Bachelor of Science in Nursing RN to BSN
The Southwest Minnesota State University RN to BSN Program (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) is an accredited baccalaureate nursing program with a framework of science and liberal arts plus specialized courses in leadership and management, healthcare delivery systems and informatics, community and public health nursing, nursing research, and evidence based practice. Throughout the curriculum, aspects of rural nursing flow through the course content. The RN students come to the program with real-world experiences and abilities that enhance their learning in and out of the classroom. BSN graduates emerge as nurse generalists with a strong foundation for developing specialized clinical practice and other advanced practice roles, functioning effectively in complex environments; demonstrating critical thinking and flexibility; and translating and applying knowledge to enhance patient care quality and safety.
Upon Successful completion of the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX-RN) and admission to the SMSU RN to BSN Program, students will be awarded credits for prior learning.
We are delighted you are interested in our RN to BSN Program at Southwest Minnesota State University. The flexibility of the RN to BSN Program is designed to meet the needs of working RNs, with courses completely online. Once students graduate from the RN to BSN Program, they will be eligible to register as a Public Health Nurse through the Minnesota Board of Nursing.
Intakes
- Jan
- Aug
Application Processing Time in Days: 30
Minimum English Language Requirements
| English Level Description | IELTS (1.0 -9.0) | TOEFL IBT (0-120) | TOEFL CBT (0-300) | PTE (10-90) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expert | 9 | 120 | 297-300 | 86-90 | |
| Very Good | 8.5 | 115-119 | 280-293 | 83-86 | |
| Very Good | 8 | 110-114 | 270-280 | 79-83 | |
| Good | 7.5 | 102-109 | 253-267 | 73-79 | |
| Good | 7 | 94-101 | 240-253 | 65-73 | |
| Competent | 6.5 | 79-93 | 213-233 | 58-65 | |
| Competent | 6 | 60-78 | 170-210 | 50-58 | |
| Modest | 5.5 | 46-59 | 133-210 | 43-50 | |
| Modest | 5 | 35-45 | 107-133 | 36-43 | |
| Limited | 4 | 32-34 | 97-103 | 30-36 | |
| Extremely Limited | < 4 | < 31 | < 93 | < 30 |
Job Opportunity Potential
Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU) offers strong job opportunity potential across faculty, administrative, and staff roles. Openings include positions such as Assistant Professors in fields like Finance, Art, Social Work, Special Education, and Management. Staff roles include positions in financial aid, development, and IT support. SMSU also frequently hires adjunct faculty and student workers. The Social Work program is expanding with new faculty appointments starting Fall 2025, including online and remote teaching opportunities.
Applications are processed through the SMSU Career Site (Workday) or the PeopleAdmin portal. Required documents typically include a CV, cover letter, transcripts, and references. Recruitment timelines can take several weeks to months, so timely application and follow-ups are recommended.
Employee reviews rate SMSU positively for its supportive culture, stable work environment, and good benefits. Some drawbacks include limited pay growth and communication challenges in management. Overall, SMSU provides a balanced and student-focused workplace, making it a good option for professionals seeking academic or administrative careers in higher education.
PSW Opportunity
Post-Study Work visa or permit, allowing international students on F-1 visas to work in the US after completing their studies, typically through Optional Practical Training (OPT).
Eligibility:
To be eligible for OPT, students must have been enrolled full-time in a US educational institution for at least one academic year and be seeking work related to their major.
Duration:
Students can apply for up to 12 months of OPT, either before they finish their studies (pre-completion) or after graduation (post-completion).
STEM OPT:
Students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields can apply for an extended OPT period of up to 24 months.
Contact our PSA counselor for more information
Admission Requirement / Eligibility Criteria
Secondary Education: Completion of high school (roughly 12 years) with a minimum GPA equivalent to 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. Foreign transcripts require evaluation by services like WES, ECE, or TEC.
English Proficiency (IELTS minimum):
SMSU requires an overall IELTS score of 6.5 or higher for undergraduate admissions.
Other Accepted English Tests (with minimum scores):
TOEFL iBT: 61+
TOEFL PBT: 500+
TOEFL CBT: 173+
TOEIC: 600+
Duolingo English Test: 95+
Pearson PTE: 47+
Michigan Test of English Proficiency (MET): 64+
Cambridge English: B2 or higher
Completion of Level 109 at an English Language School also accepted.
- Course Type: Full Time
- Course Level: Bachelors/UG Degree
- Duration: 04 Year
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Total Tuition Fee:
87344 USD
Average Cost of Living: 14000 USD /year
Application Fee: 20 USD
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