Minnesota RN Requirements and Training Programs

There are few professions as demanding or as rewarding as nursing. The health care needs of aging Americans with chronic diseases drive demands for nursing professionals who make up the largest sector of the healthcare workforce. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 2.7 million nursing jobs in 2012. The projected growth of 19 percent through 2022 will require an additional 1 million nurses to meet the demands of the U.S. population. Nurses supervise patient care, provide treatment, and educate patients and their families. But the dynamic profession has changed dramatically in the last decade to give nurses a greater role in patient care, administration, and the implementation of policies. The associate’s degree is the minimum requirement for entry into nursing. Many RNs go back to school for career advancement, which gives them an additional sense of personal fulfillment and a measure of control over their career paths. There are opportunities to work in education, administration, IT, and research, but it all starts with an RN degree which is the gateway to a rewarding career in health.

Minnesota Nursing Programs

• ADN Programs Minneapolis, MN
• ADN Programs St Paul, MN
• BSN Programs Minneapolis, MN
• BSN Programs Minnesota
• DNP Programs Minnesota
• MSN Programs Minnesota
• RN to BSN Programs Minnesota

Education Requirements

The Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program will prepare students for a rewarding careering in nursing. The degree sets the foundation for further study in the field and a range of professional nursing opportunities. Graduates are well-prepared for success on the NCLEX-RN exam to obtain licensure in Minnesota. After licensure, RNs can enroll in a BSN completion program to pursue graduate education for opportunities in education and research.

The curriculum combines liberal arts classes with an evidenced-based approach to nursing, which sets the foundation for graduates to make ethical decisions and use their critical thinking skills in patient care. Students acquire the education, skills, and knowledge of professional nursing that are needed to provide safe and effective care to the patient population. The program typically runs for four to six semesters based on the student’s schedule. LPNs may be allowed to transfer credits to complete the 64 to 75 credits required for graduation at a much faster rate.

Apart from instruction in the classroom, students will have opportunities to develop their clinical skills in the lab. Educational experiences in community hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities provide opportunities for establishing the program’s learning outcomes, one of which is to give students to confidence to care for patients as part of the interdisciplinary healthcare team.

The curriculum may be divided in general education and nursing education requirements. Core topics in the nursing education include pediatric nursing, fundamentals of nursing, mental health nursing, maternal newborn nursing, adult nursing, human growth and development, geriatrics, advanced nursing concepts, and leadership and management in nursing.

With approximately 37 Board-approved associate’s degree programs in Minnesota, there are more ADN graduates than BSN-prepared nurses. Choose a board-approved program to avoid obstacles when applying for state licensure. An accredited school is also important if you plan to enroll in a nursing program to advance your training.

Eligibility Criteria

Informative information sessions conducted at most colleges will provide valuable details on the steps for enrollment and the selection process. Representatives from the nursing department will help you to plan a course of study and evaluate your former education and training for transferable credits. You should have a high school diploma or equivalent, at a minimum, before considering admission to the college. Deadlines are critical especially for schools with competitive enrollment.

Following are some general requirements for acceptance into a nursing program.

• A passing score on the entrance evaluation. .
• A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 at the end of the freshman year.
• A minimum grade C on prerequisite course requirements.

Nursing students will need to complete a criminal background check, a physical exam, and required immunization – MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis B, etc. Medical insurance, CPR for Health Care Providers, and malpractice insurance are also necessary. A positive finding on your criminal background screen could affect your chances of acceptance into the program.

Duration and Cost

The amount you invest in your college education will depend on your personal finances and the sources of aid you receive. When calculating your costs, you need to look beyond the tuition and consider the total cost of attendance, which will include tuition, personal expenses, housing, and costs for textbooks, travel, and supplies. The cost of attendance is necessary for factoring your financial aid, but it also paints a clear picture of the cost your degree. Use the information to locate every available source of aid, including grants and scholarships that will help to reduce the cost. Nursing students spend considerably more than other students due to the cost of travel to clinical sites, nursing kits, uniforms, insurance, immunization, CPR training, health requirements, and state licensure. They may spend approximately $13,840 per academic year for tuition. The final costs for tuition two academic years, textbooks and supplies, and fees may be in the region of $32,180.

