Nursing
Susan Huehn, Ph.D, R.N., Regents 160G; Department Chair (Fall Semester 2026)
507-786-3430
huehn@stolaf.edu
wp.stolaf.edu/nursing
Rebecca Saxton, Ph.D. R.N.; Regents 160I; Department Chair (J-Term and Spring Semester 2026-27); saxton6@stolaf.edu
The pre-licensure nursing program at St. Olaf College is designed for students that wish to pursue a baccalaureate degree in nursing and eventual licensure as a Registered Nurse. St. Olaf nurses are prepared for meaningful vocation with coursework in the humanities, social sciences, and arts alongside nursing coursework. The liberal arts foundation combined with the nursing program at St. Olaf allows students to apply knowledge, think critically, communicate effectively, and act ethically within complex healthcare systems. This approach integrates the development of the whole person, a commitment to life-long learning, and service to others with a holistic approach to the practice of professional nursing.
Accreditation and Licensure
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at St. Olaf College is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.
It is approved by the Minnesota Board of Nursing, 2829 University Ave SE, Suite 200, Minneapolis, MN, 55414, 612-317-3000.
Nursing program graduates are eligible for the National Council Licensure Examination – Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN) offered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, P.O. Box 5300, Scranton, PA, 18505, 312-525-3600.
Intended Learning Outcomes for the Major
Distinction
See Academic Honors
Departmental Distinction is available to nursing majors enrolled in senior-level nursing courses. Students interested in pursuing Departmental Distinction must submit a written proposal to the Nursing Department Chair by November 1 of their senior year.
The nursing department offers two pathways for Departmental Distinction.
1. Academic - To qualify, students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher in all nursing courses.
2. Creative and Innovative Project - To qualify, students will complete a project that demonstrates a significant contribution to the nursing profession.
Students are advised to contact the Nursing Department Chair for detailed information on the process.
Special Programs
Study Abroad
Nursing students at St. Olaf have the opportunity to participate in study abroad programs. Many nursing majors study abroad during J-term. Semester-long study abroad programs require additional planning and consultation with the nursing department chair.
Second Majors
Second majors may be desirable but not attainable for nursing majors without extensive planning and possibly additional years of college. There is no guarantee that nursing students will be able to complete a second major in four years.
Admission to the Nursing Major
Students are encouraged to express an interest in the nursing major upon application for admission to St. Olaf College. The admissions office will direct you to the necessary additional application required for the nursing major. It is advised that you apply as early as possible.
Admission is limited and competitive. Because enrollment is limited, meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee program acceptance.
St. Olaf offers two opportunities for students to apply for admission to the nursing program; Direct Admission or Regular Admission.
Direct Admission to the Nursing Major
Students intending to major in nursing at the time of application to St. Olaf College may be considered for direct admission to the nursing program as a first-year student. This allows prospective students to apply directly from high school. Students who wish to apply for direct admission must first apply to St. Olaf College via the Common Application or Coalition Application. Contact the Admissions Office for assistance.
Offers of direct admission are conditional. If direct admit students do not meet the admission criteria, they will not be granted admission. Students are welcome to apply the following year through the regular admission process.
Students who did not apply or were not selected for direct admission to the nursing program may apply for admission during the fall of their sophomore year.
Regular Admission to the Nursing Major
Students enrolled at St. Olaf may apply to the nursing program during the fall semester of their sophomore year. Once a student decides to pursue the nursing major, they should contact the Nursing Department chair to express their interest. Communication about the application process will be sent to students who are listed as applicants with the nursing department.
The nursing major begins in the spring semester of the sophomore year. All students applying (direct admit and regular admit) must meet the criteria:
1. Minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0.
2. Meet Technical Standards, as outlined on the Nursing Department Website.
3. Prerequisite courses must be taken for a letter grade with a minimum grade of C.
4. Before the January term of their sophomore year, students must complete the following four courses (or their approved prerequisite equivalent):
- BIO 140
- BIO 143
- CHEM 122 or 125
- PSYCH 125
AND at least one of:
- NURS 110
- PSYCH 241
- Designated SOAN course
5. The remaining prerequisite courses must be completed, and official transcripts received by the St. Olaf registrar, before the beginning of the fall semester of the junior year.
6. Students who earn a grade below C in a required prerequisite course may repeat the course once to achieve a higher grade. Any repeated course must be completed with a minimum grade of C prior to the nursing major application deadline.
7. Meeting these minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to the nursing major.
8. Direct admit students: if the above criteria are not met, you will not be granted admission. You are welcome to apply the following year through the regular admission process.
