Guide to Online Nursing Programs in North Dakota
Ready to earn your RN? Whether you’re a rural resident, a city dweller, or looking to move to this Great Plains state, this guide tells you about your options for nursing programs in North Dakota.
North Dakota is a rural state and the fourth least populous state in the nation. If you don’t live near one of its few cities, you may want an online nursing program or online options for obtaining specific training for work in a rural clinic or on a reservation. Also, because of the high racial disparity in premature death rates and an increased prevalence of excessive drinking and drug fatalities, there’s an urgent need for healthcare access and providers in North Dakota.
This guide covers the types of nursing programs you’ll find in North Dakota, financial aid options, steps to earning an RN license, and the job outlook. Read on to discover the many options for nursing schools in North Dakota, regardless of where you live.
University of North Dakota
Grand Forks, North Dakota
Public
Bismarck State College
Bismarck, North Dakota
Public
Minot State University
Minot, North Dakota
Public
Mayville State University
Mayville, North Dakota
Public
University of Mary
Bismarck, North Dakota
Private
Types of Nursing Programs Available in North Dakota
There are a wide variety of nursing programs in North Dakota. Whether you’re new to the healthcare field or looking to advance your existing nursing skills, there’s a school and a program to fit your needs. Below are some of the most common options currently available in the state.
Pre-Licensure Nursing Programs in North Dakota
ADN Programs
An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is a good option for students looking to finish their degrees in about two years, and graduates are ready to take the NCLEX to earn RN licensure. Course credits from an associate degree in nursing can be applied toward a BSN or MSN degree later.
Examples of North Dakota Nursing Schools with this Program
Traditional BSN Programs
Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs generally takes about four years to complete. Like an associate degree in nursing, a BSN prepares you to take the NCLEX. The course topics are more advanced, though, and a BSN can lead to higher earning potential and more career opportunities. This option can be more beneficial in the long term.
Examples of North Dakota Nursing Schools with this Program
Accelerated BSN Programs
Have a degree in something other than nursing and want to transition? Accelerated BSN programs allow you to earn your BSN in a shorter amount of time than a bachelor’s usually takes. How long it takes will likely depend on how many prerequisites you’ve completed (e.g., biology, anatomy) and what your undergraduate degree is in.
Example of North Dakota Nursing School with this Program
Nursing Bridge Programs in North Dakota for Current Nurses
LPN to RN and LPN to BSN Programs
If you already have your Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), you can continue your studies in an RN program in North Dakota. Some schools offer a bridge program that allows students to apply previous courses and work experience toward an advanced degree. RNs generally earn more than LPNs and have a more comprehensive range of career opportunities.
Examples of North Dakota Nursing Schools with this Program
RN to BSN Programs
For nurses who already hold RN licenses and are working in the field, earning a BSN increases job opportunities and earning potential. Several schools offer programs that allow you to apply previous credits/clinical experience toward earning a four-year bachelor’s degree. An RN to BSN track often takes less time than a traditional BSN program.
Examples of North Dakota Nursing Schools with this Program
RN to MSN Programs
If you have an RN license and want to advance your career, an MSN program is a good option. MSNs provide specialized knowledge, and MSN nurses often work in leadership positions or roles, such as nurse midwives or nurse practitioners. RN to MSN programs allow you to bypass the BSN degree and earn a master’s degree.
Example of North Dakota Nursing School with this Program
Advanced Nursing Programs in North Dakota
MSN Programs
If you’re ready to advance your RN career, an MSN might be the next step. Several program options include RN to MSN degrees that don’t require a bachelor’s degree, traditional BSN to MSN degrees, and MSN programs for students with degrees in something other than nursing. An MSN degree prepares you for a career in nursing leadership or a specialized role (e.g., nurse practitioner).
Examples of North Dakota Nursing Schools with This Program
DNP and PhD Doctoral Programs
After you’ve earned an MSN, the next step might be a DNP or PhD in Nursing. This level of learning prepares students for the highest level of nursing practice, and graduates often work in leadership roles or as educators in nursing programs.
Examples of North Dakota Nursing Schools with This Program
Post-Graduate Certificates
There are usually opportunities to specialize in most nursing graduate programs. Perhaps you’re interested in becoming a psychiatric nurse practitioner, or you’d like to specialize in bioethics or informatics. A post-graduate certificate can help you gain the skills you need for a specific job or field.
