2023 Best Online Nursing Programs in North Dakota

Becoming a Nurse in North Dakota

The North Dakota Board of Nursing (NDBON) provides regulation and guidance for all types of nurses working in the state. The board also grants licensure for registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). Certified nurse aides (CNAs) are registered by the Division of Health Facilities.

The North Dakota Center for Nursing has indicated that North Dakota is suffering from a nurse staffing shortage. The population of the state is also expected to grow over the next several years, which means that the need for nurses will likewise increase. Obtaining an online master’s in nursing can also lead to increased nursing job opportunities. For these reasons, there has never been a better time to enroll in one of the best nursing schools in North Dakota.

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How To Get CNA Certification in North Dakota

In North Dakota, CNAs are known as certified nurse aides. These medical professionals are registered by the North Dakota Department of Health's Division of Health Facilities, which operates under the purview of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. This agency has approved 57 nurse aide training programs that prepare prospective nurse aides with the education they need to become a CNA in North Dakota.

A candidate can be registered as a CNA in North Dakota after completing an approved CNA training program and passing the CNA competency exam. CNAs from other states can also be recognized by endorsement. But a reciprocal CNA registration is not guaranteed. 

Candidates must submit their applications online or directly via email, fax, or mail. They are also required to disclose personally identifying information, such as any previous criminal charges, disciplinary incidents within the nursing field, and work history. Applicants must also identify the states in which they are registered to work as CNAs (if applicable). When this information has been evaluated by the North Dakota Department of Health, applicants may be granted equivalent licensure.

CNA Certification Renewal

CNA registration expires after two years and must be renewed. Candidates are reminded to renew via mail approximately two months before the date of expiration. There is currently no fee to renew a certified nurse aide registration.

How To Get an LPN License in North Dakota

There are about 3,000 LPNs working in North Dakota. To join their ranks, an aspiring LPN can pursue licensure by examination or by endorsement.

Both pathways require applicants to submit a background check and fingerprint card. 

LPN License Renewal

North Dakota LPN licenses expire after a period of two years. Renewal applications must be submitted directly to the nursing board. Renewing an active license costs $130. Nurses must also demonstrate that they have completed 12 contact hours of approved continuing education credits in order to qualify.

How To Get an RN License in North Dakota

There are three main ways to earn a North Dakota RN license. 

• The most common method is to apply for licensure by examination. An application fee of $130 is required. Candidates must complete one of the state-approved Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs. Official college transcripts are required to demonstrate that this requirement has been met. Next, prospective RNs will need to register for the NCLEX-RN. Once their application is approved by the North Dakota Board of Nursing, prospective RNs can sit the NCLEX-RN. If they pass the exam, they will receive their RN license.
• RNs who are already licensed in another state can also apply for a North Dakota nursing license by endorsement. To be eligible, candidates must demonstrate that their nursing program included supervised clinical experience and sufficient preparation for working as an RN. Candidates must either have at least 400 hours of licensed nursing experience or they must have completed their education within the past four years. When these prerequisites are satisfied, applicants can apply for reciprocal licensure through the state's nursing board. Applicants must provide official college transcripts and verification of current licensure, and they must pay an application fee of $160.
• RNs can also practice in North Dakota if their nursing license was acquired in a state that participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact. This multistate program permits nurses licensed in one participating state to practice at the same level in a second participating state.

RN License Renewal

North Dakota RN licenses expire after two years. Online renewal costs $140, and it's possible to renew from October 1 through December 31 each year. Nurses must contact the board directly to renew during other times of year.

How To Get an APRN License in North Dakota

The NDBON recognizes several different types of APRNs. It is possible for nurses to obtain a North Dakota nurse license to work as a nurse practitioner (NP), clinical nurse specialist (CNS), certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA), or certified nurse midwife (CNM). Each of these specializations has an examination and national certification associated with it. These exams must be completed before the state will grant APRN licensure. A nurse seeking an APRN license must also have an active North Dakota RN license.

When a prospective APRN has earned a college degree and received the relevant national nursing certification, they will become eligible for an APRN license. But they must also meet certain continuing education requirements. For example, the board requires candidates to complete 30 hours of pharmacology study every three years. They also need to pass a criminal background check. The application fee for an APRN license is $125, but if one is seeking prescriptive authority, the total application fee amounts to $200.

APRN Renewal

APRN licenses in North Dakota must be renewed every two years. Renewal requirements for this type of licensure involve a minimum of 15 hours of education in pharmacology or pharmacotherapy. Academic courses, seminars, or approved correspondence may be sufficient to meet this requirement. Depending on the type of APRN license being renewed, applicants can expect to pay between $155 and $220.

FAQs About Online Nursing Programs in North Dakota