Schools With Nursing Programs In Minnesota

Rankings: The 25 Best Nursing Schools In Minnesota

Home to a variety of programs, Minnesota offers prospective nursing students a wide array of options. In order to find the right educational path, it is important to understand the different roles available to candidates.

Nursing assistant positions are the second-most popular occupation in the healthcare industry, largely due to their short training period. Typically lasting only eight to ten weeks, nursing assistant programs are best suited for students who want to quickly pursue employment in the healthcare industry. Common tasks for nursing assistants include aiding elderly, chronically sick, and rehabilitating patients. Minnesota has many technical institutes and community colleges with nursing assistant training programs. Since nursing assistants are gaining prominence, graduates have very favorable career prospects. Predictions show employment growing by 21% over the next decade, making the nursing assistant role one of the occupations with the largest job growth.

2022 NURSING SCHOOL RANKINGS

For our 2022 rankings, the research team at Nursing Schools Almanac collected data on nearly 3,000 nursing schools and campuses throughout the United States. We evaluated each school on three dimensions:

• The institutions academic prestige and perceived value
• The breadth and depth of nursing programs offered
• Student success, particularly on the NCLEX licensure examination

Top 10 Associate Nursing Schools In Minnesota

AccreditedSchoolsOnline.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Financial Aid Opportunities For Nursing Students In Minnesota

While nursing programs in Minnesota offer a variety of flexible and affordable academic options, securing a degree can get expensive at any level. Fortunately, loans, scholarships, grants, and tuition reimbursement programs can lighten your financial burden and allow you to graduate from nursing school debt free.

When searching for financial aid resources, start with your schools financial aid department. Additionally, professional organizations like the Minnesota Nurses Association Foundation offer various annual scholarships. Other funding sources include private foundations, school nursing programs, and various healthcare organizations.

For more resources and advice on funding your nursing degree in Minnesota, review our scholarships and resources page for online RN students and our guide to paying less for education.

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Accredited Nursing Schools In The Fargo

If you would like to start a nursing career in the Fargo-Moorhead metropolitan area, you will need a degree or certificate from an accredited nursing school. Fortunately, the metro area of more than 230,000 residents is home to several accredited schools with highly regarded nursing programs. North Dakota State University in Fargo offers bachelor of science in nursing and doctor of nursing practice degree programs. The university also has a BSN track for existing registered nurses , called an RN-to-BSN completion program.

Practicums And Campus Visits

Some, but not all, online graduate nursing programs are fully online. Why? Well, many nursing graduate degrees blend clinical practicums with classroom education. To address this, you may have to find a preceptor-mentor in your local community with whom you partner while you go through your supervised practice.

Also, since many traditional universities offer online nursing programs, you might be required to take some courses in brief residencies. These campus visits could provide hands-on training in how to use equipment, and workshops where you could learn about patient care through role-play exercises or be supervised and assessed by faculty.

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Bachelors In Nursing Programs

Southwest Minnesota State University Southwest Minnesota State University features an undergraduate program leading to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing . Students will be introduced to a diverse menu of topics encompassing care of children, holistic care, leadership and management, behavioral health care, and nurse as a provider of care. Labs, which feature mannequins and role-playing, allow nursing majors to gain hands-on experience from different perspectives. Graduates of the program are eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses .

Bethel University Bethel University provides current registered nurses with the opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing through the 39 credit RN to BSN program. The 20-month program runs in a cohort format with classes available both online and in a hybrid format . On-campus classes generally meet once a week and are offered at four locations: Bloomington, Arden Hills, Pine Technical College, and North Hennepin Community College. Both online and hybrid formats require students to take one class at a time. Coursework is diverse and consists of ethics, nursing leadership, nursing informatics, the professional nurse, and public health nursing.

About Nursing Schools In Minnesota

In our Minnesota RN program guide, find rankings for both ADN and BSN Degree programs, tuition costs, NCLEX passing rates, and more. Research key Minnesota RN Program information to help you compare program metrics and to apply to best RN program for your career in nursing.

