Minnesota’s Top-Rated Nursing Schools and Programs of 2024
If you’re considering becoming a nurse in Minnesota, now is the best time. The national growth rate of registered nurses is 6% between 2021-2031. Minnesota projects a 7% growth rate for registered nurses (RNs) between 2020-2030, which is 4,320 RN job openings annually. This means there will be plenty of RN jobs to choose from.
U.S. News and World Report ranked Minnesota the fifth best place to live. Its cold winters make it a perfect state to enjoy ice hockey, cross-country and downhill skiing, ice fishing, and other winter sports. While the winters may be cold, the summers are beautiful with warm temps, plenty of sunshine, and many activities like hiking, biking, swimming, kayaking, and much more. Nicknamed “Land of 10,000 Lakes,” Minnesota has many lakes that flow into the Hudson Bay, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Gulf of Mexico.
Sports enthusiasts will enjoy the multiple major sports teams that Minnesota is home to. The Vikings, Twins, Wild, Timberwolves, and Lynx, are all based in Minnesota and have stadiums in the Twin Cities area for fans to watch the games.
The cost of living in Minnesota is affordable when compared to other states. Minnesota has plenty of job opportunities, and the unemployment rate is lower than the national average.
The Mayo Clinic, a nonprofit healthcare organization, has its headquarters in Rochester, MN, and is one of the state’s top employers. Other major industries in Minnesota include manufacturing and retail trade, with Fortune 500 companies like United Health Group, Target, and General Mills. Ranking 21 for healthcare access, 25 for healthcare quality, and eight for public health means Minnesota residents can receive quality care when they need it. These qualities combined make Minnesota a great place to work as an RN.
The Best Nursing Schools in Minnesota
Learn more about the best nursing schools in Minnesota to help determine which college may be best for you.
Our site has ranked the best nursing schools in Minnesota based on the NCLEX-RN pass rates posted on the Minnesota Board of Nursing website. The schools are categorized into Associate Degree Nursing programs (ADN) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs.
ADN Programs:
#1 Minnesota ADN Nursing Program
Normandale Community College
Normandale Community College is a public community college in Bloomington, MN. They offer an affordable Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) degree program comprising 64 credits that can be completed in four semesters when attending full-time. Their curriculum is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of key nursing concepts while also addressing the changing healthcare environment. Students are given opportunities to learn in the classroom, skills labs, SIM labs, and clinical experiences in various healthcare settings.
Average Tuition
In-State: $5,789
Out-of-State: $5,789
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$5,789 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$5,789 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
96.67% |
| Program Completion Rate 2021 |
Not given |
| Job Placement 2022 |
Not given |
| Students Enrolled |
8,842 |
| Institution Type |
Public Community College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
37% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) |
#2 Minnesota ADN Nursing Program
Pine Technical and Community College
Pine Technical and Community College is a public community college in Pine City, MN. They offer a nursing mobility program for licensed practical nurses (LPNs) who want to pursue an Associate of Science (AS) degree in nursing. Upon completing the program, students can take the National Council Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to obtain their nursing license.
Average Tuition
In-State: $4,489
Out-of-State: $8,526
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$4,489 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$8,526 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
96.43% |
| Program Completion Rate |
Not given |
| Job Placement |
Not given |
| Students Enrolled |
1,766 |
| Institution Type |
Public Community College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA) |
#3 Minnesota ADN Nursing Program
St. Cloud Technical & Community College
St. Cloud Technical and Community College is a public college located in St. Cloud, MN. They offer an ADN program with state-of-the-art academic lectures, labs, and clinical opportunities where students can acquire the knowledge, skills, and core qualities to become excellent registered nurses. Students get hands-on learning through simulation labs and clinical rotations that prepare them for real-world challenges. Upon graduation, graduates are prepared for entry-level nursing positions.
Average Tuition
In-State: $5,874
Out-of-State: $9,024
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$5,874 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$9,024 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2021 |
95.56% |
| Program Completion Rate 2021-2022 |
Not given |
| Job Placement 2019 |
Not given |
| Students Enrolled |
3,931 |
| Institution Type |
Public Community College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the NLN CNEA |
BSN Programs:
#1 Minnesota BSN Nursing Program
Crown College
Crown College is a private Christian college in St. Bonifacius, MN. They offer a BSN program that reflects the college’s commitment to academic excellence by preparing highly-qualified nursing professionals to serve patients in various healthcare settings. Students have opportunities for hands-on learning with their new high-fidelity simulator, which will help prepare them for entry-level nursing practice with real-life scenarios that promote positive patient outcomes. In addition, they will also have clinical rotations throughout the program in a variety of healthcare settings.
Average Tuition
In-State: $29,240
Out-of-State: $29,240
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$29,240 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$29,240 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
100% |
| Admission Rate |
65.1% |
| Retention Rate |
73% |
| Students Enrolled |
1,476 |
| Institution Type |
Private University |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
63% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) |
#2 Minnesota BSN Nursing Program
Bethany Lutheran College
Bethany Lutheran College is a private Christian liberal arts college in Mankato, MN. They offer a BSN program that prepares students to use the nursing process and an inter-professional approach to provide patient-centered care across the lifespan. Students will have opportunities to learn in the classroom, the nursing applied learning laboratory, and clinical settings to get hands-on learning.
