Best Nursing Schools in Minnesota in 2024

Known as the “Land of 10,000 Lakes,” Minnesota is home to over 69,000 registered nurses who earn an average annual salary of $84,030. With its natural beauty and abundance of opportunity, it’s no wonder Minnesota aims to add 4,320 new nurses per year by 2030 to meet the growing demand for over 76,540 additional registered nursing positions statewide. From rural clinics to prestigious teaching hospitals, Minnesota offers exceptional nursing degree programs to prepare the next generation of nurses at some of the top nursing schools in Minnesota.

With the range of Minnesota nursing schools and programs available for nursing students, deciding which is the right fit can be a daunting task. That is why, we ranked the nursing schools to help potential nursing students in Minnesota decide which is the best option for them. 

• There are 53 nursing schools in Minnesota.
• The CCNE accredits 25 nursing school(s)
• The ACEN accredits 24 nursing school(s).
• The NCLEX passing rate for BSN students in Minnesota is between 50.00% and 94.57%.
• The NCLEX passing rate for ADN students in Minnesota is between 57.02% and 92.34%.
• RNs currently employed in Minnesota are 69,000.
• RNs in Minnesota earn an average of $84,030  per year or $40.40 per hour.
• Minnesota needs 76,540 new RNs by 2030 or 4,320 new nurses per year.

Overview of Nursing Programs in Minnesota

Minnesota offers a wide variety of accredited nursing programs across the state, preparing students for licensure and careers as registered nurses. When evaluating nursing schools in Minnesota, prospective students should consider the different types of nursing degrees available as well as key factors like accreditation status, NCLEX pass rates, and program formats:

Types of nursing degrees:

• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) – Usually takes 2 years and prepares graduates to take the NCLEX-RN exam and become RNs. Offered at community colleges statewide.
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) – Traditional 4-year degree for RNs, covers more advanced topics versus the ADN. Graduates still take the NCLEX-RN. Offered at universities and colleges.
• RN to BSN programs – For current RNs with an associate’s degree to bridge to the bachelor’s level. Expanding leadership skills and career options. Can often be completed online in 1-2 years.
• Accelerated BSN (ABSN) – Intensive 12-18 month bachelor’s degree for those who already have a bachelors in another field. Coursework plus hundreds of clinical hours prepare graduates to be RNs.
• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Graduate-level degree for advanced specialty nursing careers like nurse practitioner or educator roles. Usually takes 2+ years.
• DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) – Designed for very high level nursing practice in a chosen specialty, with more clinical hours and residency components. Leads to titles like DNP or DrNP.
• PhD in Nursing – Focused on nursing research and academia. 4+ year program typically requires a dissertation and specializations are available.

Here are some of the aspects to consider when choosing a nursing school and program:

• Accreditation: Ensure the nursing school is accredited by either the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), which upholds quality standards.
• NCLEX pass rates: Passing the NCLEX national licensing exam is required for RN licensure, so research program pass rates as an indicator of quality.
• Program formats: Minnesota offers traditional classroom as well as online nursing programs, hybrid/blended models, accelerated tracks like 12-18 month intensive ABSNs, part-time options suiting working nurses.
• Obtaining licensure through the Minnesota Board of Nursing involves meeting their requirements as outlined.

School options range widely from small private colleges to large public state universities across settings like urban Minneapolis/St. Paul, regional hubs like Duluth and Rochester, smaller college towns, and rural campuses statewide.

What Are the Best Nursing Schools in Minnesota?

Online Nursing Programs for Minnesota Students

The Minnesota Board of Nursing requires the major portion of clinical experiences to be conducted in the United States. But many online nursing programs in Minnesota are available supplementing academic coursework virtually while arranging for in-state clinical rotations.

This allows flexibility and expanded school options for earning an accredited nursing degree in the state. When researching online nursing schools however, confirm they offer suitable in-state clinical placement.

Accelerated BSN Programs

For those with a prior bachelor’s degree in another field, Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) programs offer the fastest route to become an RN, condensing content into an intensive 12-18 month curriculum.

• Prerequisites: Most programs require certain undergraduate credits spanning topics like anatomy, physiology, English, statistics, psychology and nutrition. Strong academic history with a Bachelor’s degree and competitive GPA meets typical expectations.
• Admissions: Applications involve official transcripts, test scores, an entrance essay detailing motivations for pursing nursing and letters of recommendation assessing abilities as a prospective healthcare provider.
• Program Structure: Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs cover the same material as traditional four-year BSNs through full-time summer, fall and spring semesters. This involves lecture-based classes on core nursing concepts plus hundreds of hours in clinical environments gaining direct patient experience under supervision of instructors.
• Schedule flexibility can be limited in fast formats yet some schools facilitate evening/weekend clinical rotations. Minnesota nursing students describe supportive peer communities forming through such intensive shared training regimens requiring strong time management skills and dedication.
• Upon completion, graduates earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree making them eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam and apply for RN licensure through the state Board of Nursing. This allows launching into practice at the bedside or in various healthcare settings. Many go on to pursue advanced nursing degrees such as Nurse Practitioner or CRNA down the road as well.

