[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The shortage of medical professionals continues to impact the healthcare community, resulting in a rising need for nurses. North Dakota is projected to see increased growth for RN positions from 2020-2030, making it a compelling state for nurses to consider. Moreover, North Dakota nursing programs produce an above-average NCLEX pass rate.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This guide provides an overview of becoming a nurse in North Dakota, including salary data, job outlook, and the best nursing programs in the state.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]The Best Nursing Schools in North Dakota[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Learn more about the top nursing schools in North Dakota, including which programs in the state offer the best options for current and prospective nurses.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Our Methodology[/hen-ui-text]: We use a [hen-ui-link href=”/methodology/”]data-driven methodology[/hen-ui-link] to rank the best nursing schools in North Dakota, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.[/hen-ui-text] 
[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”py-4 my-0 text-center border-b md:pb-8 md:border-none”]You might be interested in[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-article-layout ids=”76218,76212,76202″][/hen-ui-article-layout]
We use trusted sources like Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools. from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.
#1
University of Mary
- Bismarck, ND
- 4 year
- Online
- Accredited
Catholic-based University of Mary's nursing programs award traditional bachelor's degrees and online or evening accelerated tracks and bridge programs for licensed nurses.
Graduate nursing course delivery is online and includes master's degrees in nurse education, nurse informatics, leadership and management, and dual MBA tracks. Doctorate degrees concentrate on organizational leadership or family nurse practitioner.
- Program(s): Bachelor of science in nursing (BSN); master of science in nursing (MSN); doctor of nursing practice (DNP)
- Campus: Bismarck, ND
- Type: Private
- Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition:
- BSN: $9,170 per semester
- Accelerated BSN: $12,665 per semester
- LPN-to-BSN: $605 per credit hour
- RN-to-BSN: $340 per credit hour
- MSN/MBA: $560 per credit hour
- MSN: $460 per credit hour
- DNP: $630-$665 per credit hour
- Admission Requirements:
- Traditional BSN, LPN-to-BSN: 3.0 GPA, TEAS exam scores
- RN-to-BSN: 2.75 GPA, RN license
- Accelerated BSN: bachelor's degree, 3.0 GPA
- Graduate: 2.75-3.0 GPA, RN license
- Minimum Time Commitment: 12 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes for traditional BSN
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 100% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $56,641 for bachelor's graduates and $94,408 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
49%
Online Enrollment
$16,875
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
78%
Retention Rate
$16,875
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
- Acceptance Rate
- 72%
- Students Enrolled
- 3,799
- Institution Type
- Private
#2
University of North Dakota
- Grand Forks, ND
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
University of North Dakota offers on-campus bachelor's in nursing and online RN-to-BSN programs. Master's-level students can concentrate on family nurse practitioner or psychiatric-mental health. UND doctoral students can earn a doctor of nursing practice with a nurse anesthesia option. Graduate programs are offered online, with the exception of the nurse anesthesia track. Students receive assistance with clinical placement.
- Program(s): Bachelor of science in nursing (BSN); master of science in nursing (MSN); doctor of nursing practice (DNP)
- Campus: Grand Forks, ND
- Type: Public
- Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE); Council on Accreditation (COA) of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs
- Tuition:
- BSN: $450 per credit hour for in-state residents; $504 per credit hour for Minnesota residents; $676 per credit hour for out-of-state students
- RN-to-BSN: $464 per credit hour
- MSN/DNP: $816 per credit hour
- DNP-nurse anesthesthetist: $925 per credit hour for in-state residents; $1,175 per credit hour for Minnesota residents; $1,388 per credit hour for out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements:
- BSN: 3.5 high school GPA, 27 ACT or 1280 SAT for direct entry; 2.75 GPA, TEAS exam scores for junior year entry
- RN-to-BSN: associate nursing degree; RN license
- MSN/DNP-nurse anesthetist: BSN, 3.0 GPA; RN license; one year of RN experience
- DNP: MSN; 3.0 GPA; RN license
- Minimum Time Commitment: 12 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes for BSN/DNP-anesthesia
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 96.6% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $61,437 for bachelor's graduates and $107,376 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
83%
Online Enrollment
$11,060
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
81%
Retention Rate
$16,590
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
- Acceptance Rate
- 87%
- Students Enrolled
- 13,615
- Institution Type
- Public
#3
University of Jamestown
- Jamestown, ND
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
University of Jamestown describes its bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) as emphasizing bio-psycho-social-spiritual patient care. The program features internships between junior and senior years and preceptorships completed locally or in Kenya or Malawi, Africa.
