Nursing Program Admissions
Admission credit is awarded for each of the following components:
- Metrics (55%): Health Science Reasoning Test (HSRT) total score, completed course grades from the 9 general education courses, and resident credit. A minimum HSRT score of 74, which must be taken at Anoka-Ramsey Community College, is required for application.
- Experience (31%): Healthcare and non-healthcare work experiences, volunteer work, LPN status, veteran status, and education (any college degree).
- Attributes (14%): Two essays, each 250 words or less.
How to Apply
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1
Review Admissions Criteria and Apply to Anoka-Ramsey
- Review metrics for the Nursing program's holistic admissions criteria (PDF).
- Complete your free online application to Anoka-Ramsey.
- Save your StarID and password. You'll use these for student email and college services, and must be included in your Nursing program application.
- Watch your email for your next steps and updates on enrollment.
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2
Nursing Assistant Certification
The certification number for current or expired Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification is required at the time of application or proof of completion of a CNA program for students who completed coursework but did not take the test for registry.
The certificate number (current or expired) or the name of school or facility where course was completed, and completion year must be listed on the nursing application. LPNs are not required to have CNA certification. -
3
Submit HSRT Scores
The Health Science Reasoning Test (HSRT) taken at Anoka-Ramsey is required for all applicants. TEAS
is no longer accepted. A minimum HSRT score of 74 is required; applicants with scores below 74 are not eligible to apply.
HSRT Testing Availability
HSRT testing is open two months prior to the start of respective nursing application cycles and through the month-long application period.
- Nov. 1 through Feb. 1 for fall applicants
- April 1 through July 1 for spring applicants.
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4
Apply to the Program
The link to the online nursing application form will only be available during the respective fall and spring application cycles.
Fall Cohorts
- Application opens Jan. 1 through Feb. 1
- Submission deadline is Feb. 1 at 11:59 pm
- Decision notifications are emailed April 1
- Application opens June 1 through July 1
- Submission deadline is July 1 at 11:59 pm
- Decision notifications are emailed Sept. 1
Before you begin the application, have the following prepared:
- Anoka-Ramsey Student Tech ID number
- The date you took the HSRT and your score
- College name(s) for any completed general education courses
- Names and dates for employment and volunteering
- Essay responses ready to cut and paste
Nursing Program Application FAQs
Prior to being formally accepted into the nursing program, but being accepted at the college, students can declare Pre-Nursing as a major at Anoka-Ramsey. For students that plan to apply to the nursing program it is vitally important to work with your Academic Advisor to prepare a competitive application. Academic advisors help ensure that students register for the correct general education courses and understand the application process.
Courses from other colleges often transfer as equivalent to general education courses required in the nursing program, but do not assume that all courses, even those with the same course title or course number, are equivalent.
Connect with an advisor or use transferology.com to verify course equivalencies.
No.
A confirmation email is sent to the email address you provided on your nursing application. Check Spam/Junk folders if you do not receive an email confirmation the same day you apply. If confirmation is not found, contact nursingadmissions@anokaramsey.edu.
Although being on the MN Department of Health CNA registry is strongly recommended, being on the registry is not required for application to the nursing program. However, proof of completion of CNA training/coursework is required at the time of application to the nursing program at Anoka-Ramsey. The certificate number (current or expired) or the name of school where the course was completed, and the year completed must be listed on the nursing application. CNA certifications or course completion from outside of MN are also considered.
What is a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)?
Students who complete a Nursing Assistant course and pass a registry exam are Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs). CNAs work closely with patients and are responsible for various care services including bathing, grooming, feeding patients, assisting nurses and checking patient vital signs.
- Nursing Assistant programs in Minnesota are at least 75 hours in length and must be approved through the Minnesota Department of Health.
- Some programs combine NA/HHA (Nursing Assistant and Home Health Aide) certification.
- Many employers in healthcare pay for CNA certification or offer reimbursement.
- Students must test within two years of course completion and may take the test up to three times.
Training Information
- Anoka-Ramsey Community College offers combined Nursing Assistant and Home Health Aide courses through continuing education and customized training.
- Anoka Technical College offers the combined Nursing Assistant and Home Health Aide (NA/HHA) as a 5 credit-based course that is also PSEO eligible for high school students. Learn more at anokatech.edu.
- Additional training options can be found through the state of Minnesota at health.mn.us.
CNA Registry Information
The CNA registry will provide your certification number for current or expired certifications.
