RN to MSN Programs in North Dakota – Schools, Salary, and License Info

There is a growing demand for nurses with higher degrees because they are often connected with better patient outcomes and better patient care.

Therefore, registered nurses in North Dakota are encouraged to complete higher education programs in nursing, such as a Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN).

Both BSN and ADN-prepared nurses have appropriate programs.

Also, obtaining an MSN degree will result in higher salaries and better job opportunities.

RN to MSN Admissions Requirements in North Dakota

If you want to start an RN to MSN programs, you must meet several criteria.

Criteria can change, but usually, nurses in North Dakota have to hold ADN or BSN diploma obtained from an accredited university.

Which diploma is required depends on the program.

A minimum GPA required for admission to MSN programs in North Dakota is 2.75.

Also, students need to hold a valid, unencumbered registered nurse license in North Dakota.

Upon application, students need to submit two letters of recommendation, resume, and personal goal statement.

RN to MSN Courses

There are several educational pathways available for nurses in North Dakota.

The first one is appropriate for nurses who have an ADN degree.

They will have to complete bridge courses to upgrade to the baccalaureate level.

Next, they can continue their education with nurses who already have BSN, and complete MSN courses.

MSN programs include specialty tracks, such as Nurse Anesthetist or Nurse Educator.

Curriculums can be different but most of the programs include courses such as Nursing Research, Evidence-Based Practice, Health Care Decision Making, Nursing Leadership, Professional Roles, Finance, Budgeting, etc.

An average time students need to complete the MSN program is three years.

But, factors such as student status – full time or part-time, on-campus, or online program, etc. highly affect the program length.

Online programs

Online programs are getting more popular in all disciplines, including nursing.

The reasons behind it are flexibility and lower costs.

In North Dakota, you can apply for an online MSN program at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks.

The program is suitable for nurses who hold a BSN degree.

It has several specialization tracks such as Adult/Gerontology Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Anesthesia, Nurse Educator, and Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.

The Costs

The MSN programs aren’t cheap, and the tuition differs across the state.

Tuition for some programs doesn’t include expenses for books, fees, and other nursing materials.

Also, students can apply for grants and scholarships.

For example, if you choose the MSN program at the University of North Dakota, you will have to pay around $320.33 per credit, if you are North Dakota resident.

The figure doesn’t include additional expenses for books and fees.

Schools in North Dakota

Aspiring nurses in North Dakota can choose e either online and on-campus programs.

For example, you can choose the MSN program at the University of Mary in Bismark, which offers both online and on-campus MSN education.

The nursing programs at the University of North Dakota are highly appreciated across the country and can be completed only on campus.

Salary

An average annual salary of registered nurse level 2 in North Dakota is $71,350.

Before you apply for any job and decide on salary, bear in mind that salary usually depends on location, employers, education, and experience.

Regional Salary in North Dakota

RN to MSN Programs by State