Best Online MSN Programs in Minnesota

Walden University's online MSN Family Nurse Practitioner program prepares nurses to provide holistic, evidence-based care across the lifespan. This CCNE-accredited program offers flexible online coursework with no travel requirements, allowing you to balance studies with your schedule. Choose between BSN-MSN and RN-MSN tracks, with completion in as few as 24 to 30 months. Tuition starts at $40,650, with scholarships and financial aid available. Admissions require an RN license, with no application fee or essay. Gain skills in diagnosis, treatment, and patient advocacy through supervised clinical experiences and virtual simulations, preparing you for national certification exams.

• Online program format.
• CCNE-accredited nursing program.
• BSN-MSN and RN-MSN tracks.
• Minimum 24 months completion.
• 58 quarter credits for BSN-MSN.
• 84 quarter credits for RN-MSN.
• Tuition from $40,650.
• Scholarships and financial aid.
• No application fee required.
• RN license required for admission.

Walden University's online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with an Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP) specialization prepares nurses to deliver holistic, patient-centered care for patients aged 13 and older. This program offers flexible learning tracks, including BSN to MSN and RN to MSN options, with a minimum completion time of 24 months. Tuition starts at $40,650, with scholarships and financial aid available. Admissions require a bachelor's degree or higher for BSN-MSN, or a registered nurse license with a diploma or associate degree for RN-MSN, with no application fee or essay required. The curriculum includes advanced courses in pathophysiology, pharmacology, and health assessment, plus 640 practicum hours. Graduates are academically prepared for national certification exams and can pursue roles as nurse practitioners, with strong job growth projected.

• Online program format.
• BSN to MSN track: 58 credits.
• RN to MSN track: 84 credits.
• Minimum 24-month completion time.
• Tuition starts at $40,650.
• Believe & Achieve Scholarship available.
• No application fee required.
• No essay or SAT/ACT needed.
• Transfer credits accepted.
• 640 practicum hours included.

Walden University's online MSN Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program prepