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10 Best Online Nursing Programs in Minnesota for 2024

Online nursing programs offer a tremendous amount of benefits to students. The programs are eligible to provide a high-quality education, convenience, and flexibility.

Due to the nursing shortage, many institutions have created online programs to help attract new recruits for the profession. The nursing profession will continue to be one of the most popular and versatile professions to enter into.

Best Accredited Colleges has created a list of the 10 best programs for online nursing in Minnesota for 2024 and explains the steps to become a licensed nurse in the state.

Minnesota Online Nursing Degree Programs

The following list contains the best colleges and universities with online nursing in Minnesota.

1. Winona State University

Winona State University offers an online RN to BSN program that begins every fall and spring semester. The university is dedicated to enhancing a student's skills in teamwork, communication, and critical thinking.

Throughout the program, students will learn:

  • how to perform a holistic assessment of individuals
  • work with vulnerable population groups in the community
  • use research to write evidence-based practice reports
  • understand what a family living in poverty experiences through poverty simulations

The coursework is delivered entirely online and allows students to complete the coursework on their own schedules. Students complete 60 hours of experiential learning and are also prepared to apply for a public health nurse (PHN) certification through the board.

2. Minnesota State University Moorhead

Minnesota State University Moorhead offers three different online nursing programs.

Available programs include:

  • RN to BSN program
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
  • Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

The nursing programs at MSUM provide students with the most current and essential nursing education and encourages students to build on healthcare issues.

Other benefits of the programs are:

  • committed faculty
  • study abroad opportunities
  • CCNE accredited
  • accelerated BSN program
  • high quality and affordable education

3. St. Cloud State University

St. Cloud State University's RN to BSN completion program prepares students to be well equipped to practice in many healthcare settings. The program is a total of 30 credits and can completed in one calendar year.

Some of the program's highlights are:

  • preparation to earn public health certification
  • capstone experience
  • emphasis on culturally appropriate patient care
  • affordability
  • personalized advising to assist students

4. Bemidji State University

Bemidji State University's online BSN degree program is fully accredited and provides the flexibility needed to reach one's goals. The program is offered in the fall, spring, and summer semester and can be completed in as little as one year.

The program can be completed in two different degree tracks:

  • part-time
  • full-time

The part-time option can be completed in over five semesters while the full-time option can be completed in just three semesters. Students have up to six years to finish the program.

5. Bethel University

Bethel University's online Master of Science in nurse midwifery prepares its students to provide care with skill, compassion, and integrity.

Throughout the program, students are exposed to numerous benefits, such as:

  • flexible programming
  • experienced faculty
  • ethics-based teaching
  • small class-sizes
  • service-oriented preparation

After graduation, students can work in:

  • clinical midwifery practice
  • private practice
  • birth centers
  • physician practices
  • hospitals and medical centers
  • managed care organizations

6. Metropolitan State University

Metropolitan State University's online RN to BSN program starts every fall and spring semester and consists of 31 credits of nursing major coursework. The courses are given asynchronously and can be completed in five semesters.

The university's primary learning objectives are to:

  • demonstrate application of nursing theory
  • apply multiple forms of evidence, critical analysis, and reasoning in healthcare
  • demonstrate knowledge of holistic care
  • practice holistic nursing care
  • practice professional nursing leadership

After graduation, students qualify for public health nursing registration in Minnesota.

7. Minnesota State University Mankato

Minnesota State University Mankato's online RN to BSN program allows its students to open a whole new set of career possibilities. The program is given completely online and provides a family-focused curriculum that helps students understand the best way to provide care to families.

The program consists of 30 credits and the coursework is given on an asynchronous schedule.

The program has five convenient start times and are given in eight-week or 16-week intervals. Full-time students can complete the program in a year.

8. St. Catherine University

St. Catherine University's online RN to BSN program allows students to transfer up to 90 of the 120 credits required to complete the program.

In the program, students benefit from learning in a respected program and developing close connections with numerous healthcare employers.

The program can be completed in 10 to 12 months.

9. College of St. Scholastica

The College of St. Scholastica's online RN to BSN program helps dedicated nurses to gain the necessary knowledge to advance their careers.

The nursing program offers:

  • HLC and CCNE-approved curriculum
  • 42 total credits
  • flexible, online format
  • six start terms per year
  • no statistics required
  • earn your degree in one year

10. Augsburg University

Augsburg University's BSN completion program is a hybrid program that is given at the Minneapolis and Rochester campuses. The program begins in the fall, spring, and summer semesters and consists of 32 to 36 credits.

If admitted, students are given the opportunity to immerse themselves in community experiences as well as gain a public health nursing certification.

The university has numerous partnerships with local community colleges which allows a $50 tuition reduction. Students are eligible to complete the program in 12 months.

Steps To Becoming a Nurse in Minnesota

1. Complete a Nursing Program

The first step in becoming a licensed nurse in Minnesota is to complete an accredited nursing program.

There are two degree programs to choose from:

ADN programs typically take two years to complete while BSN programs can take four years to finish. However, many colleges have created accelerated online BSN programs that can be completed anywhere between 12 to 24 months.

2. Apply to the Minnesota Board of Nursing

After completing an accredited nursing program, candidates are then required to apply to the Minnesota Board of Nursing. During this step, candidates are required to pay all required fees and undergo an official background check.

Once all required documentation is submitted, the candidate will then be approved to take the licensure exam.

3. Register and Pass the NCLEX Exam

The last step of the process consists of nursing candidates registering and passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). The candidate must take the exam in the 90-day window that is granted.

A license will then be mailed within 10 days to all candidates that have passed the NCLEX.

How To Pay for Online Nursing School

Online nursing students are eligible to the same financial aid options as on-campus students.

There are many federal student aid options for students to apply for, such as:

  • subsidized loans
  • unsubsidized loans
  • grants

Along with federal student aid, there are multiple grants that students can apply for, as well as scholarships. Institutions are able to provide a list of financial aid resources to all students.

Type of Nursing Programs in Minnesota

The majority of online nursing programs in Minnesota are directed toward licensed nurses who are interested in pursuing their BSN degree. Most of the online BSN programs can be completed within 12 months.

There are only a handful of institutions that offer an online MSN degree program. Bethel University is the only college in the state to offer a nurse midwifery degree track.

Start Your Nursing Degree Online Today

Online nursing in Minnesota grants numerous opportunities for individuals to expand their current skill sets and advance their careers. If any of these programs interest you, please reach out to your institution of choice for more information.

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