LPN to RN Online Programs in MN: Top Degrees & Essential Info
If you are looking to advance your nursing career by becoming a registered nurse (RN), Minnesota offers multiple convenient online LPN to RN bridge programs. Use EduMed’s guide to learn more about how these programs are structured, how much they will cost, and how much time they will take to complete. The goal of this article is to help you find the ideal program by giving you criteria to judge these programs by. The profile and rankings sections will provide examples of accredited Minnesota programs, that you can use as jumping off points in your own research.
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A Breakdown of Online LPN to RN Programs in MN
Online LPN to RN programs in Minnesota provides a flexible pathway for LPNs to advance their careers. Due to the nature of nursing, however, you will not be able to find a fully online program because state licensing requires in-person experience.
The good new is, there are programs with at least part of the curriculum in an online format. Courses like anatomy, chemistry, and professional nursing theory can be completed through online learning software.
Features of online LPN to RN bridge programs:
- Designed for working professionals: some permit you to complete your clinical hours at your current work facility
- Hybrid formats: allow you to take part of your coursework online and part in person (labs and clinicals)
- Asynchronous structure: allow you to complete course activities at anytime (rather than on a set schedule); this may include watching pre-recorded lectures
Below we have profiled three accredited hybrid LPN to RN programs in Minnesota to give you a better understanding of the curriculum and cost of these types of programs.
Minnesota State Community and Technical College
Minnesota State Community and Technical College offers an LPN to ADN bridge program designed to train LPNs in evidenced-based practices and clinical reasoning skills so that they can deliver the high-quality patient care. After graduating, you’ll be able to pursue an RN job at a variety of Minnesota’s healthcare facilities, including hospitals, long-term care centers, and private practices.
The program offers a broad curriculum, with topics in nutrition, restorative nursing, nursing leadership, and mental health nursing, among other subjects.
There is even an LPN to RN transition class that will help prepare you for your new career by familiarizing you with the day-to-day duties of registered nurses, including creating individualized plans for nursing care and overseeing the duties of LPNs and certified nursing assistants (CNAs).
Duration: Two years
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $200 per credit hour (residency dependent)
Admissions Requirements:
- LPN license
- Completion of prerequisite courses
- A minimum GPA (usually around 2.5-3.0)
- Clinical work experience as an LPN
- Official transcripts
- Criminal background check
- Immunization records
Curriculum:
- Advanced Health Assessment
- Nursing Pharmacology
- Medical-Surgical Nursing
- Maternal and Child Health Nursing
- Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing
- Leadership and Management in Nursing
- Community Health Nursing
Northwest Technical College
Northwest Technical College offers a quality LPN Step-In program that results in an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) degree. Students take the necessary courses for RN licensure covering topics like anatomy, family nursing, and nursing for older adults.
While most lectures can be completed online, students may have to come to campus for labs. Students will have to complete clinical experience hours in-person at an approved facility.
Duration: Two years
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $200–$220 per credit hour (residency dependent)
Admissions Requirements:
- LPN license
- Completion of prerequisite courses
- Minimum GPA of 2.75 in prerequisite coursework
- At least one year of clinical work experience as an LPN
- Official transcripts
- Criminal background check
- Immunization records
Curriculum:
- Advanced Concepts in Patient Care and Assessment
- Pharmacology
- Nursing Leadership
- Maternal-Newborn Nursing
- Psychosocial Nursing
- Community Health Nursing
Minneapolis College
Minneapolis College’s Advanced Standing LPN to RN program, boasts an impressive NCLEX-RN pass rate of 96.43%, a cutting-edge nursing lab with simulations, as well as seasoned nursing education professionals who have worked as nurse practitioners and advanced practice nurses.
The school also has strong standing in the local community, so you’ll have the opportunity to participate in quality clinical experiences at some of the biggest health care centers in the state.
After you’ve completed your coursework, you may be able to receive hands-on training from locations like Children’s Minnesota and the HealthEast Care System.
Duration: Two years
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $212 per credit hour
Admissions Requirements:
- LPN license
- Completion of the pre-requisite anatomy course with a “B” or higher
- Completion of pre-nursing program coursework at Minneapolis College
- Official transcripts showing grades of at least “C” in all prior LPN courses
- ATI TEAS exam scores
Curriculum:
- Nursing Transitions
- Wellness-Illness Concepts Across the Lifespan
- Concepts of Health Assessment
- Complex Health Concepts
- Synthesis of Health Concepts in Nursing
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Answering FAQs From Prospective LPN to RN Students in Minnesota
Before beginning an LPN to RN program in Minnesota, you’ll want to have as much information as possible to make an informed decision that aligns with your lifestyle and career timeline. To help you answer any lingering questions, we have compiled the five most asked questions by prospective students like you.
What should I look for in an LPN to RN program in Minnesota?