UJ also offers an accelerated BSN for registered nurses online (RN-to-BSN) with testing options and 24/7 access to class materials.
- Program(s): Bachelor of science in nursing (BSN)
- Campus: Jamestown, ND
- Type: Private
- Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition:
- BSN: $22,718 per year
- RN-to-BSN: $330 per credit hour
- Admission Requirements: Completed first semester of sophomore year, 3.2 GPA, completed psychology, sociology, and sciences prerequisites; for direct entry, 3.4 high school GPA, 25 ACT or 1200 SAT; for RN-to-BSN, additional requirement of RN license
- Minimum Time Commitment: 12 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 90.5% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $61,859 for bachelor's graduates, according to College Scorecard
26%
Online Enrollment
$10,948
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
73%
Retention Rate
$10,948
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
- Acceptance Rate
- 72%
- Students Enrolled
- 1,147
- Institution Type
- Private
#4
North Dakota State University-Main Campus
- Fargo, ND
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Top nursing schools in North Dakota include North Dakota State University with three options for earning a bachelor's in nursing: a pre-licensure track, a primarily online program for licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and a fully online track for RNs.
NDSU also offers a doctorate that prepares family nurse practitioners and arranges clinical placements.
- Program(s): Bachelor of science in nursing (BSN); doctor of nursing practice (DNP)
- Campus: Fargo, ND
- Type: Public
- Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition:
- BSN: $5,332 per year for in-state residents; $5,972 per year for Minnesota residents; $7,997 per year for out-of-state students
- Part-time: $439 per credit hour for in-state residents; $491 per credit hour for Minnesota residents; $1,117 per credit hour for out-of-state students
- DNP: $483 per credit hour for in-state residents; $613 per credit hour for Minnesota residents; $724 per credit hour for out-of-state students
- BSN: $5,332 per year for in-state residents; $5,972 per year for Minnesota residents; $7,997 per year for out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements:
- BSN: pre-nursing prerequisites; college 2.75 GPA
- LPN-to-RN: completed NLN NACE exams; practical nursing certificate, diploma, or associate degree; 2.75 overall GPA; 3.0 nursing GPA; LPN license
- RN-to-BSN: associate degree in nursing; 2.75 GPA; RN license
- DNP: BSN with a 3.0 GPA; RN license
- Minimum Time Commitment: Five semesters
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes, except for RN-to-BSN
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 96.6% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $62,397 for bachelor's graduates and $107,072 for doctoral graduates, according to College Scorecard
49%
Online Enrollment
$ 7,013
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
82%
Retention Rate
$10,519
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
- Acceptance Rate
- 94%
- Students Enrolled
- 12,846
- Institution Type
- Public
#5
Lake Region State College
- Devils Lake, ND
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Lake Region State College offers programs that prepare certified nurse aides, paramedics-to-nurses, practical nurses, and registered nurses (RNs). LRSC focuses on helping graduates pass their licensure exams.
Paramedics and licensed practical nurses (LPN) earn associate degrees to become RNs. Coursework and clinical training covers adult, maternal-child, and psychosocial nursing and community health.
- Program(s): Practical nursing (PN); associate degree in nursing (ADN)
- Campus: Devils Lake, ND
- Type: Public
- Accreditation(s): Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
- Tuition: $170 per credit hour
- Admission Requirements:
- PN: high school diploma or GED certificate; 2.5 GPA; TEAS exam scores
- ADN: LPN or paramedic program completion and license; 2.75 GPA; TEAS exam score
- Minimum Time Commitment: 12 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 84.4% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $56,776 for associate graduates, according to College Scorecard
65%
Online Enrollment
N/A
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
64%
Retention Rate
N/A
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
- Acceptance Rate
- N/A
- Students Enrolled
- 1,771
- Institution Type
- Public
#6
North Dakota State College of Science
- Wahpeton, ND
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
North Dakota State College of Science lists three degree options for nurses: practical nursing associate of applied science (AAS), registered nursing AAS, and registered nursing associate of science in nursing (ASN) available to licensed practical nurses (LPN-to-RN).
NDSCS graduates qualify for licensure and employment or transfer to bachelor's or graduate nursing programs in North Dakota.
