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North Dakota, known for its vast prairies and tight-knit communities, may be one of the least populous states, but it offers residents access to quality healthcare facilities that provide comprehensive medical services. The state’s hospitals combine the latest technology, experienced medical professionals, and patient-focused care to serve both urban centers like Fargo and Bismarck and rural communities throughout the region.
Whether you are seeking specialized surgeries, emergency care, maternity services, or chronic disease management, North Dakota’s top hospitals ensure residents receive excellent treatment close to home. In this detailed guide, we highlight the 10 best hospitals in North Dakota, showcasing what makes each facility a trusted choice for quality healthcare.
1. Sanford Medical Center Fargo
Location: 5225 23rd Ave S, Fargo, ND
Type: Academic Medical Center
Beds: 695
Sanford Medical Center Fargo is the largest hospital in North Dakota and a regional referral center. It is nationally recognized for excellence in several specialties including heart care, cancer treatment, and orthopedics.
Key Features:
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Level II Trauma Center
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Advanced cardiovascular services including open-heart surgery
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Comprehensive cancer center
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Neurosciences Institute
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Maternity and neonatal intensive care units
Sanford is also the flagship hospital of Sanford Health, which operates numerous clinics and hospitals across the Upper Midwest. It serves as a teaching hospital and actively participates in clinical research to bring innovative treatments to patients.
2. Trinity Health – St. Alexius Medical Center
Location: 900 E Broadway Ave, Bismarck, ND
Type: Regional Medical Center
Beds: 300+
St. Alexius Medical Center is a key healthcare provider in western North Dakota, known for its wide range of specialty services and comprehensive care.
Key Features:
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Level II Trauma Center
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Cardiac care and open-heart surgery
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Cancer care and infusion services
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Orthopedics and joint replacement
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Behavioral health programs
The hospital places strong emphasis on community health outreach and integrating care to improve patient outcomes.
3. Essentia Health Fargo
Location: 1415 19th Ave N, Fargo, ND
Type: Community Hospital
Beds: 350+
Essentia Health Fargo offers comprehensive services with a patient-centered approach, making it a prominent choice for residents in eastern North Dakota.
Key Features:
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Emergency and trauma services
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Cardiology and heart surgery
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Cancer care and infusion therapies
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Women’s health and maternity services
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Surgical services including minimally invasive techniques
Essentia Health prides itself on combining advanced technology with compassionate care tailored to the needs of each patient.
4. Altru Health System
Location: 1200 S Columbia Rd, Grand Forks, ND
Type: Regional Medical Center
Beds: 257
Altru Health System serves northeast North Dakota and northwest Minnesota, offering specialty care and emergency services.
Key Features:
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Level II Trauma Center
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Cardiac and vascular care
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Cancer treatment and infusion
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Women’s services including high-risk pregnancy care
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Rehabilitation and outpatient services
Altru emphasizes community wellness and preventative care, with a network of clinics supporting rural populations.
5. CHI St. Alexius Health – Devils Lake
Location: 430 11th St NE, Devils Lake, ND
Type: Community Hospital
Beds: 40+
Serving the Devils Lake region, this hospital provides essential healthcare services with a focus on patient comfort and quality treatment.
Key Features:
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Emergency and inpatient care
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Surgical services
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Women’s health and maternity care
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Outpatient diagnostic services
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Chronic disease management
Despite its smaller size, the hospital offers comprehensive care and serves as a critical resource for its community.
6. Sanford Medical Center Dickinson
Location: 1501 29th St W, Dickinson, ND
Type: Community Hospital
Beds: 70+
Sanford Dickinson is a vital healthcare facility for southwest North Dakota residents, providing inpatient and outpatient care.
Key Features:
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Emergency and trauma stabilization
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Surgical services including orthopedic care
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Women’s health and maternity services
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Cancer screening and referral programs
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Rehabilitation and physical therapy
The hospital combines community focus with access to Sanford’s broader health network.
7. Prairie St. John’s Health
Location: 1215 5th Ave N, Jamestown, ND
Type: Community Hospital
Beds: 58
Prairie St. John’s Health is an independent hospital serving central North Dakota with a wide array of medical services.
Key Features:
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Emergency care and inpatient services
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Surgical care including outpatient procedures
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Cardiovascular and pulmonary services
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Women’s health and maternity care
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Rehabilitation and therapy services
The hospital emphasizes a personalized approach, aiming to meet the specific needs of its patient population.
8. Mercy Medical Center – Devils Lake
Location: 500 8th St NE, Devils Lake, ND
Type: Community Hospital
Beds: 60+
Mercy Medical Center provides vital healthcare to the Devils Lake area, focusing on quality care and community health.
Key Features:
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Emergency and trauma stabilization
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Surgical and inpatient care
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Women’s services including maternity
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Outpatient diagnostics and rehabilitation
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Chronic disease management programs
Mercy Medical Center collaborates with regional partners to expand healthcare access.
9. Sanford Health – Wahpeton
Location: 420 9th St N, Wahpeton, ND
Type: Community Hospital
Beds: 25+
Sanford Wahpeton is a smaller facility offering essential healthcare services to its community with an emphasis on personalized care.
Key Features:
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Emergency and outpatient services
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Surgical procedures
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Women’s health and maternity care
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Diagnostic imaging and laboratory services
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Chronic care and wellness programs
It serves as an important healthcare access point for residents of Richland County and surrounding areas.
10. Prairie View Health Services – Rugby
Location: 400 10th St NW, Rugby, ND
Type: Community Hospital
Beds: 20+
Prairie View Health Services is a rural hospital providing healthcare services to northern North Dakota residents.
Key Features:
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Emergency services and urgent care
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Inpatient and outpatient care
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Surgical and diagnostic services
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Women’s health programs
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Rehabilitation and therapy
Despite its size, Prairie View is dedicated to offering high-quality treatment tailored to its rural population.
Conclusion
North Dakota’s hospitals may serve smaller populations compared to larger states, but their commitment to quality, patient-centered care is unmistakable. From the advanced trauma and transplant services at Sanford Medical Center Fargo to the community-focused care at Prairie View Health Services, these hospitals are pillars of health and wellness across the state.
Whether you need specialized surgical care, emergency treatment, maternity services, or chronic disease management, North Dakota’s best hospitals provide accessible, compassionate, and technologically advanced care close to home. These facilities reflect the state’s dedication to maintaining high healthcare standards despite geographic challenges, ensuring that all residents have access to quality medical treatment.