Online Nursing Programs in MN: Find Top Schools
You might be a high school graduate interested in starting a career as an RN. Or an experienced nurse looking to move up the ranks for more pay and responsibility. Either way, Minnesota has many quality nursing programs to meet your needs. This guide offers a detailed look into Minnesota nursing programs and highlights the schools that stand out in terms of affordability, flexibility, academics, and student support. We also review the process for securing your RN license in Minnesota and discuss salary and pay data. Keep reading to learn more about online nursing schools in Minnesota and find the one that best fits your individual needs.
Why Trust EduMed? We partner with 150+ nursing & allied health professionals to bring you the most in-depth data & insights on higher education & careers in healthcare. Meet our team and review our editorial values.
Exploring Minnesota’s Online Nursing Programs
Online nursing programs in Minnesota have become popular in recent years, especially for working students. You should remember that you still need to satisfy any clinical requirements in person, although certain programs offer online components. However, many programs are fully online, and you can meet clinical requirements through your current nursing job.
Online programs stress flexibility, but the coursework requires self-discipline, commitment, and time management. Some students struggle with these traits on their own and thrive better with in-person settings. As you explore different program options, pay attention to what type of coursework is offered. An asynchronous model allows you to study at your own place, while synchronous classes meet (virtually) on a specific time and day. Keep reading to learn more about the various nursing program options in Minnesota.
Undergraduate Nursing Programs in Minnesota
Entry-level nurses can take advantage of multiple pathways toward a satisfying career. A certified nursing assistant (CNA) program can usually be completed in just a few months, while a BSN results in a bachelor’s degree and usually takes approximately four years to complete. LPN and ADN programs usually take a year or two and are the quickest paths to becoming a fully licensed nurse in Minnesota.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
If you want to jumpstart your healthcare career right away, becoming a certified nursing assistant (CNA) usually takes just a few weeks or months. CNA programs are often available at technical schools and community colleges. They prepare students for an entry-level nursing position with plenty of hands-on patient interaction.
Example: Century College – Nursing Assistant Program
- Cost: $1,154
- Length: Two months
- Mode: Hybrid
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) programs prepare students to become licensed nurses who work under the supervision of doctors and registered nurses. LPN programs are longer and more involved than CNA programs, but they can be completed in approximately one year – sometimes a bit less, sometimes a bit more.
Example: Northland Community and Technical College – Practical Nursing Diploma
- Cost: $6,106.36
- Length: Three semesters (42 credits)
- Mode: Hybrid
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs are designed for students who are seeking licensure as a nurse. These programs are traditionally offered at community and technical colleges. They are popular options for students who don’t want to commit to a four-year undergraduate degree. Full-time students usually complete ADN programs in approximately two years and can become registered nurses (RNs) upon completion of the program.
Example: Northwest Technical College – AS Traditional RN Program
- Cost: $5,896/semester
- Length: Two years (64 credits)
- Mode: Hybrid
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
A traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree leads to nursing licensure and takes full-time students four years to complete. BSNs offer expanded career options and earning potential. This degree is often prized by employers because of its rigorous, in-depth curriculum. A BSN degree can lead to advanced practice specializations such as nurse midwife or nurse practitioner.
Example: University of Northwestern – St. Paul – BSN Program
- Cost: $18,490/semester
- Length: Four years (125 credits)
- Mode: Online or Hybrid
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)
An Accelerated BSN (ABSN) degree is a practical option for students who earned an unrelated bachelor’s degree and want to pursue a nursing career. After completing general education requirements, accelerated BSN students focus entirely on nursing-related requirements to finish their degree in approximately 18 months.
Example: Concordia University, St. Paul – ABSN Program
- Cost: $64,050 total ($1,050/credit)
- Length: 16 months (61 credits)
- Mode: Hybrid
Minnesota Graduate and Post-Graduate Programs
A graduate program can help you focus on a specialized area and increase your earning potential if you already have a nursing license. Multiple graduate degree options are available, ranging from a traditional MSN to a DNP or a PhD – the field’s highest degree.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs are available for both working nurses with BSNs and students who earned an unrelated bachelor’s degree. Students complete various core requirements and often specialize in areas like nursing leadership, informatics, and/or other areas of clinical practice. This degree takes between two and three years to complete, depending on previous academic experience.
