LPN to RN Programs in North Dakota (2026)

Three accredited paths from LPN to Registered Nurse in North Dakota: the fastest LPN-to-ADN bridge, the long-term LPN-to-BSN, and an Accelerated BSNfor LPNs who already hold a bachelor's. Compare side-by-side on tuition, length, format, and outcomes — pick the best match for your goals and budget.

12 mo
Fastest Bridge Program
+$11K
Avg RN Salary Increase
11
LPN, ADN & BSN Programs

ADN Programs in North Dakota

Associate Degree in Nursing programs — the most common outcome of an LPN-to-RN bridge. 2 programs available in North Dakota.

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Showing 2 of 2 programs

Sponsored · Disclosure

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) options in ND — compare partner programs accepting applications now.

Rasmussen University logo
ADNOn Campus

Rasmussen University

ADN

$36,000 total24 mo program79% NCLEX pass rate63% grad rate
Excelsior University logo
ADNOnline

Excelsior University

ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing)

$14,560 total24 mo program58% grad rate

See all nursing programs in North Dakota

LPN-to-BSN Programs in North Dakota

Skip the ADN-then-RN-to-BSN detour. These accredited BSN programs accept LPNs into a 2–3 year pre-licensure bachelor's track — the best long-term value when North Dakota hospital systems prefer BSN-prepared nurses at hire. 8 traditional BSN programs in our directory below the sponsored matches.

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Western Governors University logo

Western Governors University

WGU's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Pre-Licensure) program prepares you for a successful nursing career. This 100% online program requires 124 credits and can be completed in about 36 months, provi…

BSNOnlineCCNEEst. $35,700 total92% NCLEX
Rasmussen University logo

Rasmussen University

BSN. Hybrid format.

BSNOnline + CampusACENEst. $58,000 total82% NCLEX
Aspen University logo

Aspen University

Aspen University’s BSN — Pre-Licensure program offers a pathway for students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. This 120-credit program is fully online and can be completed in 36 months, makin…

BSNOnlineCCNEEst. $28,800 total
National University logo

National University

National University's BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) program is a comprehensive pre-licensure pathway that prepares you for a successful nursing career. Offered entirely online, this 120-credit…

BSNOnlineCCNEEst. $45,000 total
Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences logo

Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences

BSN (Pre-Licensure Online). Online format.

BSNOnlineCCNEEst. $52,000 total91% NCLEX
Excelsior University logo

Excelsior University

The BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) completion program at Excelsior University is available 100% online, allowing you to earn your degree on your schedule. This 120-credit program can be finishe…

BSNOnlineACENEst. $30,000 total
Southern New Hampshire University logo

Southern New Hampshire University

SNHU's BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) program is a comprehensive online degree designed for those starting their nursing journey. This 120-credit program takes approximately 48 months to comple…

BSNOnlineACENEst. $50,400 total
American Public University System logo

American Public University System

The BSN program offers a comprehensive curriculum for individuals pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Delivered entirely online, this 36-month program requires 120 credits, allowing you to bal…

BSNOnlineCCNEEst. $27,000 total

Accelerated BSN (ABSN) Programs in North Dakota

The fastest path to a BSN if you already hold a bachelor's degree in another field — typically 12–20 months full-time. Many programs award advanced standing for your LPN clinical experience, lowering tuition and shortening the timeline further.

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Compare all fastest nursing programs in North Dakota

Match Me to the Best LPN-to-RN Program in North Dakota

Advancing to RN in North Dakota can mean +$11K/year. We'll match you to the 11+ LPN, ADN, and BSN options that best fit your budget, schedule, and timeline — enter your zip code to start.

Among the LPN and ADN programs shown for North Dakota in our sample, 73% are fully online, 9% hybrid, and 18% on-campus (first-page results from our directory).

Why Advance from LPN to RN in North Dakota?

The LPN-to-RN bridge is one of the most financially efficient moves in nursing. LPNs already have clinical experience and foundational medical knowledge — bridge programs build on that foundation rather than starting from scratch, cutting the time to RN licensure in half compared to a pre-licensure ADN program.

In North Dakota, registered nurses earn an average of $70,540 per year — roughly $10,810 more than the national LPN median. With North Dakota nursing job growth projected at 4.4% through 2032, the demand for RNs — and the salary premium they command — will only grow.

North Dakota is a Nurse Licensure Compact state. After earning your RN license in North Dakota, you can practice in 25+ other compact states without applying for additional licenses — ideal for travel nursing or cross-border employment.

Beyond pay, RN licensure expands your scope of practice to include comprehensive patient assessments, IV therapy, care plan development, and greater clinical autonomy. It also opens the door to specialty certifications, charge-nurse roles, and graduate programs (MSN, DNP) that can lead to advanced practice salaries exceeding $120,000.

