Nursing Schools in Minnesota

Nurses are primarily responsible for taking care of patients and educating them and their family about medical treatments and procedures.  

How To Become A Nurse In Minnesota?
There is no one way of becoming a nurse in the state. The requirements usually vary depending on your current level of education and the type of nurse you want to become.

Nursing Programs
You can choose from among the following nursing programs in Minnesota

Entry Level Programs

• LPN Programs
• ASN Programs
• BSN Programs
• Direct Entry MSN

Graduate Programs

• MSN
• PHD in Nursing
• Nurse Practitioner Program            

Transition Programs

• LPN to RN
• RN to BSN

Financing Opportunities In Minnesota
To help you with the cost of your nursing degree, there are a number of scholarship and grant options that you may be eligible for. These include:

• Minnesota State Loan Repayment Program
• Minnesota Nurse Loan Forgiveness Program
• Rural Mid-Level Practitioner Loan Forgiveness Program

You should check the details for each scholarship. They vary in amount and have several conditions attached to them.

Licensure Requirements:
Although Minnesota is not a 'Nursing Licensure Compact' state, it allows border state recognition. If you've received your license from a licensing authority in the bordering state (Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota or Wisconsin) you'll be allowed to practice in Minnesota without a state license. However you should not have disciplinary sanctions on your license in the bordering state. Whether you are a LPN or a RN, you'll be licensed by Minnesota Board of Nursing.  To help simplify the process for you, we've listed the steps below:

LPN

• Successfully complete an approved program in practical nursing
• Submit an application to Minnesota Board and prove that you meet educational requirements

• Register for National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX)
• You'll receive an ATT(Authorization to Test) allowing you to schedule your exam

• If you do not pass the exam in the first attempt, you'll be eligible to a re-take after the payment of a re-examination fee.
• You'll be allowed to join Minnesota Licensed Practical Nurses Association

RN

• Complete an approved professional nursing program and get proof of completion from the respective school official
• Apply to Minnesota board for taking the licensed exam i.e. National Council Licensure NCLEX
• You'll receive an ATT that will allow you to schedule your exam
• If you pass your exam, you'll receive the license in around 10 days. If you don't, you might be eligible for a re-take.
• You may join Minnesota Organization of Registered Nurses

For your license to be renewed every two years, you'll have to complete twenty four contact hours of board approved continuing education.

Employment Outlook:
Nurses are typically employed in industries like

• General Medical and Surgical Hospitals
• Continuing Care Retirement Communities
• Home Health Care Services
• Assisted Living Facilities for the Elderly
• Offices of Physicians

Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that in May 2012, LPNs in the state earned an annual wage of $40,620 whereas RNs could make $70,780 per year.