Example: Winona State University – MSN Progarm
- Cost: $48,000 to $54,000
- Length: Four semesters plus summer sessions (46 to 48 credits)
- Mode: Hybrid
DNP and PhD Doctoral Programs
A DNP degree further hones clinical skills and can lead to various nursing leadership positions. A PhD is designed for students who are interested in research and teaching at the collegiate level. It focuses on the skills needed to transition into an academic setting. These degrees take three to six years to complete, depending on previous academic experience.
Example: Minnesota State University, Mankato – MSN to DNP Program
- Cost: $1198.19/credit (in-state), $1,797.15 (out-of-state)
- Length: Two years, part-time (27 credits)
- Mode: Online
Post-Master’s Certificate Programs
Post-graduate certificates are designed for working RNs who earned an MSN degree. Students will learn about specific areas in the nursing field. They can access post-graduate certificate programs both online and on-campus. These programs focus on specialization areas like nursing management, gerontology, and nurse education. If you want to advance your education without enrolling in a degree program, earning a certificate can be a way to do it.
Example: The College of St. Scholastica – APRN Certificate Program
- Cost: $925/credit
- Length: Three to four semesters (40 to 43 credits)
- Mode: Hybrid
Bridge Degree Programs
Are you already working as a nurse and want to build on your knowledge and skills? If so, a bridge program can be a great option. Bridge programs offer accelerated pathways for current nurses to earn higher degrees. For example, if you’re a licensed practical nurse who wants to earn a bachelor’s degree, an LPN to BSN program might be a good fit.
LPN to RN and LPN to BSN
Bridge degree programs such as LPN to RN and LPN to BSN offer a clear academic path toward licensure as an RN. An LPN to RN program usually takes 18 to 24 months to complete, while an LPN to BSN track typically takes three to four years. These bridge programs will build upon your existing nursing skills and knowledge so you can complete the degree more quickly.
Example: Northwest Technical College – LPN Step-In Program
- Cost: $13,372.80 ($208.95/credit)
- Length: Three semesters (64 credits)
- Mode: Hybrid
RN to BSN
Accelerated RN to BSN programs offer working RNs a convenient path to complete a bachelor’s degree. These programs build upon prior coursework and focus on augmenting nursing knowledge and clinical skills. These degrees usually take approximately two years to complete and are often offered online, including some programs in Minnesota.
Example: Augsburg University – BSN Completion Program
- Cost: $476/credit
- Length: As little as 12 months (32 to 26 credits)
- Mode: Asynchronous Online
RN to MSN
An RN to MSN bridge degree program offers working RNs with an ADN the opportunity to earn a master’s degree in a shorter amount of time by building on current nursing knowledge and skills. Bridge degree programs are both online and in-person and usually take between 30 and 36 months.
Example: Minnesota State University Moorhead – Accelerated RN to MSN Program
- Cost: $638.39/credit
- Length: Approximately four years, including summer semesters
- Mode: Online
BSN to DNP
If you hold a bachelor’s degree in nursing and are ready to take your nursing education to the highest level, a BSN to DNP program will allow you to efficiently combine coursework from both MSN and DNP programs. This process accelerates the degree timeline and allows you to earn both degrees concurrently.
Example: Winona State University – BSN to DNP Program
- Cost: $81,000 to $84,000
- Length: Six to nine semesters
- Mode: Hybrid
Direct-Entry MSN
A direct-entry MSN program is designed for students who already hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree. This program offers an accelerated path to nursing with no BSN required. For example, if you majored in biology as an undergrad and want to become a nurse practitioner, a direct-entry MSN program can get you up to speed by focusing of the prerequisite nursing skills that are necessary for a new career.
Example: St. Catherine University – Entry-Level MSN Program
- Cost: $50,745 ($995/credit)
- Length: 23 months (51 credits)
- Mode: Hybrid
Licensing Requirements for RNs in Minnesota
You must attend a program approved by the Minnesota Board of Nursing to become a registered nurse in Minnesota. Approved programs offer academic and clinical skills needed to secure your nursing license and provide competent and compassionate care. RN licensing information and requirements vary among states, so we highlighted the steps you need to take to secure an RN license in Minnesota.
