Best LPN Programs in North Dakota

Get started with your search for top-ranked LPN programs in North Dakota. Discover which programs offer programs that fit your needs.
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Updated July 12, 2023

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LPN Programs

In North Dakota, there are nearly twice as many licensed practical nurses per 1,000 people than the national average. Most of these LPNs work in nursing homes, extended care facilities or hospitals around the state. In order to assist registered nurses with patient monitoring and bedside care, LPNs must earn a certificate or associate degree and meet all state licensing requirements.

The following guide explores LPN programs in North Dakota, steps for licensure, and career outlook and salary data by region.

AccreditedSchoolsOnline.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

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Top LPN Programs in North Dakota

Methodology +

Lpn Programs The top LPN programs listed in this state's ranking were determined by comparison of three primary, equally-weighted criteria including Student-to-faculty ratio In-state tuition Graduation rate Additional details for each school were included: Count of programs available Public and not-for-profit schools Normalized on a 100 percent curve The methodology used for tie-break is as follows... Ties are broken based on lowest average net price for full-time, first-time undergraduates paying in-state tuition (average cost of tuition and expenses after grants and scholarships). If necessary, the lowest in-state tuition rate is used as a second tie-break

#1 Best LPN Programs in North Dakota

Bismarck State College

  • Bismarck, ND
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Learners who plan to pursue careers in nursing can earn an associate degree or certificate from Bismarck State College, a public institution. With online and in-person enrollment options, the school provides opportunities for both North Dakota residents and out-of-state students. The flexibility of online learning often appeals to working professionals who prefer not to relocate.

In addition to practical training, associate and certificate programs in nursing help participants gain a breadth of relevant knowledge. Immediately after graduation, many individuals use their training to secure entry-level nursing roles. Graduates often pursue bachelor's studies before entering the workforce, which can lead to more job opportunities and higher salary potential.

Bismarck State College at a Glance:

Number of Associate Programs: 42

Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 16

Number of Certificate Programs: 51

Number of Certificate Programs Available Online: 23

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$3,320
Out-of-state
$4,980
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
3,739
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
54% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#2 Best LPN Programs in North Dakota

Lake Region State College

  • Devils Lake, ND
  • 2 years
  • Online + Campus

Learners interested in pursuing an associate degree or certificate in nursing can consider Lake Region State College, a public institution. With online and on-campus options, the school educates students in North Dakota and other parts of the country. Online programs typically feature flexible scheduling options, allowing busy learners to complete coursework around other responsibilities.

In addition to practical training, associate and certificate programs in nursing help participants gain a breadth of relevant knowledge. These programs qualify individuals to apply to entry-level nursing positions after graduation. To expand their career options, graduates of associate or certificate programs can complete a bachelor's degree before applying for positions in the field.

Lake Region State College at a Glance:

Number of Associate Programs: 16

Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 6

Number of Certificate Programs: 12

Number of Certificate Programs Available Online: 2

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$3,778
Out-of-state
$3,778
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
64%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
1,982
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
49% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#3 Best LPN Programs in North Dakota

Dakota College at Bottineau

  • Bottineau, ND
  • 2 years
  • Online + Campus

A public school, Dakota College at Bottineau delivers associate degrees and certificates in nursing. Associate and certificate programs in nursing foster the field-specific skills graduates need to impress prospective employers. After completing their associate or certificate program, graduates can enroll in bachelor's programs to increase their job options and earning potential.

While enrollees located near Bottineau can study on campus, others may pursue the school's programs online. Additionally, many online nursing programs allow students to complete coursework at their convenience, which can be ideal for students with personal or professional responsibilities. Before enrolling, prospective applicants should review the institution's available programs to ensure they align with their goals.

Dakota College at Bottineau at a Glance:

Number of Associate Programs: 23

Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 12

Number of Certificate Programs: 19

Number of Certificate Programs Available Online: 12

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,066
Out-of-state
$6,100
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
43%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
1,006
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
61% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#4 Best LPN Programs in North Dakota

North Dakota State College of Science

  • Wahpeton, ND
  • 2 years
  • Online + Campus

At North Dakota State College of Science, learners can obtain a certificate or associate degree by enrolling online or on campus. While completing an associate or certificate program, students undergo technical training and gain the nursing-specific skills employers value. After completing their associate or certificate program, graduates can enroll in bachelor's programs to increase their job options and earning potential.

Offering online programs, in addition to on-campus classes in Wahpeton, the school educates enrollees in many states. An additional benefit of online learning is the scheduling flexibility, which can be important to working professionals and students with family responsibilities. Before choosing a program, applicants should consider their personal interests and professional goals.

North Dakota State College of Science at a Glance:

Number of Associate Programs: 36

Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 1

Number of Certificate Programs: 32

Number of Certificate Programs Available Online: 2

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,528
Out-of-state
$5,433
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
71%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
2,977
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
28% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#5 Best LPN Programs in North Dakota

Dickinson State University

  • Dickinson, ND
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Learners who plan to pursue careers in nursing can earn an associate degree or certificate from Dickinson State University, a public institution. Although the school is located in North Dakota, students in any state can enroll in its online programs. Learners with full-time jobs often study online because of the increased flexibility remote learning offers.

