Pre-Nursing

Whether you are just starting to consider a career in nursing or are sure you want to pursue a higher level of training, Morris has the right tools to help you prepare.

We Offer:

  • Preparation with options: Prepares students for many career and training options
  • Psychology courses with a biology focus: Prepare pre-nursing students ready for careers and graduate study
  • Framework of cooperation with the University of Minnesota School of Nursing: Ensures qualified Morris graduates are considered for admission every year for the Master of Nursing program.

Morris Advantages

You'll need good grades—and more—to be admitted into a nursing program. Here are some of the advantages of preparing at the University of Minnesota, Morris:

  • University of Minnesota Infrastructure: As part of a major research university, Morris provides access to digital and technological resources not usually found on residential undergraduate campuses.
  • Award-Winning Faculty: Our classes are taught by professors, not teaching assistants. We also have the highest percentage of Horace T. Morse-Minnesota Alumni Association Award for Outstanding Contributions to Undergraduate Education recipients in the University of Minnesota system.
  • Undergraduate Research Opportunities: Morris offers stipend programs and an annual Undergraduate Research Symposium to support undergraduate research, which gives students interested in health fields a competitive edge.
  • Nationally Recognized Study Abroad: Nearly half of Morris students graduate having done international study. Studying abroad helps prepare students for the international health service trips common in medical professions.
  • Community Connections: Thanks to strong relationships between the University and local medical providers, pre-health students can shadow medical professionals throughout the community.
  • Engagement and Leadership Opportunities: Morris has more than 90 student clubs and organizations, many of which provide opportunities for pre-health students to connect with their peers and develop strong leadership skills.

Preparing for Nursing School

Beginning Fall 2019, students with Junior status (61-90 completed credits) from the University of Minnesota campuses in Crookston, Duluth, Morris, and Rochester are able to apply for early decision for admission to the Master of Nursing program at the School of Nursing on the University in the Twin Cities. Accepted students will be able to enjoy their final year (Academic Year 2020-2021) of their undergraduate degree knowing their journey into the nursing profession will begin Fall 2021 after their undergraduate degree has been successfully conferred:

Students must fulfill the following criteria to be eligible for the early decision option:

  1. Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5
  2. Completed 5 of 9 prerequisite courses for the Master of Nursing program by the end of fall semester junior year.
  3. Minimum prerequisite GPA of 3.7
  4. GRE scores at the 50th percentile or higher

The application for "early decision for admission" opens on November 15th and closes on January 15th. Students selected will be required to maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 and prerequisite GPA of 3.7. Students must have a completed baccalaureate degree in a non-nursing field at their system campus institution by June prior to fall enrollment in the MN program. All nine prerequisites for the program must be completed prior to accepted cohort start date. Deferments will not be granted.

If not accepted for early decision, qualified students remain eligible to apply for competitive admission during the final year of their undergraduate program or thereafter.

Applying to Nursing School

Unlike law or medical school, there is no specific exam for applying to nursing school, although a post-baccalaureate or Masters in Nursing program may require the Graduate Record Exam (GRE).

Application deadlines vary by institution. Students should check the specific policies of their chosen institutions.

In general, students have to:

  • Complete application essays
  • Submit official transcripts and a current resume
  • Provide up to three letters of recommendation (at least two from academic sources)
  • Participate in formal interview if/when invited

School favored by Morris students for a post-baccalaureate/Masters of Nursing degree: