Best Online Nurse Practitioner (NP) Programs in Minnesota

Whether you’re a fresh face to the nursing world with no nursing experience whatsoever or a seasoned nurse with many years of experience, becoming a nurse practitioner is a great option for those who are looking for a rewarding and exciting specialized career with one of the highest-paying salaries in the medical field. If you’ve ever wondered about the process of becoming a nurse practitioner, take a look at our guide to these programs located in Minneapolis or St. Paul or beyond! Jump to program listings.

2025 - Best Nurse Practitioner Programs in Minnesota

Introducing RegisteredNursing.org's 2025 Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs in Minnesota! Our rankings highlight the top programs in the state to help aspiring nurse practitioners find the best options for advancing their careers. Programs are evaluated on criteria such as completion rates, affordability, institutional reputation, program diversity, and faculty qualifications. To learn more about how we determine our rankings, visit our methodology page.

1.

Winona State University

Rochester, MN

Winona State University Rochester offers top-notch nurse practitioner programs through its renowned Department of Nursing. With a strong emphasis on hands-on clinical experience and interdisciplinary collaboration, students are equipped with the skills and knowledge to excel in their field. The programs also prioritize cultural competence and social responsibility, preparing graduates to provide holistic and compassionate care to diverse populations.

DNP Programs

• Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) Campus
• Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Campus

Graduate Certificate Programs

• Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) Campus
• Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Campus
• Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Campus

2.

University of Minnesota

Minneapolis, MN

The University of Minnesota's School of Nursing offers highly reputable nurse practitioner programs, with a strong emphasis on evidence-based practice and interdisciplinary collaboration. Their programs are consistently ranked among the top in the nation, and the nursing department's philosophy prioritizes compassionate care, social justice, and leadership development. Graduates of these programs are equipped with the knowledge and skills to provide advanced, holistic care to diverse patient populations.

DNP Programs

• Adult Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Campus
• Post-Baccalaureate: Adult/Gerontological Clinical Nurse Specialist Campus
• Family Nurse Practitioner Campus
• Post-Baccalaureate: Nurse Anesthesia Campus
• Post-Baccalaureate: Nurse Midwifery Campus
• Post-Baccalaureate: Nursing Informatics Campus
• Post-Baccalaureate: Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist Campus
• Primary Care Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Campus
• Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Campus
• Women's Health Nurse Practitioner Campus
• Post-Master's Doctor Of Nursing Practice Campus

Graduate Certificate Programs

• Adult Health/Gerontological Clinical Nurse Specialist Campus
• Adult Health/Gerontological Nurse Practitioner Campus
• Nurse Midwifery Campus
• Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Campus
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Campus
• Women's Health Nurse Practitioner Campus

MSN Programs

• Master of Nursing Campus

PhD Programs

• PhD in Nursing Campus

3.

Augsburg University

Minneapolis, MN

Augsburg University's nursing department, named the Department of Nursing Science, offers highly acclaimed nurse practitioner programs that focus on providing students with a holistic and evidence-based approach to healthcare. With a strong emphasis on patient-centered care, students are equipped with the skills and knowledge to excel in the constantly evolving healthcare field. The program also highlights the importance of diversity and social justice in nursing practice. Augsburg College's nurse practitioner programs prepare graduates to become leaders in promoting health and well-being in their communities.

DNP Programs

• Family Nurse Practitioner (DNP-FNP) Online/Hybrid
• DNP – Transcultural Nursing Leadership (TCN) Campus

Fast & Affordable Nurse Practitioner Programs

Most students expect to commit several years and invest thousands of dollars to get trained as a nurse practitioner. Fortunately for students in Minnesota, there are plenty of options to get their Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree within two years (or less) and without paying a fortune!

What Are the Fastest Online NP Programs?

The fastest educational track for students with a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN) is an MSN. This option allows students to become nurse practitioners in as little as two years, and sometimes even less if utilizing online learning options or summer programs. Below are a few options for students to complete their MSN in Minnesota in the fastest time possible:

What Are the Most Affordable Online NP Programs?

