North Dakota Nursing Research Collaborative

Current uNmber of LPN and RN Faculty

Fall 2024

• FT faculty: 142
• PT faculty: 132
• FTE faculty: 204.4

Current Number of APRN Faculty

• FT faculty: 25
• PT faculty: 32
• FTE faculty: Not reported separately

Number of Full Time & Part Time Faculty (all programs)

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Ages of Current Faculty

Faculty Age Trends

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Relevant Statistics

• 6% of nurses currently licensed in ND were educated in ND
• Since 2018, there has been a 4% decrease in the proportion of ND licensed nurses having attended ND programs.
• ND licensed nurses having graduated from MN nursing schools has increased at a rate of 9.2% per year since 2018.
• ND licensed nurses educated in foreign schools has increased 150% since 2018.
• The number of nursing students completing clinical rotations in ND from distance programs has risen 25% in one academic year (2021-22 to 2022-23).
• Faculty numbers are roughly static, losing 4.38% per year over age 50 while gaining faculty under age 50 at about 4.5% per year.
• Numbers demonstrate an overall gain of one faculty between 2015 and 2023, while enrollment in programs has increased by 246.
• Nursing faculty with Doctorate degrees has decreased over 10% since 2015.
• There is heavy reliance on part-time and adjunct faculty, averaging 45.5% of overall faculty since 2015.

References

Buccholz, T., & Breen, S. (2024). North Dakota Board of Nursing: Nursing education annual report, fiscal year 2022-2023. 

Zwilling, J., & Owens, S. (2024). Nursing chapter in UND School of Medicine & Health Sciences, Eighth biennial report: Health issues for the state of North Dakota 2025. Pending.

The North Dakota Nursing Research Collaborative is a diverse group of nurse researchers, expert clinicians, and nursing leaders working synergistically to conduct interprofessional research with the aims of demonstrating the value of the nursing workforce while improving healthcare outcomes.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Education

LPNs practice under the supervision of RNs and Healthcare Providers. LPNs care for patients who are stable or have predictable conditions. Graduates of all PN programs sit for the same NCLEX-PN© licensing examination.

1. Certificate – 1-year program
   • Students study basic sciences and nursing skills.
2. Associate degree – 2-year program
   • In comparison to the certificate program, the associate degree program has additional general education requirements that can transfer to an RN program. Associate degree LPNs also have IV therapy skills.

Registered Nurse (RN) Education

Registered Nurses are prepared to utilize decision making, critical thinking, and clinical judgement to make independent nursing decisions. RNs care for patients of all acuity levels, stable and unstable. Students can start their RN education at either the associate degree or baccalaureate degree level. Graduates of all RN programs sit for the same NCLEX-RN© licensing examination.

1. Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) – 2-year program
   • Typically located at community colleges, associate degree programs provide an entry into RN for diverse populations. Nurses with an associate degree in nursing can go on to pursue a baccalaureate degree in nursing. 
2. Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing – 4-year program
   • In comparison to an ADN degree, baccalaureate degree programs provide a more in-depth look at nursing research, public and community health, nursing management, and the humanities. A BSN is typically required for admission to most graduate nursing programs.

Graduate Degree Nursing Education

Graduate degrees prepare nurses to be leaders and change agents in practice and to use evidence to advance nursing practice.

1. Master’s Degree (2 years)
   • Programs prepare nurses to be nurse educators, nurse informaticists, nurse managers, and Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs).
2. Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) (3 years)
   • Programs prepare nurses to be nurse educators, nurse leaders, and Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs).
     • APRN - Nurse Practitioners (NPs) provide comprehensive primary and acute care for patients and practice autonomously in areas as diverse as family practice, pediatrics, psychiatric/mental health, and geriatric health care.
     • APRN - Certified Register Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) provide anesthesia and related care before and after surgical, therapeutic, diagnostic, and obstetrical procedures as well as provide pain management and emergency services. CRNAs are often the sole anesthesia providers in rural hospitals, providing patients with access to care.
     • APRN-other opportunities for practice in North Dakota include the following:
       • Certified Nurse Midwives provide care to women from adolescence through menopausal years and practice autonomously in areas of women’s health, pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.
       • Clinical Nurse Specialists have clinical specialty expertise for a population and practice in direct patient care, nursing practice, and at the organizational level of care.
3. PhD programs (3-7 years)
   • Prepare nurses to work as scientists and researchers as well as high-level leadership positions.