Top Nursing Schools & Programs in North Dakota

Top Nursing Schools in North Dakota
Maria Delgado, RN

Maria Delgado, RN

June 26, 2025

North Dakota’s nursing education offerings provide clear pathways for professionals at every career level, from foundational certification to advanced clinical practice. Whether you’re beginning as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), advancing from a Registered Nurse (RN) to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), pursuing licensure as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), or training for advanced practice as a Nurse Practitioner (NP), the state’s colleges, universities, and healthcare systems blend rigorous coursework with immersive clinical experiences. With flexible online options that accommodate busy schedules alongside hands‑on practicum placements in accredited care settings, North Dakota’s nursing programs prepare graduates with the expertise, credentials, and competitive salary potential needed to thrive across a variety of healthcare environments.

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2026 Top Nursing Programs in North Dakota

North Dakota boasts several exceptional nursing programs that stand out for their quality education and student success. TopNursing.org has carefully evaluated and ranked the state's top nursing schools based on rigorous criteria including faculty expertise, clinical training opportunities, student outcomes, and accreditation standards. Our comprehensive analysis highlights institutions that provide outstanding nursing education, preparing students for rewarding careers in healthcare. These programs offer diverse pathways from associate to doctoral levels, ensuring aspiring nurses receive comprehensive training that meets the evolving demands of the medical profession. Students can expect cutting-edge curriculum, hands-on learning experiences, and strong connections to regional healthcare networks. Learn more about our ranking methodology.
#1

University of Jamestown

Jamestown, ND - Private 4-year - uj.edu

Associate - Associate of Science in Nursing

Online Learning - Visit Website

University of Jamestown's Associate of Science in Nursing is a hybrid program combining online coursework with in-person clinicals in Fargo, ND, designed for flexibility and practical experience. It prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam over 20 months, with a focus on evidence-based practice and patient-centered care. Admission requires a high school diploma and a 2.5 GPA; no entrance exam is specified, but it's not promoted as exempt.

  • Hybrid online and in-person learning.
  • Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
  • 20-month program duration.
  • 70 credit hours total.
  • $560 per credit hour.
  • High school diploma required.
  • 2.5 GPA admission requirement.
  • Flexible coursework online.
  • In-person clinicals in Fargo.
  • Focus on patient-centered care.

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of Jamestown offers a campus-based program with a strong focus on patient-centered care, featuring a state-of-the-art simulation lab for hands-on training and small class sizes for personalized support. Graduates achieve a 99% employment rate, working in diverse healthcare settings. Admission requires an ACT or SAT entrance exam, and the curriculum includes certifications like ACLS and PALS, preparing students comprehensively for nursing roles.

  • State-of-the-art simulation lab
  • Small class sizes
  • 99% employment rate
  • Direct and sophomore entry options
  • ACLS and PALS certifications
  • Comprehensive curriculum
  • Hands-on clinical experiences
  • Personalized faculty support
  • Diverse career opportunities
  • National accreditation

Master's - Direct Entry - Master of Science in Nursing (DEMSN)

Online Learning - Visit Website

The Direct Entry Master of Science in Nursing at University of Jamestown is a hybrid program for career changers with non-nursing bachelor's degrees, offering online coursework and in-person clinicals in Fargo. It prepares for the NCLEX-RN in 20 months, emphasizing evidence-based practice, leadership, and healthcare technologies. Admission requires a 2.85 GPA and prerequisite courses; no entrance exam is specified or promoted as not required.

  • Hybrid online and in-person format.
  • Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
  • 20-month completion time.
  • $733 per credit hour.
  • Total tuition $52,776.
  • 2.85 GPA requirement.
  • Non-nursing bachelor's degree needed.
  • Prerequisite courses required.
  • 120 lab hours included.
  • 675 clinical hours.
Show 2 More Programs ˅
#2

Lake Region State College

Devils Lake, ND - Public 2-Year - lrsc.edu

Associate - Associate Degree Nurse (RN)

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Lake Region State College in North Dakota provides a hybrid Associate Degree Nurse (RN) program, blending online and in-person learning with extensive clinical practice. It covers key areas like adult health, maternal child nursing, community health, and psychosocial nursing, preparing graduates for the NCLEX-RN exam. Prerequisites include CPR certification and LPN or paramedic experience. The curriculum includes microbiology, professional development, and clinical applications, with a comprehensive predictor success rate of 92%. As an associate-level program, it does not require ACT or SAT entrance exams.