- Program(s): Practical nursing (PN); registered nursing (RN)
- Campus: Wahpeton, ND
- Type: Public
- Accreditation(s): Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
- Tuition: $150 per credit hour for in-state residents; $168 per credit hour for Minnesota residents; $180 per credit hour for out-of-state + Manitoba and Saskatchewan, Canada, students
- Admission Requirements:
- PN AAS: high school diploma or GED certificate; 2.0 GPA; ACT scores
- RN AAS: high school diploma or GED certificate; 2.25 GPA; ACT scores; certified nursing assistant certificate
- RN ASN: LPN program completion and license; 2.25 GPA; ACT scores
- Minimum Time Commitment: 12 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 100% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $58,673 for associate graduates, according to College Scorecard
32%
Online Enrollment
N/A
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
67%
Retention Rate
N/A
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
- Acceptance Rate
- N/A
- Students Enrolled
- 2,829
- Institution Type
- Public
#7
Williston State College
- Williston, ND
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Nursing students at Williston State College can pursue a one-year program certificate or two-year associate of applied science (AAS). The program certificate qualifies graduates to become licensed practical nurses (LPNs) or continue on for another year to earn their AAS and qualify for registered nurse licensure. WSC offers some courses online.
- Program(s): Practical nursing (PN); registered nursing (RN)
- Campus: Williston, ND
- Type: Public
- Accreditation(s): National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (CNEA) – pre-accreditation status
- Tuition: $193 per credit hour
- Admission Requirements:
- PN: 2.5 high school GPA; 19 ACT; TEAS exam score; prerequisites with a 2.75 GPA
- RN: PN program completion; LPN license; 2.75 GPA
- Minimum Time Commitment: 11 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 100% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $56,415 for associate graduates, according to College Scorecard
67%
Online Enrollment
N/A
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
55%
Retention Rate
N/A
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
- Acceptance Rate
- N/A
- Students Enrolled
- 959
- Institution Type
- Public
#8
Dickinson State University
- Dickinson, ND
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Dickinson State University offers a nursing bachelor's RN completion program and an associate degree in practical nursing. Students attend classes on campus and complete clinical experiences both on and off campus.
DSU's bachelor's in nursing core courses include health assessment, clinical concepts, and community health. The practical nursing curriculum covers nursing concepts, psychiatric-mental health nursing, and pharmacology.
- Program(s): Associate of applied science in practical nursing (AASPN); bachelor of science in nursing (BSN)
- Campus: Dickinson, ND
- Type: Public
- Accreditation(s): Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
- Tuition: $249-$319 per credit hour
- Admission Requirements:
- Practical nursing: 2.25 high school GPA or GED of 145 or 450
- BSN: 2.5 college GPA; nursing license
- Minimum Time Commitment: 12 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 88.2% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $56,415 for associate graduates, according to College Scorecard
53%
Online Enrollment
$6,060
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
63%
Retention Rate
$6,060
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
- Acceptance Rate
- 99%
- Students Enrolled
- 1,441
- Institution Type
- Public
#9
Bismarck State College
- Bismarck, ND
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Career-focused programs at Bismarck State College include preparation tracks for practical nurses (PN) and associate-level registered nurses (RNs). Students can earn their PN certificates, then advance to RN training.
BSC offers most courses on campus but also through live interactive video online. Clinical rotations are completed at local healthcare organizations.
- Program(s): Practical nurse certificate to associate degree in nursing (ADN)
- Campus: Bismarck, ND
- Type: Public
- Accreditation(s): Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
- Tuition: $235 per credit hour for in-state residents; $263 per credit hour for Minnesota residents; $352 per credit hour for out-of-state + Manitoba and Saskatchewan, Canada, students
- Admission Requirements:
- PN: high school diploma or GED certificate; 2.5 GPA; age 18 at start of program; CPR certification; math prerequisites or placement testing; general academic readiness testing, e.g. TEAS, ACT/SAT, Accuplacer
- ADN: PN or paramedic-to-nurse program completion; 2.75 GPA in major courses; 2.5 overall GPA; admission exam
- Minimum Time Commitment: 12 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 100% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $55,964 for associate graduates, according to College Scorecard
66%
Online Enrollment
N/A
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
N/A
Retention Rate
N/A
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
- Acceptance Rate
- N/A
- Students Enrolled
- 3,716
- Institution Type
- Public
#10
Sitting Bull College
- Fort Yates, ND
- 4 year
- Campus
- Accredited
Sitting Bull College offers nursing programs on North Dakota's Standing Rock Reservation. Enrollees can pursue an associate degree in practical nursing with an emphasis on responsible, holistic healthcare.
Core courses include introduction to the nursing profession, holistic health assessment across the lifespan, fundamental nursing interventions, and a capstone experience.
