaureate Education for Professional Nursing Practice. (see Appendix A). The International Family Nursing Association (IFNA)

Family Nurses: Generalist (2015), and the ANA Code of Ethics (2025) serve as additional standards and guidelines (or components thereof) that are current and relevant to the program offerings. (See Appendix M). Together, these professional practice statements are foundational to professional nursing and guide our program.

As you progress through this program, you will learn, apply, and integrate these standards into your education and clinical practice. They will shape not only your experience in nursing school but also your lifelong development as a professional nurse. You are expected to demonstrate these competencies and uphold these ethical principles throughout your time in the School of Nursing and beyond.

Community Advisory Council

The Minnesota State Mankato School of Nursing Community Advisory Council (CAC) serves as a vital link between the School of Nursing and the practice world. Ongoing and rapid changes in health care, nursing, government, and technology create the need for communication and collaboration between nursing education programs and the communities they serve. CAC provides insight into trends affecting nursing practice, nursing job development, and job placement.

The advisory council role is purely advisory, and has no administrative, management, personnel, or budgetary authority or responsibility; it is not a policy making body. The sole function is to provide support and advice for the faculty teaching the nursing education programs offered by the School of Nursing.

School of Nursing Committees

The School of Nursing has a Pre-Licensure Program Committee (PLPC) that addresses issues related to curriculum, admissions, progression, and student life. The committee is made up of faculty teaching in the PLP and student representatives from each cohort.

Affirmative Action Plan

Minnesota State University, Mankato and the School of Nursing is committed to Minnesota’s statewide affirmative action efforts and providing equal opportunity. View Affirmative Action Plan

Equity, Access, and Inclusion

Minnesota State University, Mankato and the School of Nursing are committed to providing meaningful inclusion, access, and equity in education opportunities. To learn more, visit the Office of Equal Opportunity & Title IX webpage.

Access for Individuals with Disabilities

The University will provide access to programs, services and activities to qualified individuals with known disabilities as required by law. The university shall make reasonable accommodations to ensure access to programs, services and activities as required by law. Please contact Accessibility Resources, phone 507-389-2825, with concerns or questions. They can be reached by logging into MavAccess with your Star ID and
completing the New Student Application, calling 507-389-2825, emailing ar@mnsu.edu, or stopping by Accessibility Resources in Memorial Library 132.

Every attempt will be made to accommodate qualified students with disabilities. If you are a student with a documented disability, please see the faculty of your course as early in the semester as possible to discuss the necessary accommodations, and/or contact Accessibility Resources.

Academic Advising

A nursing faculty member will be assigned as the academic advisor to nursing students. Academic advising is an ongoing process where the student and advisor(s) work together to clarify goals, establish meaningful educational plans, effectively use resources, and seek opportunities. The end goal is for you to be an involved, independent, self-directed life-long learner. Students may request a change in their faculty advisor by emailing the Pre-Licensure Program Director. The Pre-Licensure Program Director will follow up with the student request.

Student Responsibilities for Advising

Take time to meet and get to know your faculty advisor.
Be an active participant in the advising experience.
Accept responsibility for your decisions.
Follow through with recommended actions and referrals from the faculty advisor.
Provide advisor with accurate information about interests, abilities, and goals.
Come prepared for each advising session with questions and materials for discussion.
Learn and understand the nursing program’s progression and graduation requirements.
Read and assume responsibility for understanding the contents of the Nursing Student Handbook.
Check MavMAIL daily and be aware of important dates, deadlines, clinical onboarding responsibilities, and opportunities.
Know how to access and interpret information on E-services including registration, billing, grades, and Interactive Degree Audit (DARS).
Monitor DARS report to ensure that all goal areas are fulfilled for graduation.

Counseling

The School of Nursing recognizes the value of physical and mental health in nursing students. Minnesota State University, Mankato Counseling Center offers confidential help to assist students in resolving personal, social, and educational concerns that may be interfering with their ability to succeed at the university. Services include short-term counseling, educational programming, crisis intervention, consultation, testing, and referral to outside resources. The Center is in Centennial Student Union, Room 285. For more information on services and hours, visit the Counseling Center.

Student Health Services

Student Health Services provides a limited amount of health care for all university students.

Communication

Communication with students is essential at Minnesota State University, Mankato, and within the School of Nursing. Students are expected to practice professional communication with peers and faculty

Email Communication should be professionally written, using punctuation. Emails should be respectful and courteous. Please avoid using all capital letters (yelling via email) and limit the use of popular text message abbreviations. If you are upset, it is often best to not use email. We encourage students to go to the person you are upset with and have a conversation. Direct communication often deescalates and diffuses issues.
Professional behavior includes engaging in clear communication with the individual who can help address an issue or concern. Students should consult with their faculty advisor regarding academic concerns. Faculty will do their best to respond to emails within 48 business hours.
Students who have issues with a course, or the faculty teaching the course, have a responsibility to contact and meet with the faculty about their concerns.
If the student feels that the course faculty was not responsive to their concerns, the student should then meet with the PLP Director. If there is no resolution, the student should meet with the School of Nursing Chairperson, then if not resolved, the Dean of the College of Allied Health and Nursing would be contacted.
Students with feedback on the overall student experience in the curriculum should contact their cohort student representative(s) to the Pre-Licensure Program Committee (PLPC).
Students should use and update as needed an email signature that includes their name, semester in the program, and clinical section. If you choose not to include the clinical section, please refer to it in the subject line of your email. Please see examples below.

Example 1:
Mai Lee, CNA
Semester 2-Clinical Section 3
Pre-Licensure Nursing Student Minnesota State University, Mankato

Example 2:
John Dunn
PLP Section 3, Semester4 School of Nursing
Minnesota State University, Mankato

Example 3:
Sumeya Ali
PLP Section 1, Semester 1 Minnesota State University, Mankato

The Minnesota State University, Mankato assigned email address will be used as the primary method of communication. Therefore, it is essential that nursing students access their MSU email. Failure to do so may result in missing important information. Forwarding your university email to another account may also lead to losing important information. Therefore, students should not forward mail from the MSU account. If the student chooses to forward email sent to the University email account, they are still responsible for all information, including attachments. Students can access and use the MSU email account from off-campus sites throughout the year through MavMail. This access requires knowledge of the star ID and password.

Other ways the School of Nursing communicates with students include through the Pre-Licensure Program D2L group, and D2L clinical groups.

To facilitate effective communication, students must provide current name, local and permanent addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses. When there are changes, it is the responsibility of each student to inform the School of Nursing office of name, address, and/or telephone number changes. In addition, students are to make these updates in Clinician Nexus.

Awards and Scholarships

Over the years, many individuals have contributed to and nurtured the growth and development of the School of Nursing. These contributions have resulted in significant endowed funds used for scholarships and awards that have been established to support nursing education. In addition, nursing alumni and School of Nursing faculty have contributed to these funds. Current scholarships/awards are listed on the Scholarship Finder website where applications are accepted.

Mu Lambda Sigma Chapter, the International Honor Society of Nursing

The Minnesota State University, Mankato Honor Society of Nursing was chartered as Mu Lambda Chapter #297 of Sigma Theta Tau International on May 4, 1990. In 1922, six nursing students from Indiana University Training School of Nurses (which is now Indiana University School of Nursing) formed the first nursing honor society. The Greek letters they chose were storgé, tharsos and timé: love, courage, and honor. Today, the Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI), or Sigma, serves 135,000 active members in more than 90 countries and the nursing profession at large. It is the second largest nursing organization in the United States and among the five largest and most prestigious in the world.

The society exists to:

Recognize superior achievements in nursing.
Encourage leadership development.
Foster high nursing standards.
Stimulate creative work.
Strengthen the commitment to the ideals of the profession.

Sigma Theta Tau International is committed to improving the health of people worldwide through the development, dissemination, and deployment of nursing knowledge. In support of this mission, the Society advances nursing leadership and scholarship, and supports the use of research in clinical practice and public policy.

Senior students in the School of Nursing who meet established criteria may be invited to membership in the spring of each year. Invitations are extended to students who have achieved a GPA of at least 3.0 and who are in the top 35% of their senior class. In addition, community nurse leaders who have a minimum of a baccalaureate degree and have demonstrated achievement in nursing education, practice, research, or publication are invited to membership. Nominations are initiated by members of the Mu Lambda Chapter and processed by members of the Governance Committee.

Student Nurses Association (SNA)

The SNA is a Registered Student Organization at Minnesota State University, Mankato. For information on University Registered Student Organizations.

SNA is a student-led organization consisting of nursing and pre-nursing students. The local chapter is part of the National Student Nurses’ Association; SNA contributes to nursing education, influences health care through legislative activities, encourages community activities that improve health care and foster relationships.

SNA leaders are selected by the members; get involved! SNA is an excellent way to promote support for our fellow students, to give and receive advice, and to have fun!

Policies for Students

In addition to the student policies outlined in the Minnesota State University, Mankato Catalog, and the Pre-Nursing Student Handbook, the following policies are in effect for nursing students.

Electronic Signature

An electronic signature conducted using a secured process is considered the same as a handwritten signature.

Pre-Licensure Program Student Representatives

Students accepted into the program will be given the opportunity within the first month of their first semester in the program to apply for the role of student representative. Students will apply through a Qualtrics^TM survey. They will very briefly describe why they would be best suited for this role. Pre-Licensure Program Committee members will then review the applications and invite the chosen student(s) to serve on the committee for the duration of their time in the program.

The Meredith Scholar for each cohort will also serve as a student representative, fulfilling the leadership role outlined in the conditions of the scholarship.

Read the Pre-Licensure Program Student Handbook

Admitted students to the School of Nursing are expected to have knowledge of the policies and procedures contained in this Nursing Student Handbook. On admission to the program, students will provide an electronic signature via a Qualtrics^TM survey that they have read the student handbook:

I affirm that I have read the Minnesota State University, Mankato School of Nursing Pre-Licensure Program Student Handbook and am aware of the policies and procedures contained in the document.

I understand that The Pre-Licensure Program Student Handbook may change at the discretion of the faculty and academic leaders.

Further, I understand that I am responsible and accountable for adhering to the policies, procedures, and expectations of The Pre-Licensure Program.

