Best North Dakota FNP Programs (Online & Campus) – 2025
Written By: Darby Faubion BSN, RN
FNP programs in North Dakota are an educational investment that pays off! Family nurse practitioners in the Peace Garden State make an average of $126,790 annually, and their employment opportunities—already high—are projected to go up by 48 percent within the next decade. Since North Dakota is a full-practice state for FNPs, you’ll have a choice of practice settings to work in, ranging from large medical centers to more intimate private clinics. And North Dakota is a compact state, which means your APRN licensure will allow you to work as an advanced practice RN in other compact states once you’ve been certified. Find out more with this guide to the best FNP programs in North Dakota.
FOLLOWING ARE THE BEST FNP PROGRAMS IN NORTH DAKOTA (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2025
(Based on our Ranking Methodology, we have ranked the best campus-based and online FNP programs in North Dakota.)
1. North Dakota State University - Fargo
Programs Offered: BSN-to-DNP
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: Are you a registered nurse with a BSN considering becoming a Family Nurse Practitioner? Does earning a Doctor of Nursing Practice sound like a goal you would like to achieve? If so, North Dakota State University has a post-bachelor’s DNP FNP program that could be the perfect choice for you!
The BSN-to-DNP Family Nurse Practitioner program at NDSU admits new classes once per year in the fall semester. The program is campus-based, providing you with the best opportunities for face-to-face interactions with faculty and peers. It takes eight semesters of full-time study to complete the program.
The 86-credit curriculum is made up of three primary components: graduate core courses, practice core courses, and specialty content. You will take classes, including Population Health & Epidemiology for Advanced Practice Nursing, Nursing Research & Evidence-Based Practice, Family Primary Care: Assessment & Management, and Advanced Pathophysiology.
This FNP program in North Dakota also includes a minimum of 1,020 clinical hours. The university has several clinical affiliate partner sites, which means you will have diverse learning opportunities at several practice sites. You will have opportunities to provide care to patients of all ages in primary and specialty care settings. Program faculty work with you to find clinical placements and to ensure you have qualified preceptors.
BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the BSN-to-DNP program at NDSU, applicants must first complete a graduate school application. Eligible candidates will have a baccalaureate degree in nursing from a nationally accredited nursing program and a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0. A current, unrestricted RN license is required, and preference is given to candidates with one or more years of nursing work experience. Applicants are required to provide three professional references and an admission essay that includes a narrative of professional experience and professional goals. An admission interview with the nursing faculty is required as the final step in the admission process.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• The North Dakota State University DNP faculty is comprised of eight members with more than 100 years of combined experience. As a student in the BSN-to-DNP FNP program, you can feel confident knowing that you will learn from professionals dedicated to furthering your academic and professional success.• North Dakota State University’s DNP program is ranked by U.S. News & World Report in its Best Nursing Schools: Doctor of Nursing Practice Category. U.S. News assesses schools on their performance using a broad range of indicators of excellence in education. This ranking is one more reason I feel the NDSU is an excellent school choice for pursuing your degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner!
• As a healthcare educator, I encourage prospective students to research factors like certification exam pass rates because these indicate how well a program prepares students with the knowledge and skills they need to transition to the roles they are pursuing. Graduates of the NDSU BSN-to-DNP FNP program have a consistent record of first-time success rates when taking national FNP certification exams.
• Graduate nursing programs are quite challenging, and having the right support is essential. One thing I appreciate about NDSU is that, upon admission, each student is assigned an advisor. Your advisor will assist you through every step of the program to guide you and ensure you have the support you need to succeed in the program.
2. University of Mary - Bismarck
Programs Offered: BSN-to-DNP
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: If you are searching for an FNP program in North Dakota with a faith-based approach to patient care, the University of Mary is an excellent choice. The university has a mission to serve others and welcomes students of all faiths. The program admits students in the fall each year and can be completed in as little as 2.7 years.
The BSN-to-DNP program features an online/on-site learning model. While many classes are delivered in an online format, there is also a campus component to the program. The on-site portion of the program consists of intensives referred to as “Institutes.” Institutes occur for select days each semester and during the final week of the last semester of the program.
The post-bachelor’s DNP Family Nurse Practitioner program is an 86-credit pathway. The curriculum includes classes such as Acute & Emergent Problems, Health Promotion & Clinical Prevention, Care of Women & Children, and Advanced Anatomy & Pathophysiology.
You will participate in 1,280 hours of direct patient care clinicals. All clinicals occur with oversight from approved, qualified preceptors. Faculty collaborate with you to identify placement for clinical experiences. When sites and preceptors are available, clinical practicums may be completed in or near your home community.
BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: Candidates desiring admission to the BSN-to-DNP FNP program at the University of Mary must have a bachelor’s degree in nursing earned at an accredited nursing school. In addition to completing a formal application for admission, applicants are asked to submit transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities, three letters of recommendation from graduate-prepared nurses, colleagues, or faculty members, a current resume or CV, and a two-page Statement of Goals. A minimum cumulative college GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale is required.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• An important factor to consider when choosing a nursing program is whether the school has a solid history of nursing education. Finding a school with a proven record of success in nursing education means you can feel confident about the preparation you will receive in both the classroom and clinicals. The University of Mary has over 30 years of experience educating Family Nurse Practitioner students, with many graduates becoming well-known nursing leaders.• One of my favorite things about nursing and healthcare is that the only thing that limits what you can learn and do is your willingness to set goals and achieve them. At the University of Mary, as you pursue your DNP-FNP degree, you can also expand your skillset with a customized course of study by adding a concentration sequence in Bioethics, Healthcare Informatics, or Teaching & Learning in Nursing.
• The University of Mary boasts faculty who are renowned nursing professionals and clinicians. Many remain in active clinical practice, which means they bring firsthand knowledge of the most current trends and practices to the classroom. Their broad range of experiences will be instrumental in preparing you for success as you prepare to embark on your new career path as a Family Nurse Practitioner!
3. University of North Dakota - Grand Forks
Programs Offered: MSN and BSN-to-DNP
MSN Program Details: The University of North Dakota offers two pathways for students to earn a degree and become a Family Nurse Practitioner: the MSN and the BSN-to-DNP. The Master of Science in Nursing FNP program features a part-time schedule that makes it a great option for working nurses. New classes are admitted twice per year in the spring and fall semesters, and you can complete the program in just eight semesters.
This Family Nurse Practitioner program is one of the best FNP programs in North Dakota. The program will prepare you to provide patient-centered primary care to patients of all ages in primary and specialty settings. Most of your classes will be delivered in an asynchronous online format. However, some synchronous online meetings are required for presentations and information sharing. Instructors use several online learning methods, including streaming video content, posted lectures, lesson modules, and online simulations.
In addition to online learning, two campus visits are required during the program. During campus visits, you will participate in skills labs and simulations and learn techniques such as suturing, joint injections, and how to develop treatment plans. Campus visits also provide valuable opportunities to interact with your fellow students and instructors.
The FNP program features a 49-credit curriculum with classes, including Ethical, Legal, & Health Policy Issues, Pharmacotherapeutics for Primary Care, Role Development of the Nurse Practitioner, and Maternal & Child Health in Primary Care. You will also complete a minimum of 625 clinical hours, which are arranged collaboratively with the Clinical Placement Coordinator.
MSN Admission Requirements: To be eligible for admission to the MSN program at the University of North Dakota, you need a baccalaureate degree or higher from an accredited nursing program and a minimum GPA of 3.0 for the last two years of your baccalaureate study. All candidates must have a current, unencumbered RN license with one year of work experience preferred. Some documents to be submitted for review include official transcripts from any post-secondary school you have attended, three letters of recommendation, a current resume or curriculum vitae, and a Goals Statement. You may also be required to participate in an admission interview via phone, web, or in person.
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: The University of North Dakota also offers a post-bachelor’s degree option for nurses who want to earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice and become Family Nurse Practitioners. The program admits students once per year in the fall semester. You have the option of enrolling part-time or full-time, based on the schedule that works best for you. If you pursue the program full-time, you can graduate in eight semesters. If you choose a part-time path, you can expect to graduate in eleven semesters.
The DNP Family Nurse Practitioner program offers 100% online coursework. Most classes are asynchronous, but occasional synchronous online meetings may be scheduled at your instructor's discretion. Additionally, two campus visits are required during the program. Campus visits are designed to provide opportunities for hands-on activities where you will apply online learning in the skills lab and simulations.
The BSN-to-DNP Family Nurse Practitioner program is an 83-credit pathway. You will study Evidence-Based Research, DNP Organizational Systems Focused Practice, Population Health, Management of Health Conditions in Primary Health, and Healthcare Economics, Finance, & Leadership.
The DNP FNP program includes a total of 1,100 clinical hours. You will complete 800 direct patient care hours and 300 DNP Project hours. UND has a full-time Clinical Placement Coordinator who will assist you in finding appropriate clinical placements. You are allowed to submit information for your top three choices of where you wish to complete clinical assignments. The Placement Coordinator will work with those facilities to find placement opportunities for you.
BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the BSN-to-DNP FNP program, you must have a BSN or higher from an accredited nursing program, an unencumbered RN license, and a minimum of one year of work experience as a registered nurse within the U.S., its territories, or a U.S. military hospital outside the U.S. Candidates are asked to submit official transcripts from every post-secondary institution attended reflecting a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 and evidence of a completed Statistics course. Additionally, you are required to provide three letters of recommendation, a Personal Statement describing your professional goals and why you have chosen the FNP specialization, and a curriculum vitae or professional resume.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• As a University of North Dakota FNP student, you will benefit from learning opportunities in the school’s Clinical Resource and Simulation Center. The center provides a space for you to practice and enhance technical skills that are essential to Family Nurse Practitioners. This state-of-the-art center has high-fidelity manikins capable of demonstrating realistic patient scenarios from mothers giving birth to adults in cardiac arrest or infants in respiratory arrest.• As nurses, we have a duty to advocate for patients in need. One thing I find appealing about the University of North Dakota School of Nursing is that the school has a strong reputation for providing high-quality nursing education with an emphasis on the care of rural and underserved populations. Since graduating its first nursing class, the school has had a mission to improve health outcomes and increase access to care for patients in underserved regions.
• UND reports high retention and graduation rates among students who enroll in its MSN and BSN-to-DNP FNP programs. Graduates also have excellent pass rates on national certification examinations.
HOW MUCH DO FNP GRADUATES MAKE IN NORTH DAKOTA?
WHAT STARTING SALARY CAN NEW GRADUATES OF FNP PROGRAMS IN NORTH DAKOTA EXPECT?
| Hourly | $44.85 |
| Weekly | $1,794 |
| Monthly | $7,770 |
| Annual | $93,280 |
HOW MUCH CAN GRADUATES OF FNP PROGRAMS IN NORTH DAKOTA EARN WITH EXPERIENCE?
| Level of Experience | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Entry-Level | $44.85 | $1,794 | $7,770 | $93,280 |
| 1-4 Years of Experience | $50.74 | $2,030 | $8,800 | $105,540 |
| 5-9 Years of Experience | $59.90 | $2,396 | $10,380 | $124,590 |
| 10-19 Years of Experience | $66.71 | $2,668 | $11,560 | $138,750 |
| 20 Years or More Experience | $79.72 | $3,189 | $13,820 | $165,810 |
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE FNP SALARY IN NORTH DAKOTA?
| Hourly | $60.96 |
| Weekly | $2,438 |
| Monthly | $10,570 |
| Annual | $126,790 |
HOW MUCH DO FNPS EARN IN THE VARIOUS METROS OF NORTH DAKOTA?
| Metro | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Bismarck | $60.43 | $2,417 | $10,480 | $125,700 |
| Fargo | $62.56 | $2,503 | $10,840 | $130,130 |
| Grand Forks | $60.85 | $2,434 | $10,550 | $126,560 |
FNP SALARY IN NORTH DAKOTA VS. OTHER SALARIES
FNP SALARY IN NORTH DAKOTA VS. FNP SALARY IN THE NATION
| Average North Dakota FNP Annual Salary | Average National FNP Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| $126,790 | $127,510 | -$720 | -0.56% |
FNP SALARY IN NORTH DAKOTA VS. FNP SALARIES IN OTHER STATES
| State | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| California | $160,310 | -$33,520 | -20.91% |
| Nevada | $147,540 | -$20,750 | -14.06% |
| Washington | $144,290 | -$17,500 | -12.13% |
| New Jersey | $143,920 | -$17,130 | -11.90% |
| Oregon | $143,840 | -$17,050 | -11.85% |
| Massachusetts | $142,910 | -$16,120 | -11.28% |
| New York | $141,740 | -$14,950 | -10.55% |
| Connecticut | $135,940 | -$9,150 | -6.73% |
| New Mexico | $135,730 | -$8,940 | -6.59% |
| Minnesota | $133,980 | -$7,190 | -5.37% |
| District of Columbia | $133,820 | -$7,030 | -5.25% |
| Rhode Island | $132,440 | -$5,650 | -4.27% |
| Hawaii | $131,600 | -$4,810 | -3.66% |
| Arizona | $131,550 | -$4,760 | -3.62% |
| Delaware | $130,110 | -$3,320 | -2.55% |
| Iowa | $129,820 | -$3,030 | -2.33% |