Participants in associate and certificate programs complete nursing-specific coursework and training. Immediately after graduation, many individuals use their training to secure entry-level nursing roles. Before entering the workforce, graduates often choose to enroll in a bachelor's program, many of which accept transfer credits from two-year programs.

Dickinson State University at a Glance:

Number of Associate Programs: 4

Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 2

Number of Certificate Programs: 4

Number of Certificate Programs Available Online: 3

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$6,522
Out-of-state
$9,782
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$5,826
Out-of-state
$5,826
Retention Rate
68%
Acceptance Rate
100%
Students Enrolled
1,350
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
42% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

Search for LPN Programs in North Dakota

Those who want to become LPNs in North Dakota can enroll in programs at technical schools, community colleges, and large universities. Potential nursing students can find an LPN program that meets their individual career goals and educational needs. Using the search tool below, aspiring LPNs can compare program options based on tuition, location and school type. 

Licensing Requirements for North Dakota LPNs

Every year, nursing school graduates finish their LPN programs with the hopes of finding a job in the state. But before they can get employment, they must become licensed through the North Dakota Board of Nursing. This section will explore the licensure process, including how licenses are initially granted and renewed.

Basic Eligibility

  • Complete the Application for Licensure by Examination and submit it to the North Dakota Board of Nursing.

Education & Training Requirements

Those who want to pursue a career as a licensed practical nurse must complete an LPN program that is approved by the Board. For those who attended nursing school out of state, the Board requires that they graduate from a program educationally comparable to those available in North Dakota. Out-of-state programs must include supervised clinical experience that teach students how to provide care across the life span.

Additional Requirements for Licensure

  • Pay the required $130 application fee. This can be paid by check, PayPal, or credit or debit card.
  • Arrange to have official school transcripts sent to the Board of Nursing directly.
  • Register for the NCLEX-PN examination through Pearson VUE.
  • Pass the NCLEX.
  • Submit fingerprints in order to participate in the state's criminal background check.

Renewing Your License

LPN licenses are renewed every two years. In order to renew a license, nurses must finish 24 hours of continuing education coursework. When submitting an application for license renewal, LPNs must pay the $110 fee, update their demographic information, and outline the number of hours they worked each year.

Earning Potential for LPNs in North Dakota

Licensed practical nurses can make a good living, but, like every other profession, the amount of money they make depends on where they work. Salaries vary from state to state, but they also vary depending on what part of North Dakota LPNs find employment in. The following data outlines the earning potential of LPNs in the state.

Top Paying Metropolitan Areas

North Dakota Employment Data for LPNs

Employment potential for LPNs in North Dakota depends on several factors, including what part of the state they work in, what kind of health care facility employs them, and what practice area they choose. The following data breaks down the employment for LPNs in the state and exemplifies where the most opportunities are.

Top Locations for Employment

AreaTotal Employment (2014)
Fargo ND-MN1,250
Grand Forks ND-MN480
Bismarck450
East Central North Dakota nonmetropolitan area410
West Central North Dakota nonmetropolitan area380
AreaTotal Employment (2014)
Far Eastern North Dakota nonmetropolitan area250
Far Western North Dakota nonmetropolitan area240

Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2014

Employment of LPNs in North Dakota

2012 3,340

2022 4,030

Average Annual Openings 150

Source: Projections Central

Resources for North Dakota LPNs

2013-2014 Education Annual Report - North Dakota Board of Nursing

Includes detailed information on nurse employment, education, and demographics.

Board Approved IV Therapy Courses

This site includes a list of IV therapy courses that provide the required education LPNs need to treat patients with intravenous medications.

Board Approved Programs of Nursing

This website lists the LPN programs that the North Dakota Board of Nursing has sanctioned.

Continuing Education for Renewal

This page of the nursing board's website outlines the acceptable continuing education courses that can be taken for license renewal.

LPN IV Therapy Course Guidelines

Provides information on the education LPNs must receive in order to provide IV drugs to patients.

North Dakota Board of Nursing

Nurses can verify their license, receive information on obtaining a license through examination or endorsement, and find schools sanctioned by the state on the Board's website.

North Dakota Nurses Association

Nurses in North Dakota receive professional development and advocacy services through this association. There is also a career center where LPNs can find job leads.

Snapshot of North Dakota's Health Care Workforce

This report includes information about the health care industry from the University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences. LPN student enrollment and employment is included.

Standards of Practice for Licensed Practical Nurses

Outlines what is expected of LPNs in the state based on guidelines passed by the North Dakota Legislative Assembly.

Supply and Demand Projections Technical Report

Includes nursing job predictions by the North Dakota Center for Nursing Research.

Popular Resources

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AccreditedSchoolsOnline.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

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