Nursing Programs in Minneapolis, MN

Entry Level ADN, BSN, & MSN Programs in Minneapolis, MN

For those who don't hold an RN license, there are numerous entry-level degree pathways in the Minneapolis area. Students can opt for an Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN), a traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), or even a high-level Master's of Science in Nursing (MSN).

LPN to RN Programs

Many licensed practical nurses want to build on their existing licensure and experience working with patients to move into a career as an RN. These LPNs may be interested in LPN to RN bridge programs, which shorten the amount of time it takes to earn an associate’s degree in nursing. The program at Minneapolis Community & Technical College, for example, awards LPNs with unencumbered licenses five credits toward their ADN degree.

ADN Programs

The ADN degree is the shortest way to earn a basic RN education. These 2-year programs are often available at community and state colleges and are quite common. The Minnesota Alliance for Nursing Education (MANE) unites many community colleges in the Minneapolis area to promote baccalaureate nursing education. As part of this initiative, schools such as Anoka-Ramsey Community College offer an ADN degree with the option to continue on to earn a BSN.

Direct-Entry BSN Programs

Direct-entry BSN programs are designed for students who have not previously earned an ADN or nursing diploma. These classic 4-year degrees are starting to become more commonplace for healthcare employers, who often prefer them over lesser degree types. St. Catherine University in Minneapolis offers a traditional BSN pathway in which students take courses like Holistic Care of Adults, Nutrition Foundations, and more.

Find out more about Minnesota Accelerated BSN Programs.

Direct-Entry MSN Programs

This is a less common nursing program that allows a student to earn a master's degree in nursing in an accelerated format. Typically, these programs require that the applicant already holds a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field. St. Catherine University in St. Paul offers an entry-level MSN program that can be completed in just 26 months.

Find out more about Minnesota Accelerated MSN Programs.

Minneapolis RN Program NCLEX-RN Pass Rates

Top Ranked Accredited Nursing Programs in Minneapolis

Listed below are the top nursing schools in Minneapolis based on our RegisteredNursing.org RN program rankings for Minnesota out of 44 other accredited programs offered in the state:

• Bethel University - #6
• Concordia University - #11
• Crown College - #4
• Metropolitan State University - #20
• Normandale Community College - #2
• North Hennepin Community College - #17
• University of Minnesota - Twin Cities - #9
• University of Northwestern - Saint Paul - #5

RN to BSN/MSN Programs in Minneapolis, MN

RN to BSN and RN to MSN programs are often referred to as "bridge" programs because they allow ADN-educated RNs the chance to advance their education in a shorter amount of time by bridging the gap in knowledge. These programs are often available in online formats.

RN to BSN Programs

The RN to BSN program is a popular way for RNs with an ADN or diploma to earn a baccalaureate degree. Once prerequisite courses are completed, students move on to the bachelor's degree portion of the program. Metropolitan State University, for example, offers an RN to BSN program that requires just 32 total credits taken in 5 consecutive semesters to complete.

Learn more about Minnesota RN to BSN Programs.

RN to MSN Programs

For those who wish to specialize in an advanced practice area, the RN to MSN pathway is ideal. Capella University, for example, offers an online RN to MSN program in a variety of concentrations, including Care Coordination, Nursing Education, Nursing Informatics, and Nursing Leadership & Administration. These tracks require roughly 66 total credits to complete.

Learn more about Minnesota RN to MSN Programs.

APRN & Nurse Practitioner Programs in Minneapolis, MN

Advanced nursing program options are available for those who want to access the highest positions as nurse practitioners. Pathways include the traditional MSN degree, the post-master's certificate, and even doctoral programs such as the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or the Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (Ph.D.).

MSN Programs

The MSN degree is a common post-graduate nursing degree. Typically requiring around 2 years beyond a BSN degree, the MSN degree allows students to specialize in a number of concentrations.

Learn more about Minnesota Nurse Practitioner Programs.

Post-Master's Certificate Programs

Post-graduate programs are designed for nurses who have already earned an MSN degree, but who wish to change specializations. This allows them to do so without having to obtain another lengthy degree. The University of Minnesota offers many post-master's certificates in specialties such as Women's Health Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Midwifery, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and more.

Learn more about Minnesota Post-Master's Certificate Programs.

DNP and Ph.D. Programs

Doctoral programs are considered terminal degree types in nursing. Students can choose between earning a DNP, which focuses on clinical practice, or a Ph.D., which focuses on education and research. Metropolitan State University offers both a BSN to DNP and an MSN to DNP. The University of Minnesota offers a Ph.D. in nursing program that takes 4-5 years to complete, on average.

Learn more about Minnesota DNP Programs.