Winona State University

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.

The nursing school at Winona State University is a public institution located in Winona, Minnesota. Its nursing programs are accredited by ACEN, ACME, CCNE and COA.

Degree types you can earn at Winona State University include Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner and Registered Nursing, and the school provides its offerings to students via campus and hybrid formats. The level of nursing programs offered to nursing students include APRN Certificate, Bachelor Degree, BSN to DNP, Master Degree, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate, RN to BSN and RN to MSN level degrees.

For nursing students in Minnesota, the state average NCLEX-RN passing rate for ADN programs is 78.83% and for BSN programs is 86.54%. The average national NCLEX-RN passing rate for ADN programs is N/A% and for BSN programs is N/A%.

Out of 53 nursing schools in Minnesota, the nursing program at Winona State University ranks #5 in the state, and out of more than 1,700 nursing programs nationally, it ranks #187. It's 3-year average NCLEX-RN passing rate is 93.15%, giving the Winona State University an overall grade of A.

Nursing Program Stats at a Glance for Winona State University

• Grade: A
• NCLEX-RN Passing Rate Average: 93.15%
• Minnesota State Rank: 5
• National Rank: 187

Best Online Nursing Programs for Minnesota Students

In-state nursing schools are preferable to out-of-state programs as your tuition and logistics for attending school will be considerably less than if you attended school out-of-state. Online nursing schools are also an option.

Compare Minnesota Nursing School Rankings