- Program(s): Associate of science in practical nursing
- Campus: Fort Yates, ND
- Type: Tribal
- Accreditation(s): Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Tuition: $1,800 per semester
- Admission Requirements: Prerequisites with a "C" or higher; 2.3 cumulative GPA; background check
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
34%
Online Enrollment
$6,300
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
N/A
Retention Rate
$6,300
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
- Acceptance Rate
- N/A
- Students Enrolled
- 229
- Institution Type
- Public
[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]RN Requirements[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]When [hen-ui-link href=”/registered-nursing/”]becoming an RN[/hen-ui-link] in North Dakota, prospective nurses must first graduate from an accredited nursing program recognized by the state board of nursing. Graduates should earn either an[hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/adn/”]associate degree in nursing[/hen-ui-link] (ADN) or a[hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/bsn/”]bachelor of science in nursing[/hen-ui-link] (BSN).[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Upon completing their undergraduate program, graduates must pass the NCLEX-RN exam and submit an application for licensure to the state. The application entails a $130 licensing fee.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]RNs in North Dakota must renew their license every two years. To qualify for renewal, RNs must complete 12 contact hours within the licensing period and accumulate 400 hours of practice within the last four years. RNs who are pursuing licensure for the first time do not need to complete the contact hours during their first renewal period.[/hen-ui-text]
[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]APRN Requirements[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/advanced-practice-nursing/”]become an APRN[/hen-ui-link] in North Dakota, nurses should hold an unencumbered RN license that allows them to practice in the state. They must also earn a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/msn/”]master of science in nursing[/hen-ui-link] or a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/dnp//”]doctorate of nursing practice[/hen-ui-link] and qualify for specialty certification through a national nursing certifying body.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]When applying for their license, the application includes a $100 initial licensure fee and a $20 processing fee for applicants who answer “no” to the criminal history check question.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]APRNs are obligated to renew their RN and certification licenses every two years. To be eligible for renewal, they must complete 12 contact hours during the renewal period and 400 hours of practice within the last four years. APRNs with prescriptive authority must also complete 15 hours of pharmacotherapy education every two years.[/hen-ui-text]
[/hen-ui-grid] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ style=”margin-top:2em”]Other Top Nursing Programs in North Dakota[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-grid columns=”1″ columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [hen-ui-article-card title=”Top North Dakota Nursing Schools and Programs” href=”https://nursejournal.org/state/north-dakota/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card] [hen-ui-article-card title=”Nurse Practitioner Practice Authority: A State-by-State Guide” href=”/nurse-practitioner/np-practice-authority-by-state//” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card] [hen-ui-article-card title=”Registered Nursing Requirements by State” href=”/registered-nursing/rn-licensing-requirements-by-state/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card] [hen-ui-article-card title=”The U.S. Nursing Shortage: A State-by-State Breakdown” href=”/articles/the-us-nursing-shortage-state-by-state-breakdown//” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card] [/hen-ui-grid] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ style=”margin-top:2em”]Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in North Dakota[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-separator /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-icon icon=”circle-help” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]How much do nurses make in North Dakota?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses in North Dakota earn below-average salaries compared to national data. Registered nurses in the state earned an average annual salary of $71,200 as of May 2021. Nurse practitioners made $112,720 on average.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-icon icon=”circle-help” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]Are nurses in demand in North Dakota?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes, North Dakota projects an increased demand for nurses from 2020-2030. For example, registered nurses in North Dakota can expect [hen-ui-link href=”https://projectionscentral.org/Projections/LongTerm?AreaName=&AreaNameSelect%5B%5D=38&Name=registered+nurse&items_per_page=10″ target=”_blank”]a 16.5% increase[/hen-ui-link] in jobs during that time frame. Nurse practitioners should see a 31.4% job growth.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-icon icon=”circle-help” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]How long does it take to become an RN in North Dakota?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]How long it takes to become an RN in North Dakota depends on your education and professional goals. Full-time students enrolled in ADN programs can graduate within two years. Those attending BSN programs on a full-time basis can finish in four years.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-icon icon=”circle-help” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]How do I get a nursing license in North Dakota?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]After earning an ADN or a BSN in North Dakota, prospective nurses must pass the NCLEX-RN exam before applying to the state for licensure. Applicants pay a licensing fee before obtaining RN licensure. RNs must renew their licenses every two years.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Find Nursing Programs in Other States[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”py-4 my-0 text-center border-b md:pb-8 md:border-none”]You might be interested in[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-article-layout ids=”76218,76212,76202″][/hen-ui-article-layout]