12-Month ABSN Programs in Minnesota: Accelerated Nursing Online

<p>Minnesota is a hub for healthcare, and registered nurses (RNs) are in demand in the state. To become a registered nurse, you'll earn either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). </p> <p>While ASNs are shorter, having a BSN prepares you for leadership roles and graduate studies. To help increase the number of BSNs, many schools offer <a href="https://learn.org/articles/12_month_accelerated_nursing_programs.html">fast track nursing programs online</a>, some of which take just a year to complete. Keep reading to learn more about 12-month accelerated nursing programs in Minnesota. </p> <h2 id="section---WhatIsA12MonthABSNProgram">What Is a 12-Month ABSN Program?</h2> <p>Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) programs provide a faster pathway to earning a BSN and becoming a <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_are_the_Requirements_to_Be_a_Certified_Registered_Nurse.html">certified registered nurse</a>. Some take as little as 12 months, and most take less than two years. </p> <p>These degree programs are usually designed for those who have non-nursing bachelor's degrees or a significant number of undergraduate credits. Depending on your prior education, this may or may not be the <a href="https://learn.org/articles/fastest_way_to_become_nurse.html">fastest way to become a nurse</a> for you. Some schools offer these fast-track nursing programs online. </p> <p>Learn More: <a href="https://learn.org/articles/can_i_get_bsn_without_rn.html">Can You Get A BSN Without An RN?</a> </p> <h2 id="section---AreThereAnyOnlineABSNProgramsInMinnesota">Are There Any Online ABSN Programs in Minnesota?</h2> <p>In truth, there are no fully online ABSN programs &mdash; all require some amount of in-person clinical experience. Many programs that lead to RN licensure require on-campus coursework as well. </p> <p>However, there are a few programs in Minnesota that allow students to complete their coursework online and only require them to appear in person for clinical practice. Some refer to their programs as ''online,'' while others describe them as ''hybrid'' or ''blended.'' </p> <h2 id="section---TopAcceleratedBSNProgramsInMinnesota">Top Accelerated BSN Programs in Minnesota</h2> <p>A handful of schools in Minnesota offer ABSN programs to students. We've highlighted these options below. </p> <h3 id="section---1.CollegeOfSt.Scholastica">1. College of St. Scholastica</h3> <p>The College of St. Scholastica is a private Catholic school in Duluth, MN. It offers an accelerated, post-baccalaureate degree program for those wanting to become registered nurses. </p> <p>The program takes three consecutive semesters, or 12 months, to complete. It's made up of online coursework and in-person simulation labs and clinical rotations. </p> <ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $14,784 per semester </li><li><b>Program length:</b> 12 months </li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> CSS accepts aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), offers institutional aid, and accepts private financial aid. </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) </li></ul><h3 id="section---2.ConcordiaCollege">2. Concordia College</h3> <p>At Concordia College, students who already hold a bachelor's degree can earn a BSN in just 12 months. Nursing courses include a range of topics, such as evidence-based practice, pediatric nursing care, nursing leadership, and more. </p> <p>Concordia College, a private Lutheran school, is located in Moorhead, MN. This program is in-person and includes 500 hours of hands-on clinical experience. </p> <ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $795 per credit </li><li><b>Program length:</b> 12 months </li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> Concordia College offers institutional aid. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources. </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> HLC and CCNE </li></ul><h3 id="section---3.UniversityOfNorthwesternSt.Paul">3. University of Northwestern-St. Paul</h3> <p>The University of Northwestern-St. Paul offers an accelerated BSN through a mix of on-campus and online courses. UNWSP is a private Christian university in St. Paul. </p> <p>The program focuses on subjects such as professional nursing, health assessment, and patient care, all taught through a religious lens. The program takes four semesters, or about a year and a half, to complete. </p> <ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $37,920 per year </li><li><b>Program length:</b> Four semesters </li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> UNWSP offers institutional aid and accepts FAFSA and private student aid. </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> HLC and CCNE </li></ul><h3 id="section---4.BethelUniversity">4. Bethel University</h3> <p>The ABSN program at Bethel University is available to students who have already completed their baccalaureate degree. The program includes courses on topics like pathophysiology, mental health nursing, public health, and general nursing care. </p> <p>Bethel University, located in St. Paul, MN, is a private Christian school. It offers this program in a hybrid format, combining on-campus and online courses with in-person learning experiences. Students can finish in as little as 15 months. </p> <ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $857 per credit </li><li><b>Program length:</b> 15-20 months </li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> Bethel University accepts aid through FAFSA and private organizations. It also offers institutional aid. </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> HLC and CCNE </li></ul><h3 id="section---5.ConcordiaUniversitySt.Paul">5. Concordia University, St. Paul</h3> <p>Concordia University, St. Paul, not to be