North Dakota Nursing Colleges, Degrees & Licenses
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“Being a nurse in North Dakota offers a unique blend of professional opportunities and quality of life. The state’s welcoming culture, excellent nursing education programs, and diverse healthcare services create a supportive environment for both seasoned nurses and newcomers to the field.”
Beth Sanford, DNP, President of the North Dakota Nurses Association
North Dakota, a state located in the High Plains, faces substantial challenges to its nursing workforce. It has been impacted by nursing home requirements, operating costs, and immigration policy. Meeting a federal requirement mandating nursing homes have an RN on duty 24 hours a day has proved challenging for many of the urban and rural facilities throughout the state.
Mitigating staffing issues through the use of short-term contract nurses as a stopgap solution has often resulted in soaring costs. Such an outcome then strains many rural care facilities that often are already struggling to remain financially viable. A lack of consistent long-term federal or state government funding tends to further compound staffing stability.
Finally, the nation’s broken immigration system has put some international nurses in limbo and thus unable to fill the urgent staffing needs of states like North Dakota. This policy problem is no small matter, as the Kaiser Family Foundation has estimated that one of every six RNs in the United States is an immigrant nurse. In some instances, qualified nurses end up waiting longer to be approved to work in the United States than the actual duration of nursing contracts they have been offered.
North Dakota is seeking to address challenges to its nursing workforce with a strategy similar to what other states often employ. Improving nursing compensation and other benefits, emphasizing and supporting a safe workplace, partnering with and accepting assistance from state and federal government, and enhancing the quality and availability of nursing training programs are some of the most popular measures advocated to address nursing workforce woes.
The challenging circumstances characterizing North Dakota’s nursing workforce and the related demand for skilled nurses make it a nursing employee’s job market. Newly trained nursing professionals can find a lot of need for their skills and passion for the nursing profession.
Read on to discover North Dakota’s undergraduate and graduate nursing programs, salary expectations, and licensing requirements for nursing careers in this state.
Meet the Expert: Beth Sanford, DNP
Dr. Beth Sanford is a distinguished nursing education and advocacy leader, serving as the president of the North Dakota Nurses Association and the president-elect of the North Dakota Center for Nursing. With a career spanning leadership and academia, she has held pivotal roles, including director of the Fargo nursing program at the University of Jamestown and nearly nine years as a professor of nursing at Rasmussen University.
Dr. Sanford earned her doctor of nursing practice (DNP) degree focusing on public health and policy from Rasmussen University, complemented by a master of science in nursing (MSN) from the University of North Dakota. Her extensive experience reflects a deep commitment to advancing nursing practice, education, and public health initiatives.
NursingSchools.com: What is unique about the nursing practice environment in North Dakota?
Dr. Samford: Being a nurse in North Dakota offers a unique blend of professional opportunities and quality of life. The state’s welcoming culture, excellent nursing education programs, and diverse healthcare services create a supportive environment for both seasoned nurses and newcomers to the field.
North Dakota’s slower pace of life allows for meaningful connections with family, friends, and the community, complemented by outdoor treasures such as Theodore Roosevelt National Park, the Maah Daah Hey Trail, and the International Peace Garden. Safe, family-friendly communities, low unemployment rates, and affordable living costs further enhance the appeal, providing financial stability and a peaceful lifestyle.
North Dakota’s healthcare system is robust and diverse, offering advanced medical centers in urban areas, including Level I Trauma Centers and critical access hospitals in rural communities. These facilities ensure quality healthcare across the state, from routine care to specialized emergency services. For those pursuing a nursing career, North Dakota boasts a variety of higher education institutions, as well as tuition support programs and loan reimbursement options to help reduce student debt. This strong combination of professional growth opportunities and quality living makes North Dakota an ideal place for nurses at all stages of their careers.
NursingSchools.com: What is one piece of advice you would give to someone aspiring to be a nurse in North Dakota?
Dr. Samford: Aspiring nurses should begin with a SWOT analysis to assess their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats or potential challenges. This self-reflection can guide personal growth and preparation for the demands of nursing.
