Registered Nurses (RN) License in North Dakota
Quick Answer
To become a registered nurse in North Dakota, you must graduate from an approved nursing program, pass the NCLEX-RN, and complete a background check. North Dakota is an NLC compact state. Contact the ND Board of Nursing for current fee details. Estimated costs are approximately $400.
- Exam
- NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination)
- Total Cost
- $400 (est.)
- Timeline
- 2-4 years (education) + 1-3 months (licensing)
- Background Check
- Required
- Renewal
- Every 2 years
Requirements
Registered Nurses (RN) registration in North Dakota
Estimated Costs Est.
- Application Fee
- $110
- Exam Fee
- $200
- Renewal Fee
- $90
- Total Estimated Cost
- $400
Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs for getting your Registered Nurses (RN) license in North Dakota. Values marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions.
Enter the cost of your pre-licensing education program
Fees marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions and may not reflect current pricing. Verify with the North Dakota licensing board.
Registered Nurses (RN) Salary in North Dakota
Entry Level
$65,770
Median
$78,260
Experienced
$99,540
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.
How to Get Licensed
Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed Registered Nurses (RN) in North Dakota.
- 1
Complete Education Requirements
Degree required
- 2
Submit Background Check
Background check required
- 3
Pass the Required Exam
Third-party exam required — NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination)
- 4
Submit Your Application
File your application with the licensing agency. Application fee: ~$110.
- 5
Receive Your License
Processing typically takes 2-4 years (education) + 1-3 months (licensing).
Registered Nurses (RN) Licensing in North Dakota: What to Know
North Dakota directs applicants to check with the licensing authority for specific fee information. A degree, NCLEX-RN, background check, and CE are required. North Dakota is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). The ND Board of Nursing oversees licensure. North Dakota faces significant nursing shortages, especially in rural western oil country communities. Sanford Health and Trinity Health are the state's major healthcare systems. The state's small population and vast geography mean nurses often serve multiple roles in rural settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a Registered Nurses (RN) license cost in North Dakota?
- The estimated total cost is $400, including application fees, exam fees ($200), and education costs.
- How long does it take to get a Registered Nurses (RN) license in North Dakota?
- The process typically takes 2-4 years (education) + 1-3 months (licensing), depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
- What exam do I need for a Registered Nurses (RN) license in North Dakota?
- You need to pass the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination). Third-party exam required
Considering another state?
Compare Registered Nurses (RN) requirements across states.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 14, 2026.