Best North Dakota LPN to RN/BSN Programs 2026
North Dakota’s LPN to RN bridge programs prepare nurses for advanced responsibilities. Coursework covers patient management, nursing leadership, and professional ethics. Clinical training ensures readiness for licensure and effective practice as an RN.
2026 Best LPN to RN Programs in North Dakota
University of Mary
Bismarck, ND - Private 4-year - umary.edu
Associate - LPN to BSN
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Mary's LPN to BSN program offers a hybrid format, blending online coursework with minimal campus visits over two years, ideal for working LPNs. At $615 per credit, it's competitively priced and CCNE-accredited, focusing on career advancement without a specific concentration. No entrance exam like ACT or SAT is mentioned as required, making it accessible. Graduates can pursue roles in management or public health, with potential salaries around $81,220, and clinical rotations are available near home for added convenience.
- 2-year blended online program
- Minimal campus visits
- $615 per credit tuition
- Designed for working LPNs
- Potential $81,220 annual salary
- Clinical rotations near home
- CCNE Accredited Program
- Multiple career path options
- Flexible learning format
North Dakota State College of Science
Wahpeton, ND - Public 2-Year - ndscs.edu
Associate - LPN to RN
Campus Based - Visit Website
North Dakota State College of Science's LPN to RN program, based in Wahpeton, offers a campus-based pathway for licensed practical nurses to advance to registered nursing roles. It features a rigorous health sciences curriculum with extensive hands-on learning, preparing students for the NCLEX-RN exam. With selective enrollment criteria, the program ensures a dedicated cohort and boasts a high job placement rate, providing graduates with opportunities for further specialization in nursing.
- Campus-based program in Wahpeton.
- Prepares students for NCLEX-RN exam.
- High job placement rate for graduates.
- Selective enrollment with specific criteria.
- Focus on health sciences education.
- Opportunities for further specialization.
- Hands-on learning experiences.
- Comprehensive nursing curriculum.
- Dedicated and selective student cohort.
- Pathway for LPNs to become RNs.
North Dakota LPN to RN Program Overview
Eligibility and Admission Requirements
LPNs in North Dakota who plan to advance to RN status typically apply to either Associate Degree in Nursing or Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs that offer mobility or bridge options. While each college or university sets its own admissions policies, applicants can expect the following common requirements:
- Current, unencumbered LPN license that is active in North Dakota or multistate privilege if applicable.
- Completion of prerequisite college courses with a minimum grade and GPA set by the program. Common prerequisites include Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II with labs, Microbiology, English composition, general psychology, lifespan or developmental psychology, nutrition, and college-level math such as algebra or statistics.
- Criminal background check and fingerprinting consistent with clinical partner and state requirements, drug screening, and up-to-date immunizations and health records.
- Current Basic Life Support certification for healthcare providers.
- Official transcripts from all prior colleges. Some programs may require a standardized pre-admission test, interview, or writing sample.
- Advanced standing for LPNs may be available through direct transfer credit, validation exams, or proof of recent LPN practice hours. Policies vary by institution.
LPNs who are currently working in North Dakota may find evening, weekend, or hybrid course options intended to accommodate shift work. Many programs also recognize prior practical nursing coursework and clinical experience, which can shorten time to completion for qualified applicants.
Program Curriculum and Accreditation
LPN to RN curricula build on practical nursing foundations while expanding critical thinking and clinical judgment for independent RN practice. Core learning areas typically include:
- Adult health nursing across the lifespan, including medical-surgical and gerontologic care
- Maternal-newborn and pediatric nursing
- Mental health and community or population health nursing
- Pharmacology, pathophysiology, and advanced health assessment
- Nursing research, leadership, and care coordination
- Supervised skills labs and clinical rotations in hospitals, long-term care, public health, and other settings across North Dakota
In North Dakota, pre-licensure RN programs must be approved by the North Dakota Board of Nursing for graduates to be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN and apply for licensure. Many institutions also hold national nursing accreditation, such as ACEN or CCNE, which signals curriculum quality, supports transferability and graduate school options, and can be important for employer recognition and access to federal financial aid.
