Your Guide to the Best Online RN to BSN Programs in MN

In-Depth Review of Online RN to BSN Programs in Minnesota

Whether you want to work in a major hospital in Minneapolis or a local health center by the Canadian border, you’ll always find opportunities as an RN with a BSN in Minnesota. RN to BSN bridge programs help you avoid completing a full four-year degree when you’ve already had significant nursing experience.

Online and hybrid bridge programs are plentiful — in fact, Minnesota State University programs are exclusively online. Because RNs are generally already employed, online RN to BSNs are designed for completion alongside full-time employment. Plus online programs mean you don’t have to move. Any synchronous classes are typically in the evenings, and some programs are self-paced. You’ll also gain practical experience through projects and volunteer activities as part of your degree.

Student Resources: Answers to Common Questions

If you’re ready to start applying but still have some lingering questions, we have provided answers to the most commonly asked questions about RN to BSN programs below. Keep reading to get clarity on the pros and cons, the average timeline, and the affordability of these programs.

How will an RN to BSN program in Minnesota prepare me for more opportunities?

Your BSN will provide you with the knowledge and credentials to qualify for higher level nursing roles such as charge nurse or director of nursing. And you’ll be able to make the jump quickly because your prior nursing experience enables you to hit the ground running. You’ll already know many of the fundamentals of nursing and have completed related college-level courses, including microbiology, anatomy, and physiology.So once you enter the RN to BSN program, you’ll bypass introductory courses and go straight to more advanced science courses and specialized nursing courses, such as pediatric or geriatric nursing. In addition, you’ll gain practical experience through clinical or volunteer work in your community.

How long does it take to complete an RN to BSN program in Minnesota?

The length of time to graduate varies by program. Some RN to BSN programs in Minnesota can be completed in just a year — Augsburg University, Bemidji State University, and Winona State University all offer the opportunity to go from RN to BSN in about 12 months. However, other online RN to BSN programs in Minnesota are self-paced, meaning that the timeline to complete the program depends on your schedule and preferred pace of learning. For example, at Minnesota State University—Moorhead you can take one, two, or three courses per term during summer, fall, or spring.

How affordable are RN to BSN programs in Minnesota?

As with any form of higher education, RN to BSN programs in Minnesota can be expensive, with most costing several hundred dollars per credit. That said, some are more affordable than others. For example, tuition at Minnesota State University—Mankato is $355.45/credit, Metro State University is $358.08/credit, Augsburg University is $440/credit, and Minnesota State University—Moorhead is $634.29/credit. Some schools, such as Bemidji State University and Winona State University, offer banded tuition, meaning you pay the same price for 12 credits or 18 credits — a great advantage if you’re able to study full time. Your total cost for a program will generally add up to five figures. Depending on the program and your pace of learning, you may be able to spread this expense over several years. Scholarships, work-study programs, and tuition reimbursement can help you cut your costs or even graduate debt free.

Is there financial aid available to Minnesota RN to BSN students?

Nursing students in Minnesota may be eligible for various financial aid programs, including government-supported grants and loans and private funding opportunities. When applying to RN to BSN programs in Minnesota, complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online to qualify for government-subsidized loans and grants. In addition, you may be eligible for private aid, including scholarships specific to nursing students in your state. There are also scholarships available for graduates of particular high schools, members of minority groups, members of clubs or organizations, and more, so be sure to do your research when applying for financial aid.

In Minnesota, what should I look for in a quality RN to BSN program?

Whether you’re pursuing an online, hybrid, or in-person RN to BSN program in Minnesota, you’ll want to ensure that the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing or the CCNE has accredited your program. This accreditation ensures that your qualifications are legitimate and will be recognized when you apply for jobs. You should also ensure that the program is approved by the Minnesota Board of Nursing, which will grant your license to practice nursing after graduation. Finally, check the program’s NCLEX-RN pass rates — higher pass rates mean the program is more likely to be of outstanding quality.

RN to BSN Salary and Career Path

While all levels of nursing can lead to a rewarding career, going from an RN to a BSN significantly improves your job and salary prospects. While RNs in Minnesota make an average salary of $94,830 per year, Minnesota nurses with a BSN earn within the 75th to 90th salary percentiles in their field. Depending on where you work, nurses with a BSN can make anywhere from $104,450 to $120,420 per year in Minnesota, which is a $10,000 to $20,000 pay increase. A BSN qualifies you for higher-level roles as managers, charge nurses, and even directors of nursing. Consider this: if you work as a BSN nurse for 30 years, over your career you’ll bring home an additional $600,000 more than if you stayed an RN.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nursing is growing at a rate of six percent nationally — about as fast as average. However, Minnesota is a particularly strong state for the nursing profession, with some of the most nurses and nursing jobs per capita, making it an excellent location for BSN-credentialed nurses.

Top Picks: Online RN to BSN Bridge Programs in Minnesota

Based on data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), we have created a list of the best online RN to BSN bridge programs that Minnesota has to offer. Schools in these rankings must be accredited by the U.S. Department of Education, offer at least one online component, and offer academic counseling and career placement services. Because of their convenience and affordability, online programs are weighted the most heavily, with factors such as the percentage of students participating in online learning, tuition, completion rates, amount of grant aid awarded, and student to faculty ratio driving the rankings. The goal is to provide a scientifically based selection of schools that should be at the top of your list.