You’ll want to make sure your LPN to RN program has programmatic accreditation because you will not be eligible for licensure if this isn’t the case. Accreditation ensures that you are enrolling in a quality program that meets the standards set by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and/or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
Ultimately, the right LPN to RN program for you will depend on a variety of factors. To find your ideal program, ask yourself these questions:
- Is there a certain type of clinical experience I want to participate in?
- What is my budget?
- Do I learn best in a traditional environment, or can I handle an online program?
Expert Insight
If you plan to work as an LPN throughout your schooling, consider programs offering part-time enrollment, flexible course schedules, and mostly online components. The last thing you want is a conflict in your school and work schedule. Also, have a sit down with your manager to discuss your priorities. A supportive employer is a must.
What are the licensing requirements for the LPN to RN program in Minnesota?
The only licensing requirement for admission to an LPN to RN program in Minnesota is holding an active LPN license. But to become an RN after graduation, you’ll need to meet certain state requirements to obtain an RN license, including:
- Submitting an application to the Minnesota Board of Nursing.
- Undergoing a criminal background check and fingerprinting
- Passing the NCLEX-RN exam
Once approved, you will receive an RN license and will be eligible to practice as a registered nurse in Minnesota. After two years, you will need to renew your RN license by completing 24 hours of continuing education courses.
What clinical opportunities are available for the LPN to RN program in Minnesota?
In Minnesota, the LPN to RN program arranges clinical opportunities through the college, typically held at local healthcare facilities such as hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and community health settings. Some schools even allow you to complete clinicals at your current place of employment.
These hands-on experiences enable students to apply their classroom knowledge in real-world environments while working under the supervision of licensed RNs. Clinical rotations cover various specialties, including:
- Medical-surgical nursing
- Maternal and child health
- Psychiatric nursing
- Community health
What academic advising and career counseling is available for the LPN to RN program in Minnesota?
In Minnesota, academic advising and career counseling for LPN to RN students are offered in most nursing programs to help guide students through their educational journey. Services include:
- Academic advising: assistance with course selection, program requirements, and academic progress
- Career counseling: support with resume writing, job search, interview preparation, and exploring nursing specialties
Some colleges also offer networking opportunities with healthcare employers, internships, and job fairs to help students transition successfully into their RN careers.
Where can I get financial aid assistance for the LPN to RN program in Minnesota?
In Minnesota, students seeking financial aid for the LPN to RN program can obtain assistance from their college’s financial aid office. This office provides guidance on available scholarships, grants, work-study opportunities, and federal student loans.
Additionally, students can explore state-specific programs, such as the Minnesota State Grant, as well as nursing-specific scholarships. Resources may also be available through the Minnesota Office of Higher Education and organizations like the Minnesota Nurses Association.
It is recommended that students complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to access a variety of financial aid options.
Minnesota LPN vs. RN Salary & Career Comparison
Now that you know what to expect from LPN-to-RN programs, let’s take a look at what you can expect after graduation. In Minnesota, 90th percentile LPNs earn $69,090, while 10th percentile RNs make $73,050. This means entry-level RNs out-earn even the most experienced and specialized LPNs. Meanwhile, 90th percentile RNs earn $120,420 per year.
Minnesota shows a 5.3% growth rate for RNs, which aligns closely with the national rate of 5.6%. Meanwhile, the growth rate for LPNs is 3.6%, which lags behind the national average of 5.3%.
There are also more jobs for RNs to begin with; there are 4,120 annual RN openings, compared to 1,150 openings for LPNs. This means that RN roles are expanding more quickly and offer greater job security in addition to higher pay.
Explore the tables below to see what the future holds for RNs in Minnesota.
| Occupation | Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | Minnesota | $48,820 | $58,870 | $69,090 |
| Registered Nurses | Minnesota | $73,050 | $97,300 | $120,420 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Occupation | Area | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % | Avg. Ann. Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurses | United States | 3,172,500 | 3,349,900 | 177,400 | 5.60% | 193,100 |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | United States | 655,000 | 689,900 | 34,900 | 5.30% | 54,400 |
| Registered Nurses | Minnesota | 68,040 | 71,630 | 3,590 | 5.30% | 4,120 |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | Minnesota | 14,340 | 14,850 | 510 | 3.60% | 1,150 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
The Top Online LPN to RN Bridge Programs in Minnesota
The increasing popularity of online LPN to RN programs can make selecting a program overwhelming. How do you know which one is right for you? Which one provides quality and flexibility for a reasonable price?
At EduMed, we use data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), the U.S. Department of Education, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and universities themselves to rank LPN to RN programs. Our data scientists evaluate schools and programs on the following metrics:
- Classroom size
- Percentage of each program that is held online
- Amount of financial aid available
- Resources each institution offers its students
Use our rankings to simplify your search for the right LPN to RN program.
