Nurse Practitioner (NP) Programs Online in North Dakota
- 2026 Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs in North Dakota
- Fast & Affordable Nurse Practitioner Programs
- Schools Offering Popular Nurse Practitioner Specialties
- Educational Routes for Nurse Practitioners – Online & Campus
- General Admissions Requirements
- North Dakota NP License and Certification Requirements
- List of NP Programs in North Dakota

North Dakota is a hidden gem of a state that is sadly overlooked in terms of healthcare careers. However, that simply means that there are more opportunities available for those special individuals who have decided to reside here. Whether you live in Fargo or Bismark, registered nurses looking for a new opportunity for upward mobility may be interested in a career as a nurse practitioner. These talented and highly trained individuals can enjoy the benefits of better pay and more specialized practice options without having to pay an arm and leg for their degree and without very much time invested. Jump to program listings.
2026 Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs in North Dakota
Mayville State University
Mayville, ND - Public 4-Year - mayvillestate.edu
RN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing (Family Nurse Practitioner)
Online Learning - Visit Website
Mayville State University offers a comprehensive online Master of Science in Nursing featuring a specialized Family Nurse Practitioner concentration. This rigorous 37-credit program is strategically designed for working registered nurses seeking advanced clinical expertise. Fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, the curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, leadership development, and health informatics. Students benefit from flexible online learning formats while gaining specialized skills in family healthcare. Admission requires a BSN and active RN licensure. The program uniquely prepares graduates for doctoral studies and advanced clinical roles, with competitive tuition and financial aid options available. Prospective students can leverage this program to expand their professional nursing capabilities in family practice settings.
- Online MSN program.
- Family Nurse Practitioner concentration.
- 37 credits required.
- Accredited by CCNE.
- Flexible for working nurses.
- BSN and RN license needed.
- Competitive tuition costs.
- Financial aid available.
- Focus on leadership skills.
- Evidence-based practice emphasis.
North Dakota State University
Fargo, ND - Public 4-Year - ndsu.edu
BSN to MSN - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
North Dakota State University's specialized Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner certificate represents an advanced clinical training opportunity for experienced Family Nurse Practitioner graduates. This comprehensive 25-credit hybrid program strategically prepares nurses for high-intensity acute care environments through innovative distance learning and hands-on clinical experiences. By emphasizing professional certification readiness, the program positions graduates to excel in specialized healthcare roles. The curriculum focuses on advanced clinical competencies, diagnostic reasoning, and specialized therapeutic interventions unique to adult-gerontology acute care settings.
- 25-credit post-graduate certificate
- Hybrid distance learning format
- Prepares for certification exams
- For FNP program graduates
- Advanced clinical training
Graduate Certificate - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
North Dakota State University's hybrid Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner certificate program offers a strategic pathway for Family Nurse Practitioner graduates seeking advanced acute care specialization. Blending online coursework with intensive clinical experiences, the 25-credit program equips nurses with sophisticated skills in therapeutic interventions and diagnostic management for adult-gerontology patients. Tailored for working professionals, the program provides flexibility and comprehensive training aimed at preparing candidates for professional certification exams. Admission requires a graduate nursing degree, making it an ideal advanced practice credential for nurses committed to acute care settings.
- Hybrid program format.
- Prepares for Acute Care NP exam.
- 25 total credits required.
- Includes distance learning courses.
- Clinical experience provided.
- Focus on adult-gerontology care.
- Advanced therapeutics and diagnostics.
- For Family Nurse Practitioner graduates.
- Flexible for working professionals.
- Graduate degree in nursing required.
University of Mary
Bismarck, ND - Private 4-year - umary.edu
MSN to DNP - BSN to DNP: Family Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
University of Mary's BSN to DNP Family Nurse Practitioner program delivers a robust online and hybrid educational experience targeting advanced nursing professionals. With a 2.7-year curriculum, students benefit from a 100% 2024 FNP exam pass rate and CCNE accreditation. The program uniquely integrates Benedictine values while focusing on evidence-based practice, health promotion, and interprofessional care management. Designed for ambitious nurses seeking leadership roles, the program offers flexible learning through online coursework and periodic campus institutes. Notably military-friendly, the program provides comprehensive clinical preparation at a competitive $685 per credit tuition rate, preparing graduates for diverse high-level healthcare opportunities.
- 100% 2024 FNP exam pass rate
- Online with campus institutes
- 2.7 year program length
- $685 per credit tuition
- CCNE accredited program
- Customizable concentration options
- Advanced clinical leadership focus
- Multiple career path opportunities
BSN to DNP - BSN to DNP: Family Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Advancing nursing careers through an innovative hybrid model, University of Mary's BSN to DNP Family Nurse Practitioner concentration provides a comprehensive pathway to clinical excellence. This meticulously designed program enables nurses to develop advanced skills in family healthcare delivery through a strategic blend of online learning and immersive campus experiences. With a remarkable 100% FNP exam pass rate and emphasis on interprofessional healthcare innovation, students can complete their doctoral preparation in just 2.7 years. The program's unique approach integrates servant leadership principles, cultural competence, and specialized family nurse practitioner training, positioning graduates to transform patient care across diverse healthcare environments.
- 100% 2024 FNP exam pass rate
- 2.7 year program length
- Online with campus institutes
- $685 per credit tuition
- CCNE Accredited program
- Serves active/veteran military
- Benedictine values integration
- Multiple career path options
- Optional concentration sequences
University of North Dakota
Grand Forks, ND - Public 4-Year - und.edu
BSN to MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner (M.S.)
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of North Dakota's online Master of Science in Nursing with Family Nurse Practitioner concentration offers a transformative educational pathway for BSN-prepared nurses. This comprehensive hybrid program delivers 100% online coursework complemented by two strategic campus visits, allowing students to advance their nursing careers flexibly. With 49 total credit hours and part-time options, students receive personalized clinical placement support while preparing for comprehensive family-focused care across patient lifespans. The CCNE-accredited program enables graduates to pursue FNP certification exams and provides strategic opportunities for professional development in advanced practice nursing.
- 100% online coursework
- 49 total credit hours
- 8 semesters part-time
- Fall deadline: July 1
- Spring deadline: Nov. 1
- CCNE accredited program
- Two campus visits required
- Personalized clinical placement support
- Eligible for FNP certification exams
BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Visit Website
University of North Dakota's online Master of Science in Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner prepares advanced nursing professionals for comprehensive adult and geriatric healthcare delivery. This 47-credit program combines rigorous online coursework with extensive clinical training, emphasizing evidence-based practice and advanced health assessment. Designed for RNs with a baccalaureate degree and minimum 3.00 GPA, students develop sophisticated skills in illness management and holistic patient care. Three clinical practicum courses ensure graduates are thoroughly prepared to address complex healthcare needs in primary care settings for adult and older adult populations.
- Mostly online graduate nursing program
- 47 total credit hours
- Requires current RN licensure
- Minimum 3.00 GPA required
- Three clinical practicum courses
BSN to MSN - Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of North Dakota's online Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program offers a comprehensive 49-credit pathway for nurses seeking advanced mental health specialization. Designed for bachelor's-prepared professionals, this 7-semester program enables 100% online learning with occasional synchronous sessions. Students develop advanced skills in mental health diagnosis, treatment planning, and psychotropic medication prescription across patient lifespans. With no campus visits required and robust clinical placement support, graduates become eligible for ANCC certification in a field projected to experience 40% job growth, with average annual salaries around $124,000.
- 100% Online Coursework
- 49 Total Credit Hours
- 7 Semesters Part-Time
- No Campus Visits Required
- Clinical Placement Support
- CCNE Accredited Program
- Across Lifespan Certification
- Flexible Asynchronous Learning
- Multiple Practice Settings
- Advanced Therapeutic Skills
Graduate Certificate - Post-Graduate Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate
Online Learning - Visit Website
This innovative online Post-Graduate Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner certificate empowers certified nurse practitioners to specialize in high-demand acute care settings. Designed for experienced advanced practice registered nurses, the 26-credit program facilitates professional expansion through asynchronous learning and targeted clinical training. Professionals can enhance their marketability by gaining specialized acute care certification, positioning themselves for lucrative opportunities in critical care and hospitalist environments. With twice-per-semester campus intensives, nurses can strategically advance their expertise while maintaining current professional commitments.
