How to Become an LPN in North Dakota
A licensed practical nurse (LPN) in North Dakota is part of the 35% that make up the total nursing workforce. The opportunities for qualified nurses are continuing to grow, especially for LPNs and are projected to grow by 22% through the year 2020.
North Dakota joined the Nurse Licensure Compact in 2004 which makes it easier for nurses who are licensed in one Compact state to find employment in other Compact states without going through the Council for Licensure Examination for Licensed Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN).
The average LPN salary is $34,420 annually, and the average salary for entry level LPN is $23,000 to $25,000. LPN salaries will top out at about $60,000, and that is based on years of experience, specialty and level of responsibility. LPNs can also expect additional benefits as part of the compensation package to include health insurance, time off compensation, pension and/or 401K participation, long term disability, life insurance and tuition reimbursement. Some employers may also offer an LPN a signing bonus to accept a particular employment opportunity.
The North Dakota Board of Nursing (NDBON) requires LPNs to be licensed. The first step in the licensing process is to complete an accredited and approved LPN program. Becoming an LPN is the quickest way to become a nurse. Most LPN programs take 8 to 12 months, usually 3 semesters, to complete. The programs include both class work and clinical training at a local health care facility.
To earn an actual LPN license, an LPN graduate must apply to the NDBON to take the NCLEX-PN. The graduate must submit an application along with the required documentation, including a criminal background check, fingerprint card and a transcript from the applicant’s school. Applicants should note the transcript of grades must be sent directly to the NDBON from the school. Transcripts submitted by the applicant will not be accepted. Graduates will also be required to register with Pearson VUE, the exam administrators. The NDBON will review the application to test, and when approved, the applicant will receive an authorization to test (ATT) via postal mail. The exam applicant then has the ability to schedule an exam with Pearson VUE. The NDBON will also issue the applicant the graduate LPN a temporary work permit to allow the graduate to work as an LPN during the exam process. The work authorization will be posted online and available for employer review.
LPNs are required to renew their license every two years. LPNs are not required to complete continuing education hours during the initial two years of being licensed, but beginning with the first renewal and continuing every two years for the duration of the license, LPNs are required to complete 12 continuing education hours. If the LPN completes more than 12 hours, the extra hours cannot be carried over to the next renewal period. LPNs are responsible for keeping track of their continuing education hours. Documentation of the hours does not have to be submitted to the NDBON unless the LPN receives a notice of audit from the NDBON. The Board may audit continuing education credits for up to four years.
LPNs find employment in a variety of facilities and areas of nursing including hospitals, nursing homes, correctional facilities, educational facilities, assisted care centers, rehabilitation centers, private and public clinics, visiting nurse organizations, hospice organizations, temporary nurse staffing companies and private duty nursing assignments.
LPNs work under the direction of a registered nurse or physician. LPN duties may vary depending on the facility, but LPNs typically dispense medication and monitor patients reaction to it, dress wounds and change bandages, monitor patient progress, implement and maintain patient care plans and monitor vital signs.
LPN Schools in North Dakota
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Programs:
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Approved North Dakota LPN Training Programs
Bismarck State College
PO Box 5587
Bismarck, ND 58506
Phone: (800) 445-5073
LPN Certificate Program
Dakota College at Bottineau
105 Simrall Boulevard
Bottineau, ND 58318
Phone: (800) 542-6866
Fax: (701) 228-5499
LPN Certificate Program
Dickinson State University
291 Campus Dr
Dickinson, ND 58601
Phone: (701) 483-2133
Fax: (701) 483-2524
A.A.S. Degree Program
Lake Region State College
1801 N College Drive
Devils Lake, ND 58301
Phone: (701) 662-1569
Fax: (701) 662-1569
LPN Certificate Program
North Dakota State College of Science
800 6th St N
Wahpeton, ND 58075
Phone: (701) 671-2967
Fax: (701) 671-2529
A.A.S. Degree Program
Sitting Bull College
9929 Highway 24
Fort Yates, ND 58538
Phone: (701) 854-8053
Fax: (701) 854-3403
Associate in Science
Turtle Mountain Community College
PO Box 340
Belcourt, ND 58316
Phone: (701) 477-7862
Fax: (701) 477-7807
A.A.S. Degree Program
United Tribes Technical College
3315 University Dr
Bismarck, ND 58504
Phone: (701) 255-3285
Fax: (701) 255-1844
A.A.S. Degree Program
Williston State College
PO Box 1326
Williston, ND 58801-1326
Phone: (701) 774-4290
Fax: (701) 774-4275
LPN Certificate Program
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