Tuition And Costs Of Msn Programs In Minnesota
While MSN programs can be expensive, the caliber of nursing jobs they lead to can make up for it quickly. You will need to account for tuition, fees, clinical components, textbooks and more. Most grad students are eligible for financial aid to help pay for their MSN degree, typically in the form of student loans. Your school of choice can give you more information if you qualify. As an example of cost, the tuition rate for the 57-credit entry-level MSN at St. Catherine University is approximately $930 per credit. This does not include additional fees.
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Adn Programs In Minnesota
An Associate’s Degree in Nursing program prepares graduates to provide quality, patient-centered care in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and care facilities. This 2-year program is commonly offered at smaller institutions such as community and/or technical colleges. Many students choose this route to their RN license because it is relatively quick and tends to be less expensive than other options.
More than 25 schools/campuses offer a fully accredited and approved ADN program throughout the state of Minnesota.
Mn Nursing Stats: Rns And Beyond
The average Minnesota RN, nurse practitioner, nurse midwife or nurse anesthetist earns above the median national average for those professions. And the expected growth rate for each is only slightly less bullish than national projections. To see the salary breakdown in finer detail, take a look at the visuals below.
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Minnesota Nursing Schools And Programs
Minnesota is full of fun with festivals, scenic drives, and has an abundance of every outdoor activity you may dream. Minnesota’s true historical roots lie in the diversity of its people. With deep roots and a large population of Ojibwe and Dakota Native American traditions, the state is also a melting pot for Scandinavian traditions. Home to The Lost Forty in the Chippewa National Forest is one of the oldest preserved forests in the country where 300-400 year old red and white pines stand undisturbed. Minnesota also has low crime rates and a small town welcome for everyone, especially nursing students!
Degree Programs:
Disaster, EMT, Education, Forensics, HIV/AIDS, Joint Degree MSN/MPH, Laboratory Testing, Neurosurgery, Nursing Law, OB/GYN, Oncology, Orthopedics, Prenatal, Thoracic Surgery, Transplantation, Urology
Largest Cities:
Bloomington, Brooklyn Park, Buffalo, Burnsville, Coon Rapids, Duluth, Eagan, Hutchinson, Mankato, Marshall, Minneapolis, New Ulm, Plymouth, Rochester, St. Paul
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The College Of St Scholastica

Among the best nursing schools in Minnesota, The College of St. Scholastica stands out for its many options for nursing education. There are three tracks that prospective students can choose from to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The traditional undergraduate track is a four-year program for high school seniors. The school also offers a post-baccalaureate track for students who have completed a baccalaureate degree but with a major other than nursing as well as an RN to BS online program for associate-prepared registered nurses to earn a baccalaureate degree in nursing. The schools undergraduate pre-licensure nursing programs have been approved by the Minnesota Board of Nursing as a licensure-preparing program. After completing their licensure requirements, graduates emerge ready to take on entry-level nursing positions. Those who already hold an RN before coming to St. Scholastica are ready to deepen their practice with critical thinking, communication caring and collaboration.
St. Scholastica has a beautiful main campus located in Duluth, Minnesota. Students take classes on a campus overlooking Lake Superior and the student body includes both traditional and returning adult students. The school thrives on diversity and offers 63 student organizations to promote involvement.
Highlight: Students who rely on student aid to pay for their courses will be happy to note that 100% of freshmen receive financial aid.
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Bsn Program Admission Requirements In Minnesota
Each school will have its own set of entrance requirements, so inquire with your school or contact an admissions counselor from your program of choice to make sure you fully meet the requirements before applying. As an example, BSN programs in the area tend to require things such as:
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.85
- Completion of all prerequisite courses with a grade of C or higher
- Personal essay and interview required
Gustavus Adolphus College School Of Nursing
Gustavus Adolphus College School of Nursing is known for having one of the best graduation rates in the country. And nurses who got their degree from this school enjoy good compensation in the first five years of their career.
This school of nursing pays close attention to both rural and urban public health. It offers summer internships in local and even global settings. With that, this school is a great choice if you want to have the experience that will set you apart from the rest.
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Twin Cities Metro Area
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing: 98.1% NCLEX pass rate
- Accelerated Second Degree BSN
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing: 87.2% NCLEX pass rate
Metropolitan State University
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing: 86.1% NCLEX pass rate
- RN-to-BSN Degree Completion
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing: 85.9% NCLEX pass rate
Bethel University
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing: 83.9% NCLEX pass rate
- RN-to-BSN Degree Completion
St. Catherine University – St. Paul
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing: 81.2% NCLEX pass rate
- RN-to-BSN Degree Completion
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- LPN/Paramedic-to-BSN Bridge Program
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- RN-to-BSN Degree Completion
- RN-to-BSN Accelerate into Master’s Program
- RN-to-BSN Degree Completion
Best Licensed Practical Nursing Programs In Minnesota
Licensed practical nurses provide basic bedside care including measuring and recording patients’ vital signs, such as height, weight, and pulse. They also ensure the comfort of patients by helping patients with bathing, dressing, and moving around. LPNs may also help to feed ailing patients. Aspiring LPNs can launch their new career path very quickly, since most LPN programs span a short 12 to 18 months. LPN programs are offered at numerous Minnesota schools, most of them public institutions like Anoka Technical College and Central Lakes College in Brainerd. A few private institutions like Rasmussen College in Saint Cloud also offer LPN education. Most of Minnesotas LPN programs award a certificate at completion, although several of the states technical colleges also offer a more advanced two-year associate’s degree program. LPN candidates must successfully pass the NCLEX-PN national licensure examination before commencing practice.
