Transform Your Nursing Career in North Dakota
North Dakota's healthcare system needs qualified Registered Nurses now more than ever. Whether you're an experienced LPN or just starting to consider advancing your career, transitioning from LPN to RN opens up significantly higher salaries, expanded career opportunities, and greater professional autonomy.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about LPN to RN bridge programs in North Dakota, including accredited schools, salary expectations, Board of Nursing requirements, and career advancement opportunities. North Dakota is an eNLC state with low population density and critical healthcare workforce needs in rural areas. The state offers substantial loan forgiveness programs for healthcare workers in underserved areas. Low cost of living. Cold winters.
North Dakota LPN to RN Salary Increase
Per Year
Per Year
North Dakota participates in the enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC), which means your North Dakota RN license allows you to practice in 40+ other compact states without obtaining additional licenses. This opens up travel nursing opportunities, telehealth positions, and flexibility to work across state lines—a significant career advantage.
1. Top LPN to RN Bridge Programs in North Dakota (2026)
North Dakota offers several accredited LPN to RN bridge programs. Here are the top options for 2026:
Location: Bismarck, ND
Program Type: Associate Degree Nursing (LPN advanced standing)
Duration: 2 years (standard); accelerated for LPNs
Format: In-person with clinical rotations
Estimated Tuition: $8,000-$13,000 (ND residents)
Accreditation: ACEN accredited
Key Features:
- LPN advanced placement and credit transfer options
- ACEN accreditation ensures quality education
- Clinical sites include Sanford Health Bismarck, CHI St. Alexius
- Affordable North Dakota tuition rates
- Evening and weekend course options
- High NCLEX-RN pass rates (85%+)
- Financial aid and scholarship opportunities
Location: Wahpeton, ND
Program Type: Associate of Applied Science in Nursing
Duration: 2 years; LPN bridge options available
Format: In-person with clinical experiences
Estimated Tuition: $7,500-$12,000 (ND residents)
Accreditation: ACEN accredited
Key Features:
- LPN to RN pathway with advanced standing
- ACEN accreditation
- Clinical rotations in southeastern North Dakota and western Minnesota
- Affordable tuition
- Small class sizes and personalized instruction
- Financial aid available
- Strong job placement in regional healthcare
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Location: Bottineau, ND
Program Type: Nursing Program with LPN advanced standing
Duration: Varies by program track
Format: In-person; some hybrid options
Estimated Tuition: $7,000-$11,000 (ND residents)
Accreditation: Part of ND University System; approved by ND Board of Nursing
Key Features:
- LPN credit transfer and advanced placement
- Rural campus setting with personalized education
- Clinical experiences in northern ND healthcare facilities
- Affordable tuition rates
- Financial aid and scholarships
- Emphasis on rural and frontier healthcare
2. LPN vs RN Salary in North Dakota: Financial Benefits
Current Salary Data (2026)
| Position | Average Annual Salary | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | $60,000 | $28.85 |
| Registered Nurse (RN) | $75,000 | $36.06 |
| Salary Difference | +$15,000 | +$7.21 |
Regional Salary Variations Across North Dakota
| Location/Region | RN Average Salary | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fargo/West Fargo | $73,000 - $82,000 | Largest metro area; most healthcare opportunities |
| Bismarck/Mandan | $70,000 - $80,000 | State capital; major medical centers |
| Grand Forks | $68,000 - $78,000 | Altru Health System; university town |
| Minot | $70,000 - $80,000 | Trinity Health; Air Force base nearby |
| Williston/Oil Patch | $75,000 - $90,000+ | Higher wages due to cost of living during oil boom periods |
| Rural ND | $68,000 - $85,000+ | Shortage incentives and loan forgiveness programs |
Top Employers for RNs in North Dakota (2026)
- Sanford Health (Fargo, Bismarck, and multiple ND locations)
- CHI St. Alexius Health (Bismarck)
- Altru Health System (Grand Forks)
- Trinity Health (Minot)
- Essentia Health (Fargo and eastern ND)
- CHI Mercy Hospital (Williston)
- First District Health Unit (Minot area)
- VA Fargo Health Care System
- Indian Health Service facilities (multiple ND reservations)
- Critical Access Hospitals throughout rural North Dakota
3. North Dakota Board of Nursing & RN Licensure Requirements
Agency: North Dakota Board of Nursing
Address: 919 South 7th Street, Suite 504, Bismarck, ND 58504
Phone: (701) 751-3000
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.ndbon.org
Steps to Obtain Your North Dakota RN License
- 1Graduate from Accredited RN Program
- 2Submit RN License Application
- 3Complete Criminal Background Check
- 4Register for NCLEX-RN Exam
- 5Pass NCLEX-RN
- 6Receive Your North Dakota RN License
4. Financial Aid & Scholarships in North Dakota
Federal Financial Aid (FAFSA)
- Pell Grants: Up to $7,395/year (2026-27)
- Federal Direct Loans: $5,500-$12,500/year
- Apply: FAFSA.gov
North Dakota-Specific Scholarships
State program providing loan forgiveness for nurses working in underserved ND communities
For Native American nursing students; ND has multiple tribal reservations with IHS facilities
5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
An LPN to ADN bridge program typically takes 12-18 months full-time or 18-24 months part-time. An LPN to BSN program takes 2-3 years depending on transfer credits and enrollment status.
The average RN salary in North Dakota is approximately $75,000 per year, compared to $60,000 for LPNs—a $15,000 annual increase (25% raise).
Yes! North Dakota is a member of the enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact. Your North Dakota RN license allows you to practice in 40+ other compact states without obtaining additional licenses.
Ready to Start Your LPN to RN Journey in North Dakota?
Don't wait to advance your nursing career and increase your earning potential by $15,000+ per year. North Dakota's healthcare system needs qualified RNs.
Explore North Dakota LPN to RN ProgramsQuestions? Contact the North Dakota Board of Nursing at (701) 751-3000