LPN to RN Schools and Classes
North Dakota offers LPN to RN pathways through public two-year colleges and four-year universities with nursing programs. Options generally include associate-level mobility tracks that validate prior LPN learning and bachelor’s programs with advanced placement for LPNs. Because offerings change, prospective students should review current program lists, admission timelines, and delivery formats before applying.
Coursework for LPN to RN students commonly includes advanced medical-surgical nursing, complex care and transitions, family-centered care in obstetrics and pediatrics, mental health nursing, community and rural health, leadership and quality improvement, and evidence-based practice. Students refine higher-level assessment, care planning, patient education, interprofessional communication, and delegation skills. Labs and clinical rotations emphasize safe medication administration, clinical reasoning, and management of multiple patients in diverse North Dakota healthcare settings.
Career Outlook
RNs in North Dakota work in hospitals, critical access hospitals, clinics, ambulatory surgery centers, long-term care and skilled nursing facilities, home health and hospice, public and tribal health, and schools. Rural health needs and an aging population sustain statewide demand for RNs in acute and post-acute care. Scheduling varies by setting; inpatient roles often use 12-hour shifts with nights, weekends, and holidays, while many outpatient and public health roles follow more regular daytime hours.
Compared with LPN roles, RNs practice under a broader scope, including comprehensive assessment, care planning, patient and family education, coordination with providers, and leadership responsibilities. This wider scope can open doors to specialty units, charge roles, and future graduate study. RNs also generally have higher earning potential than LPNs and broader employment mobility, including eligibility for multistate practice through the Nurse Licensure Compact if criteria are met.
LPN to RN Program Length
- Full-time bridge pathways: Many LPN to ADN tracks can be completed in approximately 12 to 18 months of full-time nursing coursework after prerequisites. LPN to BSN pathways often require about 2.5 to 3 years of full-time study after prerequisites, depending on transfer credits and advanced standing.
- Part-time options: Designed for working LPNs, part-time schedules commonly extend completion to 18 to 30 months for ADN pathways and 3 to 4 years for BSN pathways.
- Evening/weekend or hybrid cohorts: Some North Dakota programs offer nontraditional scheduling that spreads didactic courses across evenings or weekends and clusters on-campus labs and clinicals, which can lengthen total time to completion compared with standard full-time plans.
Total duration depends on prerequisite completion, transfer credit, advanced standing awarded, clinical placement availability, and whether summer terms are used.
2026 Fastest LPN to RN Programs in North Dakota
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| University of Mary |
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| North Dakota State College of Science |
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Tuition and Costs
Tuition varies by institution, program level, and residency. As a general reference for North Dakota public institutions:
- LPN to ADN bridge at a two-year college: in-state tuition for the nursing portion commonly falls in the mid four-figure to low five-figure range, roughly about 7,000 to 15,000, excluding prerequisites, fees, and supplies.
- LPN to BSN at a four-year university: in-state tuition for upper-division nursing coursework typically ranges from approximately 15,000 to 32,000, with total degree cost dependent on transferred credits and remaining general education.
Additional costs to plan for include application and program fees, books and digital resources, uniforms, clinical supplies, background check and drug screening, immunizations, licensure exam and application fees, transportation to clinical sites, and health insurance as required by clinical partners.
Housing and living expenses vary by city. On-campus room and board at North Dakota public colleges often totals about 7,000 to 11,000 per academic year, while off-campus rent can range widely by region and unit type. Students commuting to clinical sites should also budget for fuel and winter travel costs.
2026 Affordable LPN to RN Programs in North Dakota
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| University of Mary |
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| North Dakota State College of Science |
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Can I Take LPN to RN Classes Online?
North Dakota institutions use a mix of in-person, hybrid, and online delivery. Didactic nursing coursework may be offered online or in hybrid formats, which can benefit working LPNs. However, skills labs and all direct patient-care clinical experiences are completed in person at approved facilities with qualified faculty or preceptors to meet state and program requirements. Fully online pre-licensure RN pathways are not available because hands-on clinical instruction is required for licensure.
