Best Online Nursing Schools in Minnesota (MN)
Learn about the top nursing schools in Minnesota, including those with convenient online programs, and see which one best meets your needs.
Whether you’re a high school graduate interested in starting your RN career or an experienced nurse looking to move up the ranks for more pay and responsibilities, Minnesota has many quality nursing programs to meet your needs. This guide breaks down the various nursing degrees Minnesota has to offer and highlights schools that stand out in terms of affordability, flexibility, academics, student support, and other criteria. It also reviews the process for securing your RN license and provides a list of essential resources for Minnesota-based nurses. Keep reading to learn more about top schools in Minnesota and find the one that best fits your individual needs.
Winona State University
Winona, Minnesota
Public
Minnesota State University Moorhead
Moorhead, Minnesota
Public
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Public
St Catherine University
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Private
Minnesota State University-Mankato
Mankato, Minnesota
Public
Bemidji State University
Bemidji, Minnesota
Public
Southwest Minnesota State University
Marshall, Minnesota
Public
Northwest Technical College
Bemidji, Minnesota
Public
Minnesota West Community and Technical College
Granite Falls, Minnesota
Public
Types of Nursing Programs Available in Minnesota
Nursing schools in Minnesota provide academic and technical training at every level, from ADN to graduate programs. We’ve highlighted the most popular nursing options currently available in the state below and given examples of quality schools offering them.
Pre-Licensure Nursing Programs in Minnesota
ADN Programs
Designed for individuals seeking nursing licensure, these programs are traditionally offered at community and technical colleges. They are popular options for students not wanting a four-year undergraduate commitment. Full-time students usually complete ADN programs in about two years.
Examples of Minnesota Nursing Schools with this Program
Traditional BSN Programs
A traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing leads to nursing licensure and takes full-time students four years to complete. Offering expanded career options and earning potential, a BSN is often prized by employers because of its rigorous and in-depth curriculum.
Examples of Minnesota Nursing Schools with this Program
Accelerated BSN Programs
An accelerated BSN is a practical option for individuals with unrelated bachelor’s degrees who want to pursue nursing careers. Having already completed general education requirements, accelerated BSN students focus entirely on nursing-related requirements to finish their degrees in just 18 months.
Examples of Minnesota Nursing Schools with this Program
Nursing Bridge Programs in Minnesota for Current Nurses
LPN to RN and LPN to BSN Programs
LPN to RN and LPN to BSN programs offer a clear academic path towards RN licensure. An LPN to RN program usually takes 18-24 months to complete while an LPN to BSN track typically takes 3-4 years.
Examples of Minnesota Nursing Schools with this Program
RN to BSN Programs
Accelerated RN to BSN programs offer working RNs a convenient path to complete their bachelor’s degrees. These programs build upon prior coursework and focus on augmenting nursing knowledge and clinical skills. These degrees traditionally take about two years to complete and are often offered online, including some programs in Minnesota.
Examples of Minnesota Nursing Schools with this Program
RN to MSN Programs
An RN to MSN bridge program offers working RNs with ADNs the opportunity to earn master’s degrees in a shorter amount of time. Bridge programs are both online and in-person and usually take between 30-36 months.
Examples of Minnesota Nursing Schools with this Program
Advanced Nursing Programs in Minnesota
MSN Programs
MSN programs are available for both working nurses with BSNs and students holding unrelated bachelor’s degrees. Students complete various core requirements and often specialize in areas like nursing leadership, informatics, and other areas of clinical practice. Depending on prior academic experience, this degree takes between two and three years.
Examples of Minnesota Nursing Schools with This Program
DNP and PhD Doctoral Programs
A DNP degree further hones clinical skills and leads to various nursing leadership positions. For students interested in research and teaching at the collegiate level, a PhD focuses on the skills needed to transition into an academic setting. Depending on previous academic experience, these degrees take three to six years to complete.
