CRNA Programs in North Dakota
North Dakota is home to 1 accredited nurse anesthesia program in Grand Forks. This program awards the DNP doctoral degree, with a published total cost in our directory of about $76K. 1 of the 1 program carries confirmed COA accreditation review dates (shown on each card below).
CRNAs nationally average about $248,320 a year (BLS, May 2025), and the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects demand to stay strong through the decade. Accreditation is the non-negotiable: every school listed here holds current Council on Accreditation (COA) status, which is what makes you eligible for the National Certification Exam. See how to become a CRNA for the full path, or compare pay in our salary-by-state guide.
Accredited North Dakota CRNA Programs
Cost and acceptance figures are estimates for comparison; accreditation review dates are sourced from the COA list current as of March 6, 2026. Always verify current details with each program.
CRNA Salary in North Dakota
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025), nurse anesthetists in North Dakota earn an average of $248,580 per year — roughly in line with the national average of $248,320. That places North Dakota 27th of the 44 states and territories for which BLS publishes a separate nurse-anesthetist wage. BLS estimates roughly 250 nurse anesthetists are employed across North Dakota.
A statewide mean blends new graduates with 20-year veterans and hospital employees with independent contractors, so your actual offer will vary with setting and call schedule. For the full comparison, see CRNA salary by state.
Becoming a CRNA in North Dakota: Licensure & Practice
To practice in North Dakota, you'll hold an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) license granted through the North Dakota Board of Nursing. After you graduate from one of the COA-accredited programs above and pass the National Certification Examination (NCE), you apply to the board for authorization in the nurse anesthetist role and renew on the state's cycle.
North Dakota is one of the 25 states that have opted out of the federal Medicare physician-supervision requirement for nurse anesthetists. In practice, a CRNA in North Dakota can administer anesthesia without mandatory physician supervision for Medicare billing — though hospital bylaws, facility credentialing, and your employer's care model still shape day-to-day practice. Note that opting out of the federal rule is not the same as statutory "full practice authority." Always confirm current scope and licensure steps directly with the North Dakota Board of Nursing.
New to the field? Start with how to become a CRNA and our breakdown of CRNA vs. anesthesiologist roles.
How to Choose a CRNA Program in North Dakota
With 1 accredited program to weigh in North Dakota, ranging from University of North Dakota's listed $76,000 upward, cost and acceptance rate are the easy comparisons — but the factors that most affect your success take a little more digging. Weigh each program on:
- Accreditation status — every program here is COA-accredited; check the next review date shown on each card.
- NCE board pass rate — ask each program for its first-time National Certification Exam pass rate.
- Attrition rate — what share of admitted students complete the program (the national average is low, around 4%).
- Total cost vs. cost of living — a lower sticker price in an expensive city may cost more overall.
- Clinical sites — case variety and volume shape the quality of your training.
- Acceptance rate — build a balanced list of reach and realistic programs.
Use our side-by-side comparison tool to line up North Dakota programs against each other, and the GPA calculator to gauge your competitiveness.
Getting Into a North Dakota CRNA Program
Requirements here match the national standard — a BSN, an unrestricted RN license, a 3.0 GPA floor (competitive files run 3.4+), and a minimum of one year in critical care. Most committees also look for the CCRN and three professional references, and roughly half of programs require the GRE.
Before applying, you'll need an active North Dakota RN license — contact the North Dakota Board of Nursing for current licensure steps and timelines. Then work backward from each program's deadline using our resources:
Frequently Asked Questions
North Dakota has 1 accredited nurse anesthesia program in Grand Forks. All are accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA).
Programs in North Dakota with a published cost in our directory run about $76K total; the rest list tuition as varying by residency and year. That published figure comes from University of North Dakota at $76,000. Confirm current tuition directly with each program.
North Dakota programs award the DNP degree. Both the DNP and DNAP qualify graduates to sit for the National Certification Exam and are treated interchangeably by employers.
Like all U.S. programs, North Dakota schools require a BSN, an unrestricted RN license, a minimum 3.0 GPA (3.4+ competitive), and at least one year of ICU experience. Most also expect the CCRN and strong letters of recommendation. See our full CRNA school requirements guide for details.
Nurse anesthetists in North Dakota earn an average of $248,580 per year, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025); the national average is $248,320. Pay rises with experience, call burden, and practice setting.
North Dakota has opted out of the federal Medicare physician-supervision requirement, so CRNAs can practice without mandatory physician supervision for Medicare billing. Facility bylaws and employer policies still apply, and opt-out is distinct from statutory full practice authority.
CRNA Programs in Other States
Explore nurse anesthesia programs in other major markets: