A DNP degree can open many doors for nurses in North Dakota. Many areas in North Dakota, particularly rural counties, are designated as Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs). DNP-prepared nurses can work educating the next generation of nurses, contribute to legislative and organizational policy to help attract and retain staff, and act as nurse practitioners and help fill these critical care gaps by providing hands-on care.
If you’re interested in pursuing a DNP degree in North Dakota, there are several options to choose from. We provide the details below so you can select the program that’s right for you.
North Dakota DNP Programs Quick Facts:
- Universities Offering DNP Programs in North Dakota: 3
- CCNE Accredited DNP Programs in the state: 5
- ACEN Accredited DNP Programs in the state: 0
- Average Tuition Costs: Between $32,000 and $46,000 for public universities, around $57,000 for private
Table of Contents
DNP Programs in North Dakota
North Dakota has three universities that offer DNP programs: two public universities and one private. There is also a regional option in South Dakota to consider. We cover all the details below.
North Dakota BSN to DNP Programs
North Dakota State University’s DNP programs are the only ones in the state that use an on-campus, in-person format. If you’re interested in learning in a traditional classroom, consider the program below.
North Dakota State University
- Fargo, North Dakota
- Campus
Modality: On campus
Credit Hours: 86
Clinical Hours: 1,020
Tuition: $532.17 per credit + fees for residents; $675.83 per credit + fees for Minnesota residents; $798.28 per credit + fees for non-residents
Program Overview:
One notable aspect of the BSN to FNP DNP program at NDSU is that it is an on-campus program. While some classes in this three-year program may have online components, students primarily learn face-to-face in the classroom. Classes are offered at both the Fargo and Bismarck campuses. The program consists of 86 credits in total, with 1,020 clinical hours. Faculty are primarily responsible for finding clinical preceptors and placement sites, with learning experiences taking place in both urban and rural communities.
Key highlights:
- Primarily in-person learning
- Offered at both the Fargo and Bismarck campuses
Additional considerations:
- Students in this program have a 100% pass rate on the FNP exam
Accreditation:
- Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Online DNP Programs in North Dakota
Many working professionals prefer online options because they are more accommodating and flexible, making them a better fit for a working professional’s schedule. The University of North Dakota and the University of Mary both offer online DNP options.
North Dakota Online BSN to DNP Programs
Below, learn more about the primarily online programs at the University of North Dakota and the University of Mary. While both schools offer primarily online programs, some tracks do have on-campus requirements.
University of North Dakota
- Grand Forks, North Dakota
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: Varies
Tuition: $862.39 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
Students have several DNP options at the University of North Dakota, including two BSN to DNP tracks and a post-master’s track.
The 83-credit BSN to FNP DNP option features 100% online coursework with two on-campus visits that focus on clinical skills. The 85-credit BSN to PMHNP DNP option is entirely online, utilizing both synchronous and asynchronous learning, although the program is not self-paced. Both programs can be completed in eight semesters full-time or 11 semesters part-time, which is approximately three to four years.
UND also offers an online MSN to DNP option that’s 37 credits and can be completed in five semesters or just under two calendar years. Most of this coursework is asynchronous, but some real-time online sessions are also required.
Key highlights:
- All coursework is offered online, but the programs are not self-paced
- FNP students have two on-campus intensives
Additional considerations:
- Full-time Nursing Clinical Placement Coordinator helps students secure clinical placements
Accreditation:
- Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
University of Mary
- Bismarck, North Dakota
- Online + Campus
Modality: Online with on-campus intensives
Credit Hours: 86
Clinical Hours: 1280
Tuition: $665 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
The University of Mary offers a BSN to DNP: Family Nurse Practitioner track that is 86 credits in length, with 1,280 clinical hours, and can be completed in just under three years. Classes are offered online, but students are required to attend the Bismarck campus for learning institutes throughout the program.
Students can also add a concentration to their degree. U Mary offers three ways for nurses to expand their skill sets, with concentrations in bioethics, healthcare informatics, and teaching and leading.
Key highlights:
- Mostly online, but on-campus work is required throughout the program
- Students can choose to add a specialization in bioethics, informatics, or teaching and leading
Additional considerations:
- Recent graduates had a 100% pass rate on the AANP national certification exam
Accreditation:
- Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Regional Options
South Dakota State University
- Brookings, South Dakota
- Online + Campus
Modality: Online with on-campus requirements
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: Varies
Tuition: $613 to $640 per credit + fees for qualified South Dakota Advantage residents; $927 to $962 per credit + fees for non-residents
Program Overview:
South Dakota State University is another option for students in North Dakota seeking a DNP. Students in some programs will need to travel to the Brookings campus, which is about a five-hour drive from Bismarck.
Coursework for the following DNP programs at SD State is provided primarily online, but on-campus visits may be required for some classes.
- BSN to FNP DNP: 78 credits, 1,020 clinical hours
- BSN to PMHNP DNP: 77 credits, 1,000 clinical hours
- BSN to Clinical Nurse Leader DNP: 64 credits, 1,000 clinical hours
Most of the clinical hours are completed via providing direct patient care, but simulation lab hours are also required for the FNP specialty. All of these BSN to DNP programs take about four years to complete.
SD State also offers a Post-master’s MSN to DNP program with two tracks to choose from. These programs are designed for nurses who already hold an MSN and are interested in expanding their area of expertise. The MSN to FNP DNP option is 69 credits with 1,020 total lab or clinical hours, and the MSN to PMHNP DNP option is 70 credits with 1,000 clinical hours. These programs typically take four years to complete, but nurses who have already completed an MSN may be eligible to transfer credits and complete the program in a shorter time.
Key highlights:
- Mostly online with some on-campus requirements
- Options for MSN-prepared nurses to add a new speciality instead of just completing a general DNP
Additional considerations:
- Some students may qualify for South Dakota Advantage tuition
- Commute time for on-campus requirements can be quite long, depending on where in North Dakota you live
Accreditation:
- Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Shortest/Accelerated DNP Programs in North Dakota
The lengths of these programs can vary, depending on previous education, clinical hours, and experience. If you’re looking for the shortest programs, consider the ones listed below.
Shortest BSN to DNP Programs
The shortest BSN to DNP programs in the state are offered at North Dakota State University and the University of Mary, which typically take approximately three years to complete.
Shortest MSN to DNP Programs
The MSN to DNP program at the University of North Dakota can be completed in two years.
Best DNP Programs in North Dakota
The North Dakota State University program stands out as unique primarily because it is a campus-based program. A majority of DNP programs across the country are either entirely online or have students come to campus only a few times, but this program emphasizes traditional classroom learning. Additionally, it boasts a 100% pass rate on certification exams.
Cheapest DNP Programs in North Dakota
North Dakota State University offers the most affordable tuition at $532.17 per credit, plus fees, for residents.
FAQs
Is North Dakota a full practice state for nurse practitioners?
Yes, North Dakota grants full practice authority to nurse practitioners, meaning they are considered primary care providers who can diagnose and treat patients, as well as prescribe some medications, without the supervision of a doctor.
How much do nurse practitioners make in North Dakota?
The average annual salary for a nurse practitioner in North Dakota is $128,809.
How to become a nurse practitioner in North Dakota?
The first step to becoming an NP in North Dakota is to become a registered nurse (RN) by completing an accredited program and passing the NCLEX-RN exam. After doing so, many nurses choose to work for a year or so to gain some experience, which is generally needed to apply to a graduate program.
After being accepted to and completing an MSN or DNP program in your chosen specialization, the next step is to pass the national certification exam in your specialty. Then, apply to the state board for a nurse practitioner license to gain the authority to practice in the state.