RN Programs in North Dakota
North Dakota is well known for designing and implementing nursing practice initiatives that are intended to enhance healthcare and the nursing profession. North Dakota is the only state to require a bachelor’s degree before being admitted into the field. In 1987, legislation was passed that requires all newly hired registered nurses to have a bachelor’s degree in nursing. However, due to popular demand, the law was repealed in 2003. Despite the repeal, North Dakota and state nurse associations continue to encourage a BSN education. Nurses who are willing to advance their education, know that now is a great time to earn their RN or BSN degree from an accredited institution.
In our North Dakota RN program guide, find rankings for both ADN and BSN Degree programs, tuition costs, NCLEX passing rates, and more. Research key North Dakota RN Program information to help you compare program metrics and to apply to best RN program for your career in nursing.
In the State of North Dakota, nurses are helping to change the face of healthcare. To ensure that they have the best education and preparation for future health care challenges, registered nurses need to graduate from a state-approved associate's degree in nursing program or a BSN degree program.
Nurses who graduate from an RN program can obtain certification in over 100 nursing specialties, go on to earn an RN to BSN or RN to MSN degree.
BSN degree holders have options to earn an Advance Practice Register Nursing (APRN) degree and become a Nurse Practitioner (NP), or earn an advanced degree for a career in any number of nursing leadership roles such Nurse Educator or Clinical Nurse Specialist.
North Dakota RN Program Comparisons: ADN vs BSN
| Compare RN Programs | ADN | BSN |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Nursing Programs | 5 | 6 |
| Average NCLEX Passing Rate | 89.19% | 90.07% |
| NCLEX Passing Rate Range | 75.00% to 96.21% | 84.56% to 93.51% |
| Average Net Price | $8,371.20 | $13,777.67 |
| Average Net Price Range | $7,365.00 to $9,259.00 | $9,981.00 to $16,568.00 |
| Average Student Loan | $8,485.00 | $16,834.67 |
| Average Student Loan Range | $7,133.00 to $10,498.00 | $13,489.00 to $20,250.00 |
| See Additional Detail | ADN Rankings for North Dakota State | BSN Rankings for North Dakota State |
Best Ranked RN Programs in North Dakota
To help nursing students in their search for a top RN program, the education experts at RNCareers.org publish their annual findings of the best nursing schools for both North Dakota and the country. Schools ranked on our list have proven their ability to educate highly competent nurses.
To create our rankings, we evaluated 5 ADN degree programs and 5 BSN degree programs in North Dakota. We obtained each institution’s first-time NCLEX-RN passing rates, the number of students taking the test, the program nursing accreditation and more. We then compared the results against other nursing programs in North Dakota to provide our state rankings. View our methodology.
RANKED 1
Bismarck State College
- 1603 Edwards Ave., Bismarck, ND - 58506-5587
- (701) 224-5400
Bismarck State College is located in Bismarck, North Dakota. Through the Dakota Nursing Program, a collaboration of several community colleges, a standardized nursing program allows students to earn their LPN and then their RN in a stepwise fashion. They are also eligible for bridge programs for RN to BSN/RN to MSN with neighboring universities.
School Information
Location: Bismarck, ND- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 97.10%- State Rank: 1
- US Rank: 44
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 2
North Dakota State College of Science
- 800 N 6th St, Wahpeton, ND - 58076-0002
- (701) 671-2403
North Dakota State College of Science is located in Wahpeton, North Dakota. They offer several options for their nursing students; they offer an LPN diploma, an LPN AAS, which is designed for students who will eventually seek to obtain their ADN, and an ADN degree.
School Information
Location: Wahpeton, ND- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 96.63%- State Rank: 2
- US Rank: 56
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 3
Lake Region State College
- 1801 College Dr N, Devils Lake, ND - 58301-1598
- (701) 662-1600
Lake Region State College is located in Devils Lake, North Dakota. LRSC offers a practical program and an ADN program. Their ADN program is open to students holding an LPN license or paramedic license; it is not a program for students new to healthcare.
School Information
Location: Devils Lake, ND- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 92.85%- State Rank: 3
- US Rank: 182
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 4
Williston State College
- 1410 University Ave, Williston, ND - 58801
- (701) 774-4200
Williston State College is located in Williston, North Dakota. Their program is considered a 1+1 program, where the first year earns the student an LPN certificate and license, and the second year earns the student an RN degree. Their program is designed under the Dakota Nursing Program.
School Information
Location: Williston, ND- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 90.86%- State Rank: 4
- US Rank: 264
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
RANKED 5
Dakota College at Bottineau
- 105 Simrall Blvd, Bottineau, ND - 58318-1198
- (701) 228-2277
School Information
Location: Bottineau, ND- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 90.53%- State Rank: 5
- US Rank: 278
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
ADN Programs In North Dakota
The Dakota Nursing Program is a consortium of Bismarck State College, Lake Region State College, Dakota State College at Bottineau, and Williston State College. This collaboration educates several hundred practical nurses and associate degree RNs yearly, preparing them to advance their degree to a bachelor's degree. "The Dakota Nursing Program is administered by one Nursing Director and a Nursing Coordinator located at each of the four colleges along with nursing faculty and staff."
