Online Minnesota LPN to RN Programs: What You Need to Know

According to the Minnesota Board of Nursing’s Annual Licensure Report there were 19,105 LPNs with an active license in 2022. If you’re among these professionals, you know how essential the role you play in healthcare and providing the basic care for patients is. Regardless, you may want to stretch your wings and increase your knowledge and skills so you can take on more responsibilities at work. Becoming one of Minnesota’s 122,247 registered nurses is an excellent way to do just that.

If you’re interested in advancing in your career, online LPN to RN programs in Minnesota can help. These programs build on your existing nursing knowledge by taking the concepts you’re already familiar with and giving you the advanced knowledge you need to perform the duties of registered nurses. In addition, you’ll learn concepts you’re probably not familiar with, so you’ll be prepared to work independently on more complex tasks.

To learn more about LPN to RN degree programs in Minnesota online, continue reading this page. You’ll learn about top programs in the state and what you can expect after graduation.

A Look at Popular LPN-RN Bridge Programs in Minnesota

When you trained to become an LPN, you didn’t trust just any school to give you the education you needed. You went to the school that was right for your needs. Choosing an LPN-RN bridge program in Minnesota is no different. That’s why we have vetted schools around the state so you can find the one that’s right for you by seeing what popular programs have to offer.

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What You’ll Learn in LPN to RN Programs in Minnesota

An online LPN to RN program in MN is specifically tailored to the needs of licensed practical nurses. Since you already have experience in the nursing field but you haven’t studied some of the more advanced concepts that RNs are required to know, these programs are designed to build on your existing foundation instead of starting from scratch. For example, although you’re already an integral part of any nursing team you work with, you’ll learn the specific teamwork skills expected of registered nurses, from open communication to shared decision-making.

Since you’ll be providing a higher level of care after graduating, you’ll also be trained on nursing judgment skills that will help you when performing duties such as administering medication, taking patient assessments, and creating a care plan with evidence-based concepts in mind.

To find out the specific courses you’ll take to obtain these skills and prepare for more responsibilities on the job, review the class descriptions below.

Common Courses

What to Expect From Different LPN-RN Program Deliveries

Although you’ve received nurse training in the past, it’s still a good idea to know what to expect when you enroll in an LPN to RN Minnesota school. We explain the different types of program delivery available below so you can choose the type that’s right for you.

Hybrid

Hybrid programs give you the best of both worlds because they don’t require you to travel to campus on a regular basis, but they also don’t require you to do everything completely on your own, without any face-to-face interactions. For example, even though you can take classes online, you may also benefit from face-to-face seminars, which give you a chance to connect with your classmates and professors. Other on-campus activities may include simulations, labs, and assessments.

Online

Online LPN to RN programs in Minnesota provide you the maximum flexibility, which is great news if you’re not in the position to stop working as you pursue your education. And you don’t have to worry about quality because online programs follow the same curriculum as their on-campus counterparts. You’ll still take the same courses, and you’ll be able to participate in simulations online.

In-Person

If you need flexibility, an in-person program may not be a good choice. However, if face-to-face interactions are more important to you, then an in-person LPN to RN program in Minnesota is the perfect fit. You’ll be able to learn together with classmates and receive immediate feedback from professors. In addition to required courses, the program’s simulations and labs provide further support you wouldn’t necessarily receive in an online program.

Answering Your Questions About LPN-RN Programs in Minnesota

Starting an LPN to RN in Minnesota is a big decision. You want to make sure you have as much information as possible. You may still have some questions about these programs–get the answers you need below.

How long are LPN-RN bridge programs?

Every school is different, so the time it takes to complete an LPN to RN Minnesota program varies. In general, you can complete this degree in about one to two years, For example, both Minnesota State Community and Technical College and Anoka Ramsey Community College’s bridge programs can be completed in two years.

What are the admission requirements for LPN to RN programs in Minnesota?

In order to be accepted into LPN to RN online programs in Minnesota, schools generally expect you to have an active LPN license, along with other school-specific requirements. Applicants to Minneapolis College, for example, should have at least a 70% on the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) exam and at least a C grade in the English and biology prerequisites, while Herzing University’s enrollment requirements are based primarily on your cumulative GPA.

What is the cost for LPN to RN programs?

The cost for LPN to RN programs in Minnesota depends on several factors, including whether you are enrolling as a state resident or an out-of-state student, and whether your school is public or private. In some cases, schools may charge a lump sum tuition rate for a semester, year, or even an entire program. In other cases, students may be charged by each credit hour. For example, Northwest Technical College charges $208.95 per credit.

What should I look for in an LPN to RN program in Minnesota?

Think about your needs before you start looking for schools. Is there a certain type of clinical experience you want to participate in? Is there a certain price point that’s too high for you? Do you want to enroll in a traditional program, rather than an online one? You’ll also want to check for accreditation. Accreditation provides the seal of approval you need to know you’re receiving a quality education culminating in an RN license.

Salary and Career Outlook for LPNs vs RNs in Minnesota

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.