A four-week hospital-sponsored course or a semester-long community college class: that first choice shapes how quickly you enter the workforce and how much you pay out of pocket. Both paths meet North Dakota's 75-hour training minimum, but the tuition gap can span from zero to roughly $1,200.
Demand is the constant. An aging population and a thin rural healthcare workforce have kept CNA openings steady across long-term care facilities, critical access hospitals, and home health agencies statewide. The tension for most candidates is not whether jobs exist, but which program format, urban or rural, employer-paid or self-funded, delivers certification fastest without compromising clinical preparation.
Affordable CNA Programs in North Dakota: 2027 Rankings
In North Dakota, a good CNA program should do two things at once: keep out-of-pocket costs manageable and prepare you to pass the state certification exam. Every program below meets the state's 75-hour training minimum and is designed to lead to the D&S Headmaster exam required for placement on the North Dakota nurse aide registry. These schools stood out for pairing affordability with practical formats, from in-person campus cohorts to hybrid courses that combine online theory with hands-on skills practice.
How we ranked these
- Median graduate debt
- Program costs and fees
- Net price after aid
- Graduation and retention rates
- Original research on individual programs
- In-house program catalog data
- NCES-IPEDS federal institutional data — nces.ed.gov
- College Scorecard post-completion earnings data — collegescorecard.ed.gov
Williston State College
#1Williston, ND · $5,000 – $10,000/yr
Best for: Working rural learners needing schedule flexibility
Williston State College offers CNA training through TrainND Northwest, the workforce training arm for the northwestern corner of the state. The blended program keeps readings and quizzes online and self-paced, then brings students to Williston and area long-term care facilities for a focused two-week block of classroom and clinical work. Training costs $1,200 plus a $200 state testing fee, and TrainND Foundation scholarships can help students who cannot cover the cost on their own. The college's median net price is about $5,900, and its institution-wide graduation rate is 42%, a figure that applies to all WSC students rather than this program alone.
- Blended online and in-person training
- $1,200 total cost plus $200 state testing
- Self-paced online instruction with quarterly start dates
- Two-week classroom and clinical period
- 28 hours of lab time required
- 24 hours of clinical experience
- Clinicals at area long-term care facilities
- TrainND Foundation scholarships available for qualifying students
Lake Region State College
#2Devils Lake, ND · $14,000/yr
Best for: High school students beginning healthcare careers early
Lake Region State College delivers CNA training through TrainND Northeast, making it a key entry point for healthcare careers in northeastern North Dakota, including Devils Lake and Grand Forks. Students can choose a hybrid route with online theory and scheduled lab time or a fully face-to-face Devils Lake course that includes clinical hours at a long-term care facility. Both formats follow North Dakota's state-approved nurse aide curriculum, but they are non-credit workforce classes, so federal financial aid does not apply; many students use WIOA funds, employer reimbursement, or other local workforce support. The college's typical net price is about $13,600, and its institution-wide graduation rate is 52%.
- 75-80 hour state-approved training
- Hybrid and classroom formats available
- Online theory delivered through Blackboard over about four weeks
- 32 hours of in-person lab and simulated clinical work
- Serves TrainND Northeast locations in Devils Lake and Grand Forks
- Non-credit course, so federal financial aid does not apply
- 80-hour face-to-face course on the Devils Lake campus
- 16 clinical hours at a long-term care facility
- Minimum age 15 before program start
- Theory, labs, and clinical taught by experienced RN instructors
- Non-credit workforce training
- State exam fee $250
- 75+ hours of attendance required
North Dakota State College of Science
#3Wahpeton, ND · $6,000 – $7,000/yr
Best for: Students choosing between Fargo and Wahpeton
North Dakota State College of Science offers a Department of Health-approved, 75-hour CNA course through Workforce Affairs and TrainND Southeast. Students in Wahpeton and Fargo can attend face-to-face sessions, while those with competing schedules can complete theory in a hybrid or self-paced format before coming to campus for skills work. Course fees range from $650 to $750 and include the textbook, workbook, and practice exams, with the state certification exam costing $250 extra. The CNA program is ACEN accredited, and NDSCS's institution-wide graduation rate is 55%, with a typical net price of about $11,300.
- 75-hour North Dakota Department of Health approved course
- Hybrid and self-paced delivery available
- $650-$750 course fee includes textbook and workbook
- $250 certification exam fee
- 16 hours of hands-on skills training
- ACEN accredited
- Scholarships may be available through Job Service North Dakota
- 100% attendance and 75% passing score required
Bismarck State College
#4Bismarck, ND · $10,000 – $15,000/yr
Bismarck State College runs its 76-hour CNA training through both Continuing Education and for-credit NURS 100, giving students a direct link into the college's health programs. Non-credit classes start monthly in Bismarck, with evening schedules aimed at working adults, while a hybrid path puts theory online through Blackboard and adds in-person skills and clinical time at the Health Sciences building. The course starts at $689 for non-credit students and requires a TB test plus the ability to lift 50 pounds. BSC's institution-wide graduation rate is 47%, and its typical net price is about $10,300.
