Maria Delgado, RN
June 4, 2025
The training process for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) enables these healthcare professionals to provide basic patient care under the supervision of physicians and Registered Nurses. The state of North Dakota relies on LPNs to fulfill its healthcare requirements especially in rural communities and underserved population areas. LPNs function as primary care providers in numerous rural facilities and small community clinics where numerous communities depend on their direct patient care.
Devils Lake, ND - Public 2-Year - lrsc.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Lake Region State College in North Dakota offers a Practical Nurse Certificate program designed for students aiming to enter the nursing profession. This hybrid program combines classroom study with supervised clinical experiences in various healthcare settings, preparing students for the national licensure exam. The curriculum spans 11 months, focusing on essential nursing skills and patient care. Admission requires completion of specific prerequisites, including English proficiency and the TEAS exam. Early start courses are recommended to ease the transition into the nursing program. Graduates are equipped to work as Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and clinics.
Fargo, ND - Private 4-year - rasmussen.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Rasmussen University's Practical Nursing (LPN) Program in Fargo, ND, prepares students for a rewarding career in nursing in as few as 12 months. This hybrid program combines online coursework with hands-on clinical experiences, offering eight start dates per year for flexibility. With no prerequisite courses or waiting lists for qualified applicants, students can quickly begin their journey toward becoming licensed practical nurses. The program focuses on compassionate patient care, healthcare industry insight, and critical thinking skills, preparing graduates for the NCLEX-PN exam. Financial aid options, including the LPN Care Grant, make this program accessible to many students.
Williston, ND - Public 2-Year - willistonstate.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Embark on a transformative journey in healthcare with Williston State College's Dakota Practical Nursing program. This comprehensive 11-month certificate program equips aspiring nurses with essential skills to become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs). Students gain hands-on clinical experience across diverse healthcare settings, preparing them for a dynamic and rewarding career. The program offers competitive admission with a 2.5 GPA requirement and includes critical prerequisites like anatomy, psychology, and pharmacology. Graduates are well-positioned to take the National Council Licensure Examination and launch their nursing careers in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities.
Bottineau, ND - Public 2-Year - dakotacollege.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Dakota College at Bottineau offers a Practical Nursing Program, an 11-month educational journey leading to a Practical Nurse Certificate. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX PN® exam, a step towards licensure as a Practical Nurse in North Dakota. This program is part of the Dakota Nursing Program, a collaborative effort among several colleges, ensuring a comprehensive curriculum. With a focus on evidence-based nursing education, students are prepared to meet diverse healthcare needs. The program emphasizes professional advancement, technology integration, and quality patient care. Admission requires prior acceptance to Dakota College at Bottineau, with nursing applications accepted annually from December 1st to March 5th.
Bismarck, ND - Public 4-Year - bismarckstate.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The Practical Nursing program at Bismarck State College, offered at West River Health Services in Hettinger, ND, provides a fast-track to a nursing career. This 11-month hybrid program combines interactive video network theory instruction with hands-on clinical training. Graduates earn a Practical Nursing certificate and are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN exam. With a 100% pass rate, students can confidently enter the workforce or pursue further education to become a Registered Nurse. Tuition assistance may be available, making this program an accessible option for aspiring nurses in rural communities.
North Dakota does not provide fully online LPN programs because clinical requirements must be met but the state now offers hybrid programs for students. Students complete theoretical lessons through online classes and in-person attendance at laboratory sessions and clinical rotations in these educational models. The combination of flexible education with practical nursing requirements allows students to achieve both goals. Some educational institutions provide virtual video lessons to their remote students who can join classes from their main campus location. A number of educational institutions provide evening and weekend classes to students who work or have family responsibilities.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Rasmussen University-North Dakota |
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| Dickinson State University |
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| Lake Region State College |
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| Certifying Board | North Dakota Board of Nursing, Professional Licensing Bureau, Department of Labor & Industry |
|---|---|
| Certification | National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) |
| Educational Prerequisite | Graduation from an approved practical nursing program with official transcript and program verification |
| Application & Fees | $145 application fee, $200 NCLEX-PN exam fee, $41.25 fingerprint processing fee, apply online via the North Dakota Nurse Portal |
| Processing Time | Authorization to Test in 1–2 weeks, permanent license issued about 2–3 weeks after passing NCLEX and completing background check |
| License Renewal & Continuing Education | Biennial renewal on December 31 with a $130 fee, requires 12 contact hours of continuing education and 400 practice hours (or approved alternate competency) each cycle |
| Licensure by Endorsement | $170 endorsement application fee, Nursys verification of current unrestricted license, $41.25 fingerprint fee, proof of 400 practice hours or completion of a board-approved refresher. |
LPNs in North Dakota earn competitive wages relative to the state’s cost of living, with average annual salaries ranging from $50,000 to $58,000 depending on experience and location. Urban centers like Fargo and Bismarck may offer slightly higher wages, while rural areas provide stable employment with strong community support. The job market for LPNs in North Dakota remains healthy, driven by the aging population, the expansion of long-term care, and outpatient services. Rural healthcare facilities often experience staffing shortages, increasing the demand for licensed practical nurses.
| Salary & Career Outlook | North Dakota | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual LVN Salary | $56,800 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $27.00 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$63,487 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | $56,800 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$51,260 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022–2032) | 8% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~6,910 | ~54,000 |
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Bismarck State College |
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| Lake Region State College |
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| Williston State College |
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There are numerous prospects for career growth for LPNs in the state of North Dakota. Some of them decide to join a LPN to RN bridge program so as to advance their stage in the higher level. Such programs typically award credit for previous coursework and clinical experience, cutting the period of time it takes to become an associate degree nurse. LPNs also have the BSN as an extraneous bridge option as well, allowing them to work in management, teaching and other specialty aspects of nursing practice. Ongoing education might even result in LPNs being able to earn certifications in, for example, IV therapy, wound care or geriatrics, in order to specialize and possibly earn more. A few LPNs have supervisory responsibilities in nursing homes or in some outpatient settings, such as those of other LPNs or nursing aides and patient flow. With employer backing and statewide programs designed to promote nurse education, North Dakota provides a clear LPN-to-BSN lane to career growth and advancement in healthcare.
Additional Nursing Programs in North Dakota
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