Whether they’re already working in the nursing field or just starting out, when researching nurse practitioner programs the first question on everyone’s mind is “How much is it going to cost?” You may be surprised to learn that nurse practitioner programs located in Minnesota (especially MSN programs) can be much lower than programs offered in other states. This is especially true if you have established residency in Minnesota and you’re looking for schools with smaller nursing programs and in areas where the cost of living is lower. Here are a few examples:

Schools Offering Popular Nurse Practitioner Specialties

One of the most well-known benefits to nurse practitioner programs is that they usually offer the option for students to specialize in a multitude of exciting practice areas such as pediatrics, cardiology, or midwifery. This allows you to not only focus on an area or patient group that you’re passionate about, but it also allows you to charge more for your services. Below are a few examples of nurse practitioner programs that offer the ability to specialize:

Find out more about popular NP specialty programs: Acute Care (ACNP), Adult Gerontology (AGNP), Family (FNP), Pediatric (PNP), Psychiatric (PHMNP), Women’s Health (WHNP).

Educational Routes for Nurse Practitioners – Online & Campus

If a traditional MSN or DNP doesn’t work for your specific needs, don’t fret! There are several different types of nurse practitioner programs beyond these two options. Depending on what degree level you’re currently at, you may be eligible to enroll in a bridge program which could shorten your graduation time saving you thousands of dollars in the process.

MSN Nurse Practitioner Programs

A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program is one of the most common nurse practitioner programs. This program lasts between two and six years and comes in a variety of specializations, depending on the school. Here are a few you can find in Minnesota:

• University of Minnesota – Minneapolis, MN
• Minnesota State University – Mankato, MN

RN to NP Programs

More commonly known as ADN to MSN programs or RN to MSN programs, this bridge track allows registered nurses with an associate’s degree to bypass the typical BSN degree and move to an accelerated version followed by a shortened MSN curriculum. You can find Minnesota’s only RN to MSN program located at Minnesota State University, Moorhead in Moorhead, MN.

DNP Nurse Practioner Programs

The highest level of education that a nurse practitioner can obtain is a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). These highly advanced nursing programs usually last between six and eight years and offer a variety of specializations. Here are a few that are offered in Minnesota:

• University of Minnesota – Minneapolis, MN
• Minnesota State University – Mankato, MN

Post-Master's Certificate NP Program

Post-Master's Nursing Certificates are designed for MSN-educated nurses wanting to enter or switch to a new NP specialty. Post-master’s nurse practitioner certificates are not technically degrees. However, they can be a shorter and often more affordable way for eligible nurses to gain NP training, typically completed in a year or less. Examples in the state include:

• University of Minnesota – Minneapolis, MN
• Winona State University – Winona, MN

Accelerated, Direct & Master’s Entry (MENP/MEPN) to Nursing Practice

If you’ve just decided to enter the medical field for the first time, but you’e already completed a different degree program, you may be interested in this type of accelerated program. Master's Entry to Nursing Practice (MENP) programs, also called direct-entry or accelerated MSN programs, allow non-nurses with a bachelor's degree in any subject to enter directly into an MSN program. These programs essentially combine BSN and MSN coursework into one rigorous program. Here are a few examples in Minnesota:

• Metro State University – St. Paul, MN
• St. Catherine University – St. Paul, MN

General Admissions Requirements

Once you’ve narrowed down your choices of nurse practitioner programs, it’s time to start applying! Below are the usual admissions requirements you can expect:

• BSN from an accredited school
• Transcripts from all colleges attended
• Minimum grade point average (often 3.0 or above, but varies by school/program)
• Active, unencumbered RN license
• Essay or statement of purpose outlining career goals
• Letters of recommendation (academic or professional)
• Resume or CV

Minnesota NP License and Certification Requirements

The two most crucial requirements for getting NP licensure and getting certified in a specific practice area are RN licensure and a graduate degree. Applicants are also required to submit proof of their credentials, including RN licensure, academic transcripts, and documentation of clinical training hours. The licensing process requires the completion of an application and payment of a fee, which generally amounts to about $100. Full details on the NP licensure and application process in Minnesota are available on the state’s nursing board website.

Certification is a key component for NPs in Minnesota. Most NP specialties require certification through a national certifying body, such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Candidates must typically hold a valid RN license and have completed a graduate-level program in their specialized area of nursing. Certification exams may also be required to demonstrate clinical knowledge and competency.

In Minnesota, NPs have full practice authority, which allows them to practice independently without the need for physician supervision. This status empowers nurse practitioners to diagnose and treat patients, prescribe medications, and manage patient care autonomously. This autonomy is supported by the Minnesota Board of Nursing and other professional organizations like the Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA), which provides guidance, resources, and advocacy for NPs across the state. Minnesota’s commitment to full practice authority helps to increase access to healthcare services, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

List of NP Programs in Minnesota