  • Hybrid program format.
  • Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
  • CPR certification required.
  • LPN or paramedic experience needed.
  • Courses in microbiology included.
  • Clinical practice opportunities.
  • Covers adult health nursing.
  • Includes maternal child nursing.
  • Focus on community health.
  • Psychosocial nursing covered.
#3

Rasmussen University-North Dakota

Fargo, ND - Private 4-year - rasmussen.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Rasmussen University-North Dakota's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is CCNE-accredited and offered in a hybrid format, combining online coursework with in-person clinical experiences. It prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam through hands-on training and small class sizes. With no prerequisite courses required and eight start dates annually, it includes both a standard 33-month track and an accelerated 18-month option for those with a prior bachelor's degree. Admission does not require an ACT or SAT exam. Tuition starts at $359 per credit, and financial aid is available, making it a flexible and accessible choice for aspiring nurses.

  • CCNE-accredited program
  • Hybrid learning format
  • Small class sizes
  • No prerequisite courses
  • Eight start dates yearly
  • Standard and accelerated tracks
  • Hands-on clinical experiences
  • Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
  • Financial aid available
  • Flexible online courses
#4

University of North Dakota

Grand Forks, ND - Public 4-Year - und.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of North Dakota's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a four-year, on-campus program requiring 121 credit hours. It focuses on compassionate care for diverse and rural populations, utilizing state-of-the-art technology and clinical experiences. Accredited by CCNE, it boasts a 97% NCLEX pass rate and prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam. Admission requires meeting specific criteria with fall, spring, and summer deadlines; entrance exams like ACT or SAT are not mentioned as required, so it's assumed they may be part of general admission but not explicitly stated. The program includes opportunities for research and honors societies.

  • 4-year program duration.
  • On-campus format.
  • 121 credit hours required.
  • Exceeds national NCLEX pass rates.
  • Focus on diverse populations.
  • Emphasis on rural communities.
  • State-of-the-art learning technology.
  • Rich clinical experiences.
  • Accredited by CCNE.
  • Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
#5

Minot State University

Minot, ND - Public 4-Year - minotstateu.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Minot State University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program provides a comprehensive education with over 1,000 clinical hours, high-fidelity simulations, and public health nursing opportunities. Accredited by CCNE, it emphasizes compassionate care and leadership development in an affordable, on-campus setting with no out-of-state tuition increase. Admission may require an ACT score for guaranteed entry, preparing graduates for the NCLEX-RN and diverse healthcare roles.

  • 122 credit hours.
  • 4 years to complete.
  • On-campus program.
  • Over 1,000 clinical hours.
  • High-fidelity simulation experiences.
  • No out-of-state tuition increase.
  • Multiple scholarships available.
  • Guaranteed admission criteria.
  • Active Nursing Student Association.
  • Accredited by CCNE.
*Information sourced from the NCES Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (2023).

North Dakota LPN Program Overview

North Dakota’s LPN programs combine focused coursework in anatomy, pharmacology, and nursing fundamentals with supervised clinical rotations in hospitals, long‑term care facilities, and rural clinics. After mastering skills in medication administration, vital‑sign monitoring, and patient support, students prepare for and pass the NCLEX‑PN exam to earn state licensure. Graduates bolster North Dakota’s practical nursing workforce by easing RN workloads and enhancing access to quality care across both urban centers and remote communities.

North Dakota CNA Program Overview

North Dakota’s CNA programs span six to twelve weeks, blending coursework on patient safety, hygiene, and vital‑sign monitoring with hands‑on practicums. Learners gain experience in assisting with personal care, mobility support, and routine checks, all under professional supervision. Once certified, CNAs become key contributors in both institutional and rural care settings. Their role ensures that licensed nurses can focus on complex clinical responsibilities.

North Dakota RN to BSN Program Overview

North Dakota’s RN to BSN offerings blend self-paced online modules in leadership, population health, informatics and policy with hands-on practicums at both regional hospitals and frontier clinics. Available in part-time and accelerated tracks, they let RNs continue their current roles while completing a bachelor’s degree. Earning a BSN deepens expertise in evidence-driven care, care coordination and system-level thinking, meets employer and accreditation standards for baccalaureate-prepared nurses, and opens doors to leadership positions, specialty certifications and broader community health initiatives across the state.

North Dakota Nurse Practitioner (NP) Program Overview

North Dakota’s Nurse Practitioner pathways advance a BSN-prepared nurse into specialized practice through a blend of rigorous graduate coursework and immersive clinical rotations, typically completed in two to three years, in areas such as family health, pediatric care, and psychiatric-mental health. Delivered via on-campus cohorts, hybrid models, and fully online tracks at institutions like the University of North Dakota, these MSN and DNP programs equip nurses for APRN certification and North Dakota licensure. Graduates take on roles as primary care clinicians, chronic disease coordinators, and telehealth providers in critical-access hospitals, rural health clinics, and tribal health centers. By supplying expert practitioners to sparsely populated regions and strengthening telehealth infrastructure, NP programs are essential to improving care access and outcomes across North Dakota.