Progression in the Nursing Major
To progress in the nursing major, the student must:
1. Achieve a C or higher in each nursing course.
- Achieve 75% or above on the examination component of the course. If the examination grade is less than 75%, the examination component grade becomes the course grade.
- Achieve 75% or above in the clinical experience component of the course. If the clinical experience grade is less than 75%, the grade in the clinical experience component becomes the grade in the course.
2. Conform to safe and/or ethical nursing practices as outlined in the Nursing Student Handbook.
3. Meet Technical Standards, as outlined on the Nursing Department Website and in the Nursing Student Handbook.
If the above academic requirement is not met:
- The student is given the option to repeat one nursing course in which they achieved a grade of C- or lower. The student will not progress to the next semester of nursing courses until the student achieves a C or higher in the repeated nursing course.
- If the student does not achieve a grade of C or higher after repeating the nursing course, the student will be dismissed from the nursing major.
- If the student achieves a grade of C- or lower in two or more nursing courses, the student will be dismissed from the nursing major.
Dismissal from the Nursing Major
A student may be dismissed from the nursing major for reasons including, but not limited to:
- failure to satisfy academic requirements.
- failure to maintain safe, ethical, and professional standards.
- failure to meet the Technical Standards, as outlined on the Nursing Department Website and in the Nursing Student Handbook.
- excessive absences from required clinical experiences, skills labs, and/or simulations as determined by the nursing faculty.
- academic dishonesty or falsification of records.
- conduct that jeopardizes the safety or well-being of others.
- noncompliance with program, clinical site, or College requirements.
- serious misconduct that may also result in suspension or expulsion from the College.
If the nursing department faculty determines that dismissal from the program is warranted, the Nursing Department Chair will communicate this information to the student in writing.
Technical Standards
Certain fundamental skills and abilities are necessary to perform the complex discipline of nursing. The nursing curriculum, leading to eligibility for licensure as a registered nurse, requires students to engage in diverse, complex, and specific experiences essential to the acquisition and practice of essential nursing skills and functions.
A unique combination of cognitive, affective, psychomotor, physical, and social abilities is required to satisfactorily perform these functions. These functions are essential to the successful completion of the requirements of the nursing program and necessary to ensure the health and safety of patients, self, and other healthcare providers. These functions comprise the “Technical Standards” performance requirements for students. Prospective students must demonstrate that they can meet these technical standards with or without reasonable accommodations and continue to do so throughout the program. Please see the Nursing Department website for details regarding Technical Standards.
Requirements for the Major
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Prerequisite Courses (to be completed before beginning level III nursing courses) | ||
| BIO 143 | Human Anatomy and Physiology: Cells and Tissues | 1.00 |
| BIO 243 | Human Anatomy and Physiology: Organs and Organ Systems | 1.00 |
| NURS 110 | Nutrition and Wellness | 1.00 |
| PSYCH 125 | Principles of Psychology | 1.00 |
| PSYCH 241 | Developmental Psychology | 1.00 |
| Select one of the following: | 1.00 | |
| Explorations in Microbiology | ||
| Microbiology | ||
| Select one of the following: | 1.00 | |
| Introductory Chemistry | ||
| Structural Chemistry and Equilibrium | ||
| Select one of the following: | 1.00 | |
| Introduction to Sociology | ||
| Introduction to Cultural Anthropology | ||
| Sociology of Dying, Death, and Bereavement | ||
| Families, Marriage, & Relationships | ||
| Gender in Cross-Cultural Perspective | ||
| Global Interdependence | ||
| Race and Class in American Culture | ||
| Medical Anthropology | ||
| Requirements for Graduation | ||
| NURS 211 | Holistic Health Assessment | 1.00 |
| NURS 212 | Introduction to Professional Nursing | 1.00 |
| NURS 310 | Pharmacology | 1.00 |
| NURS 311 | Fundamentals of Nursing Practice | 1.00 |
| NURS 312 | Care of the Childbearing Family | 1.00 |
| NURS 314 | Medical-Surgical Nursing I Across the Lifespan | 1.00 |
| NURS 315 | Medical-Surgical Nursing II Across the Life Span | 1.00 |
| NURS 316 | Public Health Nursing | 1.00 |
| NURS 317 | Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing | 1.00 |
| NURS 318 | Nursing Leadership (1.50) | 1.50 |
| NURS 319 | Complex Patient Care | 1.00 |
| NURS 399 | Senior Nursing Seminar (0.50) | 0.50 |
| One course in ethics (students should consult with their advisor to determine what nursing courses carry the Ethical Reasoning in Context OLE Core curriculum attribute.) | 1.00 | |
*By completing this major, the student also satisfies the OLE Core Writing in the Major requirement.
