How to Become A Patient Care Technician in North Dakota
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, North Dakota employs approximately 6,840 workers in the related “Nursing Assistants” category (SOC 31-1131), with a median annual wage of $45,820 1. The state’s concentration of jobs in this category is 1.71x the national average, indicating strong regional demand. Nationally, employment in this category is projected to grow 2.3% from 2024 to 2034, with about 204,100 openings per year 2. This page covers how to become a patient care technician in North Dakota, including certification options, training programs, and salary data.
A note on salary data: The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not track patient care technician salaries as a separate category. The wage figures on this page are based on the closest matching BLS classification: Nursing Assistants (SOC 31-1131). Actual patient care technician earnings may vary.
Quick Answers About Becoming A Patient Care Technician in North Dakota
How do I become a patient care technician in North Dakota? North Dakota does not require a state license for patient care technicians, but employers typically expect industry certifications such as CPCT (Certified Patient Care Technician). Complete a training program to prepare.
How long does it take? Most paths take 1 to 5 years depending on whether you choose trade school, an apprenticeship, or a combination of both.
Do I need a license in North Dakota? No state license is required, but certifications such as CPCT (Certified Patient Care Technician) are expected by most employers.
What do patient care technicians earn in North Dakota? The BLS does not track patient care technician wages separately. Based on the related “Nursing Assistants” category, the median annual wage in North Dakota is $45,820, with entry-level wages around $35,130 and experienced workers earning $51,380 or more 1.
At a Glance
- Training paths: trade school, community college, or apprenticeship
- Typical timeline: 1 to 5 years depending on the path
- Median wage (North Dakota): $45,820 per year (based on related “Nursing Assistants” category) 1
Patient Care Technician Certification Options in North Dakota
North Dakota does not require a state license to work as a patient care technician. However, industry certifications can strengthen your resume and may be required by employers.
Common certifications for patient care technicians include:
- CPCT (Certified Patient Care Technician)
For more information, visit the NHA - National Healthcareer Association 3. Contact training programs in North Dakota for details on certification preparation courses.
Patient Care Technician Wages by Metro Area in North Dakota
Patient Care Technician Wages by Metro Area in North Dakota
Note: The BLS does not track patient care technician wages separately. The data below is based on the closest matching category: Nursing Assistants (SOC 31-1131).
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025 OES data), nursing assistants wages in North Dakota vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fargo | 2,240 | $39,940 | $42,350 | $33,050 | $50,800 |
| Bismarck | 1,430 | $46,720 | $43,950 | $36,040 | $49,120 |
| Grand Forks | 930 | $45,740 | $43,750 | $35,330 | $48,830 |
| Minot | 430 | $36,500 | $39,310 | $35,130 | $47,500 |
Wages reflect survey data and vary based on experience, credentials, employer, and local market conditions. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.
Top Metros for Patient care technicians in North Dakota
The metropolitan areas listed below report the highest patient care technician employment within North Dakota according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025).
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Fargo | 2,240 | $39,940 |
| Bismarck | 1,430 | $46,720 |
| Grand Forks | 930 | $45,740 |
| Minot | 430 | $36,500 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for patient care technicians in North Dakota? North Dakota employs approximately 6,840 workers in the related “Nursing Assistants” category 1. Nationally, employment in this category is projected to grow 2.3% from 2024 to 2034 2.
What training programs are available in North Dakota? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeship programs. Use the school finder above to search for accredited programs in North Dakota.
How much do patient care technicians earn in North Dakota compared to the national average? The median annual wage for patient care technicians in North Dakota is $45,820 (based on the related “Nursing Assistants” category), which is $6,290 above the national median of $39,530 according to BLS data 1.
Citations
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Employment Projections: https://www.bls.gov/emp/ ↩︎ ↩︎
NHA - National Healthcareer Association: https://www.nhanow.com/ ↩︎
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade career guide using BLS, DOL, and state licensing data. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.