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's Practical Nurse Certificate program provides an accelerated pathway into nursing through a strategically designed 11-month hybrid curriculum. Students benefit from a comprehensive learning approach that integrates rigorous classroom instruction with hands-on clinical training across diverse healthcare environments. The program uniquely prepares aspiring nurses by emphasizing practical skills and patient care techniques essential for successful LPN licensure. Prospective students must complete prerequisite requirements, including passing the TEAS exam and demonstrating English language proficiency. By leveraging supervised clinical experiences and early start courses, the program ensures graduates are well-equipped to excel in hospital, long-term care, and clinical nursing roles. Participants become part of the esteemed Dakota Nursing Program network.
Fargo, ND - Private 4-year - rasmussen.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Rasmussen University's Practical Nursing Program offers an accelerated pathway to becoming a licensed practical nurse, strategically designed for ambitious healthcare professionals. Located in Fargo, this innovative 12-month hybrid program uniquely blends online learning with immersive clinical experiences, providing eight annual start dates for maximum student flexibility. Students benefit from comprehensive training emphasizing compassionate patient care, critical thinking, and healthcare industry insights. The program eliminates traditional barriers by removing prerequisite course requirements and waiting lists, enabling quick entry into the nursing field. With dedicated support through the LPN Care Grant and a comprehensive curriculum preparing students for the NCLEX-PN exam, Rasmussen University empowers aspiring nurses to launch their careers efficiently and effectively.
Williston, ND - Public 2-Year - willistonstate.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Williston State College's Dakota Practical Nursing program offers an intensive 11-month certificate pathway into nursing, strategically designed to transform students into competent Licensed Practical Nurses. The comprehensive curriculum balances rigorous academic training with extensive clinical experiences across diverse healthcare environments. Accredited by the National League for Nursing, the 43-credit program emphasizes practical skills development in anatomy, psychology, and pharmacology. Students benefit from collaborative learning opportunities and a competitive admission process requiring a 2.5 GPA. The program provides a robust foundation for graduates to successfully complete the National Council Licensure Examination and launch promising careers in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities.
Bottineau, ND - Public 2-Year - dakotacollege.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Dakota College at Bottineau's Practical Nursing Program provides an intensive 11-month educational pathway designed to transform aspiring nurses into competent healthcare professionals. The program, part of the collaborative Dakota Nursing Program, emphasizes evidence-based learning and professional development. Students engage in comprehensive curriculum focusing on technology integration and quality patient care. Graduates receive a Practical Nurse Certificate and become eligible to take the NCLEX PN® exam for licensure. The program's strategic approach prepares students to meet diverse healthcare challenges, with a structured admission process accepting applications annually from December 1st to March 5th. Prospective students must first gain acceptance to Dakota College at Bottineau before entering this specialized nursing track.
Bismarck, ND - Public 4-Year - bismarckstate.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Bismarck State College's Practical Nursing program offers an efficient 11-month pathway to nursing credentials through a strategic hybrid learning model. Located in Hettinger, ND, the program uniquely blends interactive video network theory with immersive clinical training, ensuring comprehensive nursing preparation. Students benefit from a remarkable 100% NCLEX-PN exam pass rate, positioning graduates for immediate workforce entry or seamless progression toward registered nursing degrees. The flexible hybrid format accommodates diverse learner needs, while hands-on clinical experiences provide real-world skill development. With available tuition assistance, this program represents an accessible and accelerated route for aspiring nurses in rural North Dakota 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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