Examples of North Dakota Nursing Schools with This Program
What You Need to Know About Online Nursing Programs in North Dakota
Advances in technology have made nursing programs more flexible than ever. Online nursing programs in North Dakota allow you to learn when and where it’s most convenient for you. Many nursing students already work in the field, so flexibility is key for managing existing responsibilities. Whether you’re earning your RN or a BSN or are working on a graduate degree, you can take most or all your lecture classes online. The exact set varies by school and program, but in-person clinical practicum components are still likely required. Online students usually participate in clinical rotations near their school, typically within 50-100 miles. Remote courses are convenient, but they require increased motivation and self-discipline.
Funding Your Future: Financial Aid for North Dakota Nursing Students
Students attending a regionally or nationally accredited school are eligible for all types of federal financial aid, from loans that need to be repaid to grants that are basically a gift of free money. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a good place to start when it comes to federal and state aid. Additionally, the North Dakota Center for Nursing has several links and resources for nursing-specific scholarships.
No matter what nursing program in North Dakota you choose, you’ll find this nursing scholarship guide helpful. Also, check out this financial aid guide where you can research all the options available (e.g., grants, loans, scholarships, work-study) regardless of your major.
Preparing for Your RN Career in North Dakota
While nursing licensure requirements are similar from state to state, each has its own specific requirements and fee structure. It’s important to carefully read and follow the steps provided by the North Dakota Board of Nursing to ensure you receive your license immediately. The following steps are needed to obtain an RN license in North Dakota:
Step #1: Complete a state-approved RN degree.
If the nursing program is in-state, it must be approved by the North Dakota Board of Nursing. If it’s out-of-state, it must be approved by another Board of Nursing, include supervised clinical experience, and be roughly equivalent in amount and time to the North Dakota Board of Nursing approved programs.
Step #2: Request transcripts be sent to the North Dakota Board of Nursing.
Graduates should not directly send or fax their transcripts. They should instead make a secure request through the National Student Clearing House, e-script, or Parchment. Students can also ask their school to send a paper copy of their transcripts.
Step #3: Register with NCLEX Candidate Services for testing.
Graduates should register online or by calling 1-866-496-2539. The fee is $200. If something comes up (e.g., illness, schedule conflict, etc.), you must reschedule your appointment at least 24 hours before the appointed exam time.
Step #4: Complete the online RN exam application.
Prospective RNs should complete the exam application online and pay the $145 exam/processing fee. You must then pass the NCLEX to become an RN.
Step #5: Complete a criminal history record check.
Applicants should follow the online instructions for a Criminal History Record Check. Once transcripts, exam application and fee, passing NCLEX results, and criminal history check are completed and received by the nursing board. You’ll receive your RN license within three business days.
Step #6: RNs are required to renew their license every two years in North Dakota.
RNs must complete 12 continuing education hours each year (this is not required for the first renewal after taking the NCLEX and works at least 4oo hours in the preceding four years (this is waived for recent graduates). The renewal fee varies depending on license type and whether it’s a renewal or reactivation.
Salary and Job Outlook for North Dakota RNs
In North Dakota, there is an expected 10.40% increase in jobs for registered nurses, making this an excellent time to train for entering the profession in the near future. In fact, 770 new jobs will be created every year in the state. The outlook across the country also looks promising, with a 5.60% increase in the field in the United States, translating to 193,100 positions created annually. Another compelling reason to become an RN now is the earning potential. In North Dakota, RNs earn between $63,920 and $95,680, with an average annual salary of $74,930. However, salaries vary in specific areas of the state. For example, in Fargo, the average salary is $73,380, with a range from $65,250 to $94,710. In Bismarck, salaries range from $63,860 to $94,970, with an average of $71,980. Review the tables below for more information.
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Dakota | $63,920 | $74,930 | $95,680 |
| Bismarck, ND | $63,860 | $71,980 | $94,970 |
| Fargo, ND-MN | $65,250 | $73,380 | $94,710 |
| Grand Forks, ND-MN | $63,920 | $74,930 | $95,530 |
Source: Registered Nurses, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % | Avg. Ann. Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 3,172,500 | 3,349,900 | 177,400 | 5.60% | 193,100 |
| North Dakota | 11,500 | 12,700 | 1,200 | 10.40% | 770 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