The nursing major begins in the spring semester of the sophomore year. Nursing courses are upper-level (sophomore, junior, and senior years) and include theory, simulation, skills lab, and clinical experiences. Students will have group clinical experiences during the junior and senior years. During senior year, students will also complete a capstone experience with a preceptor.
The following nursing courses are required for graduation from the nursing major.
Nursing Major Courses
NURS 211: Holistic Health Assessment
This course provides a foundation in holistic health assessment strategies across the lifespan, emphasizing the integration of individual, environmental, and systemic factors. Learners engage in a blend of lectures and weekly laboratory sessions, where they practice clinical interviewing, physical examination techniques, and the differentiation between normal findings and abnormal variations. By the end of this course, learners will be able to perform a complete physical and psychosocial assessment for diverse populations. Students attend lectures plus one two-hour laboratory per week. Offered annually in the spring semester.
Prerequisites: open to sophomore nursing majors only; concurrent enrollment in NURS 212.
NURS 212: Introduction to Professional Nursing
This classroom-based course transforms nursing from a series of tasks into a rigorous scientific discipline. By exploring historical milestones and theoretical frameworks, learners develop a professional identity rooted in evidence-based practice. Through inquiry-based learning and critical reflection, learners bridge the gap between abstract theory and holistic, patient-centered care. By the end of this course, learners will be able synthesize these concepts to inform professional practice. Offered annually in the spring semester.
Prerequisites: open to sophomore nursing majors only; concurrent enrollment in NURS 211.
NURS 310: Pharmacology
This course focuses on basic concepts and principles of pharmacology, emphasizing the nurse's role in the medication administration process. Learners engage in case-based scenarios, interactive dosage calculations, and patient education exercises. By the end of this course, learners will have foundational knowledge for safe medication administration. Offered annually in the fall semester.
Prerequisites: for nursing majors: open to junior nursing majors only; completion of NURS 211 and NURS 212 with grades of C or above; concurrent enrollment in NURS 311.
NURS 311: Fundamentals of Nursing Practice
This course focuses on fundamental knowledge for nursing practice. Students examine core concepts of physiological integrity, adaptation, and the delivery of basic care and comfort. Learners engage in classroom instruction with hands-on clinical rotations, simulation, and laboratory experiences. By the end of this course, learners are able to demonstrate competency in basic nursing skills while progressing towards competency in performing holistic patient assessments.
Prerequisites: Open to junior nursing majors only; NURS 211 and NURS 212 with grades of C or above; concurrent enrollment in NURS 310.
NURS 312: Care of the Childbearing Family
This course explores the specialized nursing care of childbearing families, emphasizing a holistic, family-centered approach to reproductive and newborn health. Students engage in high-fidelity simulations and clinical rotations to bridge theoretical knowledge with practice, fostering critical thinking in prenatal and postpartum settings. By the end of this course, learners will be able to provide safe, evidence-based nursing interventions that promote optimal health outcomes for both the birthing person and neonate within the family unit. Offered annually in the fall semester.
Prerequisites: open to senior nursing majors only; NURS 314 with grades of C or above; concurrent enrollment in NURS 315 and NURS 316.
NURS 314: Medical-Surgical Nursing I Across the Lifespan
This course is the first of a two-part sequence dedicated to the holistic care of medical-surgical patients across the lifespan, emphasizing the integration of pathophysiology and therapeutic nursing interventions. Learners engage in classroom instruction with hands-on clinical rotations, simulation, and laboratory experiences. By the end of this course, learners will be able to demonstrate competency in utilizing assessment findings to inform patient care while progressing towards competency in prioritizing and implementing entry-level nursing interventions. Offered annually in the spring semester.
Prerequisites: open to junior nursing majors only; NURS 310 and NURS 311 with grades of C or above.
NURS 315: Medical-Surgical Nursing II Across the Life Span
This course is the second of a two-part sequence dedicated to the holistic care of medical-surgical patients across the lifespan, emphasizing the integration of pathophysiology and therapeutic nursing interventions. Learners engage in classroom instruction with hands-on clinical rotations in specialty care settings, simulation, and laboratory experiences. By the end of this course, learners will be able to demonstrate competency in implementing entry-level nursing interventions while progressing towards competency in evaluating the effectiveness of interventions. Offered annually in the fall semester.
