How To Become a Nurse in Minnesota 2025

Registered nurses (RNs) play an important role in healthcare. They care for patients, help them understand their conditions � they also help their healthcare facilities run smoothly.

These professionals need to have an RN license. Because licensure requirements vary by state, how to become a nurse also varies. Keep reading to learn about the requirements to become a nurse in Minnesota.

What Does an RN Do?

Registered nurses care for patients. Their job duties may include:

• assessing and observing the conditions of patients
• recording observations, medical history, and symptoms into the patient chart
• administering medication and other treatments
• operating and monitoring medical equipment
• assisting with patient care plans
• educating patients on their care plans

The specific job duties of a certified registered nurse depend on where they work. While most nurses work in hospitals, they can work in all kinds of healthcare facilities.

How Long Does It Take To Become a Nurse in Minnesota?

The length of time it takes to obtain RN licensure in Minnesota depends on a few factors, including what program you choose and how long it takes you to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for registered nurses (NCLEX-RN).

If you already have a bachelor's degree in another field, you may be able to find accelerated nursing programs online that allow you to become an RN in about a year. Otherwise, most associate degree programs take two to three years. Some offer accelerated pathways for licensed practical nurses (LPNs).

4 Steps To Become a Registered Nurse in Minnesota

To become a licensed nurse in Minnesota, you'll need to meet the educational requirements for nurses and pass the NCLEX-RN exam. We've highlighted the key steps below.

Step 1: Complete an Approved Nursing Program

Nurses in Minnesota must complete a nursing degree program. There are a few options available depending on your current level of education.

If you don't have a college degree yet, you can pursue an Associate Degree in nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Associate degree programs are shorter, but BSN programs can lead to leadership roles and graduate study.

If you already hold a bachelor's degree, consider a second bachelor's program in nursing. These are often accelerated BSN (ABSN) options that take one to two years. Some schools also offer entry-level Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs.

Whatever nursing school you choose must be approved by the Minnesota Board of Nursing. Your nursing program will include coursework on topics like patient care and public health, as well as provide you with clinical experiences.

Step 2: Submit an Application and Take the NCLEX-RN

After you've completed your nursing degree, you'll submit an application for licensure by examination. This requires paying an application fee and passing a background check.

Then, you'll register to take the NCLEX-RN exam, which is administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). It assesses you on subjects like client needs, nursing processes, and clinical judgment.

Step 3: Obtain and Maintain Licensure

Ten days after you take your exam, the Board will mail you your nursing license. If you don't pass the exam, you'll receive an Examination Retake Request packet and a diagnostic profile to help you understand what areas you need to study more.

To maintain licensure, you'll need to renew your RN license every two years. This requires completing 24 hours of continuing education (CE) during that two-year period.

Step 4: Consider Advancing Your Nursing Career

Many RNs choose to further their nursing education, giving them the opportunity for career advancement. If you have an associate degree, you can complete your bachelor's degree through a shortened RN to BSN program.

If you have your bachelor's, you may want to pursue a master's degree or even a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). These lead to advanced nursing roles such as nurse practitioner or nurse anesthesiologist.

Top Nursing Degree Programs in Minnesota

The Minnesota Board of Nursing has approved several nursing schools for licensure. Some are solely in person, while others have options for online nursing programs. We've highlighted a few top programs below.

1. Minnesota West Community and Technical College

Minnesota West Community and Technical College is a public community college in Granite Falls, MN. It offers an Associate of Science (AS) degree in nursing.

The program takes five semesters of nursing courses to complete and has a 100% NCLEX-RN pass rate for the most recent test year. The school also has an RN to BSN partnership with Southwest Minnesota State University.

• Estimated tuition cost: $6,491 per year (in-state and out-of-state)
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)

2. St. Olaf College

At St. Olaf College, students will find a bachelor's degree in nursing. The accredited nursing program prepares students through a foundational liberal arts education and curriculum emphasizing nursing skills.

