4 Best Online Nursing Programs in Minnesota

Completing an online nursing program is a fantastic way to further your education and expand your career opportunities in the field.

The key is finding the right program that aligns with your academic and scheduling needs.

If you're a certified registered nurse with a busy schedule, you might have a difficult time finding the right program.

Don't give up your search. Instead, explore undergraduate and graduate options at schools offering flexible Minnesota distance education nursing degree programs.

Best Online Nursing Programs in Minnesota

If you're ready to earn your Minnesota online nursing degree program, take a look at schools offering programs in the state. These programs include online RN to BSN programs.

1. Minnesota State University - Mankato

Minnesota State University - Mankato allows undergraduate and graduate degree hopefuls to study in a 100% online learning environment.

The university is home to the 30-credit fully online RN Baccalaureate Completion program, which offers five flexible start times and eight- or 16-week course options.

The Advanced Professional Nurse, Master of Science (MS) program is designed for nurses who want to expand their careers.

The program offers the following emphases: Nurse Educator, Nurse Leader, or dual Nurse Educator/Nurse Leader.

2. St. Catherine University

St. Catherine University offers the online RN-BSN Degree Completion program, which can be completed in 10-12 months when students bring in up to 90 credits.

Individuals interested in an MSN can enroll in the school's Nursing Informatics or Nurse Educator program. Both programs are delivered online and completed in 28 months.

The Doctor of Nursing Practice: Post-Master's is a 36-credit online program designed to prepare students for health policy implementation and organizational leadership.

All programs are ACEN-accredited.

3. Winona State University

Winona State University's Nursing RN-to-BS Completion program is a fully online option for licensed RNs with an associate degree or diploma in nursing.

The 57-credit program offers start dates in the fall and spring semesters and is typically completed in one to four years.

The program is approved by the Minnesota Board of Nursing and accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Upon graduating, an impressive 96% of students find jobs in their field.

4. The College of St. Scholastica

At The College of St. Scholastica, nursing degree hopefuls can enroll in the 100% online RN to BS in Nursing program.

The 42-credit program features 29 course credits and 13 credits earned for an unrestricted RN license. The program's goal is to position students for a BS to DNP program.

With six start terms per year, students have the flexibility to align their studies with their busy lives while finishing in as little as one year.

Other Online Colleges Available to Minnesota Residents

Interested in more online nursing programs? In addition to online nurse degree programs in Minnesota, take a look at programs offered nationally. These include degrees in alternate formats, including self-paced RN to BSN programs and even 6-month RN to BSN programs.

Walden University

Walden University offers a large variety of nursing programs for students interested in earning a bachelor's degree up to a doctoral degree.

Undergraduate students can enroll in the RN to BSN Online Completion Program and earn their degree in as few as 14 months.

Walden also offers an MSN program with nine specialization options, including Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Executive, and Nursing Informatics.

Doctoral degree options include the DNP and PhD, which each have six specialization options.

Capella University

At Capella University, students can enroll in the RN-to-BSN program and choose between two learning formats: GuidedPath or FlexPath.

Guided Path is a structured learning format requiring 180 credits for completion. The FlexPath is self-paced and requires 90 credits and nine months to complete.

Capella also offers an online MSN with eight specialization options and an online DNP requiring 13 courses and a capstone.

Both the MSN and DNP offer GuidedPath and FlexPath learning paths.

University of Phoenix

The University of Phoenix offers a 33-program-credit online RN to BSN degree program designed for completion in as little as 14 months.

Students can also enroll in a competency-based BSN degree with an accelerated completion of just 12 months.

At the master's level is the 34-credit online MSN with a concentration in Nurse Administration.

The university's online DNP is a 31-credit program designed for nurses interested in nurse educator, manager, and clinical director roles.

Grand Canyon University

Grand Canyon University is home to more than a dozen online nursing degree options.

At the undergraduate level, the university offers an RN to BSN as well as several bridge programs for students with bachelor's degrees in other fields who want to earn an MSN.

The university also has an MSN program with several emphasis options and an MSN to Family Nurse Practitioner program.

Students interested in a doctoral degree can choose from the DNP or DNP with an emphasis in Educational Leadership.

Liberty University

At Liberty University, students have access to nearly a dozen online nursing programs.

Undergraduate students can choose between the RN to BSN, RN to BSN - Global, and RN to BSN to MSN accelerated program.

The MSN program offers a standard learning track and a one-year accelerated track.

Dual degree programs are available for MSN students who also want to earn an MBA or MSHA.

Students interested in a doctoral degree can choose between a DNP and a PhD in Nursing.

Purdue Global

If you are interested in earning an online nursing degree from Purdue Global, there are plenty of options available.

Undergraduate degree programs include the Bachelor of Science in Nursing - RN-to-BSN as well as the Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Accelerated RN-to-MSN Option.

The university offers a standard MSN online degree as well as three dual degree options: MSN and MBA, MSN and MPH, and MSN and MHCA.

At the doctoral level, students can enroll in the DNP program.

Types of Nursing Programs Offered Online in Minnesota

If you are eager to earn a Minnesota online nursing degree, you will be happy to know that there are a lot of great online nursing education options available in the state.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

Most nursing programs offer a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and many are available online.

The programs might vary in requirements for completion, but most are designed to help RNs with an ADN or a diploma in nursing earn a bachelor's degree.

Examples of BSN programs include the RN to BSN completion and accelerated options that allow students to earn a BSN and MSN.

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

The MSN is designed for nurses who have already earned a BSN and want to further their education.

MSN programs often include emphases or specializations in areas like nurse leadership, nursing informatics, and nursing education.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

The DNP is a doctoral degree that prepares nurses for careers in areas like health policy and organizational leadership.

If you enroll in an online nursing program outside of Minnesota, you will find BSN, MSN, and DNP degree options. Some schools also provide PhD in Nursing degrees.

What Are the Educational Requirements for a Nursing Degree?

The educational requirements for nurses often vary depending on the school.

But to get an idea of what to expect, here is an overview of degree types:

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)

This two-year degree is generally offered by hospital-based schools of nursing and community colleges.

Admission to an ADN program might require a high school diploma or GED, high school biology or chemistry, SAT scores, the HESI exam, and a personal essay.

Once admitted, you take classes that include English, chemistry, communications, and biology.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

BSN programs generally offer a traditional four-year route, a two-year RN to BSN completion route, or an accelerated route lasting 11 to 18 months.

Admission requirements often include SAT scores, specific science classes, a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher, and a current, unrestricted RN license.

Following admission, students usually take general education and nursing classes while completing clinical experiences.

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Students typically enroll in MSN programs after completing their BSN; however, it is also possible to enroll in an RN to MSN bridge program.

MSN programs usually require students to have RN certification and no less than two years of clinical experience.

The curriculum in MSN programs can include fundamental courses, clinical courses, and research courses.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

The DNP is known as a terminal degree, which means it is the highest practice-based degree you can earn in the nursing field.

DNP programs can be completed in as few as two years and as many as five years depending on the education already attained.

Most DNP programs require enrollees to present a valid, unencumbered nursing license and prove at least one year of professional nursing experience.

The curriculum can include core courses, field experiences, and a final capstone project.

Licensing Requirements for Nurses in Minnesota

If you are interested in securing nursing licensure in Minnesota, review the following required steps.

Licensure by Examination (LPN and RN)

To secure initial licensure as an LPN or RN, you must apply for licensure by examination. Here are the steps you must take:

• Submit a Licensure by Examination Application with fees.
• Show you have not engaged in conduct that warrants disciplinary action.
• Send in fingerprints for the criminal background check using the fingerprint packet mailed to you.
• Turn in a completed Confirmation of Program completion.
• Take the NCLEX exam.

Licensure by Endorsement (LPN and RN)

Nurses interested in practicing in Minnesota who are licensed in another state can apply for licensure by endorsement to avoid the licensure by examination process.

To apply for licensure by endorsement, you must submit the following:

• A Licensure by Endorsement Application.
• Verification from the state, province, or territory in which you were first licensed.
• Confirmation of Nursing Employment Form.
• Fingerprints for the criminal background check using the fingerprint packet mailed to you.

You may also need to report your continuing education or take a refresher course.

Start Your Nursing Degree Online

If you are ready to earn your Minnesota online nursing degree, now's the time to find the right program to meet your academic needs. Explore top nursing degree programs in Minnesota and the easiest RN to BSN programs online in other states to begin your journey today.