Best Ranked 6 RN
Programs in North Dakota

RN Programs in North Dakota

Ranked RN and BSN Programs in North Dakota

After evaluating 1,209 ADN, 794 BSN, 2,022 campus and 383 online RN programs, we ranked RN programs against criteria nurses found to be most valuabale. We spent $27,700 on this unique list that has helped more than 3,000 nurses apply to the right program for their career goals. Find NCLEX passing scores, tuition rates, nursing program accreidtation, institution accreditation and more. Expore our RN-ADN and RN-BSN rankings for North Dakota in the listings below.

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 However, due to popular demand, the law was repealed in 2003.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.

[state_name] Best Ranked RN Programs in by RNCareers.org

Ranked Schools : 6

Evaluated Schools : 14

RN 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."
See our methodology for ranking ADN and BSN programs.

RANKED 1

North Dakota State College of Science RN Programs in ND [state_name]

ADN

Overall Score: 4.925198.50%

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.

  • Campus: Wahpeton, ND
  • Net Price: $8,342.00
  • Enrollment: 3,168
  • Loan Default Rate: 12.10%
  • Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
  • Offered as: Campus
  • Type: Public
  • Net Price Change: -10.92%
  • Graduation Rate: 47.30%
  • Median Borrowing: $10,498.00
  • Median Payment: $109.61
  • Award Levels: Associate
  • Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN

RANKED 2

Bismarck State College RN Programs in ND [state_name]

ADN

Overall Score: 4.8485196.97%

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.

  • Campus: Bismarck, ND
  • Net Price: $7,365.00
  • Enrollment: 4,062
  • Loan Default Rate: 5.70%
  • Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
  • Offered as: Campus
  • Type: Public
  • Net Price Change: -7.46%
  • Graduation Rate: 40.70%
  • Median Borrowing: $9,500.00
  • Median Payment: $99.19
  • Award Levels: Associate
  • Program Accreditation(s) :

RANKED 3

Lake Region State College RN Programs in ND [state_name]

ADN

Overall Score: 4.6285192.57%

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.

  • Campus: Devils Lake, ND
  • Net Price: $8,134.00
  • Enrollment: 1,898
  • Transfer Out Rate: 22.70%
  • Loan Default Rate: 11.90%
  • Institution Accreditation: NCA
  • Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
  • Offered as: Campus
  • Type: Public
  • Net Price Change: 9.04%
  • Graduation Rate: 39.60%
  • Median Borrowing: $7,133.00
  • Median Payment: $74.48
  • Award Levels: Associate
  • Program Accreditation(s) :

RANKED 4

Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College RN Programs in ND [state_name]

ADN

Overall Score: 4.4445188.89%

Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College

  • 220 8th Ave. N, New Town, ND - 58763
  • (7.0) 162-7E+12

Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College is located in New Town, North Dakota.  They “…provide Quality Cultural, Academic, and Vocational Education and Services for the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation.”  They offer a practical nursing program and an ADN program.  They utilize a ladder program into their nursing program, where students can first become an LPN, then an ADN.  Students are eligible to enter the ADN program without being LPNs first, however.

  • Campus: New Town, ND
  • Net Price: $5,579.00
  • Enrollment: 203
  • Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
  • Offered as: Campus
  • Type: Public
  • Net Price Change: -16.42%
  • Graduation Rate: 31.00%
  • Award Levels: Associate
  • Program Accreditation(s) :

RANKED 5

Williston State College RN Programs in ND [state_name]

ADN

Overall Score: 4.3965187.93%

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.

  • Campus: Williston, ND
  • Net Price: $9,259.00
  • Enrollment: 909
  • Loan Default Rate: 7.30%
  • Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
  • Offered as: Campus
  • Type: Public
  • Net Price Change: 31.90%
  • Graduation Rate: 37.30%
  • Median Borrowing: $8,000.00
  • Median Payment: $83.53
  • Award Levels: Associate
  • Program Accreditation(s) :

RANKED 6

Dakota College at Bottineau RN Programs in ND [state_name]

ADN

Overall Score: 4.167183.34%

Dakota College at Bottineau

  • 105 Simrall Blvd, Bottineau, ND - 58318-1198
  • (701) 228-2277

  • Campus: Bottineau, ND
  • Net Price: $8,756.00
  • Enrollment: 793
  • Transfer Out Rate: 32.50%
  • Loan Default Rate: 13.90%
  • Institution Accreditation: NCA
  • Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
  • Offered as: Campus, Online
  • Type: Public
  • Net Price Change: 6.70%
  • Graduation Rate: 28.30%
  • Median Borrowing: $7,294.00
  • Median Payment: $76.16
  • Award Levels: Associate
  • Program Accreditation(s) :

North Dakota Licensing Requirements

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.