1 – Earn Your Nursing Degree (with Proper Accreditation)
Whether you’re attending an ADN or BSN program, it needs to be from a board-approved and accredited nursing school. Refer to this list of approved professional nursing programs in Minnesota as you explore schools. You can begin the process of securing your RN license through the Minnesota Board of Nursing during your last semester. As you approach graduation, you’ll need to study for the NCLEX examination and undergo a criminal background check.
2 – Your NCLEX-RN Score = Pass
After graduation, you’ll prepare to take the national nursing exam (NCLEX). To begin, you’ll need to complete a licensing application and pay the associated fees. Then, you can schedule your exam and take it. Many programs can assist you with NCLEX test prep, but taking the time to study independently can help ensure you pass on the first attempt. Various test prep options are available online, and studying with your cohort can also be beneficial. After you pass the NCELX-RN exam, expect to receive your RN license in the mail in approximately 10 business days.
3 – Apply for Licensure in Minnesota
The process is the same whether you’re applying for an LPN or RN license, and you should submit your application before you take the NCLEX-RN exam. The nursing licensure process in Minnesota also includes a criminal background check with fingerprints. Keep in mind that your licensure application needs to be complete and correct, since any omissions or mistakes can delay the process. If you are transferring your nursing license from another state, you must take additional steps such as verifying your employment history.
4 – Keep Your License Current
After you receive your Minnesota RN license, you need to renew it every two years. In addition to completing a renewal application and paying the required fees, RNs in Minnesota must complete at least 24 contact hours of continuing education.
5 – Specialty Certification (Optional)
If you completed a specialty certification program for an advanced practice role like clinical nurse specialist, registered nurse anesthetist, certified nurse midwife, or nurse practitioner, you need to complete an additional step. Minnesota has a specific set of requirements for advanced practice registered nurses, including graduating from an approved program and obtaining a certification from a national certifying body.
Career and Salary Info for Minnesota RNs
Minnesota offers Registered Nurses (RNs) some of the highest earning opportunities in the Midwest. Statewide, the median salary for RNs is $97,300, with experienced professionals earning up to $120,420 annually. The Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington metro area leads with a median salary of $100,800, while Rochester closely follows with medians of $97,300 and high-end salaries of $119,290. Even smaller regions like Mankato-North Mankato and St. Cloud provide impressive earning potential, with median salaries near or exceeding $99,000, reflecting strong demand for skilled nurses across the state.
Minnesota’s nursing workforce is expected to grow by 5.3% by 2030, adding 3,590 new RN positions for a total of 71,630 jobs. With an average of 4,120 annual openings driven by retirements and expansion, Minnesota’s healthcare sector offers both stability and room for career advancement. Whether you’re drawn to bustling urban centers or smaller, tight-knit communities, Minnesota provides a rewarding environment for RNs. Explore the data below to learn more about your career opportunities.
| Area ↕ | 10th Percentile ↕ | Median ↕ | 90th Percentile ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | $73,050 | $97,300 | $120,420 |
| Duluth, MN-WI | $65,340 | $79,050 | $100,410 |
| Mankato-North Mankato, MN | $75,990 | $99,010 | $118,380 |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $76,560 | $100,800 | $123,850 |
| Rochester, MN | $80,250 | $97,300 | $119,290 |
| St. Cloud, MN | $72,180 | $99,860 | $107,670 |
Source: Registered Nurses, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area ↕ | Curr. Jobs ↕ | Proj. Jobs ↕ | New Jobs ↕ | Growth % ↕ | Avg. Ann. Openings ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 3,172,500 | 3,349,900 | 177,400 | 5.60% | 193,100 |
| Minnesota | 68,040 | 71,630 | 3,590 | 5.30% | 4,120 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Top Online Nursing Programs in Minnesota
We created a ranking of online nursing schools in Minnesota to help you identify top program options. We used data pulled from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) to determine which schools are eligible for inclusion. This information includes details on accreditation, online offerings, and factors like academic support and student-to-faculty ratio. While there are plenty of schools vying for your time and money, the schools on this list combine all-important institutional accreditation with a mix of affordability, flexibility, and high-quality instruction.
Winona State University
Winona, Minnesota
Why We Selected Winona State University:
- Winona State's nursing program offers a high faculty-student ratio, enhancing personalized learning.
- Winona State provides extensive hands-on clinical experiences, preparing students for diverse healthcare settings.
- The program boasts a strong focus on cultural competence and social responsibility in healthcare practice.
