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2025 Best Online Nursing Programs in Minnesota

Written by OnlineU Writers • Updated 9/25/2024

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Online nursing degrees have gained popularity due to their flexibility and convenience, enabling aspiring nurses to complete their education while fulfilling other commitments. We've compiled a list of the best online nursing degree programs available in Minnesota for 2024. For inclusion on our list, the colleges are based on the following criteria:

  • The nursing school has a primary location in Minnesota.
  • The school offers an online bachelor's nursing degree or an RN to BSN program.
  • NCLEX pass rate data for 2023, sourced from government reports, must be publicly available for the baccalaureate level.
  • The majority, if not all, of the coursework should be delivered online, though many top online programs may still require some in-person clinical hours, internships, or practicums.

Want an online degree that's:

  • Affordable
  • Popular
  • Highly Rated
  • Military-friendly

We've got them. Let's get started.

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2025 Best Online Nursing Programs in Minnesota

School NCLEX Pass Rate Online Enrollment
Bemidji State University 100.0% 1,443
Bethel University - MN 100.0% 837
Saint Cloud State University 94.52% 1,587
Winona State University 89.09% 873
St. Catherine University 87.72% 1,043
The College of Saint Scholastica 82.83% 945
Minnesota State University at Mankato 82.41% 2,379
Minnesota State University - Moorhead 77.27% 1,293

Want an online degree that's:

  • Affordable
  • Popular
  • Highly Rated
  • Military-friendly

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Becoming a Nurse in Minnesota

You have several options for becoming a nurse in Minnesota. The Minnesota Board of Nursing handles license applications for all types of nurses in the North Star State, while the Department of Health regulates certified nurse assistants (CNAs). Each type of nurse has different education and testing requirements, from licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and registered nurses (RNs) to advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs).

Minnesota belongs to the Nursing Licensure Compact, which allows nurses in one Compact state to earn multistate licenses to practice in other states. Most nurses also have the option to earn licensure by examination — which involves passing a version of the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) — or licensure by endorsement, which means they're already licensed in another state.

Like most parts of the country, Minnesota faces a lack of qualified nurses. At the time of writing, the Minnesota Nurses Association is helping state lawmakers to craft legislation aimed at improving working conditions. But healthcare employers will likely be short-staffed even if these efforts succeed. This might lead to a better labor market for job seekers but also extra workplace stress for nurses who do find jobs.

To learn about online nursing programs and requirements in other states, explore our list of accredited nursing degrees by state below:

Nursing Degrees by State

How To Become a Certified Nursing Assistant in Minnesota

Each future CNA in Minnesota needs to complete a state-approved training program and test of their knowledge and skills. Passing the test will earn a CNA a place on the Minnesota Nursing Assistant Registry.

To stay on the registry, nurses must have performed at least eight hours of CNA work for pay in the past two years. In addition, nursing assistants in Minnesota must fill out the nursing assistant registry update form and mail it to the Minnesota Department of Health before their two-year period expires.

How To Become a Licensed Practical Nurse in Minnesota

Minnesota LPN licensure-by-exam candidates must complete an approved LPN training program and submit a Confirmation of Program Completion form with their application. They must also submit to a background check. The board will then give permission to take the NCLEX-PN exam. 

Licensure by endorsement requires applicants to submit proof of their license in another state. These candidates undergo the same background check as examination applicants.

LPNs renew their licenses every two years. They must complete 12 hours of continuing education in that period to qualify.

How To Get a Registered Nursing License in Minnesota

Minnesota requires that RNs graduate from either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. Applicants also undergo a criminal background check that requires fingerprinting. Finally, candidates for licensure by examination must pass the NCLEX-RN to receive their licenses. Endorsement applicants must submit verification of their existing licenses to the nursing board.

As with LPNs, RNs renew their licenses every two years. They need to finish 24 hours of continuing education credits before they can renew.

How To Get an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse License in Minnesota

Minnesota nurses can pursue an APRN license in four specialties: 

  • Certified nurse practitioner (CNP)
  • Certified nurse midwife (CNM)
  • Certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA)
  • Clinical nurse specialist (CNS) 

Applicants must already hold an RN license in Minnesota. They also need to graduate from an accredited Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program and earn a nursing certification in their chosen specialty. Finally, candidates submit to a criminal background check.

APRNs must renew their APRN and RN licenses at the same time every two years. This calls for 24 hours of continuing education during that time.

APRN hopefuls can check out our resource pages as they weigh education and career options: How To Become a Nurse Anesthetist, Guide to Online Nurse Practitioner Degrees, and 2023 Best Online Nurse Practitioner Degree Programs.

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