NCLEX Passing Rates for North Dakota ADN Programs
North Dakota State College of Science has the highest NCLEX-RN rate in North Dakota of 96.21%. Attending this stellar school will cost you about $8,342.00 a year.
- ADN Programs Offered in North Dakota: 5
- Average NCLEX-RN Passing Rate: 89.19%
- NCLEX Passing Rate Range: 75.00% to 96.21%
How Much Do ADN Programs Cost in North Dakota?
We compiled the net-price costs for RN Programs in North Dakota so that you can find RN programs to meet your budget expectations.
When comparing ADN vs BSN programs, the average net-price per year for an Associate Degree in Nursing program is considerably less than for a Bachelor Degree in Nursing.
The lowest cost ADN program in North Dakota is offered by Bismarck State College at about $7,365.00 and has an average NCLEX-RN passing rate of 95.67%. The highest cost ADN program is offered by Williston State College and it will cost about $9,259.00 and has an average NCLEX-RN passing rate of 89.39%.
- Average Net-Price for ADN Programs inNorth Dakota: $8,371.20
- Net-Price Range for North Dakota ADN Programs: $7,365.00 to $9,259.00
Median Student Borrowing for ADN Programs
- Average Student Borrowing for North Dakota Schools: $8,485.00
- Student borrowing range for ADN programs in North Dakota: $7,133.00 to $10,498.00
RANKED 1
Dickinson State University
- 291 Campus Drive, Dickinson, ND - 58601-4896
- (701) 483-2507
Dickinson State University is located in Dickinson, North Dakota. They offer an associate of applied science practical nursing (AASPN) program and a BSN program. Unique to their program is the BSN completion program, which is actually an LPN to BSN program, designed with their LPN students in mind.
School Information
Location: Dickinson, ND- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 94.14%- State Rank: 1
- US Rank: 122
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree
RANKED 2
University of Mary
- 7500 University Dr, Bismarck, ND - 58504
- (701) 255-7500
School Information
Location: Bismarck, ND- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Hybrid, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 94.00%- State Rank: 2
- US Rank: 127
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree, BSN to DNP, Master Degree, MSN to DNP
- Program Accreditors: ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 3
Minot State University
- 500 University Ave W, Minot, ND - 58707
- (701) 858-3000
Minot State University is located in Minot, North Dakota. They offer a traditional BSN program and an online BSN completion program for RNs. The BSN completion program can be completed on a full-time basis or a part-time basis and accepts new students twice yearly.
School Information
Location: Minot, ND- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 92.53%- State Rank: 3
- US Rank: 180
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree
RANKED 4
University of North Dakota
- 264 Centennial Drive, Stop 8193, Grand Forks, ND - 58202-8193
- (800) 225-5863
University of North Dakota is located in Grand Forks, North Dakota. They offer several options for their nursing students – a traditional BSN degree, an accelerated BSN for students with a prior bachelor’s degree and an RN to BSN track. The RN to BSN program is utilizes “distance learning” and faculty from the nursing department will arrange for clinical experience with a facility in the student’s area.
School Information
Location: Grand Forks, ND- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Hybrid, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 92.40%- State Rank: 4
- US Rank: 182
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree, Master Degree, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate
- Program Accreditors: ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 5
North Dakota State University-Main Campus
- 1301 12th Avenue North, Fargo, ND - 58108-6050
- (701) 231-8011
North Dakota State University is located in Fargo, North Dakota. They offer a BSN degree with two options: a pre-professional option and a professional option. The pre-professional option is for new students, whereas the professional option is for students who already have their RN license.
School Information
Location: Fargo, ND- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Hybrid
NCLEX
Overall Score: 92.24%- State Rank: 5
- US Rank: 191
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree, BSN to DNP, MSN to DNP
- Program Accreditors: ACEN, CCNE
NOT RANKED
University of Jamestown
- 608 6th St NE, Jamestown, ND - 58405
- (701) 252-3467
University of Jamestown is located in Jamestown, North Dakota. They offer a BSN degree; they also offer the unique opportunity of traveling to Kenya, Malawi or Vietnam for part of the clinical experience. Students may be accepted early, as early as freshman year, if they can meet certain admission criteria.
School Information
Location: Jamestown, ND- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree
- Program Accreditors: CCNE
BSN Programs In North Dakota
BSN nursing degrees in North Dakota generally offer a liberal arts and science foundation. The intended result is for nurses to receive a well-rounded educational base, which can help in developing nursing and leadership skills that will positively impact patients. Programs are offered online as well as in a traditional campus setting. Both programs offer a fully accredited education with full or part time schedule available for busy nurses. Programs vary in completion time. Nurses are encouraged to seek out specific information from all schools they inquire about. Most programs require clinical hours but work hard to schedule them in the student’s community.