Professional Conduct and Behavioral Expectations

Students are responsible and accountable for professional behaviors in the classroom, throughout experiential learning, and their scholarship. Failure to demonstrate professional
behaviors may result in a failing grade for the activity and/or course, and/or dismissal from the experiential learning site, and/or the nursing program.

The expectations outlined below demonstrate professional behaviors by students. Students are to abide by the expectations outlined below and know it is not inclusive of all professional behavior expectations.

The student is responsible for knowing and following the policies of the agency in which experiential learning experience is obtained. This includes agency policies outside of the building, such as parking and smoking.
Students will be responsible for personal hygiene and to follow the School of Nursing dress code.
Students will refrain from chewing gum, candy, and using profanity or disrespectful language, or behavior, when working with the public and representing the School of Nursing.
Students will complete a thorough pre-clinical, or pre-simulation, preparation and be fully prepared to provide care.
Students will be timely and ready to provide care at the assigned activity start time.
Students will be engaged and actively participate in experiential learning activities. As such, students will not be allowed to complete homework during experiential learning activities, unless the work is pertinent to the experiential learning outcomes and approved by faculty.

Cell Phone Use at Clinical

The possession and use of personal cell phones vary depending on the clinical agency. When possible, we recommend that cell phones not be carried or used in clinical. Ideally, students should place their cell phone in a secure location (i.e., locker). If a secure location is not available and/or the student wants to carry their cell phone, students should follow these guidelines:

If a clinical partner has a cell phone policy that is stricter than the guidelines listed, the clinical partner’s policy will be followed.
Students are prohibited from using personal cell phones for personal calls and/or text messages, except for an emergency, in patient care areas during clinical time.
All personal cell phones must be turned off or in “silent” mode during clinical time (i.e., no vibration).
Phones with photo/recording capabilities should not be used in areas where personal privacy is expected. Use of cell phones to photograph, video tape, or transmit any patient or portion of a patient’s body or confidential information, is prohibited.

Incivility

Incivility is defined as rude or disruptive behaviors that may cause psychologic, and/or physiologic distress for the people involved. Incivility in the educational setting alters the teaching and learning process and violates the MSU Statement of Student Responsibilities and the ANA Code of Ethics. Incivility is a serious issue as it affects the well-being of students and faculty. As such, uncivil and unprofessional behaviors are likely to result in being asked to leave a class until the issue is remedied and/or, if severe, being dismissed from the program.

The following outlines expected student behavior in the classroom, clinical, or experiential learning settings between peers, faculty, and staff at clinical agencies. The student will:

Role model civility towards peers and faculty in written, verbal, and non-verbal communication.
Refrain from gossip and/or spreading falsehoods about students and/or faculty. The student understands it is inappropriate to speak ill of faculty and students in public areas.
Share concerns about a course with the course faculty (see section on Communication for more information).
Use respectful language towards peers and faculty and avoid racial, ethnic, sexual, gender, and religiously biased terms and connotations.
Arrive to class on time and stay for the duration. If absent, will accept responsibility for missed content.

MSU Statement of Academic Honesty

For an academic community to teach and support appropriate educational values, an environment of trust, cooperation, and personal responsibility must be maintained. As members of the University community, students assume the responsibility to fulfill their academic obligations in a fair and honest manner. This responsibility includes avoiding inappropriate activities such as plagiarism, cheating, or collusion. Students found responsible for one or more of these activities are likely to face both academic sanctions (such as lowering a grade, failing a course, etc.) and disciplinary sanctions (such as suspension, expulsion).

It is the intent of Minnesota State University, Mankato, to encourage a sense of integrity on the part of students in fulfilling their academic requirements. To give students a better understanding of behaviors that may constitute academic dishonesty, the following definitions are provided.

Plagiarism – Submission of an academic assignment as one’s own work, which includes critical ideas or written narrative that are taken from another author without the proper citation. This does not apply only to direct quotes, but also to critical ideas that are paraphrased by the student. Plagiarism includes but is not limited to:

Submitting the work of others as your own
Submitting others’ work as your own with only minor changes
Submitting others’ work as your own without adequate footnotes, quotations, and other reference forms
Multiple submission of the same work, written or oral, for more than one course without both instructor’s permission, or making minor revisions on work which has received credit and submitting it again as new work.

Cheating – Use of unauthorized material or assistance to help fulfill academic assignments. This material could include unauthorized copies of test materials, calculators, crib sheets, help from another student, etc. [In the School of Nursing cheating also includes falsification of research data and/or fabrication of clinical data.]

Collusion – Assistance to another student or among students in committing the act of cheating or plagiarism. [Note: Some of the assignments for certain courses in the School of Nursing involve collaborative work. This is not collusion. The student bears the responsibility to adhere to the guidelines of the assignment(s) as described in the course materials.]

Source: Academic Honesty Policy of Minnesota State University, Mankato. Other examples of academic misconduct are outlined in the Statement of Student Responsibilities located on the website of the Office of Student Conduct. To formally report an incident of academic dishonesty, complete and submit an online Silent Witness Report form.

In the School of Nursing, consequences of academic dishonesty may include one or more of the following:

Reduced points for a test, assignment, or presentation in question
Receiving a zero for the test, assignment, or presentation in question
Being asked to leave a classroom
Receiving a failing grade for the course
Documentation of the incident in the student’s permanent file
Disciplinary action as determined by the University Judicial Board
Dismissal from the School of Nursing

On entry into the Pre-Licensure Program, students will read and sign a Code of Conduct Pledge that will be kept in their permanent School of Nursing file (See Appendix B).

Progression, Retention, and Grade Requirements

The student has rights which must be protected. These rights include, but are not limited to, fair evaluations, advisement and counseling, and assistance in identifying and meeting learning goals.

Student Goal-Directed Behaviors

With reference to learning and professional activities, the student is expected to demonstrate and maintain goal-directed behavior by:

Identifying verbally, or in writing, personal learning objectives and needs which are within the framework of course outcomes.
Taking personal responsibility for his/her own actions relative to behaviors which facilitate, impede, or interfere with the achievement of learning objectives.
Demonstrating effort to understanding one’s own behavior as this relates to the achievement of learning objectives.
Demonstrating collaborative behavior regarding teaching-learning activities that have been designed to achieve course outcomes by taking the responsibility for:
Utilizing faculty as resource persons.
Communicating with an appropriate faculty person when it is necessary to be absent from a planned learning activity (clinical practice, seminar, simulation, etc.)
Communicating with appropriate people when difficulties with faculty-student relationships are such that progress toward learning is impaired.
Taking the personal responsibility for managing information about course requirements, announcements, and assignments (dates these are due, etc.)
Periodically evaluating, verbally or in writing, his/her own behavior relative to progress toward learning objectives.
Completing assigned written work on or before the specified date.
Offering constructive criticism or alternatives to faculty when certain learning activities are perceived as in need of change.

Pre-Nursing Grade & Course Requirements

The grade, course repeat, and other progression policies outlined in the Pre-Nursing Student Handbook remain applicable upon entry into the Pre-Licensure Program.

Transfer Students from Other Nursing Programs

Students who wish to transfer to the School of Nursing from another nursing program must meet the same admission criteria as all other applicants.

A transfer student who has received two or more grades of “C-,” “D +/-,” “F,” “No Pass,” “No Credit,” or “Withdraw” in a nursing course or required related course(s) may only be considered for admission to the Pre-Licensure Program through an appeal process. This includes students who may have retaken and successfully completed these courses at another institution.

Appeals for admission consideration must be submitted to the Pre-Licensure Program Committee and must include:

A written statement explaining the circumstances that led to academic challenges.
Evidence of academic improvement, such as transcripts showing successful completion of previously failed or withdrawn course.
A reflection on how the student has addressed at-risk academic behaviors.
A plan for continued academic success, including strategies and support systems.
Any relevant documentation, if applicable.

Students who have been unsuccessful in another nursing program may not appeal for admission unless they have had at least one quarter/semester absence from that program. The Appeal must be received no later than the second week of the semester PRIOR to the semester for which admission is requested.

Students requesting to transfer nursing course credits from other nursing programs must provide course syllabi for each course. These syllabi must include:

Number of credits
Number of contact hours in both classroom and experiential learning.

These documents must be submitted no later than the application deadline and will be reviewed by the Pre-Licensure Program Director and the Pre-Licensure Program Committee to determine course comparability. If the courses are not deemed comparable, the student will be required to retake the courses at Minnesota State University, Mankato.

Grading Scales and Progression Requirements

Grading Scale – Students Admitted Under the 2024–2025 Catalog and Earlier

The standard grading scale uses letter grades A through F. Faculty may also use plus/minus grading to further differentiate student achievement. Each grade carries a specific number of quality points used in GPA calculation:

Grade	Quality Points
A+	4
A	4
A-	3.67
B+	3.33
B	3.00
B-	2.67
C+	2.33
C	2.00
C-	1.67
D+	1.33
D	1.00
D-	0.67
F	0.00

Grading Scale – Students Admitted Under the 2025–2026 Catalog and Later

This grading scale includes percentage ranges and requires a minimum grade of C+ (77%) to pass nursing and related courses:

Grade	Percentage Range	Quality Points
A+	100%	4
A	93-99%	4
A-	90-92%	3.67
B+	87-89%	3.33
B	83-86%	3.00
B-	80-82%	2.67
C+	77-79%	2.33
C	73-76%	2.00
C-	70-72%	1.67
D+	67-69%	1.33
D	63-66%	1.00
D-	60-62%	0.67
F	<60%	0.00

Progression Requirements

Once provisionally or fully admitted to the School of Nursing, students must:

Achieve at least a “C” (for students under the 2024–2025 catalog and earlier) or a “C+” (for students under the 2025–2026 catalog and later) in each required nursing and related course.
Maintain a minimum of a C or C+ depending on catalog year average in all courses for the semester.
Successfully complete all courses in a semester before progressing to the next.

A grade below the required minimum (C or C+ depending on catalog year), a “No Pass,” “No Credit,” or “Withdraw” from a required course is considered an unsuccessful attempt. Students who are unsuccessful in two (2) required courses will not be allowed to continue in the nursing program.

Students with two “No Credit” grades may not reapply to the nursing major.

Dropping or Adding a Course

The School of Nursing adheres to the University policy of drop/add dates for complete session courses. Students are expected to follow the dates as printed in the class schedule.