| New Hampshire | $129,740 | -$2,950 | -2.27% |
| Texas | $129,020 | -$2,230 | -1.73% |
| Wisconsin | $127,350 | -$560 | -0.44% |
| Maryland | $127,010 | -$220 | -0.17% |
| Utah | $126,850 | -$60 | -0.05% |
| North Dakota | $126,790 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Pennsylvania | $126,480 | +$310 | +0.25% |
| Illinois | $125,930 | +$860 | +0.68% |
| Alaska | $125,210 | +$1,580 | +1.26% |
| Vermont | $125,140 | +$1,650 | +1.32% |
| Montana | $123,690 | +$3,100 | +2.51% |
| Idaho | $123,600 | +$3,190 | +2.58% |
| Oklahoma | $123,380 | +$3,410 | +2.76% |
| Wyoming | $122,620 | +$4,170 | +3.40% |
| Indiana | $122,380 | +$4,410 | +3.60% |
| Maine | $122,000 | +$4,790 | +3.93% |
| Ohio | $121,930 | +$4,860 | +3.99% |
| Colorado | $121,060 | +$5,730 | +4.73% |
| Nebraska | $120,750 | +$6,040 | +5.00% |
| North Carolina | $120,660 | +$6,130 | +5.08% |
| Georgia | $120,230 | +$6,560 | +5.46% |
| South Dakota | $120,060 | +$6,730 | +5.61% |
| Virginia | $119,950 | +$6,840 | +5.70% |
| Michigan | $119,760 | +$7,030 | +5.87% |
| Florida | $118,800 | +$7,990 | +6.73% |
| Kansas | $118,360 | +$8,430 | +7.12% |
| Louisiana | $117,760 | +$9,030 | +7.67% |
| Mississippi | $116,590 | +$10,200 | +8.75% |
| South Carolina | $116,050 | +$10,740 | +9.25% |
| Missouri | $115,790 | +$11,000 | +9.50% |
| West Virginia | $112,580 | +$14,210 | +12.62% |
| Arkansas | $112,550 | +$14,240 | +12.65% |
| Kentucky | $109,530 | +$17,260 | +15.76% |
| Alabama | $109,180 | +$17,610 | +16.13% |
| Tennessee | $102,930 | +$23,860 | +23.18% |
FNP SALARY IN NORTH DAKOTA VS. OTHER NURSE SALARIES IN NORTH DAKOTA
| Type of Nurse | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Nurse Anesthetist | $234,950 | -$108,160 | -46.04% |
| Family Nurse Practitioner | $126,790 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Nursing Instructor and Teacher, Post-secondary | $82,580 | +$44,210 | +53.54% |
| Registered Nurse | $79,190 | +$47,600 | +60.11% |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse | $57,530 | +$69,260 | +120.39% |
| Nursing Assistant | $41,020 | +$85,770 | +209.09% |
FNP SALARY IN NORTH DAKOTA VS. SALARIES OF OTHER CLOSELY RELATED OCCUPATIONS IN NORTH DAKOTA
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Dentist | $182,840 | -$56,050 | -30.66% |
| Optometrist | $140,620 | -$13,830 | -9.84% |
| Physician Assistant | $127,350 | -$560 | -0.44% |
| Pharmacist | $127,260 | -$470 | -0.37% |
| Family Nurse Practitioner | $126,790 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Veterinarian | $107,460 | +$19,330 | +17.99% |
| Physical Therapist | $88,430 | +$38,360 | +43.38% |
| Audiologist | $86,040 | +$40,750 | +47.36% |
| Occupational Therapist | $82,450 | +$44,340 | +53.78% |
| Chiropractor | $80,200 | +$46,590 | +58.09% |
| Dental Hygienist | $80,130 | +$46,660 | +58.23% |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $72,900 | +$53,890 | +73.92% |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED
1. Who Accredits FNP Programs In North Dakota?
| S.No. | Accrediting Agency |
| 1 | Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) |
| 2 | Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) |
2. How Many Accredited FNP Schools Are There In North Dakota?
| 3 |
3. On Average, How Much Does A Family NP Make Per Hour In North Dakota?
| $60.96 |
4. On Average, How Much Does A Family NP Make Per Week In North Dakota?
| $2,438 |
5. On Average, How Much Does A Family NP Make Per Month In North Dakota?
| $10,570 |
6. On Average, How Much Does A Family NP Make Per Year In North Dakota?
| $126,790 |
7. What Is The Job Outlook For FNPs In North Dakota?
| 10-Year Job Outlook (2022-2032) |
| +48.28% |
Darby Faubion BSN, RN
Darby Faubion is a nurse and Allied Health educator with over twenty years of experience. She has assisted in developing curriculum for nursing programs and has instructed students at both community college and university levels. Because of her love of nursing education, Darby became a test-taking strategist and NCLEX prep coach and assists nursing graduates across the United States who are preparing to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
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