NCLEX Passing Rates for North Dakota BSN Programs
Dickinson State University wins the highest NCLEX-RN passing rate for BSN programs offered in North Dakota with a score of 93.51%. Attending this influential program will cost you about $9,981.00 a year.
- BSN Programs Offered in North Dakota: 6
- Average NCLEX-RN Passing Rate: 90.07%
- NCLEX Passing Rate Range: 84.56% to 93.51%
How Much Do BSN Degree Programs Cost in North Dakota?
We compiled the net-price costs for BSN Programs in North Dakota to give you an idea of how much nursing school will cost.
The lowest cost BSN degree program in North Dakota is offered by Dickinson State University and will cost you about $9,981.00 and has an average NCLEX-RN passing rate of 93.51%. The highest cost BSN degree program is offered by University of Jamestown and will cost you about $16,568.00 and it has an average NCLEX-RN passing rate of N/A%.
- Average Net-Price for BSN Programs in North Dakota: $13,777.67
- Net-Price Range for North Dakota BSN Programs: $9,981.00 to $16,568.00
Median Student Borrowing for BSN Programs
- Average Student Borrowing for North Dakota Schools: $16,834.67
- Student borrowing range for BSN programs in North Dakota: $13,489.00 to $20,250.00
Become an Advance Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in North Dakota
RNs who wish to become advanced practice registered nurses will want to pursue any number of avenues to earn Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. Earning a Master of Science in Nursing consists of graduate-level coursework and clinical practice for those nurses who wish to direct patient roles such as a nurse practitioner. You can also pursue indirect patient roles such as teaching or leadership roles, or become involved in policy, state-wide health initiatives or community engagement. There are many clinical and non-clinical avenues that an RN with MSN can pursue.
Become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) in North Dakota
Learn how to become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) and research schools in North Dakota offering the following high paying nurse practitioner specialties:
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Learn about Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Degree.
North Dakota RN Licensing Requirements
North Dakota State Board of Nursing
919 South 7th Street, Suite 504
Bismark, ND 58504
(701) 328-9777
Fees:
Initial licensing fee, RN: $110
License renewal (every two years), RN: $90
Continuing Education Requirements:
RNs and LPNs: 12 contact hours every renewal period
RN Licensure by Exams
Upon completing a degree program, nursing candidates will begin the steps toward licensure. If the steps are completed in a timely manner so that he/she will be eligible to work as a graduate nurse while the steps are being completed and the paperwork is being processed. The license application fee is $130 and can be found online. Official transcripts need to be sent to the Board. Before North Dakota can issue a 90-day work authorization, the candidate must also register for the NCLEX exam through the Pearson VUE website and pay the $200 fee. When authorization to test has been issued, the candidate can schedule the computer-based test. Candidates are required to apply for the CHRC within 60 days of graduation in order to obtain temporary work authorization. There is no limit on exam retakes however, there is additional paperwork required.
RN Licensure by Endorsement
Registered nurses who have obtained licensure in one of the other 50 states can apply for licensure by endorsement. In addition to the application, candidates must submit a criminal background check, official transcripts, and license verification. There will be a refresher course required if the candidates is not a recent graduate and has not practiced at least 400 hours within the past four years.
RN License for Nurses Educated Abroad
Nurses who completed an education program abroad are required to have their coursework evaluated by a professional evaluation service such as CGFNS. The certificate should be submitted with the licensure for examination. A social security number is also required for licensure. Applicants from Canada need not provide a CGNFS certificate.
RN Salaries in North Dakota
North Dakota has been suffering from a nursing shortage for almost five years. A lot of hospitals in North Dakota are hiring traveling nurses, which is apparent with the lack of qualified nursing personnel in the hospitals across the state. The median annual salary in the state of North Dakota is $53,300. The top end of the range is $70,000 and is dependent on the nurse’s experience, education, and practice setting. Pursuing higher education can help nurses to expand the setting in which they can practice and open up career possibilities that did not exist with an associate’s.
North Dakota Registered Nursing Salaries
Overall, the amount of registered nurses in North Dakota is on the low end. However, Fargo has the highest amount of registered nurses across the nations. It should come to no surprise that Fargo also has the highest hourly wage and annual median wage.
| Area name | Employment | Hourly mean wage | Annual median wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bismarck, ND | 2,130 | $26.81 | $55,520 |
| Fargo, ND-MN | 2,580 | $29.24 | $59,510 |
| Grand Forks, ND-MN | 1,040 | $27.76 | $56,930 |
| Far Western North Dakota nonmetropolitan area | 420 | $28.86 | $56,160 |
| West Central North Dakota nonmetropolitan area | 790 | $27.37 | $54,020 |
| East Central North Dakota nonmetropolitan area | 730 | $26.95 | $55,770 |
| Far Eastern North Dakota nonmetropolitan area | 340 | $26.98 | $56,090 |
Source: http://www.dol.gov/, 2014 Data
Sources: The State Board of Nursing from Each State, U.S. Department of Education: College Scorecard, U.S. Department of Education – OPE, National Center for Education Statistics, Bureau of Labor Statistics
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