The College of St. Scholastica (CSS) offers a Post-Baccalaureate Nursing (PBN)

Program Overview

The College of St. Scholastica (CSS) offers a Post-Baccalaureate Nursing (PBN) program designed for individuals who already hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree and are seeking a fast-track route into the nursing profession. This 12-month, full-time program blends online coursework, immersive labs, and hands-on clinical experiences to prepare students for the NCLEX-RN® exam and a successful nursing career.

Program Structure and Duration:

Accelerated Timeline: The PBN program is completed in just 12 months over three consecutive semesters, allowing students to transition into nursing practice in one year.

Hybrid Learning Format: The program integrates synchronous online coursework with on-site lab intensives and clinical rotations, offering a dynamic and flexible learning experience.

Curriculum Highlights:

Comprehensive Coursework: The 45-credit curriculum includes 41 credits in nursing-specific courses and a 4-credit theology and religious studies course, providing a holistic academic foundation.

Skills Labs and Simulation: Students attend on-campus lab sessions at either the Duluth or St. Cloud locations, where they practice essential nursing skills in state-of-the-art simulation labs.

Clinical Experience:

Diverse Clinical Rotations: Clinical placements take place in a variety of healthcare settings across the Duluth and St. Cloud regions. Students gain real-world experience working with different patient populations and healthcare teams across specialties such as medical-surgical, pediatrics, mental health, and community health nursing.

Supportive Learning Environment:

Faculty Mentorship: CSS provides students with close academic support and mentorship throughout the program. Faculty are committed to student success and emphasize Benedictine values such as respect, stewardship, and community.

Mission-Driven Education: The program’s curriculum emphasizes holistic and ethical care, reflecting the college’s Catholic and Benedictine identity. Students are prepared to lead and advocate in diverse healthcare environments.

Accreditation and Licensure Preparation:

Accreditation: The PBN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and approved by the Minnesota Board of Nursing, ensuring high-quality instruction and regulatory compliance.

Licensure Eligibility: Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN® licensing exam. NCLEX preparation is embedded throughout the curriculum, including access to testing tools and strategy coaching.

Admission Requirements:

Educational Background: Applicants must hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.

Prerequisite Coursework: Required prerequisites include:

• Human Anatomy & Physiology I and II
• Microbiology
• Chemistry
• General Psychology
• Lifespan Development
• Statistics
• Nutrition

GPA Requirement: A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required, with a strong academic record in science courses.

Additional Requirements: Applicants must:

• Submit official transcripts and letters of recommendation
• Complete an interview (by invitation)
• Meet health, background check, and immunization requirements

Tuition and Financial Information:

Tuition Costs: Tuition is approximately $14,784 per semester, totaling around $44,352 for the full program.
Additional Costs: Estimated at $4,200, covering NCLEX prep, lab supplies, background checks, and clinical compliance.

Application Deadlines:

Program Start Dates: The PBN program typically begins in the fall semester each year.
Applicants are encouraged to apply early due to the competitive nature of admissions and limited cohort sizes.