Building a supportive network is equally essential—surround yourself with people who want to see you succeed and ensure logistics like reliable daycare and transportation are in place to balance school and work. When selecting a nursing school, prioritize institutions that offer resources such as academic advising, tutoring, and mental health services. Time management, such as using time-blocking techniques, is key to staying organized and focused.
North Dakota is truly a place where nurses can thrive and feel at home. Come find your heart and build your life in North Dakota!
Accredited Undergraduate Nursing Programs in North Dakota
The University of Mary offers three options to obtain a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree. These are the BSN accelerated second degree track, an LPN to BSN track and the RN-to-BSN track.
The BSN accelerated degree track is for students with bachelor’s degrees in a non-nursing profession. Students may transfer credits into the program from past coursework and can complete this in-person program in just 16 months. Graduates are prepared to successfully sit for the NCLEX-RN licensing exam.
The LPN to BSN track targets practicing licensed practical nurses seeking to enhance their skills and advance their careers. A blended learning format is designed to accommodate the schedules of busy working nurses as well as those who cannot easily move to continue their education. Students complete most coursework online and are also obligated to go to the Bismarck, ND campus up to 26 days through the duration of the program. The university’s team of clinical coordinators works closely with students to secure a compatible clinical rotation placement.
The fully online RN-to-BSN track is designed for nurses seeking to maintain current skills, those seeking career advancement, and those who may eventually wish to transition into nurse practitioner roles. The curriculum emphasizes skills in leadership, creating and sustaining healing environments, the provision of safe, quality, and affordable care, collaboration with healthcare providers, patients, and families, and improvement in patient outcomes. Students may complete this degree in as little as one year.
- Location: Bismarck, ND
- Duration: One to two years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
The North Dakota State University (NDSU) School of Nursing prepares students for careers where they will make a genuine difference in the lives of patients, families and the broader community. The School of Nursing academic programs are developed and offered in accordance with the school’s vision to advance nursing knowledge and develop nurse leaders who improve the health of all people.
NDSU nursing programs place particular interest in training nurses who will work on behalf of underserved, rural, and diverse populations. NDSU offers three undergraduate nursing degree program tracks. These are the pre-licensure BSN, the RN-to-BSN program, and the LPN-to-BSN programs.
The pre-licensure program is offered at campuses in both Bismarck and Fargo. This program is composed of a pre-professional program and a professional program. Students complete 40 credits of general education courses, 20 credits of support courses, and 61 credits of professional nursing coursework to graduate. The students’ first year is spent completing prerequisite coursework. Graduates are eligible to take the national licensing examination (NCLEX-RN). Professional nurse courses provide training in numerous clinical settings, including acute and long-term care, pediatrics, public health, emergency room, critical care, and more.
The fully online NDSU RN-to-BSN program emphasizes cultivating relationships between faculty and RN students seeking to advance their careers. The online learning delivery model and part-time study pace facilitates participation by RNs who have existing work and other significant commitments. The program curriculum was designed to help its students transform their perspectives and operate with enhanced skill and renewed enthusiasm for the nursing profession. Graduates go on to work as genuine change agents in their practice settings. Coursework topics include leadership, quality and safety, evidence-based practice, population-focused nursing, and more.
The LPN-to-BSN program is a primarily online program. The program is specifically designed for licensed practical (vocational) nurses with an educational background consisting of a diploma, certificate, or an associate’s degree in nursing. The curriculum is customized to the needs and knowledge of working LPNs. This program requires some time on campus and at the clinical placement within North Dakota during summer sessions. Clinical placements are generally offered in the Fargo/Moorhead area. The admission process requires completion of an advanced placement exam. This exam may be completed online through the National League for Nursing.
- Location: Fargo, ND
- Duration: One to four years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
The University of North Dakota (UND) is recognized as a regional leader in nursing education. Unsurprisingly, admission to UND’s nursing degree programs is highly competitive. The country’s best healthcare providers highly seek after UND nursing graduates. Nursing programs are characterized by interactive classroom environments, rewarding clinical placements and access to research opportunities. Graduates are well prepared to pass the NCLEX-RN exam and pursue graduate-level nursing education. UND offers two bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree programs. These are traditional BSN programs and the RN-to-BSN program.