Students who have earned two “No Credit” grades cannot reapply to the nursing major.

Repeating Nursing Courses

A student can repeat the same nursing course only once. If a nursing course is not successfully completed after the second attempt, the student will not be allowed to continue in the nursing program.

A student who must repeat a clinical experience may not do so with the instructor who assigned an unsuccessful grade except with the written permission of the instructor and approval by the Pre-Licensure Program Committee.

Procedure After an Unsuccessful Attempt at a Course

When a student has been unsuccessful in a course (see Grades Requirements for Progression), follow this procedure:

Make an appointment to talk with your advisor to discuss options.
Complete the Change in Progression form (see Appendix C); be sure to obtain the
advisor’s signature.
Notify, and submit the signed Change in Progression form, to the Pre-Licensure Program Director. The PLP Director will present the progression form to the Pre-Licensure Program Committee.
The Pre-Licensure Program Committee makes recommendations regarding requests. While an alternative plan may be approved, taking a course is dependent on available space (see Appendix D for Guidelines for Reviewing Student Requests for Returning to the School of Nursing).
The student can expect a written response from the PLP Director within one week following the date of the committee review.
If the student is dissatisfied with the Pre-Licensure Program Committee’s
recommendation, the student may appeal to the School of Nursing Chairperson.
When the repeated course has been successfully completed, the PLP Director will direct the student regarding registration options dependent on the clinical space available.

Program Progression Appeal Process

School of Nursing program decisions are supported and guided by the University Student Complaint and Grievances and Grade Appeal policies.

Students have the right to ask for clarification of a program decision and to initiate a formal appeal process in instances where the student perceives that the program action is unfair, arbitrary, or capricious.

Students must submit their appeal within 10 working days of program notification of an action, during which the following must be completed:

Meet with their faculty advisor and/or the program director to discuss the decision and options.
Write a letter of appeal to the School of Nursing Chair that includes the following:
Explanation of the situation that led to the program action.
Relevant information which supports the appeal, including what is unfair, arbitrary, or capricious about the decision.
Outcome of the meeting with faculty advisor and/or program director; include the date of the meeting.
The remedy being sought.

When a student submits a formal appeal, the procedure is outlined below:

Within 10 working days of program notification of an action, the student may submit a formal appeal to the School of Nursing Chairperson. The appeal must include an appeal letter addressed to the Chairperson. The program director should be copied on the email to the Chairperson and has the option to write a response to the student's appeal letter to the Chairperson. Within 10 working days of receiving the student’s appeal letter, the Chairperson shall provide a written response to the student. If documented disabilities and the need for accommodation are involved in the appeal, the department will consult with Accessibility Resources to ensure that appropriate accommodation has been provided. If appropriate have not been offered, the School of Nursing will work with Accessibility Resources to develop accommodations to be offered by the department.
If the student is not satisfied with the response by the Chairperson, within 10 working days of receiving the School of Nursing Chairperson response, the student may submit an appeal to the Dean of the College of Allied Health and Nursing. The appeal must include an appeal letter addressed to the Dean and include the previous written response(s). The Chairperson should be copied on the email sent to the Dean and has the option to write a response to the student’s appeal letter to the Dean. Within 10 working days of receiving the student’s appeal letter, the Dean shall provide a written response to the student. If documented disabilities and need for accommodation are involved in the appeal, the Dean will consult with Accessibility Resources to ensure that appropriate accommodation has been made. If appropriate accommodations have not been offered, the Dean will work Accessibility Resources to develop accommodations to be offered by the School of Nursing.
If the student is not satisfied with the response by the Dean, within 10 working days of receiving the Dean of the College of Allied Health and Nursing response, the student may submit an appeal to the Office of the Provost in Academic Affairs. The appeal must include an appeal letter addressed to the Provost and include the previous written responses. The Chairperson and Dean should be copied on the email to the Provost and have the option to write a response to the student’s appeal letter to the Provost.

Grade Appeal Process

The student has the right to appeal decisions on academic matters. Grade appeals are reviewed only in instances where the student perceives that a final course grade is unfair, arbitrary, or capricious. Students have the right to ask an instructor to explain any grade received.

Students are strongly encouraged to talk to the instructor before beginning the formal appeal process to attempt informal resolution of the matter. If there is no satisfaction, the student should follow the University grade appeal process.

However, note that the appeal must be filed within one week (excluding breaks) of written notification by the nursing faculty of the course grade earned by the student. This differs from the university policy which states appeals must be filed within two weeks of university notification of a final grade. The reason for the earlier filing deadline is to facilitate student scheduling in our sequential nursing curriculum and experiential learning experiences.

Students needing assistance at any step in appealing or filing a complaint may contact the Academic Affairs Coordinator of the Student Senate (CSU 280, 507-389-2611).

Dismissal

A student who fails to meet the stated requirements of the School of Nursing regarding grades, progression, and retention may be advised to change career goals or be required to leave the program.

A student is likely to be dismissed from the nursing major for behavior or actions which threaten the health or safety of clients/patients, including incivility. This includes behaviors indicative of substance abuse disorders. Students in this situation are encouraged to seek counsel from their faculty advisor.

Evidence of academic dishonesty, which can include plagiarism, false documentation or cheating, constitutes grounds for dismissal.

Leave of Absence (LOA)

A student may request a personal or academic Leave of Absence (LOA) after the successful completion of the first semester courses. The LOA can be for a minimum of one academic semester and a maximum of one academic year. While registered in the School of Nursing, students will be allowed to take a maximum of two LOAs.

Students are not permitted to initiate a Leave of Absence (LOA) request to circumvent disciplinary actions or escape the consequences of unsatisfactory academic or professional performance. If an LOA request coincides with ongoing or pending disciplinary proceedings or unsatisfactory performance evaluations, the request will be deferred until the resolution of these matters. In such cases, the PLP reserves the right to investigate the timing and rationale for the LOA request. LOA requests found to be submitted in bad faith or to evade accountability may result in denial of the LOA and additional disciplinary measures, up to and including dismissal from the program. Students with extenuating circumstances affecting their ability to meet program requirements should engage in a discussion with their faculty advisor or the Pre-Licensure Program Director to explore appropriate options.

The procedure for initiating a LOA request is as follows:

Make an appointment to talk with your faculty advisor to discuss implications for progression and ramifications of the LOA.
If the LOA request still is the preferred action, complete the Change in Progression Form (see Appendix C). Be sure to obtain your faculty advisor’s signature on the form.
Notify, and submit the signed Change in Progression form, to the Pre-Licensure Program Director.
The Pre-Licensure Program Committee makes recommendations regarding LOA requests.
The Pre-Licensure Program Committee Chairperson will notify the Pre-Licensure Program Director of the Committee’s recommendation.
The student can expect a written response from the Pre-Licensure Program Director within one week following the date of the committee review.
If the student is dissatisfied with the Pre-Licensure Program Committee’s recommendation, the student may appeal to the School of Nursing Chairperson.

Returning from a LOA

The following procedure will be used for students planning to return from a LOA (see Appendix D):

Notify the Pre-Licensure Program Director of intentions to return by completing the Change in Progression form with the assigned faculty advisor (see Appendix C). Change in progression deadlines are the:

First Friday of the prior spring semester, if planning to re-enter the nursing program fall semester.
First Friday of the prior fall semester if planning to re-enter the nursing program spring semester.

The Pre-Licensure Program Director will notify the Pre-Licensure Program Committee and the Director of Undergraduate Nursing Clinical Placement of the student’s request to return to the program. During this time, clinical placement possibilities will be determined.

Students will be admitted into the nursing course(s) IF THERE IS SPACE AVAILABLE

If a student left the nursing program without requesting an LOA, or a LOA was denied, and later the student desire re-admission to the SON, the student must petition the Pre-Licensure Program Committee using the Change of Progression form (see Appendix C).

A student who is planning to re-enter the School of Nursing is required to meet with their advisor or the Pre-Licensure Program Director prior to registering for nursing courses. The purpose of this meeting is to develop a plan for successful completion of the nursing major. Students may be required to demonstrate competent clinical skills/practice and/or register for independent study credits to ensure safe nursing practice.

Student Success Plan

The Student Success Plan serves to promote clear communication in situations when a student has not met the expected professional behavior, conduct, or performance at the expected level in any nursing course/experiential learning environment. The goal of this intervention is to improve student success and program completion.

The faculty will provide written information on the student behavior concerns to clearly identify and communicate the at-risk behaviors. The corrective actions taken and an action plan that establishes student expectations for improvement will be identified.

Faculty will notify a student when a Student Success Plan is being initiated and set up a time to meet. Students will have an opportunity to provide written comments. At the end of the semester, or when the success plan is deemed completed, the faculty member and student will meet again to determine the resolution of the issue or the need for ongoing monitoring. The student will have an opportunity to provide written comments. When the plan is completed, it will be submitted to the Pre-Licensure Program Director and placed in the student’s SON file.

Student Success Plans that involve concerns with experiential learning will be communicated and shared with the lead course faculty and experiential learning faculty for the following semester.

The School of Nursing promotes and enforce student responsibilities in accordance with state, federal and local laws as well as policies within Minnesota State University, Mankato, and the Minnesota State System. For more information, visit Student Conduct

Clinical Placements

The Director of Undergraduate Nursing Clinical Placement and the PLP Director will meet with students to discuss and answer questions regarding the upcoming semester’s clinical rotations. Following the meeting, a Qualtrics survey link will be sent to students. Students will submit their top clinical section choices for consideration by the Director of Undergraduate Nursing Clinical Placement and/or the PLP Director. The School of Nursing does not guarantee that a student will receive one of the submitted requests. Priority will be given to student athletes who are eligible to compete, and military personnel.

N466 Capstone placements will be determined using a Qualtrics survey for students to identify location and unit preferences. The Pre-licensure Program Director and faculty advisers for the cohort will review the survey responses and assign placements accordingly. Priority placement consideration will be given to competition-eligible student athletes and military personnel who require local placements to meet obligations outside of their clinical responsibilities.

Once placements have been assigned, if a student has significant extenuating circumstances rendering their capstone placement unmanageable, they have 48 hours to find a peer to switch capstone placements with. Both students must email the Pre-licensure Program Director and the Undergraduate Clinical Placement Director indicating they approve the switch. After 48 hours, no more switches or changes will be allowed.

