North Dakota LPN Programs

Browse our list of state approved LPN certification programs

Practical Nursing LPN Careers in North Dakota

Becoming an LPN in North Dakota can provide an emotionally rewarding career with enough compensation to live a happy and sustainable lifestyle. The average LPN salary in North Dakota is $44,000 per year, which is relatively high for a position that requires only one year of education beyond a high school diploma. This is one of the better salaried positions available for those without a college degree.

LPN training consists of classroom work and clinical practice. This combination is intended to prepare students for all of the potential job requirements they will face while working as an LPN. Practical nurses usually work within teams of health care providers, but the LPN takes care of the majority of direct patient interaction on a daily basis. The LPN reports to the supervising doctor or registered nurse who is in charge of developing a care plan for each patient. However, as the executor of the treatment plan, the LPN faces a huge amount of responsibility and a large number of tasks to complete. Desirable qualities for an LPN to possess would include the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment, strong communication skills and a high level of compassion for other human beings.

Practical nurses can find jobs working in long-term care facilities, nursing homes, assisted living centers, private doctor’s offices, hospitals, dialysis centers, hospice homes and private home-care situations. With the large elderly population and growing number of retirees there is no shortage of employment opportunities for qualified LPNs.

For current LPNs seeking career advancement opportunities there are several options. If the individual wants to remain within the nursing field they can pursue an RN designation by completing an LPN to RN program, which usually takes about one year to complete. These types of programs build upon the current nursing knowledge of an LPN and fill in the additional information required to become an RN. LPNs can also choose to enroll in a BSN degree program. This will allow them to become an RN or to pursue other positions outside of nursing since they will hold a four-year Bachelor’s degree upon completion.

List of LPN Programs in North Dakota (ND)

North Dakota LPN Schools

Our directory lists all North Dakota schools that currently offer approved practical nursing programs. The North Dakota state board of nursing is the regulatory organization in charge of approving LPN education programs. To gain approval, educational institutions must demonstrate to the board of nursing that their program sufficiently prepares students with the knowledge and skills expected of a licensed practical nurse. The on-going approval of a program depends largely upon their graduation rates and the NCLEX pass rates of their graduates. If a program starts to produce poor results in either of these two categories they can quickly lose their state approval or be placed on probationary approval status until their results improve.

Required LPN Classes in North Dakota

The specific course work required in practical nursing programs can differ from institution to institution. However, there are some subjects that are almost always included in most programs. Typical LPN classes include Anatomy & Physiology, Basic Nursing Skills, Nutrition, Math for Nurses, Psychology and Pharmacology. Topics covered within these subjects prepare students with the knowledge base required to perform the work of a licensed practical nurse.

How to Become an LPN in North Dakota

Start the process by researching available education programs to find one that suits your schedule and preferences. The next step is to enroll and complete an LPN training program that is approved by the North Dakota Board of Nursing. Most LPN programs take roughly one year to finish. Upon successful completion of all course requirements you are eligible to challenge the NCLEX-PN exam. After passing the test you can register with the state of North Dakota as a licensed practical nurse and begin searching for employment.

Taking the NCLEX-PN Exam in North Dakota

When it comes time to challenge the practical nursing license exam it is advisable to prepare for the exam with a self-study program or classroom prep course. Knowing what to expect on the actual test and completing practice questions can increase your chances of passing. When you feel ready to take the test, apply for your practical nursing license with the North Dakota state board of nursing and register with Pearson VUE. There is a $200 fee required in order to register for the exam. The next step is to wait until you receive confirmation of your Authorization to Test (ATT). Once you receive your ATT you can schedule your NCLEX exam with Pearson VUE at a nearby testing center.

LPN Quick Reference Links

North Dakota Board of Nursing
National Council of State Boards of Nursing
Pearson VUE – Official NCLEX Testing Provider
LPN/LVN Career Outlook – US Dept of Labor
Licensed Practical Nurse Wiki
National Association for Practical Nurse Education & Service (NAPNES)
National Federation of Licensed Practical Nurses