The traditional BSN program is a four-year program open to high school graduates and transfer students. Courses are offered in person and clinical placements are completed in the Grand Forks area. In recognition of current pressing challenges in healthcare, the curriculum emphasizes caring for diverse populations and rural communities. This program also offers early admission to students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance in high school.
The online RN-to-BSN degree is for students who already have some nursing education, such as a diploma or associate’s degree in nursing. Students may attend on a part- or full-time basis. The Office of Student Services provides unofficial transcript reviews to support the academic credit transfer process. Students must be admitted to UND before applying to the RN-to-BSN program. Students typically must complete 30 credits over one to two years to ultimately secure their BSN. To graduate, students must complete all UND Essential Studies requirements, RN-to-BSN program prerequisites and UND graduation requirements.
- Location: Grand Forks, ND
- Duration: One to four years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
The University of Jamestown (UJ) offers a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree program designed to produce nursing professionals who offer compassionate, patient-centered care. The curriculum is designed with a bio-psycho-social-spiritual emphasis. UJ also emphasizes learning through state-of-the-are simulation labs. At UJ, nursing students use simulation labs to develop skills in care for newborns, childre,n and adults as well as with patients seeking mental health care. Simulation lab experience helps students develop the critical thinking skills necessary to respond in complex, rapidly evolving patient care scenarios effectively. Program graduates may work in various care settings including emergency departments, operating rooms, intensive care units, home health and hospice care, transplant units, and more. BSN program graduates may also pursue further education to become nurse anesthetists, family nurse practitioners, nurse educator,s and more.
UJ offers two pathways to enroll in its BSN program. These are direct entry and sophomore entry. Applicants to both pathways must first be admitted to UJ before they can be admitted to the nursing program. Direct entry students are guaranteed a spot in the nursing program upon admission to UJ. These students are the top performers from their applicant pool. To qualify they must have a minimum high school GPA of 3.4 on a 4.0 scale, have high ACT or SAT scores and a substantial history of interest and high performance in mathematics and sciences in high school.
Direct-entry students are required to maintain a high academic performance after entering the nursing program. Sophomore entry is open to students with the status of sophomore or higher at UJ. As is true of the direct entry path, sophomore entry students must demonstrate a level of academic performance higher than the admission requirements typical of many BSN degree programs. Enrollment in the sophomore entry pathways is limited and thus competitive.
- Location: Jamestown, ND
- Duration: Four years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Minot State University (MSU) has been recognized as the most affordable university in the United States for out-of-state students. MSU seeks students committed to a rigorous education, public service, and openness to contributing to an energetic campus. The MSU Department of Nursing offers a bachelor of science in nursing degree program whose graduates go on to provide high-quality care, improve patient outcomes, and enhance the quality of life for individual patients and whole communities. The nursing curriculum emphasizes professionalism, evidence-based practice, holistic healt,h and globalization. All nursing students develop essential skills in nursing lab, simulation, and clinical training experiences. MSU’s two available BSN programs are the BSN pre-licensure program and the BSN completion program.
The four-year BSN pre-licensure program offers both guaranteed and standard admission. Students seeking guaranteed admission must meet higher performance standards to secure such admission. The criteria for guaranteed admission are a high cumulative high school GPA or ACT score, declaration of a nursing major in the student’s first semester at MSU, and enrollment in the First Year Experience. Transfer students are not eligible for guaranteed admission.
The MSU BSN completion program is noteworthy for its flexibility and online format and is designed for RNs who wish to pursue a BSN. Students may study at a part- or full-time pace. The curriculum builds upon nursing education and experiences to further enhance nurses’ abilities to care for individuals, families, groups, and the larger community. Individuals may apply any time, can customize their study plans to finish the program in two, three or four semesters, and may earn college credits from existing NCLEX-RN licensure.