Prospective students should review each program’s delivery model, the proportion of online versus on-campus coursework, and where clinical placements occur. If you plan to complete clinicals in North Dakota, ensure the program is approved by the North Dakota Board of Nursing and that clinical placements are arranged with in-state partners.
LPN to RN Licensure Requirements in North Dakota
NCLEX-RN Exam Information
Graduates of LPN to ADN or LPN to BSN bridge programs must pass the NCLEX-RN to become licensed in North Dakota. The typical steps are:
- Apply for licensure by examination with the North Dakota Board of Nursingand pay required fees.
- Complete a fingerprint-based criminal history background check as directed by the Board.
- Arrange for your nursing program to send an official transcript showing degree conferral directly to the Board.
- Register for the NCLEX-RN through the official NCLEX programand await your Authorization to Test.
- Schedule and take the exam. Results are transmitted to the Board for licensure decisions.
New graduates may be eligible for a short-term temporary permit to practice in North Dakota once a complete application has been received and approved by the Board office and the Authorization to Test has been issued by Pearson VUE. This permit is valid for 90 days or until the applicant fails the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN Examination, whichever occurs first. Testing accommodations are available through the NCLEX program; contact the Board early if you need Board documentation for an accommodation request.
RN Reciprocity and Nurse Licensure Compact
North Dakota offers licensure by endorsement for RNs who hold a current license in another U.S. state or territory. Endorsement applicants typically submit verification of their current or most recent license (often via Nursys), complete a criminal background check, and meet North Dakota standards for education and competency. Temporary permits may be available while the Board completes processing.
North Dakota is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact. RNs whose primary state of residence is another compact state and who hold an active multistate license may practice in North Dakota without obtaining a separate North Dakota license. If you move to North Dakota and declare it your primary state of residence, you must apply for a North Dakota multistate license by endorsement. North Dakota does not maintain separate reciprocity agreements beyond the Compact; non-compact licensees may apply by endorsement.
Licensure Requirements
The North Dakota Board of Nursing is the state authority for RN licensure. For initial licensure by examination, applicants must generally:
- Graduate from a Board-approved nursing program at the ADN or BSN level.
- Submit an application for RN licensure by examination and pay fees.
- Complete a fingerprint-based criminal history background check.
- Request that the nursing program send an official transcript with the degree awarded directly to the Board.
- Register for and pass the NCLEX-RN.
For licensure by endorsement, applicants typically must:
- Hold or have held an active RN license in another U.S. jurisdiction that is in good standing.
- Provide license verification, usually through Nursys, as instructed by the Board.
- Complete a criminal background check and pay applicable fees.
- Demonstrate continued competence if requested by the Board, especially if there has been a lapse in recent practice.
License Renewal
RN licenses in North Dakota renew on a biennial cycle. The Board announces renewal windows each cycle, and renewals must be completed by the end-of-year deadline published by the Board. Keep your contact information current with the Board so you receive renewal notices.
Continuing competence requirements for RN renewal generally include:
- Continuing education: complete at least 12 contact hours during each two-year renewal period.
- Practice requirement: complete at least 400 hours of nursing practice within the preceding four years, or otherwise meet Board standards for continued competence such as completion of a Board-approved refresher if you have not practiced recently.
Complete required continuing education within the renewal period and retain documentation in case of audit. Nurses who do not meet the practice requirement should contact the Board early to plan for a refresher or alternative pathway before the renewal deadline. Inactive status and late renewal options are available under Board rules, with additional fees and requirements.
Average LPN State Salary in North Dakota
$60,110
2024 LPN Pay reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Average RN State Salary in North Dakota
$81,900
2024 RN Pay reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
LPN to ADN Bridge Program
Program Length:
Approximately 9 to 12 months for licensed LPNs entering the second year of a "1+1" program.