Traditional RN Degree Types

DegreeTypical LengthPrerequisitesOutcome / Notes
Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN)~2 yearsHigh school diploma or GEDCommon entry in rural/frontier areas, BSN preferred in larger hospitals
RN Diploma2-3 yearsHigh school diploma or GEDNo longer offered in North Dakota
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)4 years (12-18 months accelerated)High school diploma or ADN transferBSN-in-10 state, BSN-prepared nurses strongly preferred statewide
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)2 years (post-BSN)BSN + RN licensePrepares for advanced roles, NPs have full practice authority
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)3-6 years (post-BSN or post-MSN)BSN or MSN + RN licenseHighest degree, DNP-prepared NPs practice independently statewide

List of RN Programs in North Dakota

North Dakota offers several robust nursing education paths for aspiring registered nurses. From community colleges to state universities, these programs provide comprehensive training to prepare students for successful healthcare careers. The following table highlights various RN programs across North Dakota, showcasing their unique features, locations, and program details to help prospective nursing students make informed decisions about their educational journey.
Jump to City:

Bismarck, ND

Bismarck State College

  • Associate - Associate Degree Nursing Program

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Hybrid program format.
    • Part of Dakota Nursing Program.
    • Prepares for RN licensure.
    • Strong science background recommended.
    • Minimum GPA requirement 2.5.
    • Clinical opportunities locally arranged.
    • Offered at multiple ND sites.
    • Requires CPR certification.

University of Mary

  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • Accredited by CCNE.
    • High NCLEX-RN pass rates.
    • Flexible degree pathways.
    • Hands-on experience in healthcare settings.
    • Financial support available.
    • LPN to BSN option.
    • RN to BSN option.
    • Tuition-free senior year.

Bottineau, ND

Dakota College at Bottineau

  • Associate - Associate Degree Nurse

    Campus Based - Website

    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
    • Requires 2.75 GPA.
    • Background check mandatory.
    • Covers diverse healthcare settings.
    • Includes clinical applications.

Devils Lake, ND

Lake Region State College

  • Associate - Associate Degree Nurse (RN)

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Hybrid program format.
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
    • CPR certification required.
    • LPN or paramedic experience needed.
    • Courses in microbiology included.
    • Clinical practice opportunities.
    • Covers adult health nursing.
    • Includes maternal child nursing.

Dickinson, ND

Dickinson State University

  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • ACEN accredited program.
    • State-of-the-art simulation labs.
    • Eligibility for NCLEX-RN exam.
    • Comprehensive hands-on training.
    • Supportive learning environment.

Fargo, ND

North Dakota State University

  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • Prepares for diverse nursing careers
    • Focus on underserved populations
    • Includes pre-nursing advising
    • Offers scholarships
    • Active student organizations
    • Selective admission process
    • Emphasizes critical thinking
    • Supports professional development

Rasmussen University-North Dakota

  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • CCNE-accredited program
    • Hybrid learning format
    • Small class sizes
    • No prerequisite courses
    • Eight start dates yearly
    • Standard and accelerated tracks
    • Hands-on clinical experiences
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam

Grand Forks, ND

University of North Dakota

  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • 4-year program duration.
    • On-campus format.
    • 121 credit hours required.
    • Exceeds national NCLEX pass rates.
    • Focus on diverse populations.
    • Emphasis on rural communities.
    • State-of-the-art learning technology.
    • Rich clinical experiences.

Jamestown, ND

University of Jamestown

  • Associate - Associate of Science in Nursing

    Online Learning - Website

    • Hybrid online and in-person learning.
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
    • 20-month program duration.
    • 70 credit hours total.
    • $560 per credit hour.
    • High school diploma required.
    • 2.5 GPA admission requirement.
    • Flexible coursework online.
  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • State-of-the-art simulation lab
    • Small class sizes
    • 99% employment rate
    • Direct and sophomore entry options
    • ACLS and PALS certifications
    • Comprehensive curriculum
    • Hands-on clinical experiences
    • Personalized faculty support
  • Master's - Direct Entry - Master of Science in Nursing (DEMSN)

    Online Learning - Website

    • Hybrid online and in-person format.
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
    • 20-month completion time.
    • $733 per credit hour.
    • Total tuition $52,776.
    • 2.85 GPA requirement.
    • Non-nursing bachelor's degree needed.
    • Prerequisite courses required.

Minot, ND

Minot State University

  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • 122 credit hours.
    • 4 years to complete.
    • On-campus program.
    • Over 1,000 clinical hours.
    • High-fidelity simulation experiences.
    • No out-of-state tuition increase.
    • Multiple scholarships available.
    • Guaranteed admission criteria.

Williston, ND

Williston State College

  • Associate - Associate Degree in Nursing

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Hybrid program format.
    • Accredited by NLN CNEA.
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN.
    • Combines online and clinical learning.
    • Requires high school diploma.
    • CPR certification needed.
    • Prerequisite courses required.
    • Financial aid available.
*U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS 2023 institutional data.