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How to become a registered nurse (RN) in North Dakota. NCLEX-RN required. NLC compact member state. ADN or BSN accepted. CE hours: 12. Total initial fees: $365. Verified 2026-03-20. Data verified 2026-03-20. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Registered Nurse
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78% of data points are verified against official sources. 10 fields based on preliminary research. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
Yes
NCLEX Required
Yes
NLC Member
No
BSN Required
12 hrs
CE Hours
400 hours in 4 years
Practice Hours
$365
Total Initial Fees
ADN/BSN & Program Requirements
VerifiedDegree Required
ADN or BSN
Program Accreditation
State-approved nursing program (ACEN or CCNE accreditation accepted)
Accepted Degree Types
Program Length
2-4 years depending on degree type
Clinical Hours
500 hrs
Prerequisite Education
High school diploma or GED required for ADN programs; prerequisite college coursework required for BSN programs
Registered nurses must complete an approved nursing program — either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), or a diploma program. Programs must be accredited by ACEN or CCNE. BSN programs typically take 4 years while ADN programs take 2-3 years, both including required clinical hours.
Exam Requirements
VerifiedNCLEX-RN Required
National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses
CAT Format
75-145 Questions
Pass/fail based on adaptive algorithm; passing standard set by NCSBN
Passing Standard
$200
NCLEX Fee
Format: Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT), 75-145 questions
Jurisprudence Exam
Not Required
Retake Policy
45-day waiting period between attempts; must re-register and pay fee for each attempt; NCLEX retest within one year is $50
The NCLEX-RN is a Computer Adaptive Test (CAT) administered by the NCSBN. The exam adapts to each candidate, with a minimum of 75 and maximum of 145 questions. A jurisprudence exam on state-specific nursing laws may also be required depending on the state.
NLC / eNLC Membership
Mostly verifiedNLC Member State
Yes
Multistate License
Available
Compact Privileges
North Dakota is a member of the enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC), allowing RNs with a multistate license to practice in all other compact states without obtaining additional licenses.
The enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC) allows registered nurses to hold one multistate license and practice in all compact member states without obtaining additional licenses. Nurses must meet uniform licensure requirements including a federal background check to qualify for a multistate license.
Permitted Activities & Career Pathways
VerifiedAllowed
Patient Assessment
Allowed
Care Planning
Allowed
Medication Administration
Allowed
IV Therapy
Allowed
Delegation to LPN
Allowed
Delegation to CNA
Allowed
Telehealth
Restricted Activities
Advanced Practice Specialization Pathways
Nurse Practitioner (NP)
MSN or DNP required; national certification (ANCC or AANP) and state APRN licensure through NDBON
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
MSN or DNP with CNS focus; state recognition as APRN through NDBON
Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
DNP required (effective 2025); NBCRNA certification required for CRNA practice
Nurse Midwife (CNM)
MSN or DNP required; AMCB certification required for CNM practice
Registered nurses are authorized to perform patient assessments, develop care plans, administer medications, and provide IV therapy. RNs may delegate tasks to LPNs and CNAs under appropriate supervision. Advanced practice pathways include Nurse Practitioner (NP), Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), and Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM).
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Licensure by examination application fee | $110 |
NCLEX Fee Paid to Pearson VUE | $200 |
License Fee No separate license fee; included in application fee | $0 |
Background Check Fee Criminal history background check fee | $45 |
Renewal Fee | $90 |
Total Initial Fees Includes $125 application + $200 NCLEX + $40 background check | $365 |
Renewal & CE Requirements
Mostly verified2 years
Renewal Period
12 hrs
CE Hours Required
400 hours in 4 years
Practice Hours
Renewal Fee
$90
Regulatory Board
Registered nurse licenses must be renewed on schedule. Most states require continuing education hours covering topics such as pharmacology, patient safety, and nursing ethics. Some states also require minimum practice hours for renewal to ensure ongoing clinical competency.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
Mostly verifiedAccepts Out-of-State Credentials
NLC Member
Yes
Endorsement Available
Yes
Reciprocity Requirements
The enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC) allows registered nurses to practice in all compact member states with a single multistate license. Non-compact states require license by endorsement, which typically involves verifying NCLEX scores, submitting transcripts, passing a background check, and meeting state-specific requirements.
North Dakota has a strict penalty for incomplete CE: $50 per contact hour not completed, up to $600 for all 12 hours. The late renewal fee is double the standard rate ($280 vs $140). CE Broker is the official CE tracking system. The 400 practice hour requirement is measured over a 4-year window, not the 2-year renewal cycle.
North Dakota is a member of the enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC), enabling multistate practice.
The NCLEX-RN is required for all RN applicants.
12 CE contact hours are required per 2-year renewal cycle; CE Broker is the official tracking system.
400 practice hours within the preceding 4 years required for renewal (waived for recent graduates).
Failure to complete CE by December 31 of renewal year results in a $50 penalty per contact hour not completed, up to $600.
Late renewal fee is $280 (double the standard $140 renewal fee).
First-time licensees by examination are exempt from CE requirements before their first renewal.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in North Dakota.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#45 of 51
Cost
#28 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Registered Nurses (SOC 29-1141)
Entry Level
$67,490
25th percentile
Median
$78,260
-16% vs. national avg ($93,600)Experienced
$86,050
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
11,000 employed in this state
Source: BLS OEWS – Registered Nurses (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+6.2%
Average GrowthNew Jobs
+199,400
over 10 years
Annual Openings
193,100
per year (avg.)
3.2M currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Nursing Career Ladder+179% salary growth potential
You are here
Registered Nurse
$78,260
ADN or BSN degree + NCLEX-RN
State-approved training program (4-12 weeks)
$44,190
Practical nursing program (12-18 months) + NCLEX-PN
$60,820
You are here
Registered Nurse
ADN or BSN degree + NCLEX-RN
$78,260
MSN or DNP + national certification
$123,220
Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024 for this state. Career paths represent common advancement routes — actual progression may vary. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Outlook Handbook
NCLEX-RN — 2024National rate
91.2%
Pass Rate
Based on 186,208 candidates
Source: NCSBN NCLEX-RN Pass Rates (2024)
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Estimated total: 110–224 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: North Dakota Board of Nursing — Licensing Requirements
4–12 weeks after NCLEX
Estimated processing time
Source: North Dakota Board of Nursing — Licensing Requirements
Study guides and practice tests for the NCLEX-RN licensing exam.
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Accessed 2026-03-20
Accessed 2026-03-20
Updated January 2026
Accessed 2026-03-20
North Dakota requires passing the NCLEX-RN for RN licensure. As an NLC member state, North Dakota offers multistate practice privileges. All licensing is managed through the North Dakota Board of Nursing.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.