Clinical Onboarding

Prior to each clinical experience, students will be expected to complete the clinical site requirements for each clinical experience in which they participate. Completing these requirements often occurs over the summer months or the semester breaks. Students who do not complete the clinical onboarding by the assigned date may will be denied access to the clinical rotation at the site. Students who do not complete the clinical experience, regardless of the reason, may not be able to complete the course. As a result, the student may need to withdraw from the course; thus, forfeiting their spot in the cohort. See the progression policies for more information.

Additionally, student rosters are submitted according to the schedule established by the clinical agency. This may occur 2 months prior to the planned student clinical experience. Student personal information is included on the roster, varying by clinical agency, and may include, but is not limited to, name (first, middle, last), home address, date of birth, Social Security Number (SSN), gender, school email address, and cell phone number. The SON takes precautions to protect student information sent electronically. An Authorization for the Release of Education Records to Clinical Facility form gives permission for the SON to release student data (See Appendix E).

Maverick Family Nursing Simulation Center

Students will participate in experiential learning activities in the Simulation Center. The Simulation Center has policies and procedures that students need to follow to ensure proper handling of mannequins and equipment. Students will be required to read and be knowledgeable about how to function in the simulation center; for more information, visit with the Maverick Family Nursing Simulation Director.

Confidentiality and Patient Privacy

Students are required to protect private and confidential patient information. Students who violate patient privacy and confidentiality, with or without a HIPAA violation, may be dismissed from the program, and/or fail a course.

Students will report breaches in confidentiality, or unprofessional behavior, to the instructor, program coordinator, or department chair.

In addition to professional standards, each healthcare facility has policies that must be followed to protect patient privacy and confidentiality. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) rule protects identifiable health information in any form. The HIPAA privacy rule is not intended to impede work, and the rule does permit certain incidental uses and disclosures of protected health information to occur when reasonable safeguards and the minimum necessary policies and procedures are in place. Students are considered “workforce members” and must be grained on HIPAA rules, which includes maintain patient privacy and confidentiality.

Additionally, the Minnesota Nurse Practice Act (148.261) states, “Revealing a privileged communication from or relating to a patient except when otherwise required or permitted by law” as grounds for disciplinary action.

Students will read and sign a Nursing Student Confidentiality Agreement as part of the admission to the Pre-Licensure Program (see Appendix F). In addition, students will complete HIPAA training as part of their admission paperwork to the SON. See Student Documentation Required for Experiential Learning.

N95 Masks

The Pre-Licensure Program requires senior students, having clinical in 3rd and 4th semesters, to be fit tested for N95 masks for clinical and/or experiential learning activities. Clinical agencies set their own mask requirements and may require students be fit tested for an N95 mask.

Students may be required to travel to a clinical agency prior to the start of the clinical start test for fit testing and/or may need to pay for N95 fit testing at University Health Services.

Social Media

Students are responsible for the content placed on social media platforms or networks. Social media platforms are defined as technology tools and online spaces for sharing and/or integrating user-generated content to engage in conversations and allow students to participate in content and community creation. Examples include, but are not limited to, Facebook©, X©, Instagram©, Snapchat©, LinkedIn©, TikTok ©, Be Real©, and YouTube©.

The use of social media platforms has created emerging issues for nursing. While these are popular and have many benefits for nursing, there are potential issues related to patient confidentiality, cheating/collusion on course assignments, and professional boundaries. The misuse of a social media platform could jeopardize a student’s future career in nursing, including employment opportunities, if not used with thoughtful care.

Below are suggestions to help guide the use of social media platforms:

Be aware of patient confidentiality and HIPAA rules when posting comments.
Respect your audience, your fellow students or work colleagues. The School of Nursing, and Minnesota State University, Mankato, has students and faculty representing diverse backgrounds, experiences, customs, values, cultures, and views. Be yourself but be respectful of others and their views. Avoid topics that are private, or which may be objectionable or inflammatory.
Be thoughtful about how you present yourself. Students are preparing for a career which serves the public good. Future employers will hold students to a high standard of behavior. Be sure that the content posted, and connected to your name, is consistent with your professional goals.

Unsafe Student Conduct

Maintaining patient safety is an essential foundation to nursing practice. The rights of patients and the public to safety surpass and supersede student learning and skill attainment. A failure to maintain safety is likely to result in failure of the course or dismissal from the nursing program

Demonstrating a pattern of failures in safety, although not life-threatening, is also likely to result in failure of the course or dismissal from the nursing program.

A student may be required to withdraw from a clinical or experiential learning course at any time during the semester when their clinical performance is such that the student jeopardizes patient safety, or requires an excessive amount of supervision, which interferes with the instructor’s ability to adequately supervise other students in the experiential learning/clinical group. The student must then seek counsel from their advisor. The student may petition the Pre- Licensure Program Committee following the Grade Appeal Process.

Students apply nursing knowledge and principles in simulated environments. Simulation provides an environment where a student can apply patient care principles, and make mistakes, however, unsatisfactory clinical performance is not necessarily dangerous. Unsafe conduct and behavior are unacceptable, even in a simulated environment. Unsafe student conduct is always unsatisfactory; patient safety and protecting the public requirements extend into the simulated environment. Student conduct in an authentic clinical environment should not differ from a simulated environment.

Safety concerns may include, but are not limited to: patient neglect or abuse, being under the influence of alcohol, recreational drugs or medications that impair judgment in the classroom or experiential learning setting, violent or disruptive behavior, dishonesty with patient data or own actions, in adequate preparation for experiential learning activities, denying responsibility for one’s actions, placing a patient at risk through inappropriate behavior, including but not limited to, not practicing safe medication administration, leaving an at risk patient alone in an unsafe situation, or failure to seek appropriate help, or other unsafe practice as deemed by faculty.

Substance Use and Alcohol

The School of Nursing follows the university policy, Alcohol and Other Drugs. Students will not possess and/or transport cannabis products, including cannabis in flower form, for recreational purposes, while at a clinical or experiential learning activity.

Expectations for Theory and Experiential Learning Courses

Experiential learning experiences include, but are not limited to clinical hours, service learning, simulation experiences, shadowing/observation experiences, field trips, workshops, and laboratory experiences.

Attendance

Students are expected to attend all scheduled classes, experiential learning activities and mandatory School of Nursing events. Students will not be penalized for absence during the semester due to unavoidable or legitimate circumstances. Excused absences include verified illness, participation in intercollegiate athletic events, subpoenas, jury duty, military service, bereavement, and religious observances. Excused absences do not include: celebrations, such as weddings and anniversaries; and vacations.

Instructors must be notified at the beginning of the term about such planned absences and arrangements made to make-up required work. Instructors are not required to accommodate makeup of laboratory experiences or examinations to suit students’ personal convenience or to accommodate unexcused absences. Make-up work is determined at the sole discretion of the instructors; and they are not obligated to afford or arrange clinical make-up times for any unexcused absences.

Faculty may require supporting documentation from the student for excused absences and missed experiential learning experiences. Students should request absences or tardiness to the respective instructor at least one hour prior to the designated time, or as soon as the occurrence is known. If a student is absent from a course, the student is responsible for the content of the class, as well as material and announcements which were part of that class.
Students are responsible for announcements posted as electronic news items.

Attendance is mandatory for all scheduled experiential learning experiences, including but not limited to conferences, seminars, and training sessions. Students are expected to be prepared and to arrive at designated times for all scheduled experiential learning experiences, including simulation. Making-up clinical hours on clinical units or switching clinical groups is not allowed unless approved by faculty. Students unable to achieve the learning outcomes of any course due to an absence are likely to receive a failing grade for the course.

Mandatory School of Nursing Events and Exams

Students are sometimes required to attend mandatory School of Nursing events that are scheduled outside of normal class or experiential learning times. Mandatory student events typically contain knowledge or information that will contribute to student success at the School of Nursing. Missing these events increases the burden placed on classmates and faculty.

Similarly, students will be required to take periodic, standardized exams. Examinations are used for student self-evaluation and faculty evaluation of teaching and learning. Students are expected to attend pre-scheduled mandatory events and exams. Failure to attend a mandatory School of Nursing event is likely to result in the initiation of a Student Success Plan, up to program dismissal.

Travel and Severe Weather

In case of severe weather, students and faculty may need to make decisions regarding travel. If you feel the weather is too threatening, contact and consult with your course faculty and/or clinical faculty. When the MSUM campus is officially closed, all classes (including clinical/experiential learning) are cancelled. Before traveling, please check the weather reports and road conditions such as https://hb.511mn.org/. Students and faculty are asked not to travel to clinical or other off campus experiences if travel is not advised by weather service or state law enforcement.

Communicable Disease

Students with a communicable disease may not be in an experiential learning setting. The instructor may require a student to provide written verification from the health care provider for clearance to return to the setting.

Student Documentation Required for Experiential Learning

Students are required to submit personal documentation, required by clinical agencies, prior to attending experiential learning activities. Like a licensed professional, students are expected to monitor their documentation for expiration dates and must maintain current clinical documentation requirements to participate in experiential learning experiences.

Students admitted to the program have met all compliance deadlines as outlined in their acceptance letter. Failure to meet these deadlines prior to admission results in rescission of admission.

Students must be fully compliant with all documentation requirements by Day 1 of their clinical experience. Students who are not compliant on Day 1 will be removed from the course. This will constitute an unsuccessful attempt at a course.

Background Study

Admission and/or progression is contingent upon completion of a successful background study through Minnesota State University, Mankato. Minnesota State law requires background studies on all persons who provide services involving direct contact with patients and residents in facilities and programs approved by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) or the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). Students must pass, or be qualified, by the Minnesota Department of Health to provide direct patient care. Students will be asked to complete an online background study form and be fingerprinted upon entering the program. DHS background studies are good for 24 months. Students who are enrolled in the major longer than 24 months may need to pay to redo the DHS background study.

The School of Nursing can monitor a students’ “qualified” status using the Minnesota Department of Health website. If requested, the School of Nursing must provide a student(s) background study results to the clinical agency where the experiential learning activity occurs.

