Registered Nurse (RN)
Career Assessment Tool — North Dakota
This tool will help you decide if becoming a Registered Nurse is the right choice for you.
You will learn what RNs really do, how to get trained in North Dakota, and what comes next in your nursing career.
Important: Answer all questions honestly. This is just for you—there are no wrong answers.
What is a Registered Nurse?
A Registered Nurse, or RN, provides comprehensive patient care, makes independent nursing judgments, and leads healthcare teams. RNs work in hospitals, clinics, schools, home health, public health, and many other settings. RNs have more independence than LPNs and CNAs. RNs assess patients, make treatment decisions, give medications, teach patients, and manage their own cases. RNs are often leaders in healthcare who supervise other nurses and healthcare workers.
What Will You Actually Be Doing Every Day?
Here are the real tasks RNs do:
- Assess patients — ask questions, listen, examine, review their history
- Make nursing diagnoses and treatment plans
- Administer and monitor medications (IV, oral, injections)
- Start and monitor IVs and catheters
- Monitor vital signs and recognize when something is wrong
- Perform wound care and dressing changes
- Help patients with bathing, dressing, toileting, mobility
- Chart and communicate patient information clearly
- Work with doctors to modify treatment plans
- Teach patients about their medications and condition
- Comfort patients and families during difficult times
- Supervise and lead other nurses and CNAs
- Make decisions about patient safety and emergency care
What You Need to Know: RN work is the most complex role in nursing. You are responsible for patient assessments and treatment decisions. You must think critically and act quickly in emergencies. You will work with doctors, therapists, social workers, and other specialists. You lead a team. You work nights, weekends, and holidays. The work is physically and emotionally demanding. You make life-and-death decisions. You must be comfortable with medications, anatomy, physiology, and complex medical situations. You need strong communication skills.
What Training Do You Need in North Dakota?
Two Paths to Become an RN:
Path 1: Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN/AAS) — Faster
- About 2 years of nursing school (Dakota Nursing Program: 3 semesters for the PN year, then 2 more semesters for the RN), plus any required prerequisite classes
- Offered at community colleges and state colleges throughout North Dakota
- Combines classroom and clinical experience
- Cost: about $17,700 to $29,000 for both years in the Dakota Nursing Program (2025-26 estimate; includes tuition, fees, books, and supplies). Costs vary by school.
Path 2: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) — More Advanced
- 4 years full-time
- Offered at universities in North Dakota
- More in-depth study of science, research, and leadership
- Cost: varies by school. Example: at NDSU, ND residents pay about $12,200 per year in tuition and fees, and about $14,200 per year once in the nursing program (2026-27). Housing and books are extra.
- Many employers now prefer BSN graduates for advancement
RN Training Requirements in North Dakota:
- Complete an approved nursing program (ADN or BSN)
- Pass the NCLEX-RN exam (National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses)
- Apply for licensure with the North Dakota Board of Nursing
- Pass a background check
- Health screening requirements
Prerequisites:
- High school diploma or GED
- College prerequisites before nursing courses (anatomy, physiology, chemistry, microbiology, etc.)
- Most schools require a minimum GPA (for example, 2.5 for the Dakota Nursing Program)
- CPR certification before entering program
- Good grades in science courses help you get accepted
Timeline and Cost:
| Item | Associate Degree (ADN) | Bachelor Degree (BSN) |
|---|---|---|
| How long does it take? | 2 years full-time | 4 years full-time |
| How much does it cost? | About $17,700 to $29,000 total in the Dakota Nursing Program (2025-26 estimate) | Varies. About $12,200 to $14,200 per year in tuition and fees at NDSU (ND resident, 2026-27) |
| Do employers help pay? | Yes! Many offer tuition help | Yes! Many offer tuition help |
| Are scholarships available? | Yes, through state and federal programs | Yes, more available for BSN |
NDBON-Approved Associate Degree RN Programs in North Dakota:
Bismarck State College — Dakota Nursing Program Consortium (AAS)
1133 College Dr, PO Box 5587, Bismarck ND 58506-5587
Phone: (800) 445-5073 | Fax: (701) 255-5098
NDBON Approval: October 2024–January 2029 | Nationally accredited by ACEN
Dakota College at Bottineau — Dakota Nursing Program Consortium (AAS)
105 Simrall Boulevard, Bottineau ND 58318-1159
Phone: (800) 542-6866 | Fax: (701) 228-5499
NDBON Approval: October 2024–April 2029 | Nationally accredited by CNEA
Lake Region State College — Dakota Nursing Program Consortium (AAS)
1801 N College Dr, Devils Lake ND 58301