- Location: Minot, ND
- Duration: One to four years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Accredited Graduate Nursing Programs in North Dakota
The University of Mary Division of Nursing offers seven distinct options to obtain a master of science in nursing (MSN) degree. Students may pursue an MSN degree with an educational background featuring either an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in nursing. Associate degree-trained students may pursue an MSN in nursing leadership and management. BSN-prepared students can obtain an MSN in three concentrations. These are nursing leadership and management, nurse educator, and nursing and healthcare informatics. The other three options are dual-degree options. They have an MSN/MBA dual degree in healthcare administration and business administration, an MSN/MS in healthcare informatics and bioethics, and an MSN/MS in nursing leadership and bioethics.
All the aforementioned programs are offered online. Coursework requirements and program duration vary. Nursing students with past career or work experience can earn academic credit for prior learning. The University of Mary values a diverse student body. Student backgrounds include transfer students, military personnel, and international students. More than a hundred international students from approximately thirty countries study at the University of Mary each year.
- Location: Bismarck, ND
- Duration: 16to 30 months
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
The University of North Dakota (UND) ranks among the best online colleges in the nation according to several metrics, including affordability, retention rate, academic qualit,y and student outcomes.
In recognition of advanced practice nurses’ vital role in the nation’s healthcare system, UND provides an online master of science in nursing degree in two specializations. These specializations are family nurse practitioner (FNP) and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP). Both programs require 49 credits of coursework and can typically be completed by part-time students in eight semesters.
The MSN-FNP program trains BSN-trained nurses to become advanced practice nurses. Coursework is complemented by two required campus visits design to enhance further skills in patient assessment, diagnostic skills and treatment plan management. MSN-FNP program graduates provide care to individuals and families dealing with acute and chronic health issues across the human lifespan.
UND is one of only a few schools in the Dakotas and Minnesota to offer an MSN-PMHNP program. Students are trained to treat mental health patients across the lifespan effectively. Student skill development is enhanced by clinical practicum experiences in individual, family, and group therapy settings. Graduates are well prepared to apply theory, researc,h and experiential knowledge in their daily practices, collaborate within interdisciplinary teams to supporthe t development and implementation of patient care plans, and more broadly contribute to psychiatric mental health policy and the nursing profession.
- Location: Grand Forks, ND
- Duration: Contact UND directly for duration estimate
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Nursing School Accreditation
Nursing school accreditation is a voluntary but important step programs take to demonstrate that nurses who complete their program have received a quality education. Two groups typically grant this approval: the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
In North Dakota, nursing program graduates obtain their RN and practical nurse licenses through the North Dakota State Board of Nursing (NDBON). First time license applicants must undergo the licensure by exam application process. Nurses seeking to renew their license or apply for one in North Dakota after working as a licensed RN in another state must seek licensure by endorsement. Details on how to complete these processes are available on the NDBON website.
North Dakota is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NCL) state. NCL membership allows nurses to obtain a multi-state license (MSL) and then practice in other NCL member states without being required to obtain additional licenses in those states. This means that nurses originally licensed in other NCL states can practice in North Dakota without seeking a North Dakota license so long as they do not declare North Dakota to be their primary residence. Once they choose North Dakota as their primary state of residence, nurses must obtain licensure in North Dakota in order to practice in the state.
How Much Do Nurses Make in North Dakota?
These numbers represent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics from May 2023—the latest data available as of February 2025. Certified midwife salary data is available from Salary.com (2025).
