On paper, North Dakota has plenty of primary care providers. The state meets or exceeds the national ratio for primary healthcare providers per capita. But look closely, and you'll see that some parts of the state still lack primary care. The western part of the state, for instance, has recently experienced a virtual population boom, as people from all over the nation come to work in the oil fields. That traditionally desolate area, though, is not exactly a healthcare hotspot. None of the state's six major medical systems are located nearby.
This uneven distribution of healthcare creates opportunities for nurse practitioners, particularly for those who are willing to work in rural environments. North Dakota ranks 49th out of 50 states for population density; on average, the state has just 9.7 people per square mile. NPs who enjoy living and working in rural areas may find financial reward: North Dakota has a loan repayment program available for nurse practitioners who agree to work in healthcare-needy areas of the state.
North Dakota NPs are able to practice without a collaborative agreement. However, if they want to prescribe medications, they must have a collaborative relationship with a North Dakota physician. North Dakota NPs, on average, earn between $82,000 and $86,000 per year.
Nurses in North Dakota who want to advance their education and become nurse practitioners can attend an online school, such as Georgetown University, or one of these institutions:
- North Dakota State University. Located in Fargo, North Dakota State offers a DNP-level family nurse practitioner program.
- University of Mary. A Benedictine university in Bismarck, the University of Mary offers a blended online/on-site master's-level family nurse practitioner program.
- University of North Dakota. The University of North Dakota in Grand Forks offers an online family nurse practitioner program that can be completed in five semesters. The part-time option typically takes seven semesters.
Accredited schools with NP programs in North Dakota:
