Nursing Programs in Fargo, ND

2026 Best Nursing Schools in Fargo

Registerednursing.org is creating rankings for the Best Nursing Schools in Fargo to help students evaluate programs effectively. These rankings focus on NCLEX pass rates as the sole criteria, providing objective data to compare educational quality. For detailed methodology, visit https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/.

Yearly Pass Rate Trends

Analysis of NCLEX pass rate trends over time reveals patterns in educational outcomes. The data shows fluctuations that may reflect changes in curriculum or student preparation.

• No statistically significant data available for meaningful analysis.

Top Performing Schools

Identifying top performing schools based on average pass rates helps highlight institutions with strong track records. This analysis considers schools with sufficient student data for reliability.

• No statistically significant data available for meaningful analysis.

Pass Rate by Program Size

Comparing pass rates across different program sizes can reveal whether smaller or larger programs have advantages. This analysis categorizes programs as Small, Medium, or Large based on student numbers.

• No statistically significant data available for meaningful analysis.

#1

North Dakota State University

Fargo, ND - Public 4-Year - ndsu.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

North Dakota State University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program prepares students for diverse healthcare roles with a focus on underserved and rural populations. This campus-based program emphasizes critical thinking, leadership development, and professional growth through a three-year professional curriculum. Admission is selective and requires university admission with prerequisite coursework, though no specific ACT or SAT entrance exam is mentioned as required. The program's NCLEX pass rates show significant improvement, from 80.43% in 2023 to 97.78% in 2024, indicating strong preparation for licensure. Students benefit from pre-nursing advising, scholarships, and active student organizations supporting academic success.

• Prepares for diverse nursing careers
• Focus on underserved populations
• Includes pre-nursing advising
• Offers scholarships
• Active student organizations
• Selective admission process
• Emphasizes critical thinking
• Supports professional development
• Campus-based program
• Three-year professional program

#2

Rasmussen University-North Dakota

Fargo, ND - Private 4-year - rasmussen.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Rasmussen University-North Dakota's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program offers a hybrid learning format with flexible online coursework and hands-on clinical experiences. This CCNE-accredited program features small class sizes and prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam, with recent BSN graduates achieving an 86.96% pass rate in 2024. Students can choose between a standard 33-month track or an accelerated 18-month option for those with existing bachelor's degrees. The program requires no prerequisite courses for admission and does not mandate ACT or SAT entrance exams. With eight start dates annually and tuition starting at $359 per credit, Rasmussen provides accessible pathways to nursing careers.

• CCNE-accredited program
• Hybrid learning format
• Small class sizes
• No prerequisite courses
• Eight start dates yearly
• Standard and accelerated tracks
• Hands-on clinical experiences
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
• Financial aid available
• Flexible online courses

*National Center for Education Statistics. (2024). IPEDS data system. Retrieved from https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

Entry-Level Associate of Nursing & Bachelor of Nursing Programs in Fargo, ND

Enjoy the benefits of employment for life and a comfortable living wage when you begin or elevate your career as a nurse. Fargo, North Dakota offers accessible LPN to RN, Associate of Science in Nursing, and Bachelor of Science in programs at area colleges and universities that work around adult learners’ busy schedules. Career changers and those looking for advancement within the healthcare profession can find much to gain in the nursing profession.

LPN to RN Programs

Nurses interact with patients more than any other type of medical professional. Practical nurses, in particular, engage in a high amount of patient communications. That being said, these nurses can make more money and provide greater levels of patient care by becoming Registered Nurses. North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) offers an LPN to RN bridge program so that PNs can leverage their work experience and education to earn their associate degree. The mostly on-campus program offers a few online courses for student convenience.

ADN / ASN Programs

Careers in healthcare such as nursing offer tremendous job stability. Such work can’t be outsourced and there’s an endless stream of patients with both chronic and acute medical conditions.  North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) in Fargo offers a clinically intensive Associate of Science in Nursing program that gets students ready for the requirements of today’s nurses. About 80 percent of school graduates pass the NCLEX-RN exam the first time.

Direct-Entry BSN Programs

Bachelor’s prepared Registered Nurses have been shown to provide superior care to patients and make fewer on-the-job errors. Nurses with BSNs can often earn a more competitive wage from day one, which adds up exponentially over the course of their careers. The University of Jamestown outside of Fargo, ND offers a well-regarded traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing with both a scientific and liberal arts foundation. Students complete preceptorships in a number of specialties as well as a paid internship their senior year.

Find out more about North Dakota Accelerated BSN Programs.

RN to BSN Programs in Fargo, ND

Get ahead in your career on your own timeline when you pursue a bridge RN to BSN option in Fargo, North Dakota. Such options enable working nurses to reach their professional goals as well as earn higher compensation. RNs with bachelor’s degrees are better equipped to improve patient health outcomes. For this reason, they are sought after by preferred employers.

RN to BSN Programs

Experienced RNs who are committed to their careers for the long term will gain both clinical expertise and more competitive compensation by earning their BSNs. The University of Mary, a Catholic institution stationed in Fargo, ND, offers a 100 percent online RN to BSN bridge for working nurses who seek to elevate their careers. The program strives to accept as many previous earned credits as possible so you can earn your degree quickly.

Find out more about North Dakota RN to BSN Programs.

APRN & Nurse Practitioner Programs in Fargo, ND

Rural communities across the Dakotas are struggling to fill healthcare job vacancies for a range of professions including nursing. As such, Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) are uniquely positioned to have a huge positive impact on patient care and overall community health. Nurses seeking advancement can pursue flexible MSN or even DNP degrees in and around Fargo to be of greater service to community residents.

MSN Programs

The demand for nurses across the state is high as is the demand for nursing educators and leaders. With a Master of Science in Nursing in either Education or Nursing Administration, professional nurses can step away from clinical-focused work in order to teach or lead others. Regionally accredited Rasmussen College in Fargo, North Dakota offers an online MSN in these two specialties. Each option can be completed in approximately 18 months. Programs are designed to be completed by busy working nurses.

Find out more about North Dakota Nurse Practitioner Programs.

DNP Programs

With a clinical rather than academic focus, the Doctor of Nursing Practice terminal degree readies licensed nurses to provide the highest level of patient care. Nursing professionals with the DNP distinction are also given the training and educated needed to step into leadership roles and influence larger healthcare policy. North Dakota State University in Fargo offers a recognized DNP that covers evidence-based quality improvement, community health, and information technology in nursing. Students must complete a Clinical Dissertation to earn their degree.

Find out more about North Dakota DNP Programs.