How to Become a Licensed Practical Nurse in North Dakota

North Dakota map

Are you sure you want to pursue a medical career but do not know where to start?

If you become a Licensed Practical Nurse in North Dakota, you could earn a decent living.

At the same time, you can still study to become a Registered Nurse (RN).

Licensing Requirements to Become a Licensed Practical Nurse in North Dakota

The North Dakota Board of Nursing offers you the chance to apply for a license by exam or by endorsement.

This means you can take the NCLEX exam hosted by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) to become certified in ND.

Otherwise, you can prove you have the qualifications from training you received in another location and transfer that license to ND.

This usually is called “License By Endorsement.”

Keep in mind, however, that this does require that you meet certain criteria.

One of the most important aspects of transferring your license from another state is you must be in good standing.

In addition, you will need to have completed nursing courses covering all aspects of patient care throughout their lifespan.

You also need to have put in 400 hours of training or taken a nursing refresher course in the past four years.

5 Licensed Practical Nurse Schools in North Dakota

1. University of Mary

University of Mary Logo

Your training at the University of Mary could prepare you for just about any level of nursing you wish to achieve.

Start out by taking the LPN, and see where life takes you.

This school also has an RN training program.

Coursework duration depends on your career goals.

You could spend as little time as one year to more than four years studying.

The instruction you receive will prepare you for the NCLEX examination, which calls for both the classroom and hands-on learning that the University of Mary provides.

You will have the chance to receive on-the-job training as a student.

2. Bismarck State College

Bismarck State College Logo

The training you receive at Bismarck will set you on an LPN achievement path in about a year.

Every semester (three terms total) packs in as much information as you need to be a successful LPN.

For instance, you’ll take Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology.

This training program also introduces you to medical, surgical, and maternal nursing.

You will also have your share of hands-on practice too.

3. Dickinson State University

Dickinson State University Logo

You might want to try this school if you have been an LPN for a while.

You could earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing here.

This training will inspire you to take a proactive stance in healthcare improvement and will set you on the path to becoming an RN.

Possible career options after completing this coursework include becoming a critical-care, staff, or charge nurse.

Otherwise, you could seek a management position, become an educator, or take on a public health job.

4. Dakota College at Bottineau

Dakota College at Bottineau Logo

Be prepared to be challenged in a good way when you attend this Dakota College’s nursing program.

You will learn how to integrate holistic care with technology and enhance your skills with either the certificate or an Associate Degree in Practical Nursing program.

You will feel less intimidated by taking the NCLEX exam after finishing this coursework.

It covers all the theoretical and clinical aspects of nursing.

For instance, you will receive basic information about the human body and how to prepare patients for blood draws, heart monitoring, and more.

5. North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS)

North Dakota State College of Science Logo

You can start or continue your Practical Nursing career here.

One option you have if you already have some PN experience is to work towards an associate degree.

Then, you could pursue a Registered nurse course while gaining on-the-job experience in your current LPN position.

The NDSCS instruction also provides you with chances to practice what you learn in real-world settings.

The program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

Licensed Practical Nurse Schools in North Dakota – Summary Table

Top 5 Schools in North Dakota

School NameAddress
University of Mary7500 University Dr, Bismarck, ND 58504
Bismarck State College1500 Edwards Ave, Bismarck, ND 58506
Dickinson State University291 Campus Dr, Dickinson, ND 58601
Dakota College at Bottineau105 Simrall Blvd, Bottineau, ND 58318
North Dakota State College of Science800 6th St N, Wahpeton, ND 58076

Salary

The June 2022 average salary for a North Dakota Licensed Practical Nurse is $47,520.

The incomes range from $43,149 to $52,859.

You can continue to add to your LPN credentials and earn more than $57,720. Cities to look for jobs include Dickinson, Bismarck, Fargo, and Minot.

Annual Salary Range:
$43K
$47K
$52K

Average Salary of Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)s in North Dakota

City NameSalary
Fargo$47,480
Bismarck$48,391
Grand Forks$44,641
Minot$47,631
Mandan$48,391
Dickinson$47,631
Jamestown$47,176
West Fargo$47,480
Williston$47,631
Wahpeton$46,721
* Salary information last updated 2024

Regional Salary in North Dakota

RegionEmployedAvg. Annual SalaryAvg. Hourly PayTop 10% Annual SalaryBottom 10% Annual Salary
Bismarck, ND480$58,450$28.1$73,370$49,640
Fargo, ND-MN990$57,040$27.42$65,070$50,230
Grand Forks, ND-MN390$56,280$27.06$66,880$49,060
* Salary information based on the May 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses, OCC Code 29-2061, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to become an LPN in North Dakota?

The average certificate program cost ranges from about $3,000-$5,000.

Some associate or bachelor’s degree programs may range from $10,000-$20,000 or more per year.

Most accredited schools have financial aid eligible programs if they prepare you for your required exams.

Does becoming an LPN help you become an RN?

Some people stay content working as an LPN all their lives.

However, many people do indeed decide to use this nursing experience to become an RN.

You will even find some “LPN to RN” training programs available throughout ND.

Do you need a degree to work as an LPN in ND?

No, you do not need a degree.

However, you can increase your earning power if you work toward an associate degree.

Some schools even provide you with the chance to apply your certificate credits for a degree program.

How much does the LPN license cost?

The NCLEX registration fee is $200, and you will sign up for that at the NCSBN website.

You will also need to pay $145 for the exam processing fee to the Dakota state nursing board.

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