Best Nursing Schools in North Dakota

2025 Best Nursing Schools in North Dakota

Finding the right nursing school in North Dakota is a big step toward a successful career in healthcare. At registerednursing.org, we've ranked the best nursing schools in the state based on their NCLEX-RN pass rates to help you make an informed decision. These pass rates are a key indicator of a program's ability to prepare students for the challenges of the nursing profession. Schools with higher pass rates often provide the quality education and support needed to pass the NCLEX-RN exam on the first try. Choosing a school with a strong track record can set you up for success from the start. For more details on how we compiled these rankings, visit our rankings methodology page. NCLEX pass rates were a major factor in our rankings because they reflect how well a nursing program prepares its graduates for the real-world demands of nursing. A high pass rate suggests that the school offers excellent instruction, resources, and support to its students. For aspiring nurses, selecting a school with a high NCLEX pass rate is crucial as it increases the likelihood of passing the exam and starting a rewarding nursing career without delays.

#1

Bismarck State College

Bismarck, ND - Public 4-Year - bismarckstate.edu

Associate - Associate Degree Nursing Program

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Bismarck State College's Associate Degree Nursing Program stands out for its hybrid format, blending online coursework with hands-on clinical experiences. As part of the Dakota Nursing Program, it uniquely offers a 1+1 pathway from Practical Nurse to RN, emphasizing a robust science curriculum to ready students for diverse healthcare environments. Admission criteria include a 2.5 GPA minimum, with no ACT/SAT requirement mentioned. The program boasts local clinical arrangements and is accessible across multiple North Dakota locations, ensuring practical training opportunities. Prospective students should note prerequisites like CPR certification and background checks post-acceptance. While specific NCLEX-RN pass rates aren't detailed, the program's comprehensive preparation aims for licensure success.

• Hybrid program format.
• Part of Dakota Nursing Program.
• Prepares for RN licensure.
• Strong science background recommended.
• Minimum GPA requirement 2.5.
• Clinical opportunities locally arranged.
• Offered at multiple ND sites.
• Requires CPR certification.
• English proficiency test for non-natives.
• Background check required post-acceptance.

#2

Dakota College at Bottineau

Bottineau, ND - Public 2-Year - dakotacollege.edu

Associate - Associate Degree Nurse

Campus Based - Visit Website

Dakota College at Bottineau offers an Associate Degree Nurse program designed to prepare students for the NCLEX-RN exam, with a focus on developing essential nursing skills for a variety of healthcare environments. Admission requires a 2.75 GPA in prerequisite courses such as psychology, anatomy, and pharmacology, along with a mandatory background check. The curriculum emphasizes professional development, health alterations, and practical clinical applications, ensuring graduates are ready for employment in acute care, long-term facilities, and community agencies. The program's comprehensive approach to nursing education is highlighted by its preparation for diverse healthcare settings and the inclusion of clinical experiences.

• Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
• Requires 2.75 GPA.
• Background check mandatory.
• Covers diverse healthcare settings.
• Includes clinical applications.

#3

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 offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program in a hybrid format, blending online coursework with in-person clinical experiences. This CCNE-accredited program stands out for its flexibility, offering eight start dates each year and no prerequisite courses for admission, making it an excellent choice for students at various stages of their nursing journey. With options for both a standard 33-month track and an accelerated 18-month path for those with a prior bachelor's degree, the program caters to diverse student needs. Small class sizes ensure personalized attention, enhancing preparation for the NCLEX-RN exam. Financial aid is available, with tuition starting at $359 per credit.

• 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

*IPEDS 2023 data files, National Center for Education Statistics.

North Dakota Nursing RN Programs – Diploma, ADN, and BSN Degrees

If you're considering a career as a registered nurse, North Dakota offers several entry-level degree pathways to help you get started. Many aspiring nurses begin with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), a nursing diploma, or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Each pathway has its own benefits, so it's important to choose the one that best aligns with your career goals.