Prerequisites: open to senior nursing majors only; NURS 314 with grade of C or above; concurrent enrollment in NURS 312 and NURS 316.
NURS 316: Public Health Nursing
This course focuses on health promotion and disease prevention at the individual, community and systems levels. It emphasizes collaboration, communication, data analysis and advocacy to address and improve real-world health outcomes. Learners gain and apply knowledge through community-based clinical placements, classroom learning, and simulation. By the end of this course, learners will demonstrate competency in core concepts of public health nursing. Course completion allows students to register as a Public Health Nurse in Minnesota. Offered annually in the fall semester.
Prerequisites: open to senior nursing majors only; NURS 314 with grade of C or above; concurrent enrollment in NURS 312 and NURS 315.
NURS 317: Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing
This course focuses on psychiatric mental health nursing across the lifespan. This course explores the mental health-illness continuum and evidence-based treatments to address complex biopsychosocial needs. Through classroom instruction, clinical rotations and simulations, students will become proficient in therapeutic communication and evidence-based interventions. By the end of this course, students can safely manage diverse mental health disorders and optimize patient outcomes in any clinical setting. Offered annually in the spring semester.
Prerequisites: open to senior nursing majors only; NURS 312, NURS 315, and NURS 316 with grades of C or above; concurrent enrollment in NURS 318, NURS 319, and NURS 399.
NURS 318: Nursing Leadership (1.50)
This course explores contemporary nursing leadership and management, focusing on organizational systems, interprofessional teamwork, and quality improvement to enhance patient outcomes. Students engage in active learning through case studies, collaborative projects, and a 120-hour clinical capstone that bridges theory with real-world practice. By the end of this course, learners will be able to manage diverse healthcare teams while implementing systemic strategies to improve care delivery in complex clinical environments. Offered annually in the spring semester.
Prerequisites: open to senior nursing majors only; NURS 312, NURS 315, and NURS 316 with grades of C or above; concurrent enrollment in NURS 317, NURS 319, and NURS 399.
OLE Core Requirement: OLE Experience in Practice.
NURS 319: Complex Patient Care
This simulation-based course emphasizes the care and management of patients with multiple health conditions across the lifespan. Students synthesize and apply prior learning to care for simulated patients with complex needs. Simulations offer students a supportive environment for the enhancement and evaluation of their nursing practice. By the end of this course, learners will be prepared to deliver safe, evidence-based care in their professional nursing career. Offered annually in the spring semester.
Prerequisites: open to senior nursing majors only; NURS 312, NURS 315, and NURS 316 with grades of C or above; concurrent enrollment in NURS 317, NURS 318, and NURS 399.
NURS 399: Senior Nursing Seminar (0.50)
This course focuses on preparation for the national licensure exam (NCLEX-RN), emphasizing test-taking strategies, practice assessments, and the use of individualized performance data. Learners engage in faculty-led discussions, guest speakers, and an interactive 3-day NCLEX-RN preparation seminar. By the end of this course, learners will be able to implement an evidence-based study plan to successfully obtain licensure for entry-level nursing practice. Offered annually in the spring semester.
Prerequisites: open to senior nursing majors only; NURS 312, NURS 315, and NURS 316 with grades of C or above; concurrent enrollment in NURS 317, NURS 318, and NURS 319.
Nursing Courses that Do Not Count Toward the Major
Courses that do not count toward the nursing major include: NURS 294 Academic Internship, NURS 298 Independent Study, NURS 394 Academic Internship, and NURS 398 Independent Research.
NURS 294: Academic Internship
Does not count toward the Nursing major. Students may choose a 1.00, 0.50, or 0.25 credit option
OLE Core Requirement: OLE Experience in Practice.
NURS 298: Independent Study
Does not count toward the Nursing major.
NURS 394: Academic Internship
Does not count toward the Nursing major. Students may choose a 1.00, 0.50, or 0.25 credit option.
OLE Core Requirement: OLE Experience in Practice.
NURS 398: Independent Research
Does not count toward the Nursing major.
Nursing Major - Plan of Study
This is a sample plan that meets the prescribed requirements for the nursing major at St. Olaf. This tool is meant as a guide and does not replace working closely with the student's academic advisor.
