RN Programs in North Dakota

North Dakota RN Programs

When it comes to choosing the right school and career path, there are many factors that come into play. For people who enjoy helping others and have an interest in the medical field, registered nursing may be the perfect fit. There are many RN programs in North Dakota to choose from for those interested in pursuing a registered nursing career.

There are several kinds of RN programs in North Dakota. These programs range from 2 to 4 years in length. Those who want a challenging and rewarding career should look into becoming a registered nurse.

Becoming Licensed in North Dakota by Examination

In North Dakota, one can become licensed either by examination or endorsement. North Dakota is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact, which means that those who are licensed in other compact states can practice in North Dakota without additional licensure. One who resides in a compact state must be licensed in his or her home state.

In order to be eligible for licensure by examination, one must have completed a nursing program approved by the state. If the program was completed out of state, it must have been approved by that state and include a supervised clinical component on care across the lifespan that is equivalent in length to those approved by the North Dakota Board of Nursing.

Applicants for licensure by examination must submit the appropriate application and $130 fee. The following items must be submitted with the application:

  • Official Transcripts
  • Criminal History Record Check

Applicants are granted a temporary permit that is valid up to 90 days while awaiting NCLEX results.

Becoming an RN by Endorsement in North Dakota

In order to be eligible for licensure by endorsement, one must meet the following requirements:

  • Completion of an approved registered nursing program including a supervised clinical component on care across the lifespan
  • 400 hours of work as a nurse in the past 4 years, or completion of a nursing program or approved refresher course in the past 4 years
  • Passing score on the NCLEX or SBTPE

Applicants for licensure by endorsement must submit the following items along with the application and $160 fee:

  • Official Transcripts
  • Criminal History Record Check
  • Verification of Licensure from original and most recent state of licensure

Applicants for licensure by endorsement can also obtain a 90 day temporary permit.

Renewing an RN License

RN licenses must be renewed every 2 years in North Dakota. In order to renew, applicants must have completed at least 12 contact hours of continuing education in the previous 2 years. This requirement is waived for the first renewal if the applicant was licensed by examination in SD. An applicant who has obtained licensure by endorsement and has been licensed 12 months or less in SD prior to the renewal period need only complete 6 contact hours. Those applying for reinstatement can meet this requirement by taking a refresher course.

Applicants for renewal must also have worked as a nurse for at least 400 hours within the last 4 years (with the exception of those who graduated within the last 4 years).

Additional Resources

RN Schools Near You & Online in North Dakota

Bismarck State College

  • 1500 Edwards Avenue Bismarck, ND 58506
    Programs: ADN, CNA, LPN, RN
    (701) 224-5400

Medcenter One

  • 300 N. Seventh St. Bismarck, ND 58501
    Programs: BSN, Radiography, RN, RN to BSN
    (701) 323-6000

University of Mary

  • 7500 University Drive Bismarck, ND 58504
    Programs: BSN, Family Nurse Practitioner, LPN to BSN, Nursing Administration, RN, RN to BSN, RN to MSN
    (701) 355-8030

Lake Region State College

  • 1801 College Drive N. Devils Lake, ND 58301
    Programs: ADN, CNA, LPN, RN
    (701) 662-1600

Dickinson State University

  • 291 Campus Drive Dickinson, ND 58601
    Programs: BSN, LPN, RN, RN to BSN
    (701) 483-2507

North Dakota State University

  • 1340 Administration Ave. Fargo, ND 58102
    Programs: BSN, BSN to DNP, DNP, LPN to BSN, MSN, RN, RN to BSN
    (701) 231-8011

University of North Dakota

  • 2901 University Ave. Grand Forks, ND 58202
    Programs: Accelerated BSN, BSN, LPN to BSN, Nursing PhD, Physician Assistant, RN, RN to BSN, RN to MSN
    (701) 777-3000

Jamestown College

  • 6000 College Lane Jamestown, ND 58405
    Programs: BSN, RN
    1(701)252-3467

Minot State University

  • 500 University Avenue West Minot, ND 58707
    Programs: BSN, RN, RN to BSN
    1(800)777-0750

North Dakota State College of Science

  • 800 Sixth Street North Wahpeton, ND 58076
    Programs: ADN, Health Information Management-Associate, LPN, RN
    1(800)342-4325

TrainND Nothwest

  • 1410 University Ave. Williston, ND 58801
    Programs: ADN, CNA, LPN, RN
    (701) 774-4200