Average Tuition
In-State: $29,010
Out-of-State: $29,010
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$29,010 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$29,010 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
100% |
| Admission Rate |
61.5% |
| Retention Rate |
73% |
| Students Enrolled |
798 |
| Institution Type |
Private University |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
37% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the CCNE |
#3 Minnesota BSN Nursing Program
St. Cloud State University
St. Cloud State University is a public university located in St. Cloud, MN. They offer a traditional BSN program or an RN to BSN program. Students in their program learn how to promote wellness, advocate for patients and health programs, and develop critical thinking skills to address the changing needs of patients and communities. Their program provides hands-on learning opportunities through their human patient simulation lab, clinical rotations, and senior capstone experience.
Average Tuition
In-State: $10,117
Out-of-State: $20,001
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$10,117 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$20,001 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
97.18% |
| Admission Rate |
94% |
| Retention Rate |
62% |
| Students Enrolled |
10,774 |
| Institution Type |
Public University |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
51% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the CCNE |
How to Choose a Nursing Program in Minnesota
When choosing a nursing program in Minnesota, you will want to look at the NCLEX-RN pass rates, admission and retention rates, and job placement rates. Programs with a high NCLEX-RN pass rate provide their students with the tools and support to succeed and prepare them well to be RNs. You may also want to consider the cost of the program and scholarship opportunities, as a BSN program usually takes longer to complete. However, most ADN programs require you to meet your general education requirements before entering the program, so make sure you know what is required before entering the program.
Accreditation is important when choosing a nursing program. Some schools may transfer credits earned while receiving your RN, and some employers may only hire nurses who have completed their degrees through an accredited program. Currently, 25 ADN and 23 BSN programs in Minnesota are fully accredited.
Why Become a Nurse in Minnesota.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 6% growth in nursing employment nationwide, and Minnesota estimates a nursing growth of 7% from 2020-2030. This means there will be plenty of jobs to choose from.
US News ranks Minnesota as the fifth-best state in the nation to live and 15th overall for healthcare. Minnesota is also home to the Mayo Clinic headquarters, which is a nonprofit health organization and among the state’s top employers.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that RNs in Minnesota earn an average annual salary of $88,860, which is just below the national average.
Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Minnesota
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average mean wage for an RN in Minnesota is $88,860, and it employs 63,800 nurses. Minnesota also employs 5,300 advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who earn a median annual wage of $128,160.
The projected nationwide employment growth rate for registered nurses between 2021 and 2031 is 6%, with an anticipated 203,200 yearly job openings. Many of these job openings are expected due to workers retiring or transferring to different occupations.
| Top Paying Cities in Minnesota for RNs |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI |
$92,190 |
| St. Cloud, MN |
$91,440 |
| Rochester, MN |
$90,060 |
Citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, at https://data.bls.gov/oes/#/home (visited February 25, 2022).
Steps to Becoming a Nurse in Minnesota
To become an RN and advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), candidates must complete a program approved by the Minnesota Board of Nursing. Upon completing an approved nursing program, candidates must pass the NCLEX-RN exam.
After gaining experience as an RN, some nurses return to school to obtain their APRN.
After you have completed an APRN program, you will need to take the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) exam or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) exam.
Maintaining your nursing license requires meeting specific requirements. To become a nurse in Minnesota, you must complete the following requirements:
RN Requirements
These are the steps to take to become an RN in Minnesota:
- Enroll in an Associate Degree in Nursing Program (ADN) OR a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program (BSN).
- An ADN program usually takes two years, while a BSN program usually takes four years to complete. Courses can be taken in person or online. However, both programs may offer a part-time track that will take longer.
- After completing your chosen nursing program, you will be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam. In addition, you must submit your transcripts, proof of graduation, proof of primary residence, and complete a fingerprint and criminal background check to the state board of nursing to receive your license.
- Once you have been issued your first Minnesota RN license, you must renew it every two years. Your MN RN license expires on the last day of your birth month. Before renewal, RNs must complete 24 hours of continuing education.
APRN Requirements
These are the steps to become an APRN in Minnesota:
- Candidates must hold an active RN license to practice in Minnesota. ·RNs must have earned their BSN before entering an APRN program.
- RNs must enter an accredited nursing program to earn their Master of Science in Nursing or Doctor of Nursing Practice.
- Once an APRN program has successfully been completed, you will be required to pass the certification exam and hold and maintain current certification as a nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, or nurse anesthetist from one of the following national organizations:
- American Nurses Credentialing Center
- National Certification Corporation for the Obstetric
- Gynecologic
- Neonatal Nursing Specialties
- Pediatric Nursing Certification Board
- American Association of Nurse Anesthetists
- American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
- Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation
- American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
- APRNs must renew their license every two years and complete 24 hours of continuing education. Your APRN license will expire on the last day of your birth month.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in Minnesota
Is Minnesota a good place for nurses to work?
Minnesota is a great place to work. It has a predicted growth rate of 7%, meaning there will be plenty of RN jobs to choose from. It was ranked the fifth-best state in the nation to live and 15th for overall healthcare.
Is Minnesota a compact state for nursing?
Yes. Minnesota passed legislation to become a compact state but has not yet enacted it. Until this is enacted, nurses who wish to practice in Minnesota must apply for a Minnesota RN license on the Minnesota Board of Nursing website.
What are the requirements for RNs in Minnesota?
After completing an accredited nursing program, you must successfully pass the NCLEX-RN exam. Once you have been issued your Minnesota RN license, you must renew it every two years. Before renewal, you must complete 24 hours of continuing education.
How much does a Minnesota RN license cost?
A Minnesota RN application for licensure by examination or endorsement is $105.
Renewing your Minnesota RN license costs $85.