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Online Nursing Schools In Minnesota
This site is working to help meet the demand for qualified nurses in the state of Minnesota by offering online nursing programs through CCNE accredited nursing schools. Nursing programs in Minnesota have become increasingly competitive and many times they turn away hundreds of qualified applicants each year. As more and more hospitals seek to fill RN vacancies with highly educated nurses holding baccalaureate degrees in nursing the impact on nursing programs continues to worsen. Our solution is for those registered nurses seeking an advanced degree is to pursue it online. These schools offer LPN to BSN, RN to BSN, RN to MSN, and many MSN programs with different specialties. There are many benefits to an online nursing program including the flexibility to balance your career and classes and the fact that online nursing program cost per credit is comparable to campus based nursing programs in Minnesota.
Saint Marys University Of Minnesota
Saint Marys University of Minnesota has one of the best nursing schools in Minnesota. Nursing students at the school receive a well-rounded education and graduate with a BSN. After completing their licensing requirements, Saint Marys alumni emerge ready to take on jobs in the healthcare profession. Courses focus on scientific principles, evidence-based approaches to care and critical thinking. Faculty members and advisors put students at the center of the Saint Marys experience. By design, faculty members make themselves accessible to students. The school accepts just 40 students each year and provides significant opportunities for interaction and support.
Saint Marys Minnesota was founded on Catholic principles and the school is well-regarded for its educational opportunities. Located in Winona, Minnesota, the school has 1,100 undergraduate students. Saint Marys accepts 92% of those who apply to the school. This wide range of acceptance gives students who may not otherwise get into college a chance to pursue their higher education. The school offers many majors some of which include marketing, business and accounting.
Highlight: The schools undergraduate liberal arts college has more than 40 majors and is located on a beautiful 450-acre campus.
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Best Nursing Programs In Minnesota
Nursing schools in Minnesota offer prospective nurses the opportunity to earn degrees and become licensed as an LPN, RN/ADN, BSN or MSN. Those students who want to enter the field with a bachelors of science in nursing, and arent looking to start working as soon as possible, should research the Minnesota nursing schools to find which Minnesota nursing programs offer the type of specialty theyre seeking.
Nursing programs in Minnesota are designed to meet a students needs in terms of career and educational goals. Accelerated degree options enable a student to start working in less time. Nursing programs in Minnesota differ from school to school, and students should consider the hospitals the schools work with, the focus of the clinical units, how much time is spent in the clinicals, and if the schedule is compatible with a students intended schedule.
Bsn Program Length In Minnesota

A standard BSN program will take 4 years to complete. Accelerated BSN programs for those who are eligible typically take a little over a year to complete, depending on the school. Lastly, an RN to BSN bridge program will take 1-2 years to complete, depending on the program and the prior coursework completed.
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List Of Accredited Campus
- Anoka-Ramsey Community College
- College of Saint Benedict/St. Johns University
- College of Saint Catherine
- Globe University/Minnesota School of Business
- Gustavus Adolphus College
- Inver Hills Community College and Century College
- Metropolitan State University
- Minneapolis Community and Technical College
- Minnesota State University-Mankato
- Rochester Community and Technical College
- Saint Johns University
Advantages Of Bsn Programs
There are so many reasons why students choose the BSN route to become an RN. Some pre-licensure students choose it because they want the full 4-year university experience, while others want it so that they can hold higher and more skilled nursing positions. It’s also a versatile degree you can earn a BSN after completing an ADN, or if you have already earned a degree in another subject. It’s also an excellent jumping-off point if you want to eventually pursue a graduate degree in nursing.
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Bsn Program Ranked 10th By Us News
U.S. News & World Report placed the University of Minnesota 10th in its first-ever ranking of the Best Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs.
The review of more than 690 schools with BSN degree programs was compiled from surveys of top academics and officials at nursing schools or departments. The full list of programs and methodology can be found in the U.S. News Graduate School Compass.
The University of Minnesota admits freshmen directly into the School of Nursing on the Twin Cities campus. Minnesota students have the opportunity to participate in classes and activities with students in other nationally ranked health science schools at the University including medicine, pharmacy, public health, dentistry and veterinary medicine, which better prepares them to work effectively with other members of the health care team and improve patient care.