An individual who is disqualified from having direct patient contact as a result of the background study, and whose disqualification is not set aside by the Commissioner of Health, will not be permitted to participate in an experiential learning experience, including clinical placement in a health care facility. Failure to participate in an experiential learning experience, including clinical placement required by the School of Nursing, could result in ineligibility to qualify for a degree in this program, and may affect the ability to obtain professional licensure post-graduation. Students who have a disqualification must meet with their assigned faculty advisor and the Pre-Licensure Program Director.

By law, the State of Minnesota requires a criminal background check prior to issuing a registered nurse license. This legislation is done to meet the public expectation that health care providers are safe, ethical, and competent. The criminal background check will involve a review of the licensure applicant’s criminal history by using fingerprint-based state and federal systems. For more information, visit https://mn.gov/dhs/general-public/background-studies/

Professional Liability Insurance

All nursing students must carry professional liability insurance; insurance fees will be attached to courses that require insurance. Students who pay for liability insurance at any time during the academic year are covered until the end of summer. Minnesota State professional liability insurance policy meets clinical agency requirements. The policy protection is limited to those nursing activities that are performed during experiential learning experiences and supervised by School of Nursing faculty or mentored by faculty arrangement. The student needs to be aware that this insurance does not provide protection for nursing actions that are performed as an employee in a health care agency.

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act

Students admitted to the School of Nursing are required to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of patient confidentiality and privacy. Prior to beginning core nursing classes, admitted students are required to complete online HIPAA training offered by the Minnesota Department of Health. Students are required to complete the following modules:

Data Security & Privacy (15 minutes) and the corresponding assessment link. How to Protect Information (35 minutes) and the corresponding assessment link.

After each learning module, students must take the course assessment and obtain a “passing” score on the assessment. When the course is passed, print the page with the passing score (press control-P simultaneously to print the screen). The printed assessment documents, indicating the passing score, must be turned in to the Clinical Requirements D2L. (see detailed instructions in Appendix G).

Basic Life Support

Students must be certified in professional two-rescuer cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) of adults and children before scheduled experiential learning experiences. Accepted certifications are limited to:

American Heart Association Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers
American Red Cross Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers
American Red Cross CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and Health Care Providers

Basic life support skills training must be in person. Blended formats are acceptable but online certifications will not be accepted. Written evidence of current BLS/CPR certification must be submitted through Clinician Nexus. Students must be fully compliant by Day 1 of their clinical experience, or they will be removed from the course.

Personal Health Insurance

Students are required to maintain active major medical health insurance while enrolled in the School of Nursing. Upon admission to the nursing program, students will provide evidence of current health insurance coverage by submitting a photocopy of their insurance card. Health share programs are not considered health insurance and will not be accepted. Students are required to update the School of Nursing with any changes in their health insurance information and should realize failure to do so could result in permanent removal from the nursing program. If a student has an insurance company that does not issue cards, the student may complete and submit the School of Nursing’s Medical/hospitalization Insurance Coverage form (see Appendix H). Find additional information on student health insurance options, Any health care costs incurred during experiential learning and other course activities is the responsibility of the student.

Health

Students enrolled in the nursing major must be in good physical and mental health to provide safe and effective care. In the presence of evidence to the contrary, the individual faculty reserves the right to ask the student to seek professional assistance, to withdraw from or to take a leave of absence from the nursing curriculum. If there is disagreement between the student and a faculty member that cannot be resolved, then the Pre-Licensure Program Committee, or Pre-Licensure Program Director, may be consulted for definitive action.

Essential Functional Abilities

Provisionally and fully admitted students in the Pre-Licensure Program must be able to perform essential functional abilities. The essential functional abilities reflect work completed by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (1996).

Students must be able to meet all the essential functional abilities; if a student cannot meet one or more of the abilities, with or without reasonable accommodations, the student will need to forfeit their admission to the Pre-Licensure Program. The Pre-Licensure Program in conjunction with Minnesota State University, Mankato’s Accessibility Resources will determine, on an individual basis, whether a reasonable accommodation can be made.

Students will complete the Essential Functional Abilities checklist and form, providing a self-evaluation for each essential functional ability (See Appendix I). The student, indicating if accommodations are requested or not, must complete an Essential Functional Ability Statement by Student. Last, the student is responsible to take completed aforementioned documents to a health care provider for review. A Statement of Physical and Emotional Health by Provider must be completed. All forms must be submitted to the School of Nursing.

Provisional and fully admitted students in the Pre-Licensure Program will be required to verify that they understand and meet these essential functional abilities, or that they believe that the essential functional abilities can be met with specific accommodations. Minnesota State University, Mankato’s Accessibility Resources will evaluate a student who indicates that they could meet the program’s essential functional abilities with accommodation and confirm that the stated condition qualifies as a disability under applicable laws.

If a student states they can meet the essential functional abilities with accommodations, then Minnesota State University, Mankato and the School of Nursing will determine whether it agrees that the student can meet the essential functional abilities with reasonable accommodation. A review will include whether the accommodations requested are reasonable, considering the effect of the requested accommodation on student and patient safety, clinical site requirements/limitations, and/or the impact on the student/faculty experience in didactic and experiential learning activities.

Health requirements may be obtained at the University Health Service by appointment, or, if the student wishes to pay the fee, from a private health care provider. Students are responsibility for obtaining health provider signatures and any expenses related to required program immunizations, and functional abilities assessment.

Tuberculosis Screening

Evidence of TB screening must be completed within three months prior to the start of the nursing program and annually thereafter.

For students starting the nursing program in the Fall semester, a TB screen must be completed in June, July, or August just prior to starting the program. For those students starting the nursing program in the Spring semester, a TB screen must be completed in November, December or January just prior to starting the program.

All submitted documentation must include student full name, date of birth, medical source name, and dates of testing.

Acceptable forms of TB screening include 1) TB blood test - OR- 2) Two-step TB skin test. A one-step TB skin test is acceptable when certain conditions are met.

TB BLOOD TEST (preferred).
A TB blood test completed within three (3) months prior to the start of the nursing program. Examples of TB blood tests include T-spot, IGRAs, and QuantiFERON-TB Gold.
Annual testing thereafter: TB blood test or a two-step TB skin test must be completed.
TB SKIN TEST.
Should a student elect TB skin test screening, a two-step TB skin test is required for initial TB screening. A one-step skin test will be accepted, but only when certain conditions are met.
1. Two (2) TB skin tests administered at least 7 days apart, but no more than 21 days apart; the most recent of which must be completed within 3 months prior to the start date of the nursing program.
  Annual testing thereafter: The student will submit a one-step TB skin test within 12 months following the previous TB skin test. If a student exceeds 12 months from previous skin test, a two-step skin test or TB blood test must be completed.
2. One (1) TB skin test completed within 12 months prior to nursing program start date and One (1) TB skin test completed within three (3) months prior to nursing program start date.
  Annual testing thereafter: The student will submit a one-step TB skin test completed within 12 months of the previous TB skin test. If a student exceeds 12 months from the previous TB skin test, a two-step TB skin test or TB blood test must be completed.
POSITIVE TB SKIN TEST:
A TB Blood test is required if a skin test is positive.
If the blood test is also positive, students must submit:
- A chest X-ray
- A SON Positive TB Screen Follow-up/Medical Clearance Form indicating the student is free from active tuberculosis must be completed annually by the student’s healthcare provider
- Associated lab and radiology reports must accompany the completed and signed form.
The SON Positive TB Screen Follow-up/Medical Clearance form can be found within the associated step of Clinician Nexus and Appendix J.

MMR Immunity

MMR vaccinations, or a positive titer result for all three diseases—measles (rubeola), mumps, and rubella. Submitted document(s) must include the medical source name, dates, and student name.

Tdap/Td Vaccination

Must have received one adult dose of Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis), or Tdap over 10 years ago with Td (tetanus) in the past 10 years. Submitted document(s) must include the medical source name, dates, and student name.

Influenza Vaccination

Vaccination for current flu season by September 30th annually, or a written medical exemption signed by a healthcare professional and approved by the clinical agencies the student is conducting clinicals. Submitted document(s) must include the medical source name, dates, and student name.

Hepatitis B Vaccination

A two or three dose series of Hepatitis B vaccine (2-dose series only applies when 2-doses of Heplisav are used at least 4 weeks apart), or positive titer blood test results. Submitted document(s) must include the medical source name, dates, and student name.

Varicella Immunity

Two vaccinations or positive titer blood test results. Self-reports of chickenpox immunity are not accepted. Should a titer not indicate immunity, the vaccine will need to be administered again. Submitted document(s) must include the medical source name, dates, and student name.

COVID-19 Vaccination

The School of Nursing recommends that students receive vaccination and boosters to protect against serious illness related to COVID-19. For more information, visit the CDC COVID-19 website.

Immunization Exemptions

Any student wishing to decline vaccinations and/or testing must have a signed and approved exemption with the clinical agency prior to attending clinical experiences.

The School of Nursing does not determine vaccination exemptions for clinical agencies. The School of Nursing does not determine when the clinical agencies will notify students of their religious/medical exemptions for vaccinations and/or testing have been honored.

Students wanting more information should contact the Director of Undergraduate Nursing Clinical Placement.

Clinician Nexus is a HIPAA and FERPA compliant database to track student compliance with clinical agency requirements for experiential learning. The site part of The Clinical Coordination Partnership, a statewide consortium of educational and clinical partners used to manage clinical experiences for students. The SON students are managed by program faculty and staff. Student accounts will be created, and each student is required to upload and maintain required program documents, such as immunization data, onboarding, and other documents.

Uniforms and Professional Attire

Students are expected to dress professionally at School of Nursing and University sponsored events, clinical sites, and experiential learning activities.

Avoid faded, frayed, tight-fitting, torn clothing, shorts, short skirts or dresses, and low-cut clothes as they may be seen as unprofessional.

The Pre-Licensure Program has strict expectations for scrub uniforms, polo uniforms, and for professional attire. Students who are dressed inappropriately may be asked by faculty to leave a course activity and will be held responsible for any consequences.

If a clinical partner has a uniform policy or dress code that is stricter than the School of Nursing’s uniform or dress code, the clinical partner’s policy will be followed.