Pick Your Best-Fit LPN-to-RN Pathway in North Dakota

The right program depends on three things: how fast you need to be earning an RN wage, whether North Dakotahospital systems you want to work for prefer a BSN, and whether you already hold a bachelor's degree in another field. Use the value-prop summary below to narrow your shortlist before comparing listings.

Best Value

LPN → ADN

  • Duration: 12–18 months
  • Cost: Lowest — community college tuition typical
  • Outcome: Associate Degree + NCLEX-RN eligibility
  • Best for: LPNs who want to start earning RN wages as fast and cheaply as possible

Most nurses later complete an online RN-to-BSN while working.

Best Career

LPN → BSN

  • Duration: 2–3 years
  • Cost: Mid–high (offset by employer tuition aid)
  • Outcome: Bachelor of Science in Nursing + NCLEX-RN eligibility
  • Best for: LPNs targeting Magnet hospitals, charge/leadership roles, or grad school in North Dakota

Preferred (and increasingly required) for North Dakota acute-care hires.

Fastest to BSN

Accelerated BSN (ABSN)

  • Duration: 12–20 months full-time
  • Cost: Higher tuition — but you finish a BSN in a year+
  • Outcome: BSN + NCLEX-RN eligibility
  • Best for: LPNs who already hold a non-nursing bachelor's degree

Many ABSN programs award LPN-credit advanced standing — ask each admissions office.

Admission Tips for LPN-to-RN Applicants in North Dakota

Current, Active LPN License

Most programs require an active, unencumbered LPN license in North Dakota at time of enrollment. Verify your license is in good standing with the North Dakota Board of Nursing before applying.

Prerequisite Science Courses

Anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and chemistry are commonly required. Check each program's prerequisites before applying — completing them at a community college while working as an LPN is a common strategy.

Work Experience

Most programs prefer 1+ year of clinical LPN experience. Some require it. Highlight diverse clinical settings (hospital, long-term care, home health) in your application.

Credit Evaluation

Request a credit evaluation from each program's admissions office to understand exactly how much of your LPN coursework transfers. This directly affects total cost — and programs in North Dakota start as low as $21,000.

How do I go from LPN to RN in North Dakota?
To advance from LPN to RN in North Dakota, enroll in an LPN-to-RN bridge program at an accredited nursing school. These programs typically award credit for your LPN coursework and take 12 to 18 months to complete. At graduation you sit for the NCLEX-RN exam. The North Dakota Board of Nursing (https://www.ndbon.org) issues RN licenses and can confirm current requirements.
How long does LPN to RN take in North Dakota?
Most LPN-to-RN bridge programs available in North Dakota take 12 to 18 months full-time. The fastest option currently listed for North Dakota is 12 months. Part-time enrollment extends the timeline to 18–24 months. Programs that award a direct-entry BSN at completion may take longer than those that award an ADN.
How much more do RNs earn than LPNs in North Dakota?
Registered nurses in North Dakota earn an average of $70,540 per year (BLS May 2023). The national median for licensed practical nurses is $59,730 — a difference of roughly $10,810 per year. Most LPN-to-RN programs pay for themselves within the first year of RN practice based on that salary increase alone.
Do LPN credits transfer in North Dakota?
Most LPN-to-RN programs accept 15 to 30 LPN credits through advanced standing or articulation agreements. The exact number depends on the program and your LPN coursework. Some schools require a validation exam or skills assessment before awarding credit. Ask each program's admissions office for a transfer credit evaluation before applying.
What is the difference between LPN-to-ADN, LPN-to-BSN, and Accelerated BSN in North Dakota?
LPN-to-ADN bridge programs (typically 12–18 months) award an Associate Degree in Nursing and NCLEX-RN eligibility — best value and fastest route to RN licensure. LPN-to-BSN programs take 2–3 years but award a bachelor's degree, which many North Dakota hospital systems prefer for direct-care positions and which is required for graduate nursing programs. Accelerated BSN (ABSN) programs (12–20 months) are aimed at LPNs who already hold a non-nursing bachelor's degree — fastest path to a BSN, but tuition runs higher. Many nurses complete the ADN first to start earning RN wages sooner, then finish an online RN-to-BSN while working.
Can I do an Accelerated BSN (ABSN) as an LPN in North Dakota?
Yes — if you already hold a bachelor's degree in any field. ABSN programs in North Dakota typically run 12–20 months full-time and many award advanced-standing credit for your LPN clinical work, which can shorten the timeline and reduce tuition. If you do not yet have a bachelor's, an LPN-to-BSN or LPN-to-ADN program is the right starting point.
Is North Dakota in the Nurse Licensure Compact?
Yes, North Dakota is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) member. After earning your RN license in North Dakota, you can practice in other compact states without applying for a separate license — ideal for travel nursing or cross-border healthcare employment.

North Dakota RN License Information

Renewal Cycle

2 years

CE Hours Required

12 hours

NLC Compact Member

Yes

Source: North Dakota Board of Nursing

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