Minnesota LPN Programs

Directory of state-approved LPN training classes

The LPN career seems stable and rewarding. Minnesota’s nursing shortage has created a great need for LPNs as well as RNs and employers are fighting over the pool of available candidates. With the “over 65” population growing at astounding rates this demand will continue to grow.

The basic premise of LPN work includes performing direct patient care and supporting doctors or supervising nurses as part of a team of health care providers. A high school degree or the equivalent is required for admission into an LPN certification program. The applicant must also pass a criminal background check. The most important of the LPN admission requirements is passing the LPN certification exam known as the NCLEX-PN. Often times prep courses are required to prepare for the test. The applicant must also provide evidence that they have not been involved in any disciplinary process. A number of strength and health requirements must also be met to ensure that the applicant can satisfactorily perform all the duties that the job might entail.

When the pre-admission requirements have been met, the course of study can begin. Most practical nursing programs in Minnesota require 8 to 12 months to complete. The program provides training in all aspects of patient care. LPN students learn to administer medications, provide patient care to the sick, provide rehabilitation care, and prevention of illness. Many LPN programs have specific course prerequisites, such as nutrition, biology, and college-level English. LPN training programs combine classroom lectures with supervised clinical experiences, and include health and science subject matter such as biology, anatomy, physiology, nutrition and psychology. The students also take courses in math for medical professionals and pharmacology. Ultimately, they gain knowledge of patient care procedures for children, adults, pregnant patients and people with mental illness. An LPN’s scope of practice falls under the supervision of a registered nurse or licensed physician in the state of Minnesota, but the LPN should still be able to perform the required job duties independently.

The majority of states require that LPNs meet several physical strength and health requirements. Among these LPN requirements are:

• Ability to lift heavy weight (70 pounds or more)
• Pulling and pushing of emergency carts and stretchers in routine shift of 8 hours or more
• The use of hands and shoulders to fill in insurance forms, entry forms and to reach high places to replace IVs and other equipment
• Frequent standing, walking, and squatting during the standard 8-hour shifts
• Operating and shifting heavy medical equipment like mobile X-ray devices, sonograph machines, IV stands, radiation shields, etc
• Near perfect vision to be able to read fine print on medication bottles and medical history charts
• Transporting incapacitated patients up to 145 pounds in weight
• Helping patients to replace or attach new prostheses and carrying such prostheses for patients who cannot do so themselves

There are many career options for LPNs including home health (the fastest growing sector in health care), physician’s offices, hospitals, medical clinics, medical spas, and other health care related facilities. There are LPN to BSN bridge programs in Minnesota for those who wish to earn their Bachelor’s degree in nursing and/or become a registered nurse (RN).

The primary method of becoming a certified LPN in Minnesota is by way of licensure by examination (after graduation from an approved LPN school). After you pass the NCLEX-PN with a score of 70 or more, the NCSBN notifies the Board and they send your Minnesota LPN license by mail. The license process does not end here. The Board requires that LPNs renew their licenses every two years after they have demonstrated completion of continuing education courses.

In 2024 an LPN in Minnesota earns an average of $54,599 per year. Minnesota LPNs earn slightly less on average than LPNs in other US states, but the benefits of working in Minnesota and enjoying a lower cost of living can sometimes outweigh the benefit of a higher salary.

List of LPN Programs in Minnesota (MN)

Minnesota LPN Schools

Our directory lists all Minnesota schools that currently offer approved practical nursing programs. The Minnesota state board of nursing is the regulatory organization in charge of approving LPN education programs. To gain approval, educational institutions must demonstrate to the board of nursing that their program sufficiently prepares students with the knowledge and skills expected of a licensed practical nurse. The on-going approval of a program depends largely upon their graduation rates and the NCLEX pass rates of their graduates. If a program starts to produce poor results in either of these two categories they can quickly lose their state approval or be placed on probationary approval status until their results improve.

Required LPN Classes in Minnesota

The specific course work required in practical nursing programs can differ from institution to institution. However, there are some subjects that are almost always included in most programs. Typical LPN classes include Anatomy & Physiology, Basic Nursing Skills, Nutrition, Math for Nurses, Psychology and Pharmacology. Topics covered within these subjects prepare students with the knowledge base required to perform the work of a licensed practical nurse.

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.