Registered nurses (RNs) looking to become leaders in the healthcare workforce are increasingly going back to school to earn a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN). This advanced degree can lead to promotions, specialized nursing careers, and a higher salary. Minnesota is leading the charge by encouraging their schools to offer RN to BSN programs for nurses who currently hold an Associate's Degree in Nursing and want to move up to the next level in their careers.
2025 Best Online RN to BSN Programs in Minnesota
Looking for the best online RN to BSN programs in Minnesota? RegisteredNursing.org has you covered. We rank top programs to help you find the right fit. Our list considers quality, flexibility, and cost. Start advancing your nursing career today. Check out our rankings to see which programs stand out. Learn more about how we rank programs here.
Southwest Minnesota State University
Marshall, MN - Public 4-Year - smsu.edu
Bachelor's - RN to BSN Program
Online Learning - Visit Website
Southwest Minnesota State University's RN to BSN program is tailored for registered nurses seeking to enhance their qualifications through an online format. This program stands out for its flexibility, allowing nurses to balance studies with professional commitments. It emphasizes leadership, community health, and evidence-based practice, equipping graduates for higher-level roles in healthcare. Notably, the program acknowledges prior learning with credit awards and requires a minimum nursing GPA of 2.30 for admission, making it an accessible option for many. Accredited by CCNE and ACEN, it ensures a quality education that meets industry standards, with the added benefit of eligibility for public health nursing roles.
- Fully online flexible program
- No set credit requirements
- CCNE and ACEN accredited
- Prior learning credits awarded
- Public health nurse eligibility
- 2.30 minimum nursing GPA
- 120 total credits required
- 40 upper-level credits
- Working nurse-friendly curriculum
Winona State University
Winona, MN - Public 4-Year - winona.edu
Bachelor's - RN-BS Completion Program
Online Learning - Visit Website
Winona State University offers an RN-to-BS Completion Program tailored for licensed RNs seeking to elevate their professional standing. This fully online program emphasizes leadership development and advanced patient care techniques, catering to the busy schedules of working nurses. With a 40-credit curriculum that acknowledges prior academic achievements, students can efficiently transition to higher roles in healthcare management or public health. The program stands out for its CCNE accreditation, ensuring a quality education that opens doors to certification opportunities and enhanced earning potential. Experiential learning components and flexible asynchronous courses further enrich the educational experience.
- Fully online degree completion
- 40 credit program
- Prepares for leadership roles
- Accredited by CCNE
- Flexible asynchronous coursework
- 60 hours experiential learning
- Pathway to public health certification
Saint Cloud State University
Saint Cloud, MN - Public 4-Year - stcloudstate.edu
Bachelor's - RN-BS Completion Option
Online Learning - Visit Website
Saint Cloud State University offers an RN-BS Completion Option designed for registered nurses aiming to elevate their careers. This 30-credit online program stands out for its affordability, with total tuition around $11,000 for Minnesota residents, and flexibility, offering both part-time and full-time study options. Nurses can complete the program in as little as 12 months, benefiting from courses that start every seven weeks. The curriculum focuses on enhancing leadership skills and opens doors to advanced roles and public health certification. Admission requires a current RN license and a minimum 2.50 GPA, making it accessible for working professionals seeking to advance their education without putting their careers on hold.
- 30-credit online nursing program
- Completion in 12 months
- Part-time or full-time options
- Minimum 2.50 GPA requirement
- Courses every seven weeks
- Approximately $11k total tuition
- CCNE accredited program
- Public health certification eligible
Bemidji State University
Bemidji, MN - Public 4-Year - bemidjistate.edu
Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Visit Website
Bemidji State University's online RN to BSN program delivers a transformative educational experience for working nurses seeking career advancement. The comprehensive curriculum enables rapid progression, allowing students to complete their degree in just one year through fully online coursework. Uniquely positioned, the program offers exceptional value at under $11,000 and provides students with valuable certifications in Public Health Nursing and End of Life Nursing. Graduates gain advanced skills for critical care, community health, and leadership roles, with flexible learning options that accommodate professional nursing schedules.
- 100% Online Program
- Less than $11,000 Total Cost
- Flexible Part-Time Options
- 15 Free Nursing Credits
- No Statistics Course Required
- Public Health Nursing Certification
- End of Life Nursing Certification
- Customized Graduation Plan
- 2.5+ GPA Requirement
- RN License Needed
Metropolitan State University
Saint Paul, MN - Public 4-Year - metrostate.edu
Bachelor's - Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Online Learning - Visit Website
Metropolitan State University's RN to BSN program revolutionizes nursing education through a strategic online platform targeting working professionals. Students engage in a comprehensive curriculum that challenges traditional healthcare paradigms, with explicit emphasis on health equity and social justice. The competency-based program cultivates advanced critical thinking skills, enabling nurses to become transformative healthcare advocates. By integrating anti-racism principles and evidence-based practices, the curriculum prepares nurses to address complex community health challenges. Designed for licensed RNs seeking career advancement, the program offers a flexible, part-time structure spanning five semesters with concentrated learning experiences.
- Online, part-time flexible format
- Holistic nursing approach
- Health equity focus
- Five semester progression
- 31 nursing major credits
- Two courses per semester
- Endorsed by Holistic Nursing Credentialing
- Public health nursing eligible
Fast & Affordable Program Options
If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to advance your nursing career, bridge programs (such as an RN to BSN program) are a great option. These programs can often be completed in half the amount of time, saving you money on tuition and allowing you to hold other commitments in your schedule such as work or family obligations.