- Online post-graduate certificate
- 26 total credit hours
- 4 semester completion time
- Asynchronous course delivery
- Prepares for acute care certification
- Targeted for experienced nurses
- Twice-per-semester campus intensives
MSN to DNP - Post-Baccalaureate Doctor of Nursing Practice (Family Nurse Practitioner)
Online Learning - Visit Website
University of North Dakota's Post-Baccalaureate Doctor of Nursing Practice with Family Nurse Practitioner concentration provides an advanced educational pathway for experienced nurses. This rigorous 83-credit online program requires a minimum 3.0 undergraduate nursing GPA and at least one year of RN work experience. Students engage in comprehensive coursework covering pharmacology, health promotion, clinical management, and evidence-based research. Advanced clinical practicums and leadership training prepare graduates to address complex healthcare challenges, delivering high-quality, patient-centered primary care across diverse populations and emerging as innovative healthcare leaders.
- 83 total credit program
- Minimum 3.0 nursing GPA
- One year RN experience required
- Advanced clinical practicums
- Leadership and research focus
- Multiple clinical specialty courses
- Comprehensive health assessment training
MSN to DNP - Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Visit Website
- 100% Online Doctoral Program
- 85 Total Credit Hours
- 8-11 Semester Completion
- No Campus Visits Required
- Clinical Placement Support
- CCNE Accredited Program
- National Certification Eligible
- 40% Job Growth Projection
Fast & Affordable Nurse Practitioner Programs
Regardless of which required degree you want to pursue, it goes without saying that you will likely want to save money and time if at all possible. If you’ve flipped through the various types of MSN programs available in North Dakota, you’ll likely see that there are many cheap and quick nurse practitioner programs located right in your area.
What Are the Fastest Online NP Programs?
To become a nurse practitioner in North Dakota, you’ll need either a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. The faster of these two options is of course an MSN, which usually lasts 2 years, or even less if you’re able to transfer a significant number of credits and you have a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN) already. Mayville State University offers an MSN program that can be completed in as little as 21 Months.
What Are the Most Affordable Online NP Programs?
If you’ve already undergone a nursing program, you know that they can get pretty pricey especially once you tally up the hidden costs. If you’re going back to school, you’ll likely want to save as much money as possible. If you’re looking for a cheap option in North Dakota, check out The University of North Dakota’s MSN program which only costs between $20,000 and $40,000 for the entire program.
Schools Offering Popular Nurse Practitioner Specialties
As mentioned, future nurse practitioners can look forward to a variety of specialized curriculums. Nearly every nurse practitioner program, whether it’s an MSN, DNP, or even a post-grad certificate (read more below), offers many options for nurse practitioners to specialize in an exciting field that interests them. If you’re interested in a particularly high-paying NP specialty, the University of North Dakota offers a Nurse Anesthesia DNP.
Find out more about popular NP specialty programs: Acute Care (ACNP), Adult Gerontology (AGNP), Family (FNP), Pediatric (PNP), Psychiatric (PHMNP), Women’s Health (WHNP).
Educational Routes for Nurse Practitioners – Online & Campus
Beyond the traditional programs like MSN and DNP programs, there are also many other types of accelerated and bridge programs that you may be interested in depending on your professional background and the level of degree and experience you already have.
MSN Nurse Practitioner Programs
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs, as we’ve discussed, are usually the most common option for nurse practitioners as it’s usually the fastest and cheapest option available to nurses who are already working in the field. Here are a few examples located in North Dakota:
- Mayville State University – Mayville, ND
- University of North Dakota – Grand Forks, ND
RN to NP Programs
RN to NP programs is an umbrella term that typically refers to ADN to MSNs, in which RNs who hold an Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) complete accelerated BSN and MSN-level nurse practitioner coursework.As of now, RN to MSN programs do not exist in North Dakota, but you can find them in Minnesota at Minnesota State University, Moorhead.
DNP Nurse Practioner Programs
If the time in which you graduate is not a factor in your decision, you may want to look into Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs. This is the highest level of degree that a nurse practitioner can achieve, and they often unlock many highly advanced nurse practitioner positions that pay very well. On average, you can expect to be enrolled for at least six years following your BSN if you want to complete a DNP. Here are a few DNP programs located in North Dakota:
- University of North Dakota – Grand Forks, ND
- North Dakota State University – Fargo, ND
Post-Master's Certificate NP Programs
A Post-Master's Nursing Certificate is designed for MSN-educated nurses who want to enter or switch to a new NP specialty. While not a degree in and of itself, they’re a shorter and often more affordable way for eligible nurses to gain NP training, typically completed in a year or less. North Dakota examples include:
- Mayville State University – Mayville, ND
- University of North Dakota – Grand Forks, ND
Accelerated, Direct & Master’s Entry (MENP/MEPN) to Nursing Practice
Deciding to become a nurse practitioner later in life? Accelerated, direct-entry MSN and master’s entry to nursing practice programs are a bridge program that allows you to combine your BSN and MSN into one nursing program. This type of program isn’t for everyone — it is long and very intense, but for many, it is worth the time and money saved.