Minnesota RN Licensure Requirements

Graduates of a Minnesota nursing program must ensure that a school official confirms their completion online for faster processing of their application of the NCLEX-RN. Graduates of an out-of-state nursing program must submit a completed Confirmation of Program Completion. Graduates of a foreign or Canadian nursing program may also apply for the NCLEX-RN for licensure. All applicants must have completed an associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree in nursing to sit the licensing exam to practice in Minnesota.

Licensure By Examination

You can submit your application for the licensure exam online or by mail. Submit the following documents to the address provided below.

• A completed application for licensure by exam.
• The non-refundable fee using a cashier’s check or money order.
• Evidence that you haven’t engaged in conduct warranting disciplinary action. The Board will investigate any positive responses to the questions in the Grounds for Denial section of the application.
• Confirmation of completing a nursing education program. If you graduated from a Minnesota program, an official from the school could confirm your education online.
• Your registration for the NCLEX-RN on the web or by phone.
• A request for special testing accommodations if you have a qualifying disability. You must submit supporting documentation regarding the request and the type of accommodation needed. The supporting documentation must be a letter from an appropriate professional describing the disability and a letter from the Disability Services department of the nursing program indicating the type of modifications granted to you.

Canadian Candidates:

Submit the following documents in addition to those listed above:

• Verification of licensure from the original Canadian province and proof of licensure from a recent U.S. jurisdiction if available.
• An official transcript of your education of you’ve never been licensed in Canada,

International Candidates:

Submit the following additional documents if you graduated from a program outside the United States:

• A Commission of Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) Credentials Evaluation Service (CES) Professional Report. CGFNS should send the report directly to the Board.
• Evidence of passing an approved English proficiency test if you did not graduate from nursing education program that was conducted in English. Approved tests include the TOEFL, IELTS, and the MELAB.

Note to foreign candidates: Complete the CES report before applying for licensure to avoid delays in processing your application when you do submit it to the Board. The application remains open for one year, so the reports must reach the Board within that timeframe.

If your name, address, or other profile information changes after you submit the application, you should contact the Board immediately. Provide legal proof of a name change. You can check the status of your application using Online Services after you create a user profile. The Board will provide a date for each of the following events:

• Application received
• Registered with test service
• Confirmation of program completion
• Authorization to test issued
• Date scheduled to take exam
• Examination results
• License issued

NCLEX-RN Registration: Register with Pearson Vue for the NCLEX and pay the $200 fee. If you need special accommodation for the exam, you must request it on the application. The service will send the authorization to test (ATT) by email after the Board reviews your application. Schedule the exam at a testing center near you within 90 days of receiving the ATT. If you do not take the exam within the 90-day timeframe, your registration will expire, and you’ll have to submit another fee to Pearson Vue. Once you pass the exam, the Board will send your license within 10 business days. If you do not pass, you’ll receive a Retake Examination packet in the mail along with a diagnostic profile that you can use to prepare for the retest.

Licensure By Endorsement

If you have a license from another U.S. state or territory, you must use the endorsement application to obtain a Minnesota license.

You must submit:

• A completed application for licensure by endorsement.
• The non-refundable fee using a cashier’s check or money order.
• Evidence that you haven’t engaged in conduct warranting disciplinary action. The Board will investigate any positive responses to the questions in the Grounds for Denial section of the application.
• At least one Verification of Licensure form from a state or territory of original licensure and current licensure. You can complete the verification of licensure online if the state processes the verification through Nursys.com. Use the paper verification in the endorsement packet if the state does not use the online verification.
• A completed Confirmation of Nursing Employment for Licensure by Endorsement form.

The Board will review the application and send a notification if you need to complete continuing education requirements or a refresher course. If you did not practice for more than five years before submitting the application, you must complete a board-approved refresher course to be eligible for licensure.

You can request a temporary permit on the application form to practice while your application is in process. Applicants educated outside the U.S. must submit evidence of passing the NCLEX exam.

Renewal Requirements

RNs have the responsibility to check the status of their license online by using the Verify a License button on the Board’s website. The BON no longer issues paper registration cards or paper renewal applications. RNs can update their profile and renew their license using the convenient online renewal. If you prefer to use the paper application, you must call the Board to request one in the mail. The application fee is non-refundable.

