How to Become a Nurse in North Dakota (2026)

A step-by-step guide to starting your nursing career in North Dakota — from prerequisites to licensure. Average RN salary: $70,540/year.

160

Programs Available

$70,540

Avg RN Salary

4.4%

Job Growth

Yes

Compact State

6 Steps to Become a Nurse in North Dakota

Complete Prerequisite Courses

1–2 semesters

Before entering a nursing program, complete prerequisite courses including anatomy and physiology (I and II), microbiology, chemistry, statistics, psychology, and English composition. Most community colleges in North Dakota offer these courses. A GPA of 2.5–3.0 in prerequisites is typically required for admission.

Choose Your Nursing Pathway

Varies by program

Select the degree level that fits your goals and timeline. 160 accredited programs are available in North Dakota. ADN programs at community colleges are the fastest path to RN licensure (18–24 months). BSN programs at universities offer broader preparation and more career options (4 years, or 12–18 months accelerated).

Complete Your Nursing Program

12–48 months

Your program will include classroom instruction, lab simulations, and supervised clinical rotations at hospitals and healthcare facilities in North Dakota. Clinical hours typically total 600–1,000+ hours depending on the degree level. All programs are designed to prepare you for the NCLEX-RN exam.

Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam

45 days after graduation (typical)

Register with Pearson VUE, submit your exam application to the North Dakota Board of Nursing, and schedule your NCLEX-RN exam. The computerized adaptive test covers safe and effective care, health promotion, psychosocial integrity, and physiological integrity. Most graduates take the exam within 45 days of completing their program.

Apply for Licensure in North Dakota

2–8 weeks processing

Submit your licensure application to the North Dakota Board of Nursing (https://www.ndbon.org). You will need your NCLEX results, official transcripts, and a completed background check. North Dakota participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact — your multistate license allows you to practice in all compact states. License renewal is every 2 years, requiring 12 continuing education hours.

Start Your Nursing Career

Ongoing

Begin working as a registered nurse in North Dakota. The average RN salary is $70,540 per year ($34/hour), with 4.4% job growth projected through 2032. Many hospitals offer new graduate residency programs that provide mentored transition into practice over 6–12 months.

Find Nursing Programs in North Dakota

Get matched with accredited programs accepting applications now.

How long does it take to become a nurse in North Dakota?

The timeline depends on your chosen pathway. LPN certificates take 9–12 months. ADN programs (the fastest path to RN licensure) take 18–24 months. Traditional BSN programs take 4 years. Accelerated BSN programs for career changers with a prior bachelor's degree take 12–18 months. All pathways require passing the NCLEX exam.

How much does it cost to become a nurse in North Dakota?

Costs vary significantly by program type and institution. Community college ADN programs in North Dakota typically cost $5,000–$20,000. Public university BSN programs cost $20,000–$50,000 for in-state students. Private university BSN programs can cost $40,000–$100,000. Financial aid, scholarships, and employer tuition reimbursement can reduce out-of-pocket costs substantially.

What are the requirements to become a nurse in North Dakota?

To become a nurse in North Dakota: (1) Graduate from an accredited nursing program (ACEN or CCNE), (2) Pass the NCLEX-RN exam, (3) Apply for licensure with the North Dakota Board of Nursing, (4) Complete a background check. North Dakota is a compact state — your license is valid in all NLC member states. License renewal is every 2 years with 12 continuing education hours.

Can I become a nurse with no experience in North Dakota?

Yes — no prior healthcare experience is required to start nursing school in North Dakota. You need a high school diploma or GED and completion of prerequisite courses (anatomy, physiology, microbiology). Many programs are designed specifically for career changers with no medical background. Clinical rotations during the program provide hands-on experience before graduation.

What is the NCLEX pass rate in North Dakota?

NCLEX pass rates vary by program. The national average first-time pass rate is approximately 87%. Strong programs in North Dakota maintain pass rates above 90%. Always ask a program for its three-year NCLEX pass rate before enrolling — it is the single best indicator of program quality.

Is North Dakota a Nurse Licensure Compact state?

North Dakota is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). This means nurses with a multistate license issued in North Dakota can practice in all other compact states without additional licensure.

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