RN to BSN Programs

For current RNs with an Associate in Nursing Degree or nursing diploma, RN to BSN programs build directly on prior nursing education by providing flexible advanced coursework resulting in a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing.

Here’s a list of the top nursing programs at the RN to BSN level:

Best RN to BSN Schools in Minnesota

• Best RN to BSN Programs in Minnesota

RN to BSN programs equip nurses with enhanced clinical judgement, leadership abilities and knowledge of best practices for delivering quality patient care. This aids career mobility into charge nurse, educator, case manager and supervisory roles.

There are often generous transfer credit policies accepting required general education credits as well as nursing courses from an accredited ADN program in progressing towards the 120+ credits for a BSN. Typical RN to BSN program formats include:

• Online: Allows fitting coursework into busy work schedules and life responsibilities through asynchronous classes requiring only occasional in-person clinical intensives. These programs offer residency options out-of-state as well.
• In-person: Traditional campus-based classroom models with nursing cohorts and faculty instruction for local nurses seeking face-to-face training environments.
• Hybrid/Blended: Offers combination of online academics coupled with clinical intensives using simulation labs and area hospitals for hands-on development of advanced nursing skills.

When researching RN to BSN programs in Minnesota, make sure to assess average program costs based on credit breakdowns. State and Federal financial aid including loans along with nursing-specific scholarship availability also vary greatly, so discuss options with advisors.

Master’s in Nursing (MSN) Programs

Those interested in specialized nursing careers or leadership roles may consider Master’s of Science in Nursing programs. As an MSN student, you have a number of nursing specialties to choose from such as being a:

• Nurse Practitioner (NP): Become licensed APRN practitioner diagnosing illness and prescribing medication in primary care settings or specialties like pediatrics, women’s health, mental health etc. This requires 500+ clinical hours.
• Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS): Work alongside doctors specializing in evidence-based nursing practice related to populations such as geriatrics, diabetes, oncology etc.
• Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM): Gain expertise in holistic women’s reproductive care from family planning through childbirth and postpartum period.
• Nursing Administration: Learn business aspects like finances, quality improvement, policy analysis to advance into healthcare leadership/management roles.
• Nursing Informatics: Leverage IT systems enhancing care delivery through data analytics, implementation support and optimizing patient record-keeping technology.
• Nursing Education: Prepare for instructional roles educating next generation of nurses by developing curriculum, teaching methodologies and leadership abilities.

Many MSN programs offer versatile online delivery with some partial campus requirements. Full-time students can often complete coursework in 2-3 years. However researching schools’ transfer credit acceptance and prior RN practice requirements is essential, as some companion DNP tracks are geared more towards working nurses.

Gaining RN experience prior to MSN programs also strengthens candidacy for competitive admissions deciding among nursing professionals eager to expand impact through advanced careers. All graduate programs also require completion of undergraduate statistics coursework.

Nurse Practitioner Programs

Among the most popular nursing careers in Minnesota, Nurse Practitioners (NPs) are advanced practice nurses able to prescribe medication and make diagnoses autonomously and in coordination with supervising physicians.

Best NP Schools in Minnesota

• Best NP Programs in Minnesota

This lucrative role centered on direct patient relationships requires a Master’s of Science in Nursing or Doctor of Nursing Practice in one of several primary care or specialty areas:

• Primary Care : Family Nurse Practitioner working with patients across the lifespan. Adult-Gerontology and Pediatric Primaries focus on age-specific populations.
• Specialties: Psychiatric & Mental Health, Emergency Room, Women’s Health, Neonatal and more niche NP roles allowing passion-driven practice.

After required nurse practitioner academic coursework, students complete 500-1,000 supervised clinical rotation hours cementing hands-on diagnostic and treatment planning abilities while collaborating within care teams.

Full-time students can typically complete an accredited NP program in 2-3 years including this immersive clinical experience. Part-time pathways accommodating working nurses take 3 or more years.

All NPs must pass respective population-focused certification exams through organizations like the ANCC or AANP in order to be licensed Advanced Practice Registered Nurses. Re-certification through continuing education allows fluid movement between specializations.

Master’s-prepared NPs can also pursue convenient post-master’s Doctor of Nursing Practice programs advancing expertise. This level along with establishing good employer/physician partnerships facilitates higher levels of practice autonomy.