Program Details
- AccreditationHLC
- Average In-State Tuition$8,100
- Average Institutional Aid$2,746
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course53%
- % of Students Receiving an Award59%
- Student/Faculty Ratio16/1
Minnesota State University Moorhead
Moorhead, Minnesota
Why We Selected Minnesota State University Moorhead:
- The program offers diverse clinical placements in both rural and urban settings.
- The nursing program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, ensuring high standards.
- Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam, facilitating licensure as a registered nurse.
Program Details
- AccreditationHLC
- Average In-State Tuition$8,096
- Average Institutional Aid$2,432
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course73%
- % of Students Receiving an Award52%
- Student/Faculty Ratio18/1
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Why We Selected University of Minnesota-Twin Cities:
- The University of Minnesota offers specialized nursing tracks with integrative healing modalities.
- The program provides opportunities for continuing education credits through Coursera courses.
- Students benefit from a centralized application process through NursingCAS for streamlined admissions.
Program Details
- AccreditationHLC
- Average In-State Tuition$13,532
- Average Institutional Aid$6,404
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course52%
- % of Students Receiving an Award83%
- Student/Faculty Ratio17/1
St Catherine University
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Why We Selected St Catherine University:
- The program offers an accelerated completion option, allowing students to finish in a shorter timeframe.
- The faculty consists of experienced nursing professionals, providing real-world insights and expertise.
- The program may offer specialized career tracks or networking opportunities through its curriculum design.
Program Details
- AccreditationHLC
- Average In-State Tuition$34,638
- Average Institutional Aid$26,466
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course56%
- % of Students Receiving an Award57%
- Student/Faculty Ratio9/1
Minnesota State University-Mankato
Mankato, Minnesota
Why We Selected Minnesota State University-Mankato:
- The program offers diverse clinical settings in both rural and urban areas.
- Faculty expertise provides a caring and committed educational environment.
- Graduates are well-prepared for the National Council Licensure Examination—Registered Nurse.
Program Details
- AccreditationHLC
- Average In-State Tuition$8,072
- Average Institutional Aid$2,149
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course52%
- % of Students Receiving an Award50%
- Student/Faculty Ratio21/1
Bemidji State University
Bemidji, Minnesota
Why We Selected Bemidji State University:
- The program offers a fully online RN to B.S. track for working RNs, providing flexibility and convenience.
- The nursing program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, ensuring high educational standards.
- Bemidji State University provides hands-on training in various clinical settings, enhancing practical skills and experience.
Program Details
- AccreditationHLC
- Average In-State Tuition$8,690
- Average Institutional Aid$3,248
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course56%
- % of Students Receiving an Award48%
- Student/Faculty Ratio16/1
Southwest Minnesota State University
Marshall, Minnesota
Why We Selected Southwest Minnesota State University:
- The program offers a waivable application fee, enhancing accessibility for prospective students.
- Accelerated completion options allow students to finish the program in less than two years.
- Faculty expertise includes personalized instruction from experienced educators like Dr. Lindsay Rohlik.
Program Details
- AccreditationHLC
- Average In-State Tuition$8,230
- Average Institutional Aid$3,452
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course22%
- % of Students Receiving an Award49%
- Student/Faculty Ratio16/1
Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online College Rankings” for the ‘24-’25 school year.
One: Create a list of eligible schools & programs
To be eligible for ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on data pulled from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), which was self-reported by the schools themselves.
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
- At least one online component in a program within the ranking-subject area.
- The existence of academic counseling on campus and/or online.
- The existence of career placement services on campus and/or online.
Two: Assign weightings to eligible schools & programs
After creating the list of eligible schools, EduMed data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of metrics, which were all self-reported by the school themselves to the U.S. Department of Education and IPEDS.
The metrics are listed below in order of most- to least-heavily weighted.
- Online Programs – Number of online programs, either partially- or fully-online, in the relevant subject area. Because exact numbers change often and can be difficult to verify, we use a range-based scoring system to represent this category with laptop icons.
- % in Online Ed. – Percent of total students taking at least one distance education class.
- Tuition – Average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time, as self-reported by the school.
- % Receiving Award – Percent of full-time, first-time students receiving an award in 6 years.
- Avg. Inst. Aid – Average amount of institutional grant aid awarded to full-time, first-time undergraduates.
- Student/Faculty Ratio – The number of students per faculty member.
About Our Data
EduMed’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2024
