Minnesota RN Programs

Complete list of Minnesota schools that offer approved RN pre-licensure education programs

How to Become a Registered Nurse in Minnesota

The State of Minnesota is a great place to enter one of the fastest growing professions in America. If you enjoy helping people, don’t mind completing 2 to 4 years of higher education, and live in Minnesota, then you should consider becoming a registered nurse. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics program, there will be excellent job opportunities for nurses during the coming decade. If you want to become a registered nurse in Minnesota you need to follow these 3 steps:

1. Find and graduate from a state approved nursing program. There are 3 types: hospital-based diploma, associates degree in nursing (ADN), or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.

2. Take and pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).

3. Add your name to the state Nurse Registry list and begin seeking employment as an RN.

Now we will take a few moments to look at each of the steps in greater detail. Before you can become a registered nurse, you must first meet the minimum educational requirements. There are different types of programs that will satisfy these requirements. The first type of program is a hospital-based diploma program that will provide you with the necessary skills, abilities, and training through a local hospital. Not all hospitals provide such opportunities and students should contact hospitals in their region to find out if they offer a nurse education program.

The last two educational programs are provided through local universities and lead to degrees. An ADN program generally takes between 2 to 3 years to complete and qualifies an individual to be licensed as a registered nurse in the state of Minnesota. A BSN program typically consists of 4 years of undergraduate course work at an accredited university. It culminates in a bachelor’s degree and may be a better option for individuals interested in obtaining either clinical or administrative nursing positions.

The final step in becoming a registered nurse is to sign-up for, take, and pass the NCLEX-RN examination. The exam, which is computerized and administered by Pearson VUE, tests your knowledge, skills, and abilities to safely and effectively perform the duties of a registered nurse. Once you’ve obtained your diploma or degree, passed the NCLEX-RN, and received your license from the Minnesota Board of Nursing, all that is left is for you to go out and enjoy your new career!

Minnesota Associates Degree RN Programs

We try to keep our nursing school listings as updated as possible. Periodically new schools open, old schools close, phone numbers change, accreditation is granted to new nursing programs, etc. If you notice information on our site that requires updating please email us to let us know what changes need to be made.

Accredited Minnesota RN Schools

See our complete list of qualified RN nursing education programs in the state of Minnesota. The schools listed here offer pre-licensure nursing programs that meet the registered nursing education requirements set forth by the Minnesota State Board of Nursing. Although the schools listed on this page are accredited by the Minnesota Board of Nursing and approved by the state of Minnesota, they might not be accredited by national organizations such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC). Individuals should check to see if the state-approved nursing school they are considering also enjoys national accreditation status if they are seeking a school with both accreditations.