In the State of Minnesota, nurses are helping to change the face of healthcare. To ensure that they have the best education and preparation for future health care challenges, registered nurses need to graduate from a state-approved associate’s degree in nursing program or a BSN degree program.

Nurses who graduate from an RN program can obtain certification in over 100 nursing specialties, go on to earn an RN to BSN or RN to MSN degree.

BSN degree holders have options to earn an Advance Practice Register Nursing degree and become a Nurse Practitioner , or earn an advanced degree for a career in any number of nursing leadership roles such Nurse Educator or Clinical Nurse Specialist.

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Concordia University St Paul

One of the best nursing schools in Minnesota, Concordia University, St. Paul has programs designed for career changers and new students. The schools accelerated BSN program accepts up to 60 credits and allows full-time students to finish in as early as 16 months. Three start dates in January, May, and September give students maximum flexibility to schedule their classes around family and work obligations.

Concordia St. Paul is in Christian university located in Saint Paul, MN. The small institution has 1,700 undergraduate students and accepts nearly everyone who applies. Some students major in Kinesiology and Exercise Science, Nursing or Psychology.

Highlight: With a 98% acceptance rate, Concordia University-Saint Paul is widely available to students who want to study there. Additionally, 98% of students receive some kind of financial assistance.

Why Consider Online Nursing Graduate Programs

For current nurses and busy professionals, online nursing graduate programs in Minnesota could provide the opportunity to earn advanced credentials while continuing to work. Advanced practice registered nurses , including nurse practitioners, nurse midwives and nurse anesthetists, require graduate education to practice. Graduate-level online nursing programs could help nurses prepare to enter or progress in these fields, as well as take on managerial roles, go into academia, conduct research, or work in inter-professional teams.

There is no uniform structure for online nursing graduate programs, but in many cases the instructive courses might be completed online, with any practicum components completed in person at an approved site.

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What Is The Average Nclex

For first-time candidates in Minnesota educated in the U.S., the average pass rate for 2020 was 83.8%. Graduates with an ADN averaged a pass rate of 80.3% and BSNs averaged a pass rate of 89.2%.

Rates for individual BSN programs in Minnesota ranged from 62.5-100%. For ADN nursing schools in Minnesota, the range extended from 47.83-97.35%. These figures do not include nursing programs in Minnesota that closed during 2020.

What Are The Most Affordable Nursing Degrees In Minnesota

The NCES database indicates that 19 nursing schools in Minnesota offered a BSN program in the last academic year. If you are looking for an affordable BSN program from a nursing school in Minnesota, the list below will get you started. It presents the most affordable BSN programs based on in-state tuition. Our data and information comes from college and university websites, the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System , the U.S. Department of Educations College Scorecard, and U.S. News and World Report.

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Best Minnesota Nursing Schools

The best Minnesota nursing schools offer prospective nurses the opportunity to earn degrees and become licensed as an LPN or RN. Those students who want to enter the field with a bachelor 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.

Program Certification And Accreditation

To that end, prospective nursing graduate students might check that any degree program they consider is accredited and recognized by their states licensing board. This is because national certification exams could require students to show evidence that they graduated from an accredited program to be eligible to take board exams.

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Msn Program Length In Minnesota

The length of an MSN program in the state is typically 2-3 years from start to finish. This can fluctuate based on the type of specialty chosen as well as the type of coursework schedule offered many schools offer part-time, online, or night courses to accommodate busy working nurses. Minnesota also offers a few MSN programs designed for those who already hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree. These intensive programs tend to last around 16 months.

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.

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Accredited Online Nursing Graduate Programs

Naturally, in addition to searching by type of program, you could do some other homework to see what features like faculty credentials, graduation rates, student services and technologies each online rn programs offers. Many online graduate nursing programs are available at regionally accredited institutions which means some of these issues could be addressed. But, you may also want to look a bit further into accreditation for individual programs.

What Is The Ccne

Individual online rn programs might be accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission and/or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education . The CCNE is linked with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing . Accreditation is a voluntary peer review that speaks to professional standards and keeps a school accountable through a renewal process.