Continuing Education Requirements for Minnesota RNs

RNs must complete 24 hours of continuing education during the 2-year registration period – one hour for each month of registration. You do not need to submit documentation of your CE with the renewal application. However, you must testify that you have fulfilled the CE requirements by checking the box on the application. Do not check the box testifying that you completed the requirements if you did not complete them at the time of renewal. Keep documents of your continuing education to present if you’re selected for an audit. You may be subject to disciplinary actions if you do not respond to a request for an audit.

Minnesota Salary and Job Outlook

Minnesota saw a rise in the number of nursing graduates in the last decade. According to data from Minnesota State Colleges and Univerisity’s system, the number of new graduates has almost doubled what it was a decade ago. Drawn by the prospect of better jobs and higher pay, nursing students are enrolling in four-year degree programs more than ever before. However, the two-year degree program remains the most common point of entry into the nursing.

An increase in the number of BSN graduates diminishes the job opportunities for ADN counterparts as employers express a preference for nurses with the advanced degree. The surge in new graduates also contributes to a slowdown in jobs as supply in Minnesota may exceed demand in some cities.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projected a demand for a million new or replacement nurses in the U.S. to meet the health care needs of retiring baby boomers. However, the expected boom all but disappeared in Minnesota when retired nurses returned to the workforce during the recession. Data reveals that many retired nurses in Minnesota are still working past their retirement, which could also be a reason for the reduction of job opportunities for new graduates.

Although the recession affected the job outlook for RNs in Minnesota, a boost in the economy will improve the chances for 90 percent of new graduates to secure employment within one year. In the meantime, graduates may have to settle for positions that are not hospital-based and accept night shifts and swing shifts when they’re available.

The median annual salary for Minnesota RNs in 2014 was $71,450.

Contact the Board of Nursing

Minnesota Board of Nursing
2829 University Ave SE Suite 200
Minneapolis, MN 55414
Phone: 612-317-3000
Fax: 612-617-2190
Email: Nursing.Board@state.mn.us

Minnesota Registered Nursing Programs and NCLEX-RN Pass Rates:

Alexandria, MN ADN Programs:
Alexandria Technical College
1601 Jefferson Street
Alexandria, MN 56308
1 888-234-1222
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 82.35%

Austin, MN ADN Programs:
Riverland Community College
1900 Eighth Avenue NW
Austin, MN 55912-1470
1 507-433-0600
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 66.10%

Bemidji, MN ADN Programs:
Northwest Technical College, Bemidji
905 Grant Avenue SE
Bemidji, MN 56601
1 218-333-6600
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 77.55%

Blaine, MN ADN Programs:
Rasmussen College Professional Nursing Program-Blaine
3629 95th Avenue NE
Blaine, MN 55014
1 763-795-4720
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 80.95%

Bloomington, MN ADN Programs:
Normandale Community College
9700 France Avenue South
Bloomington, MN 55431-4399
1 952-358-8200
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 88.76%

Rasmussen College Professional Nursing Program- Bloomington
4400 W. 78th Street – 6th Floor
Bloomington, MN 55435
1 952-545-2000
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 80.95%

Brainerd, MN ADN Programs:
Central Lakes College
501 West College Drive
Brainerd, MN 56401-3900
1 218-855-8000
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 77.65%

Brooklyn Park, MN ADN Programs:
North Hennepin Community College
7411 85th Avenue North
Brooklyn Park, MN 55445-2299
1 763-424-0702
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 88.28%

Cloquet, MN ADN Programs:
Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College
2101 14th Street
Cloquet, MN 55720
1 218-879-0800
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 75.86%

Coon Rapids, MN ADN Programs:
Anoka-Ramsey Community College
11200 Mississippi Boulevard NW
Coon Rapids, MN 55433-3470
1 763-433-1100
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 81.77%

Detroit Lakes, MN ADN Programs:
Minnesota State Community and Technical College
Detroit Lakes Campus
900 Highway 34 East
Detroit Lakes, MN 56501-2698
1 877-450-3322
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 82.35%

Duluth, MN ADN Programs:
Lake Superior College
2101 Trinity Road
Duluth, MN 55811-3399
1 218-733-7600
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 69.49%

