North Dakota Online NP Programs
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“These programs are rigorous and require a strong commitment, but the impact you can make is incredibly rewarding.”
Kris Hendrickx, DNP, Chair of Graduate Nursing, University of North Dakota
North Dakota is rapidly strengthening its healthcare workforce, and nurse practitioners (NPs) are at the center of this effort. In a state where rural and frontier communities make up a large portion of the population, NPs are essential for delivering timely, accessible care. With full practice authority and a strong culture of clinical independence, North Dakota creates an environment where NPs can thrive, especially in primary care, mental health, and family medicine roles that address the state’s most pressing health needs.
According to CareerOneStop.org (2025), there were 580 nurse practitioners working in North Dakota in 2022. That number is projected to grow significantly to 860 by 2032, marking a 48 percent increase that is well above the national average. This growth reflects both the expanding role of NPs in modern healthcare and North Dakota’s commitment to developing a sustainable, flexible care system. For nurses considering advanced practice, the state offers several accredited NP programs designed to prepare graduates for immediate, meaningful impact across a wide range of settings.
Meet the Expert: Kris Hendrickx, DNP, ACNS, FLAGF
Dr. Kris Hendrickx is currently a clinical associate professor and chair of graduate nursing programs at the University of North Dakota. She earned her baccalaureate and master’s degrees from the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, MN, in adult health clinical nurse specialist and nursing education, and DNP from the University of Minnesota.
Dr. Hendrickx has held positions in higher education for more than 20 years. In addition to teaching for the University of North Dakota, she has taught at the College of St. Scholastica, the University of MN, and Augsburg College, focusing on health promotion, gerontology, management of chronic illness and evidence-based practice. She also served as dean of allied health and nursing at Lake Superior College in Duluth, MN. She is a certified adult health CNS with a focus on the management of chronic diseases and palliative care.
NPSchools.com: What do you wish the public understood about online nurse practitioner programs in North Dakota?
Dr. Hendrickx: I wish more people understood the essential roles that nurse practitioners play in meeting a variety of healthcare needs across North Dakota. Family nurse practitioners are often the primary care providers on the frontline, especially in rural areas. Psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners are crucial in addressing our state’s growing mental health needs, and acute care nurse practitioners serve patients in hospital settings with a focus on clinical care.
NPSchools.com: What advice would you give to aspiring online nurse practitioner program students?
Dr. Hendrickx: For students considering a nurse practitioner program, my advice is to take the time to explore the different nurse practitioner roles to find the one that aligns with your interests and strengths. Shadowing or speaking with practicing NPs in different specialties can offer valuable insight.
It’s also important to understand that these programs are rigorous and require a strong commitment, but the impact you can make is incredibly rewarding. And most importantly, don’t hesitate to reach out to faculty at the schools you’re considering and ask questions. We’re here to help guide you!
Most Affordable Online NP Programs in North Dakota (Ranked by In-State Tuition)
| School | Degrees | Specializations | Programs & Tuition | Programs | Tuition (in-state) |
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| University of North Dakota |
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NP Practice Authority in North Dakota
How Much Do Nurse Practitioners Make in North Dakota?
| United States | North Dakota | |
| Number of NPs Employed | 307,390 | 1,260 |
| Average Salary | $132,000 | $121,200 |
| 10th Percentile | $97,960 | $92,650 |
| 25th Percentile | $109,940 | $103,280 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $129,210 | $123,220 |
| 75th Percentile | $149,570 | $130,590 |
| 90th Percentile | $169,950 | $158,890 |
| Source: BLS May (2024)—the latest data available as of June 2025 | ||
Kimmy Gustafson
WriterAmong her many diverse writing endeavors, Kimmy Gustafson has also lent her expertise to NPSchools.com since 2020, providing insightful and engaging content about the significant role of education in shaping our future generations of nurse practitioners. Many of her pieces include interviewing experts on timely topics such as healthcare workplace violence and moral distress.
Kimmy has been a freelance writer for more than a decade, writing hundreds of articles on a wide variety of topics such as startups, nonprofits, healthcare, kiteboarding, the outdoors, and higher education. She is passionate about seeing the world and has traveled to over 27 countries. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Oregon. When not working, she can be found outdoors, parenting, kiteboarding, or cooking.