Best Nursing Schools in North Dakota

North Dakota's best nursing schoolsIf you would like to become a nurse in North Dakota, there are a number of schools out there to help you do just that. It doesn’t matter if you live in a big city like Fargo, Bismarck, and Grand Forks or a much smaller town. You can get the education you need to work in the healthcare industry. All you have to do is find the right nursing schools in North Dakota to help you meet your goals. Read on to learn more about your options.

How to Become a Nurse in North Dakota

In order to become a nurse in North Dakota, you need to get an education. Technically, you can become a nursing assistant without a degree, but most employers prefer to hire people who have gone to school already. Look for a degree program that is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC). This will ensure that you get a good education from start to finish. Then all you have to do is make sure your degree program is sufficient for your line of work.

Here is a list of the most common nursing degrees in North Dakota, plus information about how long they each take to complete:

  • Diploma of Nursing (DN): 1 year
  • Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN): 2 years
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): 4 years
  • Master of Science in Nursing (MSN): 6 years
  • Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP): 8+ years

Once you have completed your degree program, you can apply for your nursing license. You can also take tests to get certified in specific skills related to the area of nursing you want to work in. Learn more about licensure by contacting the North Dakota Board of Nursing

Tuition for North Dakota Nursing Schools

Tuition rates in North Dakota vary from one school to the next. No matter what your tuition may be, you should be able to find financial aid to help you cover it. The list below shows the average tuition rates for different types of colleges and universities in North Dakota. You may use these numbers and the time frames in the section above to estimate the cost of your schooling. (College Board)

  • Public Two Year College: $4,399 per year
  • Public Four Year University: $7,884 per year
  • Private Four Year University: $15,847 per year

Job Prospects for North Dakota Nurses

There is a great demand for nurses in North Dakota, just like there is throughout the country. The better your education is, the more money you can potentially make. The list below shows the salary statistics for different nurses in ND to give you an idea of what your income may be like. (BLS)

  • Nursing Assistant: $29,520 per year
  • Licensed Practical Nurse: $41,290 per year
  • Registered Nurse: $61,450 per year
  • Nurse Practitioner: $92,750 per year

Look through the many nursing schools in North Dakota to find one to guide you to your future.


Nursing Schools in North Dakota

Minot State University

At Minot the student comes first, a student’s ultimate success requires continued, collaborative focus and dedication—from faculty, staff, alumni, and students themselves. If you are looking for an institution of higher learning with a small focused nursing program, Minot State University is a great option. Nursing facilities were recently remodeled providing high-quality clinical simulation experiences for all nursing students in the Nursing Clinical Simulation Center. Innovative public health nursing experiences allows elderly to remain independent through student nurses’ provision of an Adult Health Maintenance Clinic.

  • Location: Minot
  • Student Enrollment:
  • Type of School: Public
  • College Accredited: Yes
  • Offers in Online Programs:
  • Minot State University Nursing Programs: Rn to BSN, BSN
  • Tuition: $6,225

University of Mary

University of Mary is one of the most affordable private universities in the nation, Mary offers exceptional educational value. The University of Mary is a private, Christian, Catholic, Benedictine university that educates students of all faiths and backgrounds. Benedictine values tare infused into the educational experience, Mary offers distinguished, professionally-focused academic liberal arts programs, global and civic service, enriching internships, and mentoring by experienced faculty. The nursing programs at Mary offer a broad spectrum of scientific, critical-thinking, humanistic, communication and leadership skills, with specific courses in community health nursing. With a foundation of Christian, Catholic, and Benedictine learning environment, the undergraduate nursing degree program at the University of Mary emphasizes servant leadership and offers a deeper knowledge of spirituality, ethics, and global stewardship.

  • Location: Bismarck
  • Tuition: $13,600
  • Student Enrollment: 3,084
  • Type of School: Private
  • College Accredited: Yes
  • Offers Online Programs: Yes
  • University of Mary Nursing Programs: BS/BSN, LPN-to-BSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN, Nurse Educator, Nurse Practitioner
  • Tuition: $7,995

North Dakota State University-Main Campus

North Dakota State University offers affordable access to an excellent higher education at a top-ranked institution that combines teaching and research in a rich learning environment. At NDSU students are treated as individuals, the nursing  faculty is faculty dedicated to the preparation of competent, compassionate, and creative nurses and students committed to the scholarship of the discipline. NDSU offers a variety of programs of study in nursing.

  • Location: Fargo
  • Student Enrollment: 14,432
  • Type of School: Public
  • College Accredited: Yes
  • Offers Online Programs: Yes
  • North Dakota State University Nursing Programs: BS/BSN, LPN-to-BSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN, Nurse Educator, Nurse Practitioner, DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice)

University of North Dakota

The University of North Dakota is the oldest and largest University in North Dakota. UND is one of the most affordable Universities in the nation with great opportunities. UND’s tuition and fees and room/meal plans cost $4,000 less per year than the national average for four-year public universities, that is value. With small class sizes averaging 24 students and the nursing program being one of the top programs available at UND it is an easy decision to choose UND for your career advancement. The Nursing Department at UND offers several options which lead to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, six graduate tracks in Nursing, and two doctoral programs.

  • Location: Grand Forks
  • Student Enrollment: 14,951
  • Type of School: Public
  • College Accredited: Yes
  • Offers Online Programs: Yes
  • University of North Dakota Nursing Programs: BS/BSN, LPN-to-BSN, Accelerated BSN, RN-to-BSN, RN-to-MSN, MSN, Nurse Educator, Nurse Anesthetist, Nurse Practitioner, PhD (Doctoral)
  • Tuition: $7,964

United Tribes Technical College

Students seeking to join the health care team in a a growing industry can enter the nursing program offered at UTTC. Courses introduce students to a pre-nursing Nursing Course, with classroom theory, skill labs, and a Pharmacology for Nurses course. Advanced students will have the opportunity to accompany nursing faculty into a variety of clinical settings as they learn about nursing care provided to diverse patients. Upon completion of the program, graduates apply to take the national licensure exam. Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, home health, mental and community settings under the direction of registered nurses and physicians.