Comparing RN Diploma vs. LPN-to-RN vs. ADN Programs

If you're new to nursing and looking for the fastest route into the field, an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is a strong option. Both the ADN and a nursing diploma can typically be completed in one to two years. For those with prior nursing experience, such as Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), an LPN to RN bridge program can be an excellent choice, providing a pathway to earn either an ADN or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

Common admissions requirements for ADN and diploma programs in North Dakota include:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Minimum GPA, typically 2.5 or higher
• Some programs require scores from the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) or HESI Admission Assessment

For further admissions requirements and more information, check out our page on ADN degree programs.

More information on RN diplomas, LPN to RN, and ADN programs:

ADN, LPN to RN, and nursing diploma programs require hands-on clinical training hours under supervision in order to be eligible for RN licensure. These will need to be completed in person, even if you opt for an online or hybrid program. Not sure if you’re ready for an RN career? Consider an LPN or CNA program in North Dakota.

Comparing Traditional BSN vs. RN-to-BSN vs. ABSN Programs

As you explore nursing programs, you'll find three main bachelor's degree options: the traditional BSN, RN-to-BSN, and accelerated BSN (ABSN). For individuals new to nursing without a previous bachelor's degree, the traditional BSN is the ideal choice. If you already hold a bachelor's degree in another field, the ABSN program allows you to earn a BSN on an accelerated timeline. Meanwhile, the RN-to-BSN pathway is designed for licensed, working nurses who want to complete their BSN more quickly.

Admissions requirements for BSN programs in North Dakota typically include:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Minimum GPA of 2.5-3.0
• Completion of prerequisite courses

For more information on BSN admissions requirements and more, see our BSN degrees page.

Several alternative pathways are also available to qualified students who want to pursue a BSN. Compare your options below:

RN to BSN

As a working nurse, the simplest way to earn a BSN is through a North Dakota RN to BSN. These bridge programs are available to any nurse with an RN license and an ADN, often with a few years of experience. While a traditional BSN program typically takes four years, an RN-to-BSN program can be completed in about two years.

Accelerated BSN (ABSN)

North Dakota ABSN programs are available for students who hold a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field. These programs build on the student's prior education to provide a pathway to a BSN in as little as one to two years.

Advanced Practice RN & Nurse Practitioner Programs

Graduate school is a vital step for many nurses looking to advance in their careers. Pursuing options like a Master's of Science in Nursing (MSN), a Nurse Practitioner (NP) program, a bridge program to enter advanced practice, or even a doctorate degree such as a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP opens doors to higher earning potential, more independence, and a wider range of career opportunities. Most nursing graduate programs require applicants to hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and have an active RN license.

Earning a graduate-level degree in nursing opens the door to numerous Advanced Practice Registered Nursing (APRN) roles, leadership roles, and even careers in academia or research. Read more about APRN pathways in North Dakota:

• North Dakota Nurse Practitioner Programs
• North Dakota MSN Program
• North Dakota RN to MSN Programs
• North Dakota Post Master’s Nursing Certificate Programs
• North Dakota DNP Programs

Getting an RN License in North Dakota

The final step to becoming a registered nurse in North Dakota is obtaining your nursing license. In North Dakota, RN licensure requires completing an accredited nursing program, passing the NCLEX-RN exam, and submitting an application with the required fee to the North Dakota Board of Nursing. To maintain an active license, you'll also need to fulfill the continuing education requirements set by the board.

Requirements for RN Licensure in North Dakota

• Completion of an accredited RN program (ADN or BSN)
• Passing the NCLEX-RN exam
• Application to the Iowa Board of Nursing
• Renewal: 36 hours of CE every three years for license maintenance

Why Choose an Accredited RN Program?

When selecting an RN program, one of the most important factors to consider is RN program accreditation. Accreditation is a formal review that ensures a nursing school or program meets specific quality standards. In the United States, nursing programs are primarily accredited by two organizations: the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). If a program lacks accreditation, graduates may not be eligible for licensure.