Examples of Minnesota Nursing Schools with This Program
Post-Graduate Certificates
For working RNs holding MSN degrees, post-graduate certificates give expert knowledge in specific areas of the nursing field. Students access post-graduate certificate programs both online and on-campus, tackling specialization areas like nursing management, gerontology, and nurse education.
Examples of Minnesota Nursing Schools with This Program
A Look at Online Nursing Programs in Minnesota
Online nursing programs in Minnesota have become popular in recent years, especially for working students. Keep in mind, however, that while certain programs offer online components, you’ll still meet any clinical requirements in person. At the same time, there are many programs fully online with clinical requirements met through your current nursing job. Online programs boast flexibility, but the coursework requires self-discipline, commitment, and time management. Some students struggle with these on their own and thrive better within in-person settings.
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 school’s 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.
How to Become an RN in Minnesota: Licensing Information and Requirements
You must attend a program approved by the Minnesota Board of Nursing to become an RN in Minnesota. Approved programs offer you the academic and clinical skills needed to secure your nursing license and provide competent and compassionate care. RN licensing information and requirements vary among states, so we’ve highlighted the steps you’ll need to take to secure your RN license in Minnesota.
Complete Your Degree
Whether you’re attending an ADN or BSN program, it needs to be a board-approved nursing program. During your last semester, you can begin the process of securing your RN licensure through Minnesota’s Board of Nursing.
Submit Application and Fees
Your application needs to be complete and correct since any omissions or mistakes can delay the licensure process. Submit your application before you sit for the NCLEX-RN exam. This process also includes a criminal background check.
Register and Schedule Your Exam
Pearson Vue administers NCLEX-RN exams nationwide, and you’ll need to register and pay all associated fees to schedule your exam. Upon receipt of payment, Pearson Vue will send you an Authorization to Test (ATT). Once received, you can schedule your test. Your ATT is valid for 90 days. If the test isn’t taken during that time, you’ll need to restart the process from Step 2.
Prepare and Take Your Exam
While many programs assist with NCLEX test prep, taking the time to study independently can help ensure you pass on the first attempt. Various test prep options are available online, and studying with your cohort may also be beneficial. Once you pass the NCELX-RN exam, expect to receive your RN license in the mail in approximately ten business days.
Renew Your License
Once you receive your Minnesota RN license, you’ll need to renew it every two years. In addition to completing a renewal application, RNs in Minnesota must complete at least 24 contact hours of continuing education.
Salary and Career Outlook for RNs in Minnesota
Minnesota offers Registered Nurses (RNs) some of the highest earning opportunities in the Midwest. Statewide, the median salary for RNs is $97,300, with experienced professionals earning up to $120,420 annually. The Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington metro area leads with a median salary of $100,800, while Rochester closely follows with medians of $97,300 and high-end salaries of $119,290. Even smaller regions like Mankato-North Mankato and St. Cloud provide impressive earning potential, with median salaries near or exceeding $99,000, reflecting strong demand for skilled nurses across the state.
Minnesota’s nursing workforce is expected to grow by 5.3% by 2030, adding 3,590 new RN positions for a total of 71,630 jobs. With an average of 4,120 annual openings driven by retirements and expansion, Minnesota’s healthcare sector offers both stability and room for career advancement. Whether you’re drawn to bustling urban centers or smaller, tight-knit communities, Minnesota provides a rewarding environment for RNs. Explore the data below to learn more about your career opportunities.
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | $73,050 | $97,300 | $120,420 |
| Duluth, MN-WI | $65,340 | $79,050 | $100,410 |
| Mankato-North Mankato, MN | $75,990 | $99,010 | $118,380 |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $76,560 | $100,800 | $123,850 |
| Rochester, MN | $80,250 | $97,300 | $119,290 |
| St. Cloud, MN | $72,180 | $99,860 | $107,670 |
Source: Registered Nurses, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % | Avg. Ann. Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 3,172,500 | 3,349,900 | 177,400 | 5.60% | 193,100 |
| Minnesota | 68,040 | 71,630 | 3,590 | 5.30% | 4,120 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