- North Dakota State University – Fargo, ND
- University of Jamestown – Fargo, ND
General Admissions Requirements
While each specific nurse practitioner degree level will have its own set of requirements, most NP programs will require the following to be eligible for admission:
- BSN from an accredited school
- Transcripts from all colleges attended
- Minimum grade point average (often 3.0 or above, but varies by school/program)
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- Essay or statement of purpose outlining career goals
- Letters of recommendation (academic or professional)
- Resume or CV
North Dakota NP License and Certification Requirements
The two main requirements for getting licensed and certified as a nurse practitioner is having an RN license and a graduate degree in nursing. Once these prerequisites are met, applicants are required to submit their application along with supporting documentation, such as transcripts and proof of clinical hours, and pay a licensure fee that is typically around $150. Detailed guidance on how to apply for NP licensure in North Dakota is provided on the state’s nursing board website.
Additionally, certification is required for NPs in most specialty areas. Certification is available through recognized bodies like the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). To be eligible for certification, applicants usually need to complete a graduate-level program in their specialty and pass a certification exam that validates their expertise.
In North Dakota, nurse practitioners have full practice authority, meaning they can independently assess, diagnose, and manage patient care, including prescribing medications, without the need for physician supervision. This authority allows NPs to serve patients in a variety of healthcare settings throughout the state. For ongoing professional development and additional support, NPs can access resources through the North Dakota Nurses Association (NDNA).
List of NP Programs in North Dakota
Bismarck, ND
University of Mary
- MSN to DNP - BSN to DNP: Family Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 100% 2024 FNP exam pass rate
- Online with campus institutes
- 2.7 year program length
- $685 per credit tuition
- CCNE accredited program
- Customizable concentration options
- Advanced clinical leadership focus
- Multiple career path opportunities
Fargo, ND
North Dakota State University
- BSN to MSN - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 25-credit post-graduate certificate
- Hybrid distance learning format
- Prepares for certification exams
- For FNP program graduates
- Advanced clinical training
- Graduate Certificate - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid program format.
- Prepares for Acute Care NP exam.
- 25 total credits required.
- Includes distance learning courses.
- Clinical experience provided.
- Focus on adult-gerontology care.
- Advanced therapeutics and diagnostics.
- For Family Nurse Practitioner graduates.
- MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Campus Based - Website
- On-campus DNP program
- 100% FNP certification rate
- Face-to-face instruction
- CCNE accredited program
- Faculty-secured clinical placements
- Synchronous class options
- Evidence-based curriculum approach
Grand Forks, ND
University of North Dakota
- BSN to MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner (M.S.)
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 100% online coursework
- 49 total credit hours
- 8 semesters part-time
- Fall deadline: July 1
- Spring deadline: Nov. 1
- CCNE accredited program
- Two campus visits required
- Personalized clinical placement support
- BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Website
- Mostly online graduate nursing program
- 47 total credit hours
- Requires current RN licensure
- Minimum 3.00 GPA required
- Three clinical practicum courses
- BSN to MSN - Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Website
- 100% Online Coursework
- 49 Total Credit Hours
- 7 Semesters Part-Time
- No Campus Visits Required
- Clinical Placement Support
- CCNE Accredited Program
- Across Lifespan Certification
- Flexible Asynchronous Learning
- Graduate Certificate - Post-Graduate Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate
Online Learning - Website
- Online post-graduate certificate
- 26 total credit hours
- 4 semester completion time
- Asynchronous course delivery
- Prepares for acute care certification
- Targeted for experienced nurses
- Twice-per-semester campus intensives
- MSN to DNP - Post-Baccalaureate Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website
- 83 total credit program
- Minimum 3.0 nursing GPA
- One year RN experience required
- Advanced clinical practicums
- Leadership and research focus
- Multiple clinical specialty courses
- Comprehensive health assessment training
- MSN to DNP - Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Website
- 100% Online Doctoral Program
- 85 Total Credit Hours
- 8-11 Semester Completion
- No Campus Visits Required
- Clinical Placement Support
- CCNE Accredited Program
- National Certification Eligible
- 40% Job Growth Projection