- 76-hour, state-approved CNA training
- Non-credit cost starts at $689
- For-credit NURS 100 option available
- Campus and online hybrid routes
- Monthly start dates in Bismarck
- Evening class times for working adults
- TB test and 50-pound lifting prerequisite
- Career Academy dual credit option for high school students
Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College
#5New Town, ND · ~$10,000/yr (est.)
Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College offers CNA training in New Town through a NACTEP cohort, pairing the nurse aide curriculum with supportive services designed for Native American and rural students. Eligible participants can receive childcare assistance, mileage reimbursement, supply packs, and a monthly stipend while completing roughly eight weeks of campus-based training. Tuition runs $900 per semester, with books and fees around $250. The college's institution-wide graduation rate is about 7%; CNA-specific completion figures are not separately reported, so the wraparound support may be the more telling measure of this program.
- Tuition $900 per semester
- Books and fees $250 per semester
- Campus-based eight-week training
- Childcare assistance available to eligible students
- Mileage assistance available
- Monthly stipend up to $480 for eligible students
- Supply packs and career readiness support included
Valley City State University
#6Valley City, ND · $12,000/yr (net price)
Valley City State University takes an academic route to CNA preparation: the Nursing Assistant Training course carries two college credits and includes classroom and clinical practice, typically in fall, spring, and summer. This makes sense for students who want to keep building toward a Healthcare Aide certificate or a nursing degree through the regional Dakota Nursing Program. Graduates are prepared for certification and entry-level work in skilled nursing, acute care, or home health settings. VCSU's typical net price is about $11,900, and its institution-wide graduation rate is 53%.
- 2-credit course with clinical practice included
- Offered fall, spring, and summer
- Prepares for skilled nursing, acute care, and home health roles
- Can count toward VCSU Healthcare Aide certificate
- Integrates with Dakota Nursing Program LPN and ADN pathways
Your Step-By-Step Path to CNA Certification in North Dakota
Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in North Dakota follows a clear, structured sequence. Accelerated programs can move you from enrollment to registry placement in as few as four to eight weeks, so you can start working quickly once you commit to the process.
North Dakota CNA Certification Requirements Explained
Seventy-five hours stands as the baseline for CNA Classes & Programs in North Dakota, a figure set by state health regulations and mirrored in every approved program's curriculum. Of those hours, at least 16 must be supervised clinical practice with real patients in a nursing home or similar care setting, while the remaining classroom and lab hours cover topics like infection control, vital signs, resident rights, and basic nursing skills. Programs may add hours beyond the minimum, but none can shortcut the clinical requirement.
Passing the D&S Headmaster Exam
D&S Headmaster administers North Dakota's certification exam, which has two parts: a 72-question written knowledge test requiring a 75% score to pass, and a hands-on skills demonstration where candidates must complete every key step correctly and hit 80% accuracy on non-key steps. Third-party guides estimate first-time pass rates somewhere in the 75% to 85% range, though neither the state nor Headmaster publishes an official figure, so candidates should confirm current pass data directly with their program.
Testing happens at sites in Bismarck, Fargo, Grand Forks, Minot, and Dickinson, among other locations across the state. Exam fees have varied across sources, so candidates should verify current pricing and retest costs directly through the official Headmaster candidate handbook before scheduling. Registration typically happens online or by phone through Headmaster at (800) 393-8664 or [email protected].
Background Checks and Disqualifying Offenses
Every candidate undergoes a criminal background check tied to nursing license criminal record requirements before working in a licensed care facility. Convictions involving abuse, neglect, theft from a patient, or similar offenses against vulnerable people can disqualify an applicant, though findings are typically reviewed case by case rather than applied as blanket bans.
Getting on the Registry and Staying There
Once a candidate passes both exam sections, North Dakota's Nurse Aide Registry adds their name, usually within a few weeks of Headmaster reporting results. Questions about registry status go to [email protected]. To keep Certified Nursing Assistant certification active, CNAs need 8 hours of continuing education every 24 months along with documented proof of paid employment in a nursing-related role during that period. Skipping either requirement means falling off the registry and having to requalify.