Scrub uniforms are purchased as a group and the date for ordering will be announced each semester. Nursing program fees pay for:

2 Purple scrub tops
1 Polo shirt with university insignia
1 Photo name badge

Scrub Uniform

The scrub uniform is worn for most clinicals, laboratory & simulation activities. Unless otherwise directed by faculty, students are to wear scrub uniforms any time they are on site for clinicals.

Black uniform pants or a mid-calf to ankle length black skirt. Pants or skirts must not drag on the floor and must allow for full movement. For safety, skirts must not have extra fabric that may catch on equipment.

Purple MSU (Minnesota State University, Mankato) scrub top
Black or white shoes. For safety purposes, shoes must be closed-toe, closed heel, made of non-porous material, and be in good condition. We strongly recommend that shoes worn at clinical sites be used exclusively for clinical to avoid potential exchange of pathogens between environments. Socks with images or words that convey violence, discrimination, profanity, or sexually explicit content may not be worn.
Minnesota State University, Mankato, School of Nursing name badge

Polo Uniform Attire

MSU polo shirt
Black or khaki dress pants or mid-calf to ankle length skirts (no scrub pants)
Black or neutral closed-toed dress shoes
Minnesota State University, Mankato, School of Nursing name badge

Professional Attire

Dress pants, skirt, or dress
Dress shirt
Dress shoes in good condition
Minnesota State University, Mankato, School of Nursing name badge

Allowed Additions to Uniforms

Neutral colored, non-patterned shirts or turtlenecks may be worn under the purple scrub top or polo shirt.
Purple MSU long sleeve scrub jacket purchased through SNA (Student Nurses Association)

Adaptations

Students who need adaptations for cultural or religious purposes, pregnancy, or disability should contact their advisor.

Prohibited Additions to Uniforms or Professional Attire

Denim, spandex, leather, or any light weight, see-through fabrics
T-shirts or any shirts with insignias, color, or writing
Head coverings or hats unless for religious purposes or approved by faculty
Dangling or hoop earrings and bracelets are prohibited at clinical sites as they may pose a safety issue.

Personal Appearance

Beards and mustaches are allowed but must be trimmed.
Tattoos of images or words that convey violence, discrimination, profanity, or sexually explicit content must be covered.
Hair should be clean, away from face, up off the collar, and not in the way of procedures. Students should be aware that some clinical partners have strict policies on hair color that must be followed.
Fingernails should be short and groomed. For infection control purposes, nail polish and/or artificial fingernails are not allowed.
The lab, simulation center, and many clinical sites are fragrance free areas. Personal fragrance products that are perceptible to others should not be worn. Odors that are disruptive or offensive to others or may exacerbate allergies are unacceptable.

Stethoscope

Students need to purchase their own stethoscope. Stethoscopes should have a single lumen tube with a bell and diaphragm (double sided). In addition, a name tag should be attached. No electronic stethoscopes are allowed unless required for accessibility purposes.

Valuables at Experiential Learning

Clinical sites have limited space for student belongings (i.e., coats, books, etc.). Students should avoid bringing valuables to a clinical site as the safety and protection of these items cannot be guaranteed.

Student Travel to Clinical/Experiential Learning Sites

The School of Nursing uses a variety of clinical or experiential learning agencies in rural and urban areas. Students are expected to independently arrange transportation to and from assigned clinical and experiential learning sites, which may be located at considerable distances from the university. Accordingly, access to a personal vehicle and possession of a valid driver’s license are essential. Students will be required to travel to these clinical agencies at their own expense. In addition, students who stay overnight at a distance from their home must make their own accommodations at their own expense.

Other NURS Designated Courses

PLP students enrolled in any NURS-designated course outside of the structured PLP curriculum (such as internship courses and curricular practical training CPT) are required to meet the highest standards of professional and academic conduct. When a student demonstrates unprofessional behavior, actions that compromise academic partnerships with healthcare organizations, violations of ethical standards, or engagement in illegal activities, dismissal from the PLP program will result.

Pre-nursing students who meet the eligibility criteria, may elect to complete a one-time only summer CPT experience. Summer is the only term CPTs will be approved for pre-nursing students.

Pre-nursing students who have previously completed a CPT during a fall, spring or summer term, are not eligible for additional CPT experiences until they start taking classes in the Pre-Licensure Program.

Students admitted to the Pre-Licensure Program and who meet the eligibility criteria may elect to complete a CPT each fall and spring term while enrolled in the 4-semester program.

Students are limited to one summer CPT experience after starting the Pre-Licensure Program.

Students who already started the Pre-Licensure Program and completed a summer CPT are not eligible for additional summer CPT experiences.

Helpful Information and Resources

Photograph, Video, and Audio Release Form

The School of Nursing uses a variety of media for promotional activities, publicity and during high-fidelity simulation experiences. Students will be asked to read and sign a consent that allows the School of Nursing at Minnesota State University, Mankato, to use video, audio tape, film, photograph, or any other medium for the purposes outlined on the release form pursuant to the consent provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, 20 U.S.C. 1232 (see Appendix E for the release form).

Permission Form

Students will be asked to give permission for the School of Nursing to share copies of scholarly work/accomplishments with members of nursing/university community as deemed necessary and appropriate. The permission includes allowing the School of Nursing to provide requested student clinical documentation to clinical agencies at sites where the student has clinical educational experiences. The permission will be in effect for the duration of a student’s time in the School of Nursing (see Appendix L for the Permission Form).

Employment

Students are responsible to meet School of Nursing expectations and course requirements outlined in the Student Handbook. This means that students will need to coordinate their employment/work hours around School of Nursing requirements. Employed students are not allowed to wear any identifiable part of the nursing student uniform while at work.

According to the Minnesota Board of Nursing, students enrolled in a course may function in a nurse role. However, this rule does not extend to students who are employed in health care. Students employed in health care must be mindful that they may not assume professional nurse responsibilities and he/she must function within the job responsibilities as outlined by the employer.

Career Services: Handshake

Students are encouraged to register with and utilize mavjobs.com, the Career Development Center’s on-line recruiting system. This system provides access to job postings and information on recruiter visits to campus and other special events. Students can also upload their resume to a database that is searchable by employers.

Student Expenses

Find more information on tuition and fees,

In addition to tuition and fees, students may incur expense related to tuberculosis testing, CPR certification, and special fees.

Program Fee

Students in the nursing major are assessed a program fee while they are in the program. Students should be aware of these fees and plan accordingly. Beginning in spring 2026, this fee will be used for the following:

ATI Optimal Bundle
Clinician Nexus
Mental Heal First Aid
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator
Name Badge
Nursing pin
Official Uniforms (2 tops and 1 polo shirt)
Respiratory PPE
SNA Membership

Additional Expenses

In addition to the Student Travel to Clinical/Experiential Site expenses (outlined earlier), there may be other unforeseen expenses not mentioned that a student has financial responsibility.

Nursing students may be eligible to receive an adjustment in their financial aid awards because of the additional costs of the program. Minnesota State University, Mankato has an emergency grant program for students. There are also many scholarships available to nursing students for a listing of the School of Nursing awards and scholarships.

Special Fees

Students are responsible for the expenses and fees associated with graduation and the licensure examination. Plan for graduation expenses by visiting Preparing to Graduate.

NCLEX-RN Licensure Examination: Registration to take the NCLEX-RN examination is approximately $200 ($350 for international students), depending on the state in which the graduate takes the examination. Find more information on the State of Minnesota nursing licensing fees.

ATI

The SON has selected the ATI review program to enhance student success on the NCLEX. The comprehensive ATI review program offers the following to students:

An assessment-driven comprehensive review program designed to enhance student NCLEX success.
Multiple assessment and remediation activities. These include assessment indicators for academic success, critical thinking, and learning styles. Additionally, online tutorials, online practice tests, and proctored tests are provided and span major content areas in nursing. These ATI tools, in combination with the nursing program content, assist students to prepare effectively helping to increase their confidence and familiarity with nursing content.
ATI Orientation resources, such as the ATI Plan that can be accessed from “My ATI” tab.
It is highly recommended that you spend time navigating through these orientation materials.

Review Modules/eBooks

ATI provides Review Modules in eBook formats that include written and video materials in key content areas. Students are encouraged to use these modules to supplement course work and reading.

Instructors may assign chapter reading either during a given course and/or as part of active learning/remediation following assessments.

Tutorials

ATI offers unique Tutorials that are designed to teach nursing students how to think like a nurse, how to take a nursing assessment, and how to make source clinical decisions. Nurse Logic is an excellent way to learn the basics of how nurses think and make decisions. Learning system offers practice tests in specific nursing content areas that allow students to apply the valuable learning tools from Nurse Logic. Features such as the hint Button, a Talking Glossary, and a Critical Thinking Guide are embedded throughout the Learning System tests to help students gain an understanding of the content.

Assessments

There are practice assessments available for students as well as standardized proctored assessments that may be scheduled during or outside of class times. These assessments will help the student to identify what they know as well as areas requiring remediation called Topics to Review.

Focused Reviews/Active Learning/Remediation

Active Learning/Remediation is a process of reviewing content in an area that was not learned or not fully understood (as determined on an ATI assessment). Remediation tools are intended to help the student review important information to be successful in courses and on the NCLEX. The student’s individual assessment report will contain a listing of the Topics to Review. It’s highly recommended to remediate using the Focused Review after completion of any practice/proctored tests, which contains links to the ATI eBooks, media clips, and active
learning templates.

The instructor has online access to detailed information about the timing and duration of time spent in assessments, focused reviews, and tutorials by each student. Students can provide documentation that required ATI work has completed using the “My Transcript” feature under “My Results” of the ATI Student Home Page or by submitting written Remediation Templates as required.

Student Responsibilities

Students will need to create and manage their ATI account. All assignments, graded and non-graded, contribute to a student’s nursing knowledge and understanding of nursing practice. Thus, students are expected to do their best work when using the ATI products to ensure that an accurate picture of their NCLEX readiness.

Pinning

Each School of Nursing has a distinctive pin, and often, a pinning ceremony at the time of graduation from a nursing program. The Minnesota State University, Mankato School of Nursing pin has been the same since the program graduated its first class in 1956. It symbolizes your identity, having accomplished your goal to be a professional nurse through a school. The pin, therefore, identifies you as a graduate of Minnesota State University, Mankato School of Nursing.