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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 programs. 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.

Renewing Your Mn Nursing License

Initial licenses last for between six and 29 months, depending on the nurse’s birthday and registration date. After that, they must be renewed every two years, which can be done via the MBN’s online services. Reminder postcards are mailed to licensees three months before a license is set to expire. Email notifications are also sent if a current email address is on file. To renew their licenses, nurses must do one continuing education contact hour for every month of registration on their current license 24 contact hours in all for all non-initial renewals. Applicants do not need to submit any documentation for continuing education unless specifically asked to do so or in the case of an audit. The Board advises nurses to keep CE documentation for two years. The cost to renew is $85.

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Dnp And Phd Nursing Programs In Minnesota

• Must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, a current nursing license, and nursing experience
• Programs require 80 or more credits
• Online study options available in some specialties, but most programs require some in-person clinical work or research work
• Must be licensed by a nationally recognized certifying organization

Keep in mind that there is quite a bit of flexibility in nursing careers. If you start at the RN or BSN level, you may decide to advance your education with a Masters degree or PhD years down the line.

Within many of these degrees, you must choose an area of specialized study. For example, students earning an MSN with the goal of becoming nurse practitioners may choose to specialize in family care, gerontological care, psychiatric care, womens care, pediatric care, or psychiatric/mental health nursing.

At the LPN and BSN levels, clinical practice is the primary focus. Once you move beyond these degrees to graduate nursing programs in Minnesota, you may shift your focus to leadership and research while still building on your clinical experience.

Online Dnp Program Curriculum

Coursework in an online DNP program could vary based on specialization. However generally, programs could cover topics in evidence-based practice, population health, healthcare policy, and nursing best practices. Some schools also require a final project designed to address healthcare improvements via policy and practice.

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Which Online Graduate Nursing Degree Is Perfect For Me

Online nursing graduate programs are available at the certificate, masters and doctoral levels, with some offered in accelerated formats. To find one that may fit your needs, you could refine your list by nursing specialty or degree level to get started. Then, look for a program that could help further your education in a desired area, such as those listed below.

To find a program that may prepare you for future practice, you should check with your state board to find out about APRN requirements and what certification exams you need to prepare for. Then contact individual programs to learn how they might help you fulfill any requirements.

DID YOU KNOW? In states that recognize some or all the roles, APRNs must have a registered nursing license, complete an accredited graduate-level program, and pass a national certification exam.i

Online Nursing Certificate Curriculum

The coursework in a certificate reflects the content area. For instance, students who pursue a post-masters nurse practitioner certificate are presumed to have taken the core MSN courses. As a result, the certificate could entail about 18 credits of focused content. Students might take courses in advanced pharmacology, pathophysiology, assessment and specialty clinical courses. Contact schools for a full course list.

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Become Possible With Herzing University In Minneapolis

Choose a nursing school in Minnesota who exists to support your career success. Herzing University in Minneapolis offers career-focused nursing programs built to help you earn the education you need to thrive in your career as a nurse. Take the first step to becoming a brand new you.

Herzing University

Become a Nurse

Salary And Job Outlook For Nurses In Minnesota

The average annual RN salary in Minnesota is $80,960. Nurse practitioners in Minnesota earn an average annual salary of $120,860, considerably more than the national average of $110,680. Because the cost-of-living index is 99.6 , your salary stretches farther than other higher paying states.

Statistics indicate that the number of nursing jobs in Minnesota could grow by 12.4% between 2018 and 2028. However, from 2014-2030, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services projects a surplus of 3,100 nurses. Because there are 70,820 nurses currently working in Minnesota, this surplus is small by comparison.

St. Cloud, Mankato, Rochester, and Duluth are all medium-sized cities, while the Twin Cities region hosts a population of approximately 3.6 million people. Rochester is home to the famous Mayo Clinic, which employs 11,700 nurses alone.

All of these cities offer scenic settings for year-round outdoor recreation. Most regions in Minnesota are known for their midwestern friendliness and easy-going lifestyles.

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