Explore other North Dakota related topics
CNA Training Costs and Financial Aid Options in North Dakota
CNA program costs in North Dakota vary widely, from roughly $650 at community colleges to zero dollars through employer-sponsored training. The table below compares institution-wide average net prices (after financial aid) alongside estimated CNA program fees where available. Keep in mind that the net price figures reflect an institution-wide average for all students receiving aid and are not specific quotes for CNA programs alone. Beyond these college-based options, several healthcare systems across the state offer tuition-free CNA training. CHI St. Alexius Health in Bismarck runs an eight-week hybrid program at no cost, requiring a one-year employment commitment. Sanford Health and Good Samaritan Society cover training, state testing, and registry fees for participants statewide, though specific site locations and work commitment details should be confirmed directly. Trinity Health in Minot offers an approximately four-week on-site program that leads to paid employment; prospective students should verify any service obligation. Many other North Dakota nursing homes and healthcare employers also sponsor free training in exchange for a work agreement, so it is worth asking local facilities in your area. Additional funding sources include North Dakota Job Service workforce development grants and, for eligible students at tribal colleges such as Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College, dedicated tribal education funding that can include tuition coverage, childcare assistance, mileage reimbursement, and monthly stipends.
| School | City | Estimated CNA Program Fee | Institution-Wide Avg. Net Price (After Aid) | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Williston State College | Williston | ~$1,200 (plus ~$200 testing) | $5,932 | Blended online and in-person |
| Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College | New Town | ~$900/semester (tribal funding may cover costs) | $9,971 | Campus-based |
| Bismarck State College | Bismarck | ~$689 (non-credit option) | $10,270 | Campus-based; online hybrid available |
| ND State College of Science | Wahpeton | ~$650 to $750 (plus ~$250 exam fee) | $11,261 | Hybrid and self-paced |
| Valley City State University | Valley City | Based on 2-credit tuition rate | $11,890 | Campus-based |
| Lake Region State College | Devils Lake | Comparable to 75 to 80 hour program fee | $13,577 | Hybrid and classroom options |
| CHI St. Alexius Health (Employer Sponsored) | Bismarck | $0 (1-year work commitment required) | N/A | Hybrid (7 weeks online, 1 week in-person) |
| Sanford Health / Good Samaritan Society (Employer Sponsored) | Statewide | $0 (covers training, testing, and registry fees) | N/A | Varies by location |
| Trinity Health (Employer Sponsored) | Minot | $0 (leads to paid employment) | N/A | On-site, approximately 4 weeks |
CNA Classes in Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, and Beyond
CNA training in North Dakota has become increasingly concentrated in a handful of urban hubs, with Fargo and Bismarck offering the deepest bench of approved providers and the most flexible scheduling among the Best Nursing Schools in North Dakota. Outside those two cities, options thin quickly, and prospective students in smaller markets often need to contact the North Dakota Department of Health registry directly at [email protected] to confirm which local providers are currently active.
Fargo
Fargo has the most searched CNA market in the state, and the Nursing Programs in Fargo, ND include a mix of free, low-cost, and mid-priced options. Bethany has historically run a free, three-week in-person CNA course tied to employment at its facilities, though seasonal availability varies and you should confirm the current session directly. Emerald Cares charges $1,150 in tuition plus an $80 application fee and a $200 deposit, running roughly four weeks in-person. NDSCS-Fargo mirrors the statewide 75-hour curriculum in a hybrid, self-paced format, with tuition generally in the $650 to $750 range plus a $250 exam fee.
Bismarck
Bismarck State College anchors CNA training in the capital and publishes the clearest 2026 pricing of any provider in the state.
- In-person tuition: $689 through June 2026, rising to $849 after July 1
- Hybrid tuition: $719 through June 2026, rising to $899 after July 1 (textbook included, online theory available 24/7 with daytime in-person skills labs)
- Schedule: Evening cohorts run Monday through Friday, 6 to 10 p.m., from January through November; no weekend sections are offered
- Exam fee: $250, billed separately from tuition
Evening seats fill early in each cohort window, so applying at least a month before your target start date is wise.
Grand Forks, Minot, and Devils Lake
Provider-level detail for these three cities is not publicly consolidated, and no single approved provider stands out in current directories the way BSC does in Bismarck. Long-term care facilities and regional hospitals in each city typically sponsor cohorts on a rolling basis, often at no cost to students who agree to work for the facility after certification. To find an active session:
- Contact the North Dakota Department of Health at [email protected] for the current approved-provider list
- Call the HR or nursing education department at Altru (Grand Forks), Trinity Health (Minot), or CHI St. Alexius (Bismarck) to ask about upcoming employer-sponsored classes
- Watch for seasonal enrollment windows in late summer and early January, when most facility-based cohorts open
Waitlists are common at free and low-cost programs, so having a backup option in mind is a good idea.
Can You Complete CNA Training Online in North Dakota?
The short answer is yes, but only in part. North Dakota does not allow a fully online path to CNA certification. State-approved programs may deliver classroom theory through online instruction, but every candidate must still complete hands-on skills training and at least 16 hours of supervised clinical work at a physical site before testing for the registry.