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester | Credits | |
| FYS 120 or WRIT 120 |
First-Year Seminar (or Conversation Program) or Writing and Rhetoric |
1.00 |
| CHEM 122 or CHEM 125 |
Introductory Chemistry 1 or Structural Chemistry and Equilibrium |
1.00 |
| PSYCH 125 | Principles of Psychology (or approved SOAN course) 2 | 1.00 |
| World Language or OLE Core Course (depending on placement) | 1.00 | |
| Credits | 4 | |
| January Term | ||
| NURS 110 | Nutrition and Wellness | 1.00 |
| Credits | 1 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| WRIT 120 or FYS 120 |
Writing and Rhetoric (or Conversation Program) or First-Year Seminar |
1.00 |
| BIO 140 or BIO 231 |
Explorations in Microbiology or Microbiology |
1.00 |
| World Language or OLE Core Course (depending on placement) | 1.00 | |
| Elective/OLE Core Course | 1.00 | |
| Credits | 4 | |
| Sophomore Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| BIO 143 | Human Anatomy and Physiology: Cells and Tissues | 1.00 |
| PSYCH or approved SOAN course 2 | 1.00 | |
| Elective/OLE Core Course | 1.00 | |
| Elective/OLE Core Course | 1.00 | |
| Credits | 4 | |
| January Term | ||
| NURS 110 | Nutrition and Wellness (if not already taken during first year; Elective/OLE Core Course if not) | 1.00 |
| Credits | 1 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| BIO 243 | Human Anatomy and Physiology: Organs and Organ Systems | 1.00 |
| PSYCH 241 | Developmental Psychology (or approved SOAN course) 2 | 1.00 |
| NURS 211 | Holistic Health Assessment | 1.00 |
| NURS 212 | Introduction to Professional Nursing | 1.00 |
| Credits | 4 | |
| Junior Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| NURS 310 | Pharmacology | 1.00 |
| NURS 311 | Fundamentals of Nursing Practice | 1.00 |
| Elective/OLE Core Course | 1.00 | |
| Elective/OLE Core Course | 1.00 | |
| Credits | 4 | |
| January Term | ||
| Elective/OLE Core Course | 1.00 | |
| Credits | 1 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| NURS 314 | Medical-Surgical Nursing I Across the Lifespan | 1.00 |
| Elective/OLE Core Course | 1.00 | |
| Elective/OLE Core Course | 1.00 | |
| Elective/OLE Core Course | 1.00 | |
| Credits | 4 | |
| Senior Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| NURS 312 | Care of the Childbearing Family | 1.00 |
| NURS 315 | Medical-Surgical Nursing II Across the Life Span | 1.00 |
| NURS 316 | Public Health Nursing | 1.00 |
| Elective/OLE Core Course | 1.00 | |
| Credits | 4 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| NURS 317 | Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing | 1.00 |
| NURS 318 | Nursing Leadership (1.50) | 1.50 |
| NURS 319 | Complex Patient Care | 1.00 |
| NURS 399 | Senior Nursing Seminar (0.50) | 0.50 |
| Credits | 4 | |
| Total Credits | 35 | |
- 1
Chemistry course taken is based on student's placement test results.
- 2
Choose from: SOAN 121, SOAN 128, SOAN 248, SOAN 260, SOAN 261, SOAN 262, SOAN 264, or SOAN 267.
Students must successfully complete the equivalent of 35 or more St. Olaf credits, through a combination of full-credit and fractional-credit courses, one major, and all other degree requirements to earn the Bachelor of Arts degree.
Visit the Nursing Department website for more information.
Department Chair, 2026-2027
Susan L. Huehn (on sabbatical Calendar Year January - December 2027)
Professor of Nursing; Department Chair Fall Semester 2026
Department Chair, 2026-2027
Rebecca Saxton
Professor of Nursing; Department Chair January Term-Spring Semester 2026-27
Dawn Bicknell
Adjunct Instructor of Nursing
Angela (Angie) Boehmer
Adjunct Instructor of Nursing
Emily Carroll
Assistant Professor of Nursing
Ann-Marie Chesterfield
Visiting Assistant Professor of Kinesiology
Steven Cole
Instructor of Biology
Kris Ehresmann
Visiting Instructor of Nursing
Anna Graefe
Assistant Professor of Nursing
Micaela Jacobson
Adjunct Instructor of Nursing
Vanessa Olson
Adjunct Instructor of Nursing
Nancy Ann Pelegano
Visiting Instructor of Nursing
Renee Scanlon
Adjunct Instructor of Nursing
Jennifer Sonnenburg
Adjunct Instructor of Nursing
Ericka Welsh
Adjunct Assistant Professor of Nursing