Twin Cities Metro Area Nursing Schools By Nclex Score
St. Catherine University – St. Paul
- Direct Entry MSN: 98.6% NCLEX pass rate
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing: 81.2% NCLEX pass rate
- DNP: Adult-Gerontological Nurse Practitioner
- Master of Science in Nursing
- Post-Master’s Certificate: Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
- Post-Master’s Certificate: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
- RN-to-BSN Degree Completion
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing: 98.1% NCLEX pass rate
- Accelerated Second Degree BSN
- Direct Entry MSN: 91.9% NCLEX pass rate
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing: 87.2% NCLEX pass rate
- DNP: Nurse Anesthesia
- Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing
- MSN: Clinical Nurse Leader
- Master of Science in Nursing
- Post-Baccalaureate DNP
- Entry Level Master of Science in Nursing: 89.7% NCLEX pass rate
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing: 86.1% NCLEX pass rate
- DNP: Family Nurse Practitioner
- Post-Baccalaureate Doctor of Nursing Practice
- RN-to-BSN Degree Completion
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing: 85.9% NCLEX pass rate
Bethel University
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing: 83.9% NCLEX pass rate
- MSN: Nursing Administration
- Master of Science in Nursing
- Post-Master’s Certificate: Nursing Administration
- Associate Degree in Nursing: 78.8% NCLEX pass rate
American Indian OIC
- Nursing Assistant Certificate
- Diploma in Practical Nursing
- Associate Degree in Nursing
- Doctor of Nursing Practice
- Master of Science in Nursing
- Post-Baccalaureate DNP
- Doctor of Nursing Practice
- MSN: Nursing Leadership and Administration
- RN-to-BSN Degree Completion
- Associate Degree in Nursing
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Associates In Nursing Programs
Hibbing Community College Hibbing Community Colleges Associate in Science in Nursing program offers a track for traditional, first-time nursing students as well as an advanced standing track for currently licensed practical nurses . Courses in the curriculum include Foundations of Leadership, Care of Women and Children, and Care of the Client Affected by Acute Stressors. Students also complete clinical practicums in a variety of settings to gain real-world experience. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam and apply for registered nurse licensure. The nursing program at Hibbing Community College is approved by the Minnesota Board of Nursing and holds accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing .
Tuition And Costs Of Adn Programs In Minnesota
The cost of your ADN degree can give you sticker shock at first, but consider the fact that the median wage for registered nurses in Minnesota is a bit higher than the national average. In general, you’ll need to pay for tuition along with any mandatory fees, and don’t forget to factor in indirect costs such as textbooks and transportation. Most schools have financial aid departments that can help if you are worried about being able to pay for your preferred program.
For example, the estimated total tuition and fees for the ADN program at Lake Superior College in Duluth is $16,000 for both Minnesota residents and out-of-state residents.
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List Of Accredited Nursing Schools In The Twin Cities Metro Area Minnesota
In Minnesota, there are a number of different opportunities in the nursing field, and aspiring nurses can choose from various career paths. It is important to consider which career path is right for you before deciding upon an education program. Below, you can find out a little more about some of the major roles in nursing. The quickest way to enter the nursing profession is to become a certified nursing assistant . CNAs are charged with frontline patient care and responsible for basic healthcare tasks. CNA programs are affordable and typically only take a few weeks to complete. The next level is the licensed practical nurse . LPNs have more responsibility than nursing assistants, but still report to registered nurses and physicians. Those interested in becoming an LPN must complete a 12- to 18-month program. With even more responsibility, registered nurses provide for a very high level of patient care. Aspiring RNs can pursue either a two-year associate’s degree in nursing or a four-year bachelor of science in nursing . The highest-level nurses pursue master of science in nursing degrees and can specialize in a number of subfields.
Msn Programs In Minnesota

A Master’s of Science in Nursing is a graduate-level degree for those wanting to further their nursing skills beyond an ADN and BSN. This advanced program is required for nursing jobs such as Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nurse Midwife, Family Nurse Practitioner, and other nursing specialties. In fact, aside from a general MSN degree, many schools offer specialized MSN degrees where you can choose your nursing focus.
There are roughly 3 schools in the state that offers some form of an MSN degree .
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How Much Money Can You Make With A Nursing Degree In Minnesota
Whether you have a BSN or an RN, your nursing education will pay off. In the state of Minnesota, there are about 61,830 active RNs. The current average hourly wage for RNs in Minnesota is $35.55. That levels out to roughly $73,940 per year.
Youre also essentially guaranteed to find a nursing job once you graduate. According to estimates by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics , there will be a 16% increase in demand for RNs in the country, between 2014 and 2024.
What To Look For In A Bsn Program In Minnesota
Many recent nursing graduates will tell you that you need to find a school and BSN program that’s right for you. Factor in the main things like cost, accreditation, and program outcomes, but don’t forget to give equal weight to location and how transportation might factor into completing the program. If you already hold a bachelor’s degree or higher in another field, you will want to look for a school that offers an accelerated BSN program for just this scenario. Also, if you are already a registered nurse via a diploma/certificate program, check to see if your school of choice offers an RN to BSN program.
Gustavus Adolphus College, located in St. Peter, MN, is an excellent example of a school in the state that offers an accredited and approved BSN program.
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