A pinning ceremony is planned by the Pre-Licensure Program Committee for each class in collaboration with students. The ceremony occurs the evening before graduation. This celebration includes students, their guests, and faculty. At this time, students receive their purchased Minnesota State University, Mankato School of Nursing pin.

The Pre-Licensure Program Committee works with a Josten’s representative for completing an order form for each student.

Licensure Information

More information on the NCLEX examination will be presented to seniors during the last semester in the program.

Public Health Nurse Registration

Graduates from the Pre-Licensure Program will meet the requirements to be registered with the Minnesota Board of Nursing as a public health nurse (PHN) and may use the abbreviation of “PHN” once registered. It should be noted that a registered nurse may practice in Minnesota as a public health nurse without being registered with the Board of Nursing. The registered nurse applicant must:

Be licensed and currently registered in Minnesota
Have a baccalaureate or higher degree with a major in nursing
Have completed course work which included theory and clinical practice in public health nursing (details are available in Minnesota rule part 6316.0100 subpart 4)
Submit an application, affidavit of graduation, and public health nurse registration with a $30 fee.

For more information, visit: Public Health Nurse

School Nurse Licensure

To be a licensed school nurse (LSN) in Minnesota, a nurse must obtain a school nurse license issued by the Minnesota Board of Teaching. The Board of Teaching requires submission of the nurse’s Public Health Nurse registration as part of the application process for a school nurse license. Information about School Health Services and application for a school nurse license may be found on the MN Department of Education website.

Minnesota Rules part 8710.6100 describes the Board of Teaching’s requirements for licensure as a school nurse. The license is required according to Minnesota Statues sections 122A.15 and 122A.18.

Nursing Student Resources and Links

For more information on student resources, please visit Academic Planning

Tennessen Warning

In accordance with Minnesota Data Practices Act and university policies, students are entitled to privacy protections regarding their educational records and personal data.

Course Recordings & Use of Student Information

If a course requires online components, including Zoom lectures, recorded class sessions, or online discussions, please be aware of the following:

Class sessions may be recorded for educational purposes. These recordings may include student names, images, voices, comments, and chat posts.

Recordings will only be accessible to students and faculty within this course through the designated learning management system (e.g., D2L).

Students may not download, screenshot, or share class recordings with others. Unauthorized sharing or distribution violates university policies and may is likely to result in disciplinary action.

Your Rights & Responsibilities

Under Minnesota law, you have the right to:

Be informed about how your data is collected, used, and stored. Request clarification on how your recorded participation is used.

Keep your camera off or use a virtual background during online classes if privacy is a concern.

If you have questions about the use of recordings or wish to discuss privacy concerns, please reach out
to your instructor or the university’s Office of Data Privacy and Compliance.

Land Acknowledgment Statement

We acknowledge that we live, work, and learn in the homeland of the Dakota people whose language frames our name, Minnesota State University, Mankato.

This statement is one small step in recognizing the history that brought us to reside on this land.

Four-Year Academic Plan of Study for students admitted under the 2024-2025 catalogue and earlier

Pre-Nursing: First Year Plan of Study (29 Total Credits)

Semester 1	Semester 2
*BIOL 220 Human Anatomy (4cr)	*CHEM 111 Chemistry of Life Processes Part II (5cr)
*ENG 101 Composition (4cr)	*NURS 101W Courage, Caring, and Team Building (3cr)
*GEOG 103 Intro to Cultural Geography (3cr)	~PSYC 101 Psychological Science (4cr)
General Education-Goal 1B (3cr)	General Education-Goal 10 (3cr)
Semester 1 Total Credits: 14	Semester 2 Total Credits: 15

Pre-Nursing: Second Year Plan of Study (33 Total Credits)

Semester 1	Semester 2
*BIOL 330 Principles of Human Physiology (4cr)	~BIOL 270 Microbiology (4cr)
*KSP 235 Human Development (3cr)	~NURS 282 Pathophysiology for Healthcare Professionals (3cr)
*STAT 154 Elementary Statistics (4cr)	~NURS 284 Pharmacology for Healthcare Professionals (3cr)
~FCS 242 Nutrition for Healthcare Professionals (3cr)	~NURS 286 Relationship-based Care in Nursing Practice (3cr)
General Education-Goal 6, 9, WI (3cr)	General Education-Goal 6, 7, Diverse Cultures (3cr)
Semester 1 Total Credits: 17	Semester 2 Total Credits: 16

Pre-Licensure: Third Year Plan of Study (31 Total Credits)

Semester 1	Semester 2
NURS 333 Professional Nursing (3cr)	NURS 363 Critical Inquiry in Nursing (2cr)
NURS 334 Physiologic Integrity I (4cr)	NURS 364 Physiologic Integrity II (5cr)
NURS 335 Family & Societal Nursing Inquiry (3cr)	NURS 365 Nursing Care of Families in Transition I (7cr)
NURS 336 Assessment and Nursing Procedures (5cr)	NURS 366 Quality, Safety & Informatics in Healthcare (2cr)
Semester 1 Total Credits: 15	Semester 2 Total Credits: 16

Pre-Licensure: Fourth Year Plan of Study (28 Total Credits)

Semester 1	Semester 2
NURS 433 Community Oriented Nursing Inquiry (4cr)	NURS 463 Nursing Leadership and Management (3cr)
NURS 434 Physiologic Integrity III (4cr)	NURS 464 Physiologic Integrity IV (4cr)
NURS 435 Nursing Care of Families in Transition II (3cr)	NURS 465 Nursing Care of Families in Crisis (2cr)
NURS 436 Psychosocial Integrity (4cr)	NURS 466 Professional Role Integration (4cr)
Semester 1 Total Credits: 15	Semester 2 Total Credits: 13

Four-Year Academic Plan of Study for students admitted under the 2025-2026 catalogue and later

Pre-Nursing: First Year Plan of Study (29 Total Credits)

Semester 1	Semester 2
BIOL 201 Anatomy & Physiology I (4 cr.)	BIOL 202 Anatomy & Physiology II (4 cr.)
ENG 101 Foundations of Writing & Rhetoric (4 cr.)	STAT 154 Elementary statistics (4 cr.)
PSYC 101 Intro to Psychological Science (4 cr.)	Gen Ed 6, 9 & Writing Intensive (3 cr.)
Gen Ed 1b (3 cr.)	Gen Ed 8 & Diverse Cultures (3 cr.)
Semester 1 Total Credits: 15	Semester 2 Total Credits: 14

Pre-Nursing: Second Year Plan of Study (30 Total Credits)

Semester 1	Semester 2
CHEM 111 Chemistry of Life Processes (5 cr.)	BIOL 271 Principles of Microbiology (4 cr.)
Gen Ed 10 (3 cr.)	N282 Pathophysiology for Healthcare Professionals (3 cr.)
KSP235 Human Development Gen Ed 5 (3 cr.)	N236 Family & Societal Inquiry for Healthcare Professionals (3 cr.)
N286 Relationship Based Care (3 cr.) **Goal area 11	FCS 242 Nutrition for Healthcare Professionals (3 cr.)
Gen Ed 6 & 7 & Diverse Cultures (3cr.)
Semester 1 Total Credits: 17	Semester 2 Total Credits: 13

Nursing Major Core: Third Year Plan of Study (31 Total Credits)

Semester 1	Semester 2
N 310 Professional Nursing (3 cr. th)	N 350W Critical Inquiry in Nursing (3 cr. th)
N 311 Physiologic Integrity I (4 cr.)- 3 cr. th/1 cr. LTC clinical	N 351 Physiologic Integrity II (5 cr.; 3 th, 2 EL)
N 312 Pharmacology for Nurses (3 cr. th)	N 353 Psychosocial Integrity (3 cr.; 2 th, 1 EL)
N 313 Assessment and Nursing Procedures (4 cr. 1 cr. Th; 3cr. EL)	N 356 Nursing Care of Families I: Perinatal, Sexual & Reproductive Health [OB] (3 cr.; 2 th, 1 EL)
N 317 Nursing Simulation & Procedures I (1 cr. EL 30 hours)	N 357 Nursing Simulation and Procedures II (Procedures 2 cr. EL 60 hours)
Semester 1 Total Credits: 15	Semester 2 Total Credits: 16

Nursing Major Core: Fourth Year Plan of Study (30 Total Credits)

Semester 1	Semester 2
N 410 Quality, Safety, and Informatics in Healthcare (3 cr.; 2.5 th; 0.5 EL)	N 450 Nursing Leadership and Management (3 cr.; 2.5 th, 0.5 EL)
N 411 Physiologic Integrity III (5 cr.; 3 th, 2 EL)	N 451 Physiologic Integrity IV (4 cr.; 2 th, 2 EL)
N 413 Population Focused Care (3 cr.; 2 th, 1 EL)	N 456 Societal and Global Health: Implications for Families in Crisis (2 cr.; 1 cr. th, 1 EL)
N 416 Family Transition in Vulnerable Populations (2 cr.; 1.5 th, 0.5EL)	N 457 Nursing Simulation and Procedures IV (1 cr. EL 30 hours)
N 426 Nursing Care of Families II: Pediatric/Adolescent Health (3 cr.; 2 th, 1 EL)	N 458 Professional Role Integration (3 cr.; 1cr th; 2 EL)
N 417 Nursing Simulation and Procedures III (1 cr. EL 30 hours)
Semester 1 Total Credits: 17	Semester 2 Total Credits: 13

Pre-requisite coursework must be completed with a minimum C letter grade
*Core Pre-requisites - Must be complete prior to application to the Pre-Licensure Program.
~Support Pre-requisites- Must be complete prior to beginning the Pre-Licensure Program.

Appendix A

Essentials of Baccalaureate Education for Professional Nursing Practice

Domain 1: Knowledge for Nursing Practice

Descriptor: Integration, translation, and application of established and evolving disciplinary nursing knowledge and ways of knowing, as well as knowledge from other disciplines, including a foundation in liberal arts and natural and social sciences. This distinguishes the practice of professional nursing and forms the basis for clinical judgment and innovation in nursing practice.

Domain 2: Person-Centered Care

Descriptor: Person-centered care focuses on the individual within multiple complicated contexts, including family and/or important others. Person-centered care is holistic, individualized, just, respectful, compassionate, coordinated, evidence-based, and developmentally appropriate. Person-centered care builds on a scientific body of knowledge that guides nursing practice regardless of specialty or functional area.

