The Dakota Nursing program at Dakota College at Bottineau will pin 40 Associate in Applied Science Nurse graduates this spring from their programs located on the Minot, Valley City and Bottineau campuses, according to information provided by the college.

Dakota College at Bottineau’s practicum is a member of the Dakota Nursing Program, a consortium of four community college nursing departments which work together to offer a common curriculum for a Practical Nursing Certificate and for an Associate in Applied Science in Nursing. The program works to meet North Dakota’s growing need for nurses by providing these degree programs on the campuses of four two-year colleges and numerous satellite sites across the state.

There are 12 graduates in the Bottineau class, 18 in the Minot class and 10 in the Valley City class. The program collaborates with medical centers across the state at which students gain practical experience. The nursing program has proven successful, as graduates consistently score higher than the national average on exit exams. The pinning ceremonies are open to guests of the graduates and will be held in the respective program communities.