Online Nurse Practitioner Schools 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.

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

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