Domain 3: Population Health

Descriptor: Population health spans the healthcare delivery continuum from public health prevention to disease management of populations and describes collaborative activities with both traditional and non-traditional partnerships from affected communities, public health, industry, academia, health care, local government entities, and others for the improvement of equitable population health outcomes.

Domain 4: Scholarship for Nursing Practice

Descriptor: The generation, synthesis, translation, application, and dissemination of nursing knowledge to improve health and transform health care.

Domain 5: Quality and Safety

Descriptor: Employment of established and emerging principles of safety and improvement science. Quality and safety, as core values of nursing practice, enhance quality and minimize risk of harm to patients and providers through both system effectiveness and individual performance.

Domain 6: Interprofessional Partnerships

Descriptor: Intentional collaboration across professions and with care team members, patients, families, communities, and other stakeholders to optimize care, enhance the healthcare experience, and strengthen outcomes.

Domain 7: Systems-Based Practice

Descriptor: Responding to and leading within complex systems of health care. Nurses effectively and proactively coordinate resources to provide safe, quality, equitable care to diverse populations.

Domain 8: Informatics and Healthcare Technologies

Descriptor: Information and communication technologies and informatics processes are used to provide care, gather data, form information to drive decision making, and support professionals as they expand knowledge and wisdom for practice. Informatics processes and technologies are used to manage and improve the delivery of safe, high-quality, and efficient healthcare services in accordance with best practice and professional and regulatory standards.

Domain 9: Professionalism

Descriptor: Formation and cultivation of a sustainable professional nursing identity, accountability, perspective, collaborative disposition, and comportment that reflects nursing’s characteristics and values.

Domain 10: Personal, Professional, and Leadership Development

Descriptor: Participation in activities and self-reflection that foster personal health, resilience, and well-being, lifelong learning, and support the acquisition of nursing expertise and assertion of leadership.

Appendix D

Minnesota State University, Mankato School of Nursing~ Pre-Licensure Program
Guidelines for Reviewing Student Request for Returning to the SON

The following guidelines will be utilized to process requests from students to re-enter and complete the nursing curriculum. The guidelines describe actions the student will need to take to re-enter and progress into the program based on the length of the students’ absence.

Students who did not complete the first semester of the curriculum must reapply and will be placed in the general pool along with new applicants.
Students who completed at least one semester of the nursing curriculum may return at a point of exit on a “space available” basis.
Students who receive two “no credit” grades (i.e. two unsuccessful attempts) will not be allowed to progress in the nursing curriculum. Students who have earned two “no credit” grades cannot reapply to the nursing major.
A student absent from the School of Nursing may be required to complete an independent study course to demonstrate competence in previously learned nursing skills and retention of content from courses completed in nursing theory.
Prior to registration, the student must meet with the faculty advisor and/or the Pre-Licensure Program Director to create a plan for successful completion of the nursing program.
In the event of extenuating circumstances, the student may petition the Pre-Licensure Program Committee requesting permission to reapply to the nursing program.

Approved by UPC: 2/15/02, 11/22/2002 (Revised 10/2021)

Appendix G

Minnesota State University, Mankato School of Nursing~ Pre-Licensure Program
HIPAA Instructions

Students admitted to the School of Nursing are required to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of patient confidentiality and privacy.

Prior to beginning core nursing classes, admitted students are required to complete online HIPAA training offered by the Minnesota Department of Health. Students are required to complete the following modules:

Data Security & Privacy (15 min) and the corresponding Assessment link
How to Protect Information (35 min) and the corresponding Assessment link

Instructions:

Access the Minnesota Department of Health and Human Services link at: https://data-securitytraining.dhs.mn.gov/Account/Login
Do NOT enter your email address; underneath the login button, select “Login as a Guest”.
Select the course “Data Security & Privacy” (15 minutes)
Following the completion of the course, complete the course Assessment. Note: students must obtain a “passing” score on the assessment. When the course is passed, print the page with the passing score (press control-P simultaneously to print the screen). Return to the home screen and select the course “How to Protect Information” (35 minutes).
Following the completion of the course, complete the course Assessment. Note: students must obtain a “passing” score on the assessment. When the course is passed, print the page with the passing score (press control-P simultaneously to print the screen).
This completes the two modules required for the SON. The printed assessment documents, indicating a passing score, must be turned in with your SON documentation (as directed in your admission information).

Appendix M

IFNA Family Nursing Competencies: Generalist

Enhance and promote family health.
Focus nursing practice on families’ strengths; the support of family and individual growth; the improvement of family self-management abilities; the facilitation of successful life transitions; the improvement and management of health; and the mobilization of family resources.
Demonstrate leadership and systems thinking skills to ensure the quality of nursing care with families in everyday practice and across every context.
Commit to self-reflective practice based on examination of nurse actions with families and family responses.
Practice using an evidence-based approach.

International Family Nurses Association (2015). Position statement on generalist competencies for family nursing practice.

ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses (2025)

The Code of Ethics for Nurses (Code) establishes the ethical standard for the profession and provides a guide for nurses to use in ethical practice and decision-making without dictating a specific framework or method.

The Code is a nonnegotiable moral standard of nursing practice for all settings (ANA, 2025, p. xi). View the provisions.

Provision 1: The nurse practices with compassion and respect for the inherent dignity, worth, and unique attributes of every person.

Respect for Human Dignity: Recognizing the intrinsic worth of all individuals.
Relationships with Patients and Recipients of Nursing Care: Establishing trust and providing unbiased care.
The Nature of Health: Acknowledging health as a universal right, irrespective of individual circumstances.
Right to Self Determination: Supporting informed decision making and autonomy.

Provision 2: A nurse’s primary commitment is to the recipient(s) of nursing care, whether an individual, family, group, community, or population.

Primary Commitment to Recipients of Nursing Care: Prioritizing patients over institutional obligations.
Conflicts of Interest and Conflicts of Commitment in Nursing: Navigating potential conflicts to maintain patient-focused care.
Professional Boundaries: Maintaining therapeutic relationships without overstepping boundaries.
Issues of Safety in the Nurse Patient Relationship: Ensuring all aspects of patient safety are addressed.

Provision 3: The nurse establishes a trusting relationship and advocates for the rights, health, and safety of recipient(s) of nursing care.

Privacy and Confidentiality: Safeguarding personal and clinical information.
Advocating for Persons Who Receive Nursing Care: Supporting patients in informed decision-making.
Responsibility in Promoting a Culture of Safety: Contributing to policies that enhance health and reduce errors.
Protection of Patient Health and Safety by Acting on Practice Issues: Intervening in situations that compromise patient care.
Protection of Patient Health and Safety by Acting on Impaired Practice: Addressing colleague impairment to protect patients.

Provision 4: Nurses have authority over nursing practice and are responsible and accountable for their practice consistent with their obligations to promote health, prevent illness, and provide optimal care.

Responsibility and Accountability for Nursing Practice: Providing competent care within the nursing scope.
Addressing Barriers to Exercising Nursing Practice Authority: Identifying and overcoming obstacles to ethical care.
Ethical Awareness, Discernment, and Judgment: Ensuring actions align with ethical standards.
Assignment and Delegation: Delegating tasks appropriately within practice standards.

Provision 5: The nurse has moral duties to self as a person of inherent dignity and worth, including an expectation of a safe place to work that fosters flourishing, authenticity of self at work, and self-respect through integrity and professional competence.

Personal Health and Safety: Balancing personal wellbeing with professional duties.
Wholeness of Character: Promoting authenticity and opposing discrimination.
Integrity: Upholding personal and professional values ethically.
Professional Competence: Pursuing continuous professional development.
Human Flourishing: Encouraging personal and professional growth

Provision 6: Nurses, through individual and collective effort, establish, maintain, and improve the ethical environment of the work setting that affects nursing care and the wellbeing of nurses.

The Environment and Virtue: Fostering virtues like mutual caring and transparency.
The Environment and Ethical Obligation: Maintaining awareness of factors affecting moral practice.
Responsibility for the Healthcare Environment: Contributing to a respectful and supportive workplace.

Provision 7: Nurses advance the profession through multiple approaches to knowledge development, professional standards, and the generation of policies for nursing, health, and social concerns.

Contributions through Knowledge Development, Research, and Scholarly Inquiry: Advancing nursing practice through continuous learning.
Protection of Human Participants in Empirical Research: Ensuring ethical treatment of research participants.
Contributions through Developing, Maintaining, and Implementing Professional Practice Standards: Aligning standards with ethics and advancements.
Contributions through Nursing, Health, and Social Policy Development: Influencing policies for public wellbeing.
Considerations Related to Ethics, Technology, and Policy: Addressing ethical implications of technological advancements.

Provision 8: Nurses build collaborative relationships and networks with nurses, other healthcare and nonhealthcare disciplines, and the public to achieve greater ends.

Collaboration Imperative: Engaging in teamwork to enhance nursing practice.
Collaboration to Uphold Human Rights, Mitigate Health Disparities, and Achieve Health Equity: Advocating for universal health rights and equity.
Partnership and Collaboration in Complex, Extreme, or Extraordinary Practice Settings: Addressing human rights violations collaboratively.

Provision 9: Nurses and their professional organizations work to enact and resource practices, policies, and legislation to promote social justice, eliminate health inequities, and facilitate human flourishing.

Assertion of Nursing Values: Upholding the ethical principles of nursing in all settings.
Integrity of the Profession and Responsibility of Professional Associations: Ensuring that nursing organizations act ethically and advocate for social justice.
Integrating Social Justice: Addressing health disparities and systemic inequities.
Social Justice in Nursing and Health Policy: Promoting laws and policies that improve healthcare access and equity.

Provision 10: Nurses engage in solidarity and advocacy to promote the common good, including social, economic, and environmental determinants of health.

Recognizing the Impact of Social Determinants of Health: Acknowledging how factors like income, education, and environment influence health outcomes.
Nursing’s Role in Climate and Environmental Health: Addressing the effects of climate change and environmental degradation on public health.
Economic and Political Determinants of Health: Advocating for policies that ensure fair access to healthcare and address systemic barriers.
Global and Local Health Equity: Partnering with international and community organizations to reduce health disparities.