confused with Concordia College, is a private Christian school based in St. Paul, MN. It's part of the national Concordia University system and offers an ABSN through its Global Campus. </p> <p>The program utilizes online classes and in-person labs and clinicals. It offers three start dates a year and takes 16 months to complete. </p> <ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $1,050 per credit per credit </li><li><b>Program length:</b> 16 months </li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> CSP accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts private financial aid. </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> HLC and CCNE </li></ul><h3 id="section---6.HerzingUniversity">6. Herzing University</h3> <p>Students at Herzing University can fast-track their BSN if they already have a bachelor's degree. The flexible program is a mix of online and on-campus learning and takes about 20 months to complete. </p> <p>Herzing University, a private institution, is based in Milwaukee but has several campuses throughout the U.S., including one in Minneapolis. Students in this program also have the option to pursue dual credit toward a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. </p> <ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $750 per credit </li><li><b>Program length:</b> 20 months </li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> Herzing University offers institutional aid. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources. </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> HLC and CCNE </li></ul><h3 id="section---7.St.CatherineUniversity">7. St. Catherine University</h3> <p>St. Catherine University offers a 21-month ABSN with online courses and in-person labs and clinicals. Also known as St. Kate's, it's a private Catholic university in St. Paul. </p> <p>The program includes courses on pathophysiology, pharmacology, and acute care, with a special emphasis on holistic nursing practice. Students do not need to have a bachelor's degree to participate in this BSN degree program. </p> <ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $525 per credit </li><li><b>Program length:</b> 21 months </li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> St. Kate's offers institutional aid and accepts FAFSA and private student aid. </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> HLC, Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), and American Holistic Nurses Credentialing Corporation (AHNCC) </li></ul><h2 id="section---HowWeRankSchools">How We Rank Schools</h2> <p>To choose the accelerated programs on this list, we focused on: </p> <ul><li><b>Accreditation:</b> All schools are regionally accredited, and all nursing schools are accredited by either the CCNE or ACEN. </li><li><b>Program reputation:</b> In addition to choosing only accredited programs, we only looked at public or private nonprofit institutions to ensure high-quality programs. </li><li><b>Program cost:</b> We tried to focus on programs that are either low cost, accept FAFSA, or offer institutional aid. </li></ul><h2 id="section---FAQsAboutAcceleratedOnlineABSNPrograms">FAQs About Accelerated Online ABSN Programs</h2> <p>Entering the nursing field in Minnesota, whether in the Twin Cities or elsewhere, can be exhilarating but scary. We've answered some frequently asked questions about 1-year accelerated nursing programs and <a href="https://learn.org/articles/what_education_do_i_need_to_become_nurse.html">educational requirements for nurses</a> in Minnesota. </p> <h3 id="section---HowMuchDoesAnOnlineABSNProgramCostInMinnesota">How Much Does an Online ABSN Program Cost in Minnesota?</h3> <p>The cost of an ABSN program in Minnesota can range from around $20,000 and go up from there. The school you choose can have a large impact on your cost. </p> <p>Your cost will also depend on how many credits you need for your program. This can vary by school and by whether you've already completed all general education and prerequisite courses. </p> <p>Additionally, the financial aid you qualify for will impact your costs as well. All students should fill out the FAFSA, which determines eligibility for need-based programs. There are many <a href="https://learn.org/articles/online_colleges_accept_fafsa_minnesota.html">accredited online colleges that accept financial aid</a> in Minnesota. </p> <p>Learn More: <a href="https://learn.org/articles/cheapest_absn_programs.html">Cheapest ABSN Programs</a> </p> <h3 id="section---WhatAreTheRequirementsForAcceleratedBSNPrograms">What Are The Requirements For Accelerated BSN Programs?</h3> <p>The requirements for ABSN degrees vary between schools. Common requirements include: </p> <ul><li>a bachelor's degree </li><li>completion of health sciences prerequisites, like microbiology </li><li>a minimum GPA </li><li>passing an entrance exam like the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) </li><li>a letter of recommendation </li></ul><p>You can usually find admissions requirements as well as other important information, like application deadlines, on the program websites. </p> <h3 id="section---CanIBecomeAnRNIn12Months">Can I Become an RN in 12 Months?</h3> <p>It is possible for nursing students to become RNs within 12 months, but it's not easy. First, you'll need to choose a program that will allow you to finish within 12 months. You'll need to have already completed all prerequisite courses. </p> <p>After completing your program, you'll want to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) right away. Once you've passed the NCLEX-RN exam, you can apply for licensure. </p> <h2 id="section---FindAnOnlineNursingDegree">Find an Online Nursing Degree</h2> <p>Get started on your nursing career by exploring the programs featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual schools to learn more about admissions, enrollment, and financial aid.</p>