Three student nurses giving oxygen to a synthetic baby.
  • Program Type
    Major
  • Degrees Offered
    B.A., B.S.
  • School
    Saint Gianna School of Health Sciences

Study in one of the nation’s most highly ranked nursing programs. Prepare for a career in the largest profession in the health care field. In addition to our traditional bachelor’s degrees (with early assurance for incoming freshmen), we offer many nursing pathways, including the LPN to BSN, RN to BSN, and BSN accelerated second-degree programs.

Nursing Online

Our online and evening courses make it possible to earn your bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate degree in nursing while continuing to work. We also offer the BSN accelerated second-degree program for those who already have a bachelor's degree in a different field.

What You’ll Learn

Colleges of Distinction Nursing Seal

You’ll develop a broad range of scientific, critical-thinking, communication, leadership, and patient-centered skills. You’ll be introduced to professional nursing roles and standards of care as outlined in the Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN) framework.

Gain practical experience.

Utilize state-of-the-art clinical opportunities in a variety of settings, including CHI St. Alexius Health in Bismarck, as well as public health agencies, nursing homes, hospitals, and schools.

Access competitive scholarship opportunities.

All students enrolled in the nursing program at our main Bismarck campus qualify for ample financial support. Our scholarship opportunities include the Sanford Health Directors Award for Careers in the Health Care Industry offered to freshman and juniors and a tuition-free senior year sponsored by CHI St. Alexius Health.

In addition, first-year, full-time freshmen are eligible to apply to our tuition-free Nursing Academy

Take advantage of flexible degree pathways.

Licensed nurses (LPNs or RNs without a bachelor’s degree) can obtain their bachelor’s degree through the LPN to BSN program or the RN to BSN program. Individuals with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree can enroll in the BSN accelerated second-degree program.

Secure your spot early.

Incoming freshmen who have displayed superior academic performance in high school and have been officially admitted to the University of Mary can apply for Early Assurance to the nursing program.

Prepare to pass the NCLEX-RN licensure exam.

Between April 2020 and May 2021, 100% of Mary nursing graduates who took the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) exam for the first time passed. That’s why Mary’s nursing program was ranked number one in the country for the second time in three years by Mountain Measurement in 2021.  

Read more about our number one rankings.

Program Information

Please visit our catalog for admission requirements and a full list of our courses.

Accreditations

View additional information regarding the accreditation of this program.

Nursing alumna Raumi Kudrna shares how her experiences at the University of Mary prepared her for success — in her career and in her life.

Careers & Outcomes

Employment Trends

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment of registered nurses to grow by 9% through 2030. Nurses are employed in hospitals, long-term care facilities, private practices, public health agencies, primary care clinics, and more. Other nurses work as college and university educators, preparing future nurses, or as scientists developing advances in many areas of health care and health promotion.

Career Paths

  • Registered Nurse
  • Health Educator
  • Pediatric Nurse
  • Critical Care Nurse
  • Nurse Manager
  • Quality Coordinator  
Headshot of Dr. Billie Madler, Associate Dean of Nursing

We are committed to the Mary legacy of preparing highly competent and compassionate nurses eager to fulfill their own caring ministry to individuals, families, and communities.

Dr. Billie Madler, Associate Dean of Nursing

Take Your Next Step in Nursing