Phone: (701) 662-1569 | Fax: (701) 662-1569
NDBON Approval: October 2024–January 2030 | Nationally accredited by ACEN
Williston State College — Dakota Nursing Program Consortium (AAS)
1410 University Ave, PO Box 1326, Williston ND 58801-1326
Phone: (701) 774-4290 | Fax: (701) 774-4275
NDBON Approval: October 2024–July 2029 | Nationally accredited by CNEA
North Dakota State College of Science — NDSCS (AAS & ASN)
800 6th St N, Wahpeton ND 58075-3602
Phone: (701) 671-2967 | Fax: (701) 671-2529
NDBON Approval: October 2024–October 2026 | Nationally accredited by ACEN
University of Jamestown (ASN)
Online classes with clinicals in Fargo, ND (about 20 months)
Phone: (701) 429-8117 | Fax: (701) 253-4318
New program with NDBON initial approval. UJ states it meets ND licensure requirements and graduates can take the NCLEX-RN. Confirm current approval at ndbon.org before enrolling | Pursuing national accreditation (NLN CNEA)
NDBON-Approved Baccalaureate (Bachelor's) Degree RN Programs in North Dakota:
Dickinson State University
291 Campus Dr, Dickinson ND 58601-4896
Phone: (701) 483-2133 | Fax: (701) 483-2524
NDBON Approval: January 2022–April 2027 | Nationally accredited by ACEN
Minot State University
500 University Ave W, Minot ND 58707
Phone: (701) 858-3101 | Fax: (701) 858-4309
NDBON Approval: April 2021–January 2027 | Nationally accredited by CCNE
North Dakota State University
1301 Albrecht Blvd, 136 Sudro Hall, Fargo ND 58102
Phone: (701) 231-7395 | Fax: (701) 231-6257
NDBON Approval: July 2022–January 2028 | Nationally accredited by CCNE
NDSU Nursing at Sanford Health (Bismarck)
512 N 7th St, Bismarck ND 58501-4494
Phone: (701) 224-3800 | Fax: (701) 224-3830
NDBON Approval: July 2022–January 2028 | Nationally accredited by CCNE
Rasmussen University (American Public University System)
4012 19th Ave S, Fargo ND 58103
Phone: (701) 277-5604
NDBON Approval: October 2025–October 2030 | Nationally accredited by CCNE
University of Jamestown
6010 College Lane, Jamestown ND 58405
Phone: (701) 252-3467 Ext 5497 | Fax: (701) 253-4318
NDBON Approval: April 2024–July 2029 | Nationally accredited by CCNE
University of Mary
7500 University Dr, Bismarck ND 58504
Phone: (701) 255-7500 | Fax: (701) 255-7687
NDBON Approval: January 2022–October 2027 | Nationally accredited by CCNE
University of North Dakota
430 Oxford St Stop 9025, Grand Forks ND 58202-9025
Phone: (701) 777-4553 | Fax: (701) 777-4096
NDBON Approval: April 2026–April 2031 | Nationally accredited by CCNE
What is the NCLEX-RN Exam?
After you finish your RN program (ADN or BSN), you must pass the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses). This computerized exam tests your knowledge to safely practice as an RN. Here is what it covers:
What the Exam Tests:
- Safe and effective nursing care for individuals and groups
- How to assess and diagnose patient problems
- How to plan and implement nursing care
- Medications and medication safety
- Communication and therapeutic relationships with patients
- Teaching patients and families
- How to work with the healthcare team
- Leadership and delegation skills
- Anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, and pharmacology
- Legal and ethical responsibilities
- How to recognize and manage medical emergencies
- Critical thinking and clinical judgment
Exam Format:
- Computer-based adaptive testing
- Between 85 and 150 questions (varies per test taker)
- Time limit: 5 hours total (includes tutorial and breaks)
- Questions get harder as you answer correctly; easier if you answer incorrectly
- You must reach a certain level of competency to pass
- Official results come from the Board of Nursing, usually within 6 weeks (unofficial quick results may be bought after 2 business days)
About the Exam: The NCLEX-RN is harder than the NCLEX-PN because RNs make more complex decisions. You can usually take it within weeks of graduation. The exam fee is $200. If you do not pass, you must wait at least 45 days to try again. Your RN program will prepare you. Many programs include NCLEX prep courses. You must pass to become licensed.
How Much Money Will You Make?
| Type of Pay | Amount |
|---|---|
| Entry-level (just starting) | About $31.50 per hour (lowest 10% of pay in ND, BLS, May 2025) |
| Middle (median) yearly pay in ND | $80,730 per year (BLS, May 2025) |
| Middle (median) hourly pay in ND | $38.81 per hour (BLS, May 2025) |
| Experienced RNs | About $93,080 per year (top 25% earn this or more, BLS, May 2025) |
| Top-paid RNs | About $103,480 per year (top 10% earn this or more, BLS, May 2025) |
| Nurse practitioners (NP) | $130,070 per year median in ND (BLS, May 2025) |
Remember: Nationally, RNs in hospitals earn more than RNs in clinics (BLS, May 2025). Many employers pay extra for night, weekend, or holiday shifts. Weekend and holiday bonuses are common. Overtime pay is available. RNs with BSN degrees often earn more and advance faster. Specialization increases pay. RNs earn significantly more than LPNs and much more than CNAs.
