Online Nursing Programs in North Dakota: Reviewing Top Schools

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

When you enroll in a CNA program, you can expect to gain the knowledge and clinical skills needed to become an integral part of a healthcare team. In this role, you will provide basic services to patients, including taking their blood pressure and measuring their heart rate. Also, CNAs are tasked with communicating with patients and their families about the treatments they receive.

Example: Williston State College

• Cost: $1,265
• Length: 3 months
• Mode: Hybrid

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

LPN programs equip students with the knowledge and training necessary to work as a licensed practical nurse. Graduates can then take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN), and upon passing the test, they can apply for licensure.

These programs are generally offered by community colleges or vocational schools, though some healthcare facilities may also provide this training. During your studies, you’ll learn how to administer basic care to patients. LPN credits can be applied towards an AAS at the school.

Example: Williston State College

• Cost: $11,685
• Length: 11 months
• Mode: Hybrid

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)

An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is a good option for students looking to finish their studies in about two years. Graduates can take the NCLEX to earn registered nurse (RN) licensure. Course credits from an ADN can be applied toward a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree later.

Example: University of Jamestown

• Cost: $560 per credit
• Length: 20 months
• Mode: Hybrid

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

Traditional BSN programs generally take about four years to complete. Like an ADN, 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.

Some programs offer completely online courses, but labs, clinicals, and simulations, many of which are required for licensure, must be completed in person.

Example: Grand Canyon University

• Cost: $485 per credit
• Length: 4 years
• Mode: Hybrid

Accelerated BSN (ABSN)

Do you have a degree in something other than nursing and want to transition into the healthcare field? Accelerated programs allow you to earn your BSN in a shorter amount of time than a bachelor’s typically takes.

The duration depends on how many prerequisites you’ve completed (e.g., biology, anatomy), the nature of your undergraduate degree, and the program itself.

Example: North Dakota State University

• Cost: $11,090
• Length: 14 months
• Mode: Hybrid

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

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).

Example: University of North Dakota

• Cost: $989.25 per credit
• Length: 8 semesters (part time)
• Mode: Online

DNP and PhD Doctoral Programs

After you’ve earned an MSN, the next step might be a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or PhD in nursing. This level of learning prepares students for the highest tier of nursing practice, and graduates often work in leadership roles or as educators in nursing programs.

Depending on the program, you may be able to complete your degree entirely online. However, programs with a clinical focus combine online coursework with in-person clinicals.

Example: University of North Dakota

• Cost: $939.66 per credit
• Length: 8 semesters
• Mode: Online

Post-Master’s Certificate Programs

Are you hoping to find a unique niche within the nursing field in which to specialize? Many nursing programs offer certificate programs in areas such as ambulatory care, burn care, psychiatric nursing, informatics, bioethics, and more. A post-graduate certificate can help you gain the skills you need for a specific job or field.

Example: University of North Dakota

• Cost: $939.66 per credit
• Length: 3 semesters
• Mode: Online

LPN to RN and LPN to BSN

If you already have your Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) credential, you can continue your studies in an RN program in North Dakota. Some schools offer LPN to RN bridge programs, as well as LPN to BSN programs, which allow students to apply previous courses and work experience toward an advanced degree. RNs generally earn more than LPNs and have a wider choice of career opportunities.

Example: North Dakota State University

• Cost: $502.07 per credit
• Length: 36 months
• Mode: Hybrid

RN to BSN

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 bachelor’s degree.

An RN to BSN track often takes less time than a traditional four-year BSN program.

Example: University of North Dakota

• Cost: $456.37 per credit
• Length: 1 – 2 years
• Mode: Online

RN to MSN

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.

Example: University of Mary

• Cost: $510 per credit
• Length: 20 months
• Mode: Online

BSN to DNP

Although earning a doctorate in nursing can be a big time commitment, when you enroll in a BSN to DNP program, you can significantly cut down the duration of your studies. In fact, if you enroll on a full-time basis, you can earn your doctorate in about three to four years.

Also, you may be able to find an online program where you take coursework virtually, but you may meet on campus for certain activities, like a practicum. Clinical experiences will be required.

Example: University of Mary

• Cost: $685 per credit
• Length: 32 months
• Mode: Hybrid

Direct-Entry MSN

Just because you didn’t initially study nursing as an undergraduate doesn’t mean you have to start over to become a nurse now. Thanks to direct-entry MSN programs, people with non-nursing bachelor’s degrees can get trained for a new career while earning a master’s in the process.

Through these programs, you can learn the foundational skills of nursing so you can earn a license, as well as get advanced courses that lead to a master’s degree.

Example: University of Jamestown

• Cost: $733 per credit
• Length: 20 months
• Mode: Hybrid