East Grand Forks, MN ADN Programs:
East Grand Forks Campus
2022 Central Ave NE
East Grand Forks, MN 56721
1 218-793-2800
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 80.00%

Fairbault, MN ADN Programs:
Faribault Campus
1225 Third Street SW
Faribault, MN 55021
1 507-332-5800
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 67.35%

Fergus Falls, MN ADN Programs:
Fergus Falls Campus
1414 College Way
Fergus Falls, MN 56537
1 877-450-3322
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: N/A

Grand Marais, MN ADN Programs:
Cook County Higher Education
501 West 5th Street, RM 105A
PO Box 57
Grand Marais, MN 55604
1 218-387-3411
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: N/A

Grand Rapids, MN ADN Programs:
Itasca Community College
1851 US-169,
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
1 218-322-2300
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: N/A

Hibbing, MN ADN Programs:
Hibbing Community College
1515 East 25th Street
Hibbing, MN 55746-3300
218 262 7200
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 94.20%

Hutchinson, MN ADN Programs:
Hutchinson Campus
2 Century Avenue SE
Hutchinson, MN 55350
1 320-234-8500
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 87.32%

International Falls, MN ADN Programs:
Rainy River Community College
1501 US-71,
International Falls, MN 56649
1 218-285-7722
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: N/A

Inver Grove Heights, MN ADN Programs:
Inver Hills Community College
2500 80th Street E
Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076
1 651-450-3000
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 85.90%

Mankato, MN ADN Programs:
Rasmussen College Professional Nursing Program- Mankato
130 Saint Andrew’s Drive
Mankato, MN 56001
1 507-625-6556
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 80.95%

Minneapolis, MN ADN Programs:
Minneapolis Community and Technical College
1501 Hennepin Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55403-1779
1 612-659-6000
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 80.88%

St. Catherine University
601 25th Avenue S
Minneapolis, MN 55454-1454
1 651-690-6000
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 75.45%

Moorhead, MN ADN Programs:
Moorhead Campus
1900 28th Avenue South
Moorhead, MN 56560
1 877-450-3322
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: N/A

Rasmussen College Professional Nursing Program- Moorhead
1250 29th Avenue S
Moorhead, MN 56560
1 218-304-6200
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 80.95%

North Mankato, MN ADN Programs:
South Central College
1920 Lee Boulevard
North Mankato, MN 56003-1920
1 507-389-7200
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 67.35%

Pine City, MN ADN Programs:
Pine Technical College and Community College
900 4th Street SE
Pine City, MN 55063
1 320-629-5100
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 60.00%

Red Wing, MN ADN Programs:
Red Wing Campus
308 Pioneer Road
Red Wing, MN 55066
651-385-6300
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 85.34%

Rochester, MN ADN Programs:
Rochester Community and Technical College
851 30th Avenue SE
Rochester, MN 55904-4999
1 507-285-7210
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 87.32%

St. Cloud, MN ADN Programs:
Rasmussen College Professional Nursing Program- St. Cloud
226 Park Avenue S
St. Cloud, MN 56301
1 320-251-5600
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 80.95%

St. Cloud Technical and Community College
1540 Northway Drive
St. Cloud, MN 56303
1 800-222-1009
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: N/A

Thief River Falls, MN ADN Programs:
Northland Community and Technical College
Thief River Falls Campus
1101 Highway One East
Thief River Falls, MN 56701-2598
1 218-683-8800
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 80.00%

Wadena, MN ADN Programs:
Wadena Campus
405 Colfax Avenue SW PO Box 566
Wadena, MN 56482
1 218-631-7800
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: N/A

White Bear Lake, MN ADN Programs:
Century College
3300 Century Avenue N
White Bear Lake, MN 55110
1 651-779-3200
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 92.38%

Willmar, MN ADN Programs:
Ridgewater College
Willmar Campus
2101 15th Avenue NW
Willmar, MN 56201-0797
1 320-222-5200
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 87.32%

Winona, MN ADN Programs:
Minnesota State College – Southeast Technical
Winona Campus
1250 Homer Road
Winona, MN 55987-1455
1 507-453-2700
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 82.81%

Worthington, MN ADN Programs:
Minnesota West Community and Technical College
Worthington Campus
1450 Collegeway
Worthington, MN 56187-3024
1 507-372-3400
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 82.35%