Licensed Practical Nurse in North Dakota

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for ND. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary
$60,820
trending_down -2.4% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, North Dakota.

engineering
1,930

Jobs (ND)

monitoring Stable
+2.6%

10-yr job growth

payments
$345

Licensing fees

schedule
1-2 years

Time to complete

route How to become a licensed practical nurse in North Dakota

To become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in North Dakota, you must complete a state-approved practical nursing program and pass the NCLEX-PN exam. The licensing body is the North Dakota Board of Nursing. Applicants must also undergo a criminal history record check with fingerprints. North Dakota is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact, which allows LPNs with a multistate license from another compact state to practice in North Dakota without obtaining additional licensure.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $49,420
25th percentile $54,270
50th (median) $60,820
75th percentile $63,910
90th (experienced) $73,260

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for North Dakota. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist North Dakota requirements

Licensing bodyNorth Dakota Board of Nursing
State license Required
EducationCompletion of a state-approved practical nursing program
ExamNCLEX-PN ($200)
Application fee$145
RenewalEvery 2.0 years
Continuing education12.0 hours per cycle
NotesMinimum age of 18. Requires a criminal history record check with fingerprints. The application fee does not include the background check fee. Must meet or exceed 400 hours of nursing practice in the prior four years for renewal, or have completed a refresher course within the last year, or graduated from a nursing program in the last four years. North Dakota is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state.

Source: North Dakota Board of Nursing

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth
+2.6%
Average
Annual openings
54,400
Nationwide per year
Total employment
651,400
Nationwide
neurology

AI & tech impact

verified Low exposure -0.51/1.00

This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.

hub

balance Is it worth it?

  • check_circleNorth Dakota license required — clearer credential signal to employers
  • check_circleLow AI disruption risk
psychology
Wondering if a licensed practical nurse career is the right fit?
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Frequently asked questions

What are the steps to becoming a licensed practical nurse in North Dakota? expand_more
In North Dakota, becoming a licensed practical nurse requires you to complete the required education (Completion of a state-approved practical nursing program), pass the NCLEX-PN, and submit your application ($145 fee).
Is a licensed practical nurse license required in North Dakota? expand_more
You cannot practice as a licensed practical nurse in North Dakota without a state license from North Dakota Board of Nursing. The required exam is the NCLEX-PN.
What do licensed practical nurses earn in North Dakota? expand_more
The median licensed practical nurse salary in North Dakota is $60,820 per year. This is close to the national median of $62,340. Entry-level (10th percentile) starts at $49,420, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) earn $73,260.
How expensive is licensed practical nurse licensing in North Dakota? expand_more
Plan on spending varies total — that covers exam fee ($200) and application fee ($145) plus your education and training.
How long does it take to become a licensed practical nurse in North Dakota? expand_more
Expect to spend 1-2 years from start to finish in North Dakota — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.
What are the continuing education requirements for licensed practical nurses in North Dakota? expand_more
License renewal in North Dakota requires completing 12.0 hours of continuing education on a 2.0-year cycle.

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