Pay by Area in North Dakota (middle/median yearly pay, BLS May 2025)
| North Dakota (statewide) | $80,730 |
| Bismarck | $81,120 |
| Fargo area (incl. Moorhead, MN) | $82,120 |
| Grand Forks area (incl. East Grand Forks, MN) | $79,070 |
| Minot | $80,490 |
| Rural eastern ND | $83,050 |
| Rural western ND | $80,630 |
Areas not listed had too few workers in this job for BLS to report pay.
What Comes After RN?
Being an RN opens many doors for your nursing career:
Path 1: Advanced Practice Nursing
Return to school for advanced degrees and certifications:
- Nurse Practitioner (NP) — diagnose and treat patients independently in some settings
- Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) — expert in a clinical area
- Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) — deliver babies and manage pregnancy care
- Certified Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) — administer anesthesia in surgery
- Most take 2 to 4 more years of graduate school (master’s or doctorate)
Path 2: Specialization Within RN
Become an expert in a specific area without a new degree:
- Critical care (ICU nursing)
- Operating room (surgery)
- Emergency department
- Pediatrics (children)
- Obstetrics (pregnancy and birth)
- Oncology (cancer care)
- Cardiac care (heart and blood vessels)
- Home health nursing
- Public health nursing
- School nursing
Path 3: Leadership and Management
Move into supervisory and management roles:
- Charge nurse or shift supervisor
- Nursing manager or unit manager
- Director of Nursing
- Chief Nursing Officer
- Nurse educator or trainer
- Quality improvement leader
Path 4: Teaching and Research
Work in education or research settings:
- Nursing school instructor or professor
- Clinical educator
- Nursing research
- Hospital-based education programs
Path 5: Stay as an RN and Build Expertise
Many RNs have fulfilling, well-paying careers without advancing to advanced practice. You develop deep expertise, are trusted by patients and doctors, and become a mentor to newer nurses.
Should You Become an RN?
RNs are the backbone of healthcare. You will work with patients every day and directly impact their health, healing, and sometimes their survival.
RN is a good choice if:
- You want to make a real difference in people's lives
- You are ready for 2-4 years of focused study and clinical practice
- You are strong in science and can handle complex material
- You can think quickly and make good decisions under pressure
- You want to lead and work independently in healthcare
- You are interested in specialization or advancement
- You want earning potential of about $65,000-$103,000 per year
- You can work nights, weekends, and holidays
- You handle stress and difficult situations well
- You communicate clearly and work well with teams
- You can handle emotional situations with patients and families
Think twice if:
- You do not like taking responsibility for decisions
- You cannot go back to school for 2-4 years
- You struggle with science and math
- You do not handle stress or pressure well
- You cannot work flexible shifts including nights and weekends
- You do not want to supervise or lead others
- The cost of RN training (even with financial help) worries you
- You are afraid of medications or making mistakes
- You do not want to deal with life-and-death situations
The Choice is Yours: RN training is longer and more complex than LPN training, but offers more pay, independence, and career options. RNs lead healthcare teams. Take this assessment honestly. Research programs. Talk to working RNs. Then decide what's right for you.
The RN Career Assessment
Before you commit to 2-4 years of training, answer these questions honestly. This will help you decide if becoming an RN is right for you.
PART 1: Why Do You Want To Be An RN?
Choose the statement that best fits you:
Your answer tells you about your motivation. Strong healthcare motivation predicts success in RN training. Money alone is not enough to get through a 2-4 year program.
PART 2: Are You Ready for RN Training?
RN training is the most demanding nursing path. Answer honestly about your readiness.
PART 3: What is Your Plan After RN?
Think about your long-term goals in nursing. Choose what appeals to you most:
Your Plan Matters: RN is a foundation for many nursing paths. Thinking about your future now helps you choose the right program and career direction.
Your RN Assessment Report
Your Motivation Score
Your Readiness Score
Your Next Step
Recommendations for You
Sources & Learn More
Everything on this page comes from these sources. Each one opens the page the information came from, so you can check it yourself or keep reading.
- Career information
- Registered Nurse on O*NET OnLine — what the job involves, the skills it uses, and related jobs.
- Pay and employment data
- North Dakota pay for Registered Nurses — from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey, May 2025.
North Dakota job outlook, 2024–2034 — state projections from Projections Central. - Education and training
- North Dakota schools that train Registered Nurses — colleges and programs in this state, with how many people finished recently. From the U.S. Department of Labor, using federal college data (IPEDS).
- More career exploration
- RUReady.ND.gov career planning — North Dakota’s own career and college planning site. An account may be required.
Pay and outlook figures on this page were taken from the sources above in September 2026. Occupation code: 29-1141.00. Numbers are updated by the agencies over time, so check the links for the newest figures.