Licensed Practical Nurse Salaries
| United States | North Dakota | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 630,250 | 2,520 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $60,790 | $57,530 |
| 10th percentile | $45,670 | $49,100 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $59,730 | $57,910 |
| 90th percentile | $77,870 | $67,350 |
Registered Nurse Salaries
| United States | North Dakota | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 3,175,390 | 10,350 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $94,480 | $79,190 |
| 10th percentile | $63,720 | $63,920 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $86,070 | $74,930 |
| 90th percentile | $132,680 | $95,680 |
Nurse Anesthetist Salaries
| United States | North Dakota | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 47,810 | 120 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $214,200 | $234,950 |
| 10th percentile | $139,980 | $207,150 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $212,650 | $226,780 |
| 90th percentile | >$239,200 | >$239,200 |
Nurse Midwife Salaries
| United States | North Dakota | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 6,960 | |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $131,570 | |
| 10th percentile | $87,320 | $103,990 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $129,650 | $122,879 |
| 90th percentile | $177,530 | $154,180 |
Nurse Practitioner Salaries
| United States | North Dakota | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 280,140 | 710 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $128,490 | $127,760 |
| 10th percentile | $94,530 | $105,040 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $126,260 | $124,040 |
| 90th percentile | $168,030 | $159,740 |
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Licensure in North Dakota
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
|
Candidates for an LPN license in the state of North Dakota must meet the following requirements:
|
In North Dakota LPNs are required to renew their licenses every two years. To renew, nurses must:
|
Registered Nurse (RN) Licensure in North Dakota
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| North Dakota Board of Nursing | Candidates for a license as an RN in the state of North Dakota must meet the following requirements:
|
North Dakotan RNs are required to renew their licenses every two years. To renew, nurses must:
|
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Licensure in North Dakota
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
|
In North Dakota, a CNS is licensed as an APRN. The requirements for this license are:
| All individuals renewing an APRN license must meet or exceed 400 hours of nursing practice in the preceding 4 years and 12 contact hours of continued education within preceding two years. An APRN with prescriptive authority must complete 15 contact hours of education during the previous two years in pharmacotherapy. These contact hours fulfill the registered nurse renewal CE requirement. The license renewal fee is $220, or $295 if including prescriptive privileges. |
Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) Licensure in North Dakota
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
|
In North Dakota, a CNM is licensed as an APRN. To be eligible for a CNM license in the state of North Dakota, applicants must meet the following requirements:
|
All individuals renewing a CNM license in North Dakota must meet or exceed 400 hours of nursing practice in the preceding four years and 12 contact hours of continued education within preceding two years. An APRN with Prescriptive Authority must complete 15 contact hours of education during the previous two years in pharmacotherapy. These contact hours fulfill the registered nurse renewal CE requirement. The license renewal fee is $220. |
Nurse Practitioner (NP) Licensure in North Dakota
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
|
In North Dakota, an NP is licensed as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN). The eligibility requirements for a license are:
|
All APRNs renewing a nursing license in North Dakota must meet or exceed 400 hours of nursing practice in the preceding four years and 12 contact hours of continued education within the preceding two years. An APRN with Prescriptive Authority must complete 15 contact hours of education during the previous two years in pharmacotherapy. These contact hours fulfill the registered nurse renewal CE requirement. The license renewal fee is $220. |
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CNRA) Licensure in North Dakota
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
|
In North Dakota, a CRNA is licensed as an APRN. To be eligible for an APRN license, applicants must meet the following requirements:
|
All individuals renewing a CRNA license in North Dakota must meet or exceed 400 hours of nursing practice in the preceding 4 years and 12 contact hours of continued education within preceding two years. An APRN with Prescriptive Authority must complete 15 contact hours of education during the previous two years in pharmacotherapy. These contact hours fulfill the registered nurse renewal CE requirement. The license renewal fee is $220. |
Bernd Geels
WriterBernd Geels is a Berlin, Germany-based freelance writer and artist. He holds an undergraduate degree in atmospheric science and two graduate degrees. He completed his most recent graduate degree in international environmental studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies in 2011. He is interested in healthcare, climate change, marine conservation, indigenous science and refugee issues. You can reach him directly at [email protected].
Rachel Drummond, MEd
WriterAt NursingColleges.com, Rachel Drummond has applied her extensive experience in education and mindfulness to elucidate the importance of self-care for nursing students since 2022. Through her writings, she underscores the role of mental and physical well-being in fostering resilient and compassionate healthcare professionals.
Rachel is a writer, educator, and coach from Oregon. She has a master’s degree in education (MEd) and has over 15 years of experience teaching English, public speaking, and mindfulness to international audiences in the United States, Japan, and Spain. She writes about the mind-body benefits of contemplative movement practices like yoga on her blog, inviting people to prioritize their unique version of well-being and empowering everyone to live healthier and more balanced lives.