Maria Delgado, RN
June 23, 2025
The state of North Dakota provides fast and practical healthcare entry through its Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) programs. Nurses receive daily assistance from front-line caregivers who perform safe dignified treatment delivery. CNA professionals perform vital sign monitoring while assisting with bathing needs, meals, and providing comforting care that many patients depend on in hospitals, long-term care centers, assisted-living campuses, and private homes.
Devils Lake, ND - Public 2-Year - lrsc.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Discover a rewarding healthcare career as a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) through Lake Region State College's comprehensive training program. This dynamic 75-80 hour program prepares students for an essential role in patient care, offering flexible learning options including hybrid and face-to-face formats. With North Dakota experiencing high demand for CNAs, students can quickly enter a growing field that provides meaningful support to patients in various healthcare settings. The program offers multiple training pathways, including online theory, hands-on skills labs, and clinical experiences, ensuring graduates are fully prepared for state certification. Potential students can explore financial assistance through workforce development programs and potential employer reimbursement.
Valley City, ND - Public 4-Year - vcsu.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Valley City State University's Nursing Assistant Training program provides comprehensive preparation for students seeking certification as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). This hands-on course equips learners with essential clinical skills and classroom knowledge needed to excel in healthcare settings like skilled nursing facilities, acute care, and home health care. Students gain practical experience through integrated classroom instruction and clinical practice, positioning themselves for immediate employment in the growing healthcare sector.
The certification process requires in-person clinical experience but North Dakota nurse aides can do part of their studies through online learning. Many colleges together with healthcare systems implement web-based platforms which present lecture content, quizzes, and reading assignments to students. Students complete their modules independently through self-paced learning before participating in campus lab sessions to perform skills and complete essential practice hours. Following their coursework they must report to a facility which offers patient care experience under direct supervision of an instructor. Remote learning programs remain prohibited in North Dakota but hybrid programs offer flexible educational options for working adults and distant residents who need training.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Lake Region State College |
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| Valley City State University |
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| Eligibility Prerequisites | Complete a state-approved 75-hour CNA training & competency program, clear background checks, and meet health/immunization requirements |
|---|---|
| Certifying Board | North Dakota Dept. of Health & Human Services – Nurse Aide Registry |
| Training Program Requirements | 75 total hours, including at least 16 supervised clinical hours, completed within four months |
| Exam and Application Fees | No state application fee, testing vendor charges apply |
| Certification Exam | Pass both the written/oral knowledge test and the five-skill practical evaluation |
| Registry Activation Time | Updated within 7–10 business days of exam completion |
| Renewal Requirements | Every two years, complete eight hours of paid CNA work under supervision |
| License by Endorsement | Out-of-state CNAs transfer via verification of active, unencumbered certification |
CNA wages in North Dakota surpass national averages because of the state’s rural healthcare network which drives high demand. Entry-level positions begin at about twenty dollars per hour but experienced aides in western energy corridor communities where there is staff shortage can earn twenty-two dollars or more per hour. The average annual salary for CNAs includes overtime pay and shift differential payments which leads to annual earnings between forty and forty-five thousand dollars. Healthcare facilities throughout Fargo, Bismarck, Minot, and Grand Forks actively recruit staff while nursing homes throughout the state provide sign-on bonuses combined with flexible schedules and tuition assistance. The competition between healthcare facilities to find reliable caregivers provides CNAs with strong negotiating power as well as a defined route to obtain stable employment in the state.
| Salary & Career Outlook | North Dakota | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual CNA Salary | $38,034 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $18.29 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$47,000 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | $38,034 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$31,610 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022–2032) | ~4% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~360 | ~54,000 |
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Lake Region State College |
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| Valley City State University |
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CNA certification provides students with a starting point which they can use to move forward rather than marking the end of their career path. The majority of aides accumulate bedside experience through their work while enrolling in prerequisite courses at state colleges and universities for licensed practical nurse or registered nursing programs. Many employers support their staff members by offering tuition reimbursement and flexible work hours which allows students to continue their education without leaving their jobs. Some aides choose to become medication assistants by obtaining a short endorsement which enables them to perform pharmaceutical tasks while earning increased compensation. The training as a hospital patient care technician enables staff members to move into specialized units after mastering blood draws or EKG monitoring.
Additional Nursing Programs in North Dakota
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