Minnesota LPN Programs

Directory of state-approved LPN training classes

LPNs play a vital role in health care. They deliver direct patient care and support doctors or supervising nurses on a team.

To begin, you need a high school diploma or equivalent to enter an LPN certification program. Next, you must pass a criminal background check. Most importantly, you must pass the NCLEX-PN, the LPN certification exam. Many applicants take prep courses to get ready for this test.

In addition, you must show you have not been involved in any disciplinary process. You also need to meet several strength and health requirements. This ensures you can perform all job duties safely and effectively.

Once you meet all pre-admission requirements, you can start your studies.

How Long do Minnesota LPN Programs Take?

Most practical nursing programs in Minnesota last 8 to 12 months. During this time, you receive training in all aspects of patient care. You learn to administer medications, care for the sick, provide rehabilitation, and help prevent illness.

Prerequisites for Minnesota LPN Programs

Many programs require you to take prerequisites such as nutrition, biology, and college-level English. LPN training combines classroom lectures with supervised clinical experiences. You study subjects like biology, anatomy, physiology, nutrition, and psychology. You also take math for medical professionals and pharmacology.

Minnesota LPN Job Duties

You will practice patient care for children, adults, pregnant patients, and people with mental illness. In Minnesota, LPNs work under the supervision of a registered nurse or licensed physician. However, you should be able to perform all required job duties on your own, when needed.

Most states require LPNs to meet several physical strength and health standards.

Common LPN requirements include:

• Ability to lift heavy weight (70 pounds or more)

• Pulling and pushing emergency carts and stretchers during an 8-hour or longer shift

• Using hands and shoulders to complete forms and reach high places for IVs and equipment

• Frequently standing, walking, and squatting during standard 8-hour shifts

• Operating and moving heavy medical equipment like mobile X-ray machines, sonographs, IV stands, and radiation shields

• Having near-perfect vision to read fine print on medication bottles and charts

• Transporting incapacitated patients up to 145 pounds

• Helping patients replace or attach new prostheses and carrying them when patients cannot

You will find many career options as an LPN.

For example, you can work in home health (the fastest growing sector), physician’s offices, hospitals, clinics, medical spas, and other health care facilities. If you want to advance your education, Minnesota offers LPN-to-BSN bridge programs for those seeking a bachelor’s degree or RN license.

The primary way to become a certified LPN in Minnesota is through licensure by examination.

After graduating from an approved LPN school, you must pass the NCLEX-PN exam with a score of 70 or above. Once you pass, the NCSBN notifies the Board, and you receive your Minnesota LPN license by mail.

However, the process does not end there. The Board requires LPNs to renew their licenses every two years. You must also complete continuing education courses to stay current in your field.

As of 2025, an LPN in Minnesota earns an average salary of $61,270 per year.

Although Minnesota LPNs make slightly less than those in other states, they often enjoy a lower cost of living. You can see current LPN salary data in Minnesota here. Because of this, the benefits of working in Minnesota may outweigh the advantage of a higher salary elsewhere.

LPN Programs in Minnesota

Minnesota LPN Schools

You can use our directory to find every Minnesota school with an approved practical nursing program.

The Minnesota State Board of Nursing reviews and approves all LPN education programs. Schools must show that their programs give students the knowledge and skills they need to become licensed practical nurses.

However, approval does not last forever. The board regularly checks each program. Graduation rates and NCLEX pass rates matter most when deciding if a program should keep its approval.

If a program’s results drop in either area, the board acts quickly. The school can lose approval or go on probation until results improve.

These safeguards help ensure high-quality training for future nurses in Minnesota.

Required Classes in Minnesota LPN Programs

Practical nursing programs may offer different courses at each school.

Even so, most programs include several core subjects. For example, you will almost always take Anatomy and Physiology, Basic Nursing Skills, Nutrition, Math for Nurses, Psychology, and Pharmacology. These classes appear in nearly every curriculum.

As you move through the program, each subject helps build your skills and knowledge. With this strong foundation, you will feel confident and ready to work as a licensed practical nurse.

Because of these essentials, you can start your nursing career with the tools you need to make a positive impact every day.

How to Become an LPN in Minnesota

Start the process by researching available education programs to find one that suits your schedule and preferences. The next step is to enroll and complete an LPN training program that is approved by the Minnesota Board of Nursing. Most LPN programs take roughly one year to finish. Upon successful completion of all course requirements you are eligible to challenge the NCLEX-PN exam. After passing the test you can register with the state of Minnesota as a licensed practical nurse and begin searching for employment.

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