[state_name] Best Ranked RN and BSN Programs in by RNCareers.org

Ranked Schools : 6

Evaluated Schools : 7

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.

RANKED 1

North Dakota State University-Main Campus RN Programs in ND [state_name]

BSN

Overall Score: 4.705194.10%

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.

  • Campus: Fargo, ND
  • Net Price: $13,662.00
  • Enrollment: 11,948
  • Loan Default Rate: 3.30%
  • Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
  • Offered as: Campus
  • Type: Public
  • Net Price Change: 2.85%
  • Graduation Rate: 53.10%
  • Median Borrowing: $20,250.00
  • Median Payment: $211.43
  • Award Levels: Bachelor
  • Program Accreditation(s) : CCNE

RANKED 2

Dickinson State University RN Programs in ND [state_name]

BSN

Overall Score: 4.62192.40%

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.

  • Campus: Dickinson, ND
  • Net Price: $9,981.00
  • Enrollment: 1,449
  • Transfer Out Rate: 30.60%
  • Loan Default Rate: 7.10%
  • Institution Accreditation: NCA
  • Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
  • Offered as: Campus
  • Type: Public
  • Net Price Change: 12.83%
  • Graduation Rate: 37.90%
  • Median Borrowing: $13,489.00
  • Median Payment: $140.84
  • Award Levels: Bachelor
  • Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN

RANKED 3

Minot State University RN Programs in ND [state_name]

BSN

Overall Score: 4.4785189.57%

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.

  • Campus: Minot, ND
  • Net Price: $10,928.00
  • Enrollment: 3,254
  • Loan Default Rate: 6.50%
  • Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
  • Offered as: Campus, Online
  • Type: Public
  • Net Price Change: -8.21%
  • Graduation Rate: 37.30%
  • Median Borrowing: $13,681.00
  • Median Payment: $142.85
  • Award Levels: Bachelor
  • Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN

RANKED 4

University of North Dakota RN Programs in ND [state_name]

BSN

Overall Score: 4.4315188.63%

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.

  • Campus: Grand Forks, ND
  • Net Price: $16,114.00
  • Enrollment: 11,724
  • Loan Default Rate: 3.60%
  • Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
  • Offered as: Campus, Online
  • Type: Public
  • Net Price Change: 34.82%
  • Graduation Rate: 53.30%
  • Median Borrowing: $16,642.00
  • Median Payment: $173.76
  • Award Levels: Bachelor
  • Program Accreditation(s) : CCNE

RANKED 5

University of Jamestown RN Programs in ND [state_name]

BSN

Overall Score: 4.2915185.83%

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.

  • Campus: Jamestown, ND
  • Net Price: $16,568.00
  • Enrollment: 955
  • Transfer Out Rate: 34.80%
  • Loan Default Rate: 5.80%
  • Institution Accreditation: NCA
  • Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
  • Offered as: Campus
  • Type: Private Not-For-Profit
  • Net Price Change: 5.86%
  • Graduation Rate: 51.10%
  • Median Borrowing: $19,775.00
  • Median Payment: $206.47
  • Award Levels: Bachelor
  • Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN

RANKED 6

University of Mary RN Programs in ND [state_name]

BSN

Overall Score: 4.2155184.31%

University of Mary

  • 7500 University Dr, Bismarck, ND - 58504
  • (701) 255-7500

  • Campus: Bismarck, ND
  • Net Price: $15,413.00
  • Enrollment: 2,044
  • Transfer Out Rate: 22.40%
  • Loan Default Rate: 4.60%
  • Institution Accreditation: NCA
  • Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
  • Offered as: Campus
  • Type: Private Not-For-Profit
  • Net Price Change: 14.31%
  • Graduation Rate: 48.60%
  • Median Borrowing: $17,171.00
  • Median Payment: $179.28
  • Award Levels: Bachelor
  • Program Accreditation(s) : CCNE

RANKED N/A

Sanford College of Nursing RN Programs in ND [state_name]

BSN

Overall Score: N/A

Sanford College of Nursing

  • 512 N 7th St, Bismarck, ND - 58501-4425
  • (701) 323-6271

  • Campus: Bismarck, ND
  • Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
  • Offered as: Campus
  • Type: Private Not-For-Profit
  • Award Levels: Bachelor
  • Program Accreditation(s) :

North Dakota Licensing Requirements

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.

North Dakota Job Outlook

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