North Dakota’s Top-Rated Nursing Schools and Programs of 2024
Now is the perfect time to pursue a nursing career in North Dakota. The nursing shortage continues, with a nationwide 6% nursing growth rate predicted between 2020-2030. North Dakota has a projected 14% registered nurse (RN) growth rate between 2021-2031, which is 700 annual job openings. This means there will be plenty of nursing jobs to choose from in the state.
North Dakota offers a high quality of life with low crime rates, affordable housing, and excellent education systems. Its cost of living is low compared to many other states, allowing residents to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without breaking the bank. Additionally, North Dakota’s natural beauty, including its vast prairies, rolling hills, and picturesque landscapes, provides ample outdoor activities and exploration opportunities. North Dakota is known for its Badlands, which is part of the 70,000-acre Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
The healthcare system in North Dakota emphasizes preventative care and public health initiatives. It actively promotes wellness programs, disease prevention campaigns, and community health initiatives to improve the overall health of its residents, which contributes to a healthier population and reduces the burden on the healthcare system.
The state is home to reputable universities that produce highly skilled healthcare professionals with a strong focus on healthcare education and research. The emphasis on education and research helps maintain a high standard of care and promotes innovation in the healthcare field, making it the perfect place to get your nursing degree.
The Best Nursing Schools in North Dakota
Learn more about the best nursing schools in North Dakota to help determine which college may be best for you.
Our site has ranked the best nursing schools in North Dakota based on the NCLEX-RN pass rates posted on the North Dakota Board of Nursing website. The schools are categorized into Associate Degree in Nursing programs (ADN) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs.
ADN Programs:
#1 North Dakota ADN Nursing Program
Bismarck State College
Bismarck State College is a public college in Bismarck, North Dakota. They offer several nursing options, including a one-year certificate, a two-year Associate in Applied Science (AAS), or an Associate in Science with a transfer option to a baccalaureate program. All of their nursing programs prepare students for the nursing workforce upon completion. The nursing program is also offered at North Dakota satellite site locations in Hazen, Harvey, Garrison, Ashley, and Hettinger. Students are given hands-on learning opportunities through clinical, skills, and mobile simulations used at each community site.
Average Tuition
In-State: $4,926
Out-of-State: $6,930
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$4,926 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$6,930 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate Fiscal Year (FY) 2021-2022 |
100% |
| Program Completion Rate 2022 |
Not given |
| Job Placement 2022 |
Not given |
| Students Enrolled |
3,771 |
| Institution Type |
Public Community College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) |
#2 North Dakota ADN Nursing Program
Lake Region State College
Lake Region State College is a public community college in Devils Lake, Grand Forks, and Mayville, North Dakota. They offer an ADN program that provides the knowledge and skills students will need to enter a challenging career in nursing. The college also offers a mobility option for students with online theory courses with scheduled in-person labs and face-to-face segments.
Average Tuition
In-State: $5,000
Out-of-State: $5,000
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$5,000 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$5,000 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate FY 2021-2022 |
100% |
| Program Completion Rate 2021 |
Not given |
| Job Placement 2019-2021 |
Not given |
| Students Enrolled |
1,558 |
| Institution Type |
Public Community College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the ACEN |
BSN Programs:
#1 North Dakota BSN Nursing Program
University of Mary
The University of Mary is a private Benedictine university in Bismarck, North Dakota. They offer a BSN program where students are given opportunities to practice hands-on skills in various hospital, rehabilitation, outpatient, and acute care settings. In addition to their traditional BSN pathway, they also offer a two-year licensed practical nurse (LPN) to BSN pathways or a fully online RN to BSN track.
Average Tuition
In-State: $21,863
Out-of-State: $21,863
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$21,863 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$21,863 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate FY 2021-2022 |
93.94% |
| Admission Rate |
80.99% |
| Retention Rate |
67% |
| Students Enrolled |
3,794 |
| Institution Type |
Private University |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
45% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) |
#2 North Dakota BSN Nursing Program
University of Jamestown
The University of Jamestown is a private Christian university in Jamestown, North Dakota. They offer a traditional BSN program and an online RN to BSN program. Their BSN program is designed for students who are interested in becoming well-rounded compassionate RNs. They focus on patient-centered care with a bio-psychosocial-spiritual emphasis. Students gain hands-on learning in their state-of-the-art simulation lab, learning to think critically through complex clinical scenarios. In addition, they also have clinical rotations in a variety of healthcare settings.
Average Tuition
In-State: $23,400
Out-of-State: $23,400
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$23,400 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$23,400 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate FY 2021-2022 |
93.75% |
| Admission Rate |
76% |
| Retention Rate |
72% |
| Students Enrolled |
1,256 |
| Institution Type |
Private Christian University |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the CCNE |
#3 North Dakota BSN Nursing Program
North Dakota State University
North Dakota State University is a public university in Fargo, North Dakota. Their BSN program offers hands-on learning in their state-of-the-art facilities, rigorous STEM coursework, and hospital-based internship experiences. Their mission is to advance nursing knowledge and develop dynamic nurse leaders who improve the health of all people, emphasizing underserved, rural, and diverse populations.
Average Tuition
In-State: $9,309
Out-of-State: $11,170
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$9,309 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$11,170 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
90.1% |
| Admission Rate |
86.3% |
| Retention Rate |
76% |
| Students Enrolled |
12,242 |
| Institution Type |
Public University |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
48% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the CCNE |
#4 North Dakota BSN Nursing Program
University of North Dakota
University of North Dakota is a public university located in Grand Forks, North Dakota. They offer an on-campus BSN program or an online RN to BSN program with a five-year average NCLEX-RN pass rate of 92%. Their on-campus program gives students access to interactive classrooms, rich clinical experiences, a dedicated computer lab, access to the clinical resource and simulation center, and opportunities to participate in research and scholarly activities.