Credential Awarded:
Associate of Applied Science (AAS) or Associate in Science in Nursing (ASN).
NCLEX-RN Eligibility:
Yes.
Program Focus:
This pathway concentrates on providing students with the essential clinical skills and theoretical knowledge for entry-level RN positions. The curriculum builds upon the LPN's existing foundation, with courses in adult health, maternal-child nursing, community health, and psychosocial nursing.
Average In-State Tuition in North Dakota:
The estimated annual tuition and fees for the Dakota Nursing Program, a consortium of several community colleges, is approximately $5,100 to $6,000.
Best For:
LPNs seeking the quickest and most cost-effective route to becoming a Registered Nurse and entering the RN workforce.
School Types:
Community colleges are the primary providers of LPN to ADN bridge programs in North Dakota. Many of these colleges collaborate through the Dakota Nursing Program, which includes institutions such as Bismarck State College, Dakota College at Bottineau, Lake Region State College, and Williston State College. North Dakota State College of Science also offers an LPN to RN program.
LPN to BSN Bridge Program
Program Length:
Typically 2 to 3 years. For example, the University of Mary offers a 2-year program, while North Dakota State University's program is six semesters in length.
Credential Awarded:
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
NCLEX-RN Eligibility:
Yes.
Program Focus:
The LPN to BSN curriculum provides a more comprehensive education that includes the clinical skills of an ADN program, supplemented with coursework in nursing theory, research, leadership, and community health. This prepares graduates for a broader range of nursing roles and leadership positions.
Average In-State Tuition in North Dakota:
Tuition for LPN to BSN programs is higher than for ADN programs. For instance, the University of Mary's program has a tuition of $615 per credit. North Dakota State University is also a provider of an LPN to BSN program.
Best For:
LPNs who aim for leadership roles, specialized nursing fields, or plan to pursue graduate studies in nursing.
School Types:
Universities in North Dakota offer LPN to BSN bridge programs, with options that include blended online and on-campus learning to accommodate working LPNs.
Choose LPN→ADN If:
- Faster Entry into the RN Workforce: The shorter program length allows for a quicker transition to an RN role, which can be a significant advantage for those wanting to increase their earning potential and scope of practice sooner.
- Lower Cost: ADN programs at community colleges are generally more affordable than university-based BSN programs, making this a more financially accessible option for many.
- Solid Foundation for Practice: The ADN curriculum provides a strong foundation in clinical skills, preparing graduates for a wide array of direct patient care roles in various healthcare settings.
- Option for Future Advancement: Graduates can begin working as RNs and may have the option to pursue an RN to BSN bridge program later in their careers, sometimes with tuition assistance from their employer.
Choose LPN→BSN If:
- Expanded Career Opportunities: A BSN is often a prerequisite for leadership, management, and specialized nursing roles in areas such as public health, nursing education, and case management.
- Higher Earning Potential: Nurses with a BSN degree typically have a higher earning potential over the course of their careers compared to those with an ADN.
- Foundation for Graduate Studies: The BSN is the standard requirement for entry into Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs, which are necessary for advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) roles.
- Enhanced Skill Set: The broader education in a BSN program, which includes critical thinking, leadership, and research, prepares graduates for more complex roles within the healthcare system.
List of LPN to RN Programs in North Dakota
Bismarck, ND
University of Mary
- Associate - LPN to BSN
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 2-year blended online program
- Minimal campus visits
- $615 per credit tuition
- Designed for working LPNs
- Potential $81,220 annual salary
- Clinical rotations near home
- CCNE Accredited Program
- Multiple career path options
Wahpeton, ND
North Dakota State College of Science
- Associate - LPN to RN
Campus Based - Website
- Campus-based program in Wahpeton.
- Prepares students for NCLEX-RN exam.
- High job placement rate for graduates.
- Selective enrollment with specific criteria.
- Focus on health sciences education.
- Opportunities for further specialization.
- Hands-on learning experiences.
- Comprehensive nursing curriculum.