  • Location: Bismarck, ND
  • Student Enrollment: 885
  • Type of School: Public
  • College Accredited: Yes
  • Offers Online Programs: No
  • United Tribes Technical College Nursing Programs: LPN, Associate

Dakota College at Bottineau

Dakota College at Bottineau is a two year institution of higher learning that provides students with a quality education in a caring environment. The institution values diversity and personal enrichment by promoting engaged learning to prepare students for employment or university transfer. Students interested in the field of nursing have a few various paths to acquire the necessary education and training to competently work as part of the health care team.

  • Location: Bottineau, ND
  • Student Enrollment: 655
  • Type of School: Public
  • College Accredited: Yes
  • Offers Online Programs: No
  • Dakota College at Bottineau Nursing Programs: Associate, LPN-to-RN, LPN
  • Tuition: $4,098

Dakota Nursing Program at Bismarck State College

Nurses are in high demand in North Dakota and throughout the United States, it is estimated that the demand for nursing professionals will increase another 20% in the next 5 years. Dakota State College offers several options for students wanting to pursue a profession in nursing with various paths to get there including a one-year certificate, two-year Associate in Applied Science, or Associate in Science with transfer option to a baccalaureate program — all of which prepare students for the workforce upon completion.

  • Location: Bismarck, ND
  • Student Enrollment: 3,350
  • Type of School: Public
  • College Accredited: Yes
  • Offers Online Programs: No
  • Bismarck State College Nursing Programs: Associate, LPN
  • Tuition: $3,600

Dakota Nursing Program at Lake Region State College

Lake Region State College promotes an environment where students know that they matter. The college’s dedicated staff and faculty are prepared to help students reach their goals. The Nursing program at LRSC provides the knowledge and skills students will need to enter a challenging career in nursing. Admission to the program is based on applications, once accepted into the program, students will receive classroom study and supervised experience in caring for patients in a variety of healthcare setting including hospitals, acute care centers, long-term care facilities, home care agencies and clinics.

  • Location: Devil’s Lake, ND
  • Student Enrollment: 1,500
  • Type of School: Public
  • College Accredited: Yes
  • Offers Online Programs: No
  • Lake Region State College Nursing Programs: Associate, LPN-to-RN, LPN
  • Tuition: $4,074

Dakota Nursing Program at Williston State College

Williston State College is a two year institution for higher learning that offers transfer programs leading to Associate in Arts and Associate in Science Degrees. Students can complete the first two years of many majors and transfer with junior status to most four-year colleges and universities. Students interested in careers in the industry of health care can participate in the nursing program the includes classroom lecture, field, and clinical experiences contribute to the professional preparation of our students

  • Location: Williston, ND
  • Student Enrollment: 950
  • Type of School: Public
  • College Accredited: Yes
  • Offers Online Programs: No
  • Williston State College Nursing Programs: Associate, LPN
  • Tuition: $4,445

North Dakota State College of Science

Nurses are in high demand and have excellent job opportunities. NDSCS offers a full range of nursing programs and a variety of tracks to get students the career in nursing they want. Graduates of the NDSCS nursing program have an excellent opportunity for immediate entry into the health profession and/or transfer to an associate or bachelor’s program in nursing upon completion of the program. Students that complete the programs have a 100% pass rate on national licensure exams and 100% placement rate.

  • Location: Wahpeton, ND
  • Student Enrollment: 2,650
  • Type of School: Public
  • College Accredited: Yes
  • Offers Online Programs: No
  • North Dakota State College Nursing Programs: Associate, LPN-to-RN, LPN
  • Tuition: $4,438

Medcenter One College of Nursing

  • Location: Bismarck, ND
  • Student Enrollment: 136
  • Type of School: Private
  • College Accredited: Yes
  • Offers Online Programs: No
  • Medcenter One College of Nursing Programs: RN to BSN, BSN
  • Tuition: $7,820
  • www.medcenterone.com

Dickinson State University

Dickinson State University is a public four year institution of higher learning that has the mission is to provide high quality, accessible programs; to promote excellence in teaching and learning; to support scholarly and creative activities; and to provide service relevant to the economy, health, and quality of life for the community. Students of the nursing program will receive a well-rounded education that employers desire nursing professionals to have. The nursing program at DSU promotes student development to become knowledgeable healthcare professionals who are adequately prepared to serve in a continually-evolving healthcare environment.

  • Location: Dickinson, ND
  • Student Enrollment: 2,770
  • Type of School: Public
  • College Accredited: Yes
  • Offers Online Programs: No
  • Dickinson State University Nursing Programs: Associate, BS/BSN, LPN, LPN-to-BSN
  • Tuition: $6,050
  • www.dickinsonstate.edu

University of Jamestown

The University of Jamestown has a covenant relationship with the Presbyterian Church and welcomes students of all faiths and denominations. An education at University of Jamestown will prepares students for the future in ways other colleges don’t. The difference is in the approach University of Jamestown takes is the Journey to Success, and it defines all we do here, both in and out of the classroom. Students have the opportunity to fulfill their clinicals in a variety of facilities within our community from Hospitals, Children’s Hospitals and clinics. Seniors are also given the opportunity to fulfill a clinical experience internationally.

  • Location: Jamestown, ND
  • Student Enrollment: 1,200
  • Type of School: Private
  • College Accredited: Yes
  • Offers Online Programs: No
  • Jamestown College Nursing Programs: BS/BSN
  • www.uj.edu