Average Tuition
In-State: $6,839
Out-of-State: $9,829
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$6,839 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$9,829 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
86.55% |
| Admission Rate |
76.4% |
| Retention Rate |
81% |
| Students Enrolled |
13,876 |
| Institution Type |
Public University |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the CCNE |
How to Choose a Nursing Program in North Dakota
When choosing a nursing program in North Dakota, you will want to look at the NCLEX-RN pass rates, admission and retention rates, and job placement rates. Programs with a high NCLEX-RN pass rate provide their students with the tools and support to succeed and prepare them well to be RNs. You may also want to consider the cost of the program and scholarship opportunities, as a BSN program usually takes longer to complete. However, most ADN programs require you to meet your general education requirements before entering the program, so make sure you know what is required before entering the program.
Accreditation is important when choosing a nursing program. Some schools may transfer credits earned while receiving your RN, and some employers may only hire nurses who have completed their degrees through an accredited program. Currently, 5 ADN and 7 BSN programs in North Dakota are fully accredited.
Why Become a Nurse in North Dakota
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 6% growth in nursing employment nationwide, and North Dakota estimates a nursing growth of 14% from 2020-2030. This means there will be plenty of jobs to choose from.
North Dakota has excellent colleges to choose from that focus on healthcare research and education where you can earn your nursing degree. Upon graduation, graduates will have opportunities to work as entry-level nurses in various healthcare settings in North Dakota.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that RNs in North Dakota earn an average annual salary of $75,000. While this is below the national average, the cost of living in North Dakota is also below the national average, which allows your dollar to stretch further.
Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in North Dakota
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average mean wage for an RN in North Dakota is $75,000, and it employs 11,300 nurses. North Dakota also employs 520 advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who make an average wage of $110,950.
The projected nationwide employment growth rate for registered nurses between 2021 and 2031 is 6%, with an anticipated 203,200 yearly job openings. Many of these job openings are expected due to workers retiring or transferring to different occupations.
| Top Paying Cities in North Dakota for RNs |
| Fargo, ND |
$76,130 |
| West North Dakota nonmetropolitan area |
$75,550 |
| Bismarck, ND |
$72,770 |
Citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, at https://data.bls.gov/oes/#/home (visited February 25, 2022).
Steps to Becoming a Nurse in North Dakota
To become an RN and advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), candidates must complete a program approved by the North Dakota Board of Nursing. Upon completing an approved nursing program, candidates must pass the NCLEX-RN exam.
After gaining experience as an RN, some nurses return to school to obtain their APRN.
After you have completed an APRN program, you will need to take the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) exam or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) exam.
Maintaining your nursing license requires meeting specific requirements. To become a nurse in North Dakota, you must complete the following requirements:
RN Requirements
These are the steps to take to become an RN in North Dakota:
- Enroll in an Associate Degree in Nursing Program (ADN) OR a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program (BSN).
- An ADN program usually takes two years, while a BSN program usually takes four years to complete. Courses can be taken in person or online. However, both programs may offer a part-time track that will take longer.
- After completing your chosen nursing program, you will be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam. In addition, you must submit your transcripts, proof of graduation, proof of primary residence, and complete a fingerprint and criminal background check to the state board of nursing to receive your license. · Once you have been issued your first North Dakota RN license, you must renew it every two years. All individuals renewing a nursing license must meet or exceed 400 nursing practice hours in the preceding four years. Nurses who have completed a refresher course within the preceding year or graduated from a nursing undergraduate or nursing graduate program in the last four years with less than 400 hours of nursing practice can renew their license without meeting the 400 practice hours requirement. Each nurse must also complete 12 continuing education contact hours before license renewal.
APRN Requirements
These are the steps to become an APRN in North Dakota:
- Candidates must hold an active RN license to practice in North Dakota.
- RNs must have earned their BSN before entering an APRN program.
- RNs must enter an accredited nursing program to earn their Master of Science in Nursing or Doctor of Nursing Practice.
- Once an APRN program has successfully been completed, you will be required to pass the certification exam and hold and maintain current certification as a nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, or nurse anesthetist from one of the following national organizations:
- American Nurses Credentialing Center
- National Certification Corporation for the Obstetric
- Gynecologic
- Neonatal Nursing Specialties
- Pediatric Nursing Certification Board
- American Association of Nurse Anesthetists
- American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
- Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation
- American Association of Critical-Care Nurses.
- North Dakota APRN licenses must be renewed every two years. APRNs must complete 15 contact hours in pharmacotherapy before license renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in North Dakota
Is North Dakota a good place for nurses to work?
North Dakota is a great place to work. There is a high demand for more nurses in the state, with a 14% RN growth rate from 2021-2031. The state has a strong healthcare infrastructure, which allows nurses to deliver high-quality care.
Is North Dakota a compact state for nursing?
Yes, North Dakota is a compact state for nursing. This means that nurses who practice nursing in North Dakota can also choose to practice nursing in other compact states and vice versa.
What are the requirements for RNs in North Dakota?
After completing an accredited nursing program, you must successfully pass the NCLEX-RN exam. Once you have been issued your North Dakota RN license, you must renew it every two years. Before renewal, you must meet or exceed 400 hours of nursing practice in the preceding four years. Nurses who have completed a refresher course within the preceding year or graduated from a nursing undergraduate or nursing graduate program in the last four years with less than 400 hours of nursing practice can renew their license without meeting the 400 practice hours requirement. Each nurse must also complete 12 continuing education contact hours before license renewal.
How much does a North Dakota RN license cost?
The cost to take the NCLEX-RN exam in North Dakota is $200. Licensing by endorsement costs $170. If you renew your North Dakota RN license, the fee is $140.