Hybrid Programs Worth Knowing
Several approved programs already blend online coursework with in-person requirements.
- Lake Region State College (TrainND Northeast): offers four weeks of instructor-led online theory (43 hours) followed by 32 hours of face-to-face labs and clinicals.
- NDSCS (TrainND Southeast): provides two tracks, a hybrid version with scheduled virtual class sessions and a self-paced option where students move through theory on their own timeline, both paired with in-person skills training.
- Williston State College: uses a blended model with self-paced online modules, videos, and quizzes, followed by in-person classroom instruction and clinical practice before the state exam.
- NDOnlineCNA: allows up to six months to finish the online theory portion, then requires in-person skills completion.
Theory Alone Won't Get You Certified
No matter how flexible the online portion looks, a program that skips in-person clinical hours will not qualify graduates for the state's Nurse Aide Registry. Non-approved online-only courses sometimes marketed as complete CNA certification are not recognized by North Dakota, and finishing one won't make you eligible to sit for the exam.
Before enrolling in any program advertised as online CNA classes North Dakota, confirm it appears on the state's approved nurse aide training list and clearly outlines where and when the clinical component happens. Hybrid formats can genuinely save time for students juggling work or family, as long as the in-person requirement is built in from the start.
CNA Wages in North Dakota Vs. The National Average
North Dakota CNAs earn noticeably more than the national median, reflecting steady demand for direct-care workers across the state's healthcare facilities. The comparison below highlights how wages at the median and the upper end of the pay scale stack up, based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Advancing Beyond CNA: LPN and RN Bridge Programs in North Dakota
A CNA certificate in North Dakota is not a dead end. It is the first rung of a stackable credential ladder that several schools have built allied health to RN bridge programs specifically to move nurse aides into licensed roles without starting over.
The Consortium Model
The Dakota Nursing Program, a partnership among Bismarck State College, Dakota College at Bottineau, Lake Region State College, and Williston State College, runs an 11-month Practical Nursing certificate followed by a two-semester Associate Degree in Nursing. PN graduates move directly into the RN year if their nursing coursework holds a C or better and pharmacology was completed within seven years. Williston State's 43-credit PN track requires a CNA credential to enroll, effectively formalizing CNA experience as a prerequisite rather than granting shortcuts through the curriculum. North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton offers a comparable 12-month LPN route with advanced standing sometimes available for working CNAs, though credit waivers vary by cohort rather than being guaranteed.
Apprenticeship and Bridge Options
Lake Region State College's Registered Nursing apprenticeship, launched in fall 2022, stacks credentials across three years: CNA, then LPN, then RN, with employer partners providing paid, work-based training. Entry is possible at any level, so CNAs already employed in the field can step in without restarting the clock. Working paramedics can also fast-track into nursing through a one-semester bridge into the LPN-to-RN sequence.
Where the Investment Pays Off
The earnings gap between CNA and licensed nursing roles makes these pathways worth pursuing, particularly since LPN to RN articulation is well established while CNA-to-LPN credit remains inconsistent across sites.
After earning an ADN, Lake Region graduates have a direct route into Mayville State University's RN to BSN program in North Dakota, extending the ladder further. Among the programs ranked earlier, the Dakota Nursing Program consortium schools stand out for offering the clearest stackable structure from entry-level care to registered nursing.
Selecting a CNA Program That Fits Your Goals
With dozens of CNA options scattered across North Dakota, from hospital-based courses to community college programs, choosing the right one takes more than picking whatever fits your calendar. A few pointed questions, a nursing program comparison checklist, can separate a strong program from a mediocre one.
Build a Quality Checklist
Before enrolling, ask each program about:
- Pass rates: Programs should be able to tell you what percentage of recent graduates passed the state competency exam on their first attempt.
- Schedule flexibility: Day, evening, and weekend sections matter if you're working or raising a family while training.
- Employer partnerships: Some programs feed directly into local hospitals or long-term care facilities, which can smooth your job search later.
- Clinical site quality: Ask where nursing clinical rotations take place and whether the setting resembles the kind of facility you want to work in.
- Stackable credit: Find out if the coursework transfers toward an LPN or RN program down the road.
Confirm State Approval First
No checklist matters if the program isn't properly credentialed. Always verify a program's approval status with the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services before paying tuition. Unapproved training won't qualify you to sit for the certification exam, no matter how good the classroom experience feels.
Fast Track or Full Foundation
Four-week fast-track courses get you working sooner, but longer community college programs typically offer deeper anatomy and patient-care instruction. Consider your timeline against how much foundational knowledge you want going in.
Class Size and Support
Smaller cohorts and lower student-to-instructor ratios usually mean more hands-on feedback during skills practice. Finally, ask directly about job placement assistance and employer connections. Programs that actively help graduates land interviews are worth the extra effort to find.