Quickest Online RN to BSN Degree Options
To save the most time in a BSN degree program, many nurses leverage their experience and credentials and enroll in an RN to BSN program. These fast-tracked bridge programs accept a large number of credits from associate programs and work with nurses who have their licenses to deliver the shortest possible enrollment period. Most RN to BSN programs can be completed two years or less. Here are a few of the shortest RN to BSN programs in Minnesota.
| School | Degree Name | Length |
| Minnesota State University | Online RN to BSN | 1 Year |
| St. Catherine University | Online RN to BSN | 10 Months |
Learn more about the Fastest RN to BSN Programs.
Do 6-month RN to BSN Programs Exist?
You may (in some unique instances) find an RN to BSN program that allows certain students to only commit six months to their education. Eligible candidates with a large number of transferable credits, a current license, and several years of nursing experience can apply to these types of programs where they exist, though you will likely have a hard time finding them in Minnesota.
Affordable Online RN to BSN Options
Beyond the timeliness of an RN to BSN, you can also look forward to saving a lot of money on tuition! Many RN to BSN programs cost only half as much as a traditional BSN — or even less. Like most bachelor’s degree programs, many schools hosting RN to BSN programs categorize their tuition costs by residency status, so if you are a Minnesota state resident, you can look forward to additional savings. Here are a few of the cheapest RN to BSN programs in the state:
| School | Degree Name | Tuition Cost |
| Minnesota State University | Online RN to BSN | $9,444 per year (Resident) $18,814 per year (Non-Resident) |
| St. Cloud State University | RN to BSN | $10,117 per year (Resident) $20,001 per year (Non-resident) |
Learn more about the cheapest RN to BSN Degrees.
Admissions Requirements for Accredited RN to BSN Programs
There are typically strict criteria necessary for admittance into a good RN to BSN program. The following are examples of real entrance requirements that accredited schools in Minnesota list in order to be eligible for their RN to BSN programs:
- Current, unencumbered RN license
- Nursing GPA of 2.75 or higher
- Must submit transcripts from all colleges attended
Classes & Courses: What is the Curriculum Like?
Students in an RN to BSN program will need a total of 120 credits to graduate, although roughly 30 of these will be core nursing courses. Minnesota State University Moorhead offers the following upper-division nursing courses as part of their program:
- NURS 342: Care of Diverse Populations
- NURS 370: Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice
- NURS 420L: Gerontological Nursing to Promote Successful Aging
- NURS 450: Applied Pathophysiology
- NURS 472: Leadership and Professional Development
2025 List of RN to BSN Programs in Minnesota
Learn about the best RN tp BSN programs in the state in our listings below:
Find RN to BSN Programs By City:
Bemidji, MN
Bemidji State University
- Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- 100% Online Program
- Less than $11,000 Total Cost
- Flexible Part-Time Options
- 15 Free Nursing Credits
- No Statistics Course Required
- Public Health Nursing Certification
- End of Life Nursing Certification
- Customized Graduation Plan
Mankato, MN
Minnesota State University-Mankato
- Bachelor's - RN Baccalaureate Completion Program
Online Learning - Website
- 100% Online Curriculum
- Rolling Admission Available
- Flexible Start Times
- Individualized Learning Approach
- Affordable Tuition
Marshall, MN
Southwest Minnesota State University
- Bachelor's - RN to BSN Program
Online Learning - Website
- Fully online flexible program
- No set credit requirements
- CCNE and ACEN accredited
- Prior learning credits awarded
- Public health nurse eligibility
- 2.30 minimum nursing GPA
- 120 total credits required
- 40 upper-level credits
Minneapolis, MN
Augsburg University
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing Completion Program
Online Learning - Website
- Asynchronous online format
- 12-month completion possible
- 32-36 credit requirements
- Multiple start times annually
- Transcultural nursing focus
- Community immersion experiences
- Public health nursing certification
- Flexible pathway options
Moorhead, MN
Minnesota State University Moorhead
- Bachelor's - Registered Nurse (RN) to BSN
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid online/on-campus format
- 100% employment rate
- CCNE accredited program
- Experienced doctorally prepared faculty
- 86% career advancement potential
Saint Cloud, MN
Saint Cloud State University
- Bachelor's - RN-BS Completion Option
Online Learning - Website
- 30-credit online nursing program
- Completion in 12 months
- Part-time or full-time options
- Minimum 2.50 GPA requirement
- Courses every seven weeks
- Approximately $11k total tuition
- CCNE accredited program
- Public health certification eligible
Saint Paul, MN
Metropolitan State University
- Bachelor's - Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Online Learning - Website
- Online, part-time flexible format
- Holistic nursing approach
- Health equity focus
- Five semester progression
- 31 nursing major credits
- Two courses per semester
- Endorsed by Holistic Nursing Credentialing
- Public health nursing eligible
St Catherine University
- Bachelor's - RN-BSN
Online Learning - Website
- Online degree completion program
- 22-28 total program credits
- Minimum 2.5 GPA required
- Current RN licensure needed
- Practicum-integrated courses
- Leadership and systems focus
- Evidence-based practice emphasis
- Population health curriculum
Winona, MN
Winona State University
- Bachelor's - RN-BS Completion Program
Online Learning - Website
- Fully online degree completion
- 40 credit program
- Prepares for leadership roles
- Accredited by CCNE
- Flexible asynchronous coursework
- 60 hours experiential learning
- Pathway to public health certification