NP career prospects are very bright in Minnesota given shortages of primary care doctors and specialist providers in rural areas especially. Six-figure advanced nursing salaries also reward this demanding yet fulfilling advanced patient care role.

Doctoral Nursing Programs

At the pinnacle of nursing education, Minnesota offers both research-focused PhDs in Nursing and practice-oriented Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) terminal degrees.

• DNP: Equips current NPs, CNSs and other APRNs as expert clinicians through an additional 1,000 specialized clinical training hours, advanced science/nursing theory coursework and culminating DNP capstone projects generating new evidence improving nursing care delivery.
• PhD in Nursing: Three-four year doctoral program for BSN nurses interested in research-based faculty roles teaching future nurses. This involves advanced research methods, elective specialization, original research dissertation and PhD minor in field like Healthcare Ethics.
• Both nursing doctoral pathways promote leadership advancing patient outcomes through practice innovation and training competency of the next generation of nurses. Schools facilitate hands-on residencies, research apprenticeships and nursing scientist partnerships along with nursing scholarship funding resources.

Benefits of Becoming a Nurse in Minnesota

Minnesota offers an exceptionally strong job market empowering graduates to launch into varied and upwardly mobile health careers:

• High demand: Nursing shortages across hospitals, clinics and long-term care settings see vigorous hiring activity, especially in rural locales. Nurses can readily secure jobs advancing community health.
• Competitive pay: Rising salary rates reward bedside nurses while graduate degrees propel total compensation further via NP, administration and advanced specialties.
• Practice setting variety: Nurses spread care across world-class institutions like the Mayo Clinic down to small-town clinics or home health roles, also influencing public health outreach and policy.
• Vibrant nursing culture: As a national healthcare hub, Minnesota offers exceptional training, conferences like MN-REACH conveying best practices and research shaping the future of nursing. Nurse unions also work to ensure safe patient ratios.

How to Earn Your Minnesota Nursing License

To earn your license in Minnesota, the first step is for nursing students complete an accredited Minnesota program like BSNs, ABSNs, or MSN degrees meet the core nursing education requirements to apply for RN or advanced practice.

• Graduate from in-state RN, NP or other nursing education program. Make sure it is approved by the Minnesota Board of Nursing. 
• Pass NCLEX or population-focused advanced practice national nursing certification exams.
• Submit fingerprints and background checks ensuring applicant integrity.
• Apply for Minnesota RN/APRN license via online portal including proof of completing above steps.
• Minnesota nursing licenses must be renewed every 2 years through continuing education.

Finding the Right Nursing School in Minnesota

Prospective nursing students have over 75 total accredited undergraduate and graduate nursing programs across the state to choose from. Navigating program differences matters in picking the training path best matched to your nursing passions, lifestyle factors and career aspirations.

Accreditation

Look for accredited nursing schools in Minnesota. Verifying a nursing program’s accreditation through either the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) ensures its curriculum, faculty and student outcomes meet national standards for preparing graduates for licensing exams and professional nursing practice. Unaccredited programs should raise red flags. 

NCLEX Pass Rates

As nursing students dedicate years training for practice, it is vital they develop the nursing competencies needed to pass the nationally administered NCLEX licensing exam on their first try. So researching program-level NCLEX pass rates offers a quality indicator reflecting how well graduates are supported in consolidating nursing knowledge needed for entering the workforce. 

Cost and Scholarships

Between variations in public versus private tuition rates, credit loads and program types, total costs of attending nursing school in Minnesota can range widely. Fortunately the competitive nursing job market makes it a promising investment, but evaluating school as well as external scholarship and grant options can help significantly lower out-of-pocket expenses. Work study programs and nurse corps tools that offer loan repayment assistance in return for commitments serving high need locales also increase affordability.

Clinical Training Sites

Gaining exposure across the diversity of care environments like hospitals, clinics, long-term and community facilities helps students determine specialization interests while amassing real patient experience—the hallmark of nursing education. Minnesota’s wealth of top tier healthcare centers facilitates rich clinical rotations. Smaller programs however may repeat the same sites limiting diversity.

Faculty and Student Support

While nursing programs cover challenging scientific material, completing a degree comes down to effective student supports navigating the college experience. Beyond nursing advisor access and peer study groups, nursing faculty who engage personally to offer academic guidance, life mentoring and career pathway advice give that invaluable advantage in reaching the finish line. Checking rating sites helps identify standout nursing school cultures.

Nursing Curriculum

The right nursing program will teach you skills in holistic approach to nursing. This will prepare you for roles as a nursing assistant or in positions demanding nursing leadership. Even if it is an undergraduate program, the curriculum should touch on these topics. These added skills incorporated in the curriculum will allow you to easily land a job in Minnesota. 

Getting Licensed as an RN in Minnesota

Upon completing an ADN, ABSN or BS nursing program degree and passing the NCLEX licensure examination, nurses can launch into varied and dynamic careers across Minnesota healthcare settings.

In-Demand Specializations

Experienced nurses certified in specialty skills see the highest demand in advancing practice areas like:

• Emergency and Trauma – Fast-paced ER and flight nursing roles.
• Oncology/Cancer Care – Chemotherapy, radiation, clinical trials.
• Obstetrics, Gynecology and NICU – Women’s health, birthing and infants.
• Surgery – Operating room roles managing acute care interventions.
• Intensive and Critical Care – Life support for compromised patients.

Added credentials expand roles nurses play coordinating patient care while qualifying for higher nursing salaries. This empowers shaping best health outcomes.

Job Outlook and Salaries

Registering over 86,000 active RNs statewide and feeding Minnesota’s top-ranked healthcare system, nursing offers fantastic employment prospects plus salary upside.

• The BLS projects over 7,000 average annual openings for Minnesota nurses, allowing them to choose specialties aligned with their interests.
• As of 2022 Bureau of Labor Statistics figures, the average annual wage for Minnesota RNs reaches $82,750, with the potential to clear $125,000 further on in careers, especially those advancing as nurse practitioners and other graduate nursing roles.

Given the strong demand throughout clinics and challenging hospital departments, nurses in Minnesota find rewarding lifelong careers they feel proud to pursue with compassion. The state offers training, choice, and support for fulfilling this essential calling.

Frequently Asked Questions about Nursing Schools in Minnesota

What types of nursing programs are offered at various Minnesota state colleges and universities?

The Minnesota State colleges and universities includes over 30 institutions providing diverse nursing program options. Here are some of the programs available in Minnesota:

• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) – Many Minnesota state community and technical colleges offer accredited ADN degrees preparing students for RN licensure after 2-3 years. These include Central Lakes College, Ridgewater College, Rochester Community & Technical College and more.
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) – Numerous Minnesota state universities offer traditional 4-year BSN programs like Minnesota State University Moorhead, Metro State University, Winona State University, Southwest Minnesota State and others.
• Accelerated BSN – For those with a prior degree, schools like Metro State, Minnesota State Mankato and Winona State all have 12-18 month intensive Accelerated BSN tracks.
• RN to BSN – State schools also facilitate ADN-prepared nurses advancing to BSN through flexible accredited RN-BSN completion programs.
• Graduate Nursing – Multiple Minnesota state colleges offer various Master’s in Nursing specializations such as Nurse Practitioner or Nursing Education. Minnesota State also has several Doctor of Nursing Practice programs.

Across undergrad and graduate levels, these nursing programs incorporate innovative curricula, simulation technology access, and clinical training partnerships preparing nurses for licensure and fulfilling careers improving community health.

What undergraduate nursing programs are offered at universities in Minnesota?

Various Minnesota colleges and state universities offer undergraduate nursing programs, including:

• Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN)
• Accelerated BSN options
• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) – 2 year program
• Licensed Practical Nursing diplomas
• RN to BSN degree completion programs
• LPN to BSN bridge programs

Undergraduate applicants should ensure programs hold CCNE or ACEN nursing accreditation and check out schools’ NCLEX pass rates.

How can I become an RN in Minnesota as fast as possible?

The quickest pathway to becoming an RN in Minnesota is through an Accelerated BSN (ABSN) program, allowing students with a prior bachelor’s degree in any field to apply. These intensive 12-18 month nursing programs cover the BSN curriculum, including condensed lectures and hundreds of clinical hours for hands-on healthcare experience. Upon completing the program and passing the NCLEX exam, graduates become eligible for RN licensure allowing them to start nursing careers quickly in the state.

What types of nursing jobs are in high demand across Minnesota?

Some nursing careers and specializations projected to have high demand for RNs in Minnesota include emergency, trauma, OB/GYN, oncology, surgery, geriatrics, pediatrics, ICU/critical care, cardiology, mental health and more.

Nurses cite abundant job openings within major healthcare networks as well as rural clinics and long-term care facilities seeking qualified nurses. There are also many nurse practitioner roles needed to expand primary care access statewide.

More of the Best Nursing Schools in Minnesota

Ranking Methodology and Data Sources

• Ranking Methodology
• University Webpages
• Minnesota Board of Nursing
• Department of Education’s College Scorecard
• American Association of Colleges of Nursing
• Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
• U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges Rankings
• Bureau of Labor Statistics Salary Data
• Department of Labor Projected Employment
• Bureau of Economic Analysis Cost of Living Data

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