2022 - Best Nursing Schools in Minnesota

It is exciting to study in a major city in the UX and Saint Paul, Minnesota is certainly one of them. It home to Bethel University’s Department of Nursing. Students will enjoy being surrounded by the east bank of the Mississippi River at its confluence with the Minnesota River. Proximity to Minneapolis completes the Twin Cities vibe. Bethel was founded in 1871 as a Baptist seminary and is now a private, evangelical Christian university. Excellence is the heart of the matter along with faith in Christ which infuses the university’s mission. In fact, it has been a leader in Christian higher education since 1871. For generations, the curriculum has been a fusion of evangelical faith and top-ranked academics with a vision to transform students, preparing them for unique callings in the kingdom of God. In 2014, Bethel celebrated the 30th anniversary of the distinguished nursing program. Thanks to generous donors, the program offers a number of scholarships just for nursing majors. Student organizations include the Bethel Student Nurse Association, Nurses Christian Fellowship and Chi-At-Large Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau. Bethel University’s nursing program is fully accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Nursing Education. Bethel is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission to grant bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

Undergraduate programs - Bethel's B.S. in Nursing is ideal those passionate about caring for the health of others. Students enjoy mastering the required technical knowledge and hone their critical thinking and competence in nursing theory and process. The focus is on the skilled use of evidence-based practice. Graduates go on to combine the knowledge and skill of the nursing profession with Christ-like service. The baccalaureate degree in nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The Department of Nursing offers two state-of-the-art skills labs, four lifelike simulation labs, and and cross-cultural service opportunities with the supervision of the renowned faculty.

Students work in a nurse’s role in a controlled situation to prepare for future nursing practice. In addition, they may have the opportunity to conduct research with faculty. For clinical hours, the program has relationships with thirty local agencies in the Twin Cities area as well as seven public health departments. Students will work with individuals, families and communities in structured or unstructured positions. Of note, they advocate to increase access to healthcare and promote justice for underserved clients.

Graduate programs – Bethel’s two-year graduate path starts with the ACEN- accredited MSN program that builds on the student’s knowledge and experience. Graduates are prepared to be a nurse administrator or nurse educator. MSN students must have an active unencumbered RN license. The curriculum fosters effective decision making, nursing judgment, communication, and holistic care in either an academic, administrative, or clinical setting. Exposed to evidence based practice and research, informatics and leadership, MSN holders are ready to move into a doctoral program. The online MSN follows the same rigorous curriculum but runs over two years.

The Doctor of Nursing Practice comes next with a focus on leadership, management, and research. DNP holders are trained to advance the field of healthcare. It is mostly done online over several years. There is a track that includes an M.A. Strategic Leadership dual degree offering that can be completed in three years or more. Students completes their coursework and practicum in their respective communities. Students can begin courses in fall or spring. In addition, another dual degree track is the combined DNP and MBA option with the same schedule and parameters.

Concordia College at Moorhead was founded in 1891 by Norwegian settlers who valued education and their religious heritage. Of note, it opened its doors with 12 students and three instructors. According to its handbook, Concordia College at Moorhead is a four-year liberal arts college focused on preparing students to be ready for anything. It is a private non-profit institution with a nursing school accredited by CCNE. Studies seeking to study nursing must come to the campus for either the BSN or Accelerated BSN. The spring semester starts the professional nursing major for selected candidates. Early admission is suggested for high school graduates. Everyone will follow a prescribed four-year college plan. The purpose of Concordia College is to influence the affairs of the world by sending into society thoughtful and informed men and women dedicated to the Christian life.” The College prides itself on its liberal arts focus and signature learning experiences, called PEAKs. Students learn outside the conventional classroom and may elect to participate in special intensive experiences. Over thirty thousand alumni are ready to mentor the Cobber community network, providing jobs and advice.

Undergraduate programs – the two tracks at Concordia College are the traditional BSN and the accelerated BSN for student’s with a prior bachelor’s degree. The highlight of the nursing program is the study abroad outreach program. Students earn a baccalaureate in four years. It is open to high school graduates and college students seeking a nursing major. They are advised to consult with a nursing faculty member. Applicants are admitted to Concordia first before selecting their major in the spring semester of their sophomore year. Clinical hours are mandated by state regulations; thus accepted candidates are limited to availability of placement and resources.

Founded in 1858, Winona State University is the oldest member of the Minnesota State System of colleges and universities. Founded in 1858 as a teacher training school, it now serves students on two campuses in Winona and Rochester, Minnesota. Nursing is a standout among the over 80 majors. Students enjoy small class sizes and expert, caring faculty. Winona State has been named the best public institution in Minnesota by U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Colleges,” and has been listed among the “Best in the Midwest” by The Princeton Review since 2003.

The setting is stunning; the university is nestled between scenic bluffs and the grand Mississippi River. Activities abound such as hiking and rock climbing, kayaking, and paddle boarding – all within a mile of the campus. In addition, the area offers a wide range of culture. Students can explore the local arts, theater and music venues as well as the many museums and festivals. Of note, Rochester is a dynamic urban hub, ranked the number one city in 2016 in Top 100 Best Places to Live by Livability.com. There are smaller outreach sites for RN-BS Completion in La Crescent and Red Wing. All degree programs offer opportunities for internships with some of the Midwest’s most prestigious organizations. The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master's degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program, and post-graduate APRN (Advanced Practice Registered Nurse) certificate program, at Winona State University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Undergraduate programs – the options in the nursing program appeal to various applicants. It starts with the traditional, pre-licensure track for future RNs who have no previous nursing education. It requires four years of study to earn a BSN. The nursing major must be declared by the fourth semester. Applications are made twice a year. The RN-BS Completion program is perfectly tailored for licensed Registered Nurses who already have their Associate's and wish to earn a Bachelor of Science degree. A flexible and affordable online RN-BS Program started in the Fall of 2020 based out of the WSU-Rochester campus.

Graduate programs – the Department of Graduate Nursing is known as an innovative program for advanced study. With a focus on scholarship, graduates become nurse leaders who provide person- and relationship-centered care for individuals, families, groups, communities, and populations in a diverse society. Students can opt for Master of Science (MS) degree, among 6 Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs, and 6 Post-Graduate Certificate programs. All Graduate Nursing programs are hybrid with classes conducted online. Working in the labs with simulations on the Rochester campus is required. Superior instruction guarantees specialized knowledge and hands-on opportunities through practicums and clinicals. Placement occurs in designated regional clinical affiliate sites such as the Mayo Clinic. Graduates are highly sought by employers. They are dedicated to improving the world with the best evidence available and working with people and communities to advance their health and wellbeing.

St. Cloud State University is located in Saint Cloud, Minnesota.  They offer both a BSN and an RN to BSN program.  St. Cloud State University is proud to note that they offer education to over 700 student veterans and active military servicemen and servicewomen.

Normandale Community College is located in Bloomington, Minnesota.  They offer an ADN program.  While there is not a specific LPN to RN program, LPNs do take a separate transitions course in place of a 9 credit foundations course.  Normandale nursing students can also earn their BSN in conjunction with various partnerships with neighboring colleges.

Rochester Community and Technical College is located in Rochester, Minnesota.  They offer an ADN degree.  There is not a separate LPN to RN program, but LPNs are given advanced placement based on their past education and licensure.