This private Christian school is located in Northfield, MN. It had a 100% NCLEX-RN pass rate in the most recent test year.

• Estimated tuition cost: $59,760 per year (in-state and out-of-state)
• Accreditation: HLC and Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

3. Anoka-Ramsey Community College

Anoka-Ramsey Community College offers an Associate of Science in nursing with a 100% NCLEX-RN pass rate. ARCC is a public community college in Coon Rapids, MN.

The program prepares graduates to provide care to individuals, families, and communities in health promotion, acute and chronic illness, and other areas. An LPN to RN track is also available.

• Estimated tuition cost: $5,682 per year (in-state and out-of-state)
• Accreditation: HLC and ACEN

4. St. Cloud Technical and Community College

The ADN program at St. Cloud Technical and Community College provides students with state-of-the-art labs, academic lectures, and clinical opportunities. Students graduate with the knowledge, skills, and core qualities needed to be successful in their nursing job.

SCTCC, located in St. Cloud, MN, is a public community college. It had a 100% NCLEX-RN pass rate in the most recent test year.

• Estimated tuition cost: $6,124 per year (in-state and out-of-state)
• Accreditation: HLC and National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA)

5. Central Lakes College

Central Lakes College is a public community college in Brainerd, MN. It offers an Associate of Science in nursing that takes four semesters of nursing courses to complete.

This program teaches students to promote health, prevent disease, and help clients cope with illness. It most recently had a 100% pass rate on the NCLEX-RN exam.

• Estimated tuition cost: $6,249 per year (in-state and out-of-state)
• Accreditation: HLC and NLN CNEA

Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Minnesota

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), registered nursing jobs are expected to increase by 6% across the nation by 2033. The outlook is similar in Minnesota, with nursing jobs expected to increase by 5%.

The median annual salary for nurses in Minnesota is higher than the median national salary, $100,870 per year compared to $93,600 per year. Salaries are even higher in some of the larger cities, like Minneapolis and St. Paul, Rochester, St. Cloud, and Mankato.

FAQs About How To Become a Nurse in Minnesota

Understanding the educational and licensure requirements to become a nurse can feel a little overwhelming. We've answered some frequently asked questions below to help you out.

How Much Does a Nursing Degree Cost in Minnesota?

The cost of a nursing degree in Minnesota varies based on a few factors, like what type of degree you're earning and what school you choose. However, many Minnesota community colleges allow you to complete a nursing program for under $15,000.

The financial aid you qualify for will also influence your costs. All students should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which determines eligibility for programs like the federal Pell Grant or Minnesota's North Star Promise. Many online colleges that accept FAFSA in Minnesota.

Your total will also depend on extra costs, such as textbooks, scrubs, and other nursing supplies. Many programs also require a laptop, and you'll want to consider the best laptop for nursing students.

What Are the Prerequisites for a Nursing Degree?

Like costs, the prerequisites for a nursing degree can vary by program. Most programs will require you to have already taken your general education courses as well as courses in biology, anatomy and physiology, and chemistry. Some schools offer self-paced nursing prerequisites online.

You may also need to meet a minimum GPA and pass an entrance exam, such as the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS). You can usually find a full list of program requirements on the school website.

What Is the Fastest Way To Become a Nurse?

If you don't already have a degree, the fastest way to become a nurse is by earning an ADN. You can always return to school later to complete your bachelor's.

If you have a degree, you can look at accelerated options for second bachelor's degrees or entry-level master's degrees.

What Is the Easiest Nursing Degree?

For most students, the easiest nursing degree is an RN to BSN program. These are bachelor's completion programs designed for working nurses.

Because they're for nurses who already have their RN license and are working, they're often more flexible. Many of these programs are online and allow students to complete clinical hours where they work.

Find a Nursing Degree

Find the perfect nursing degree by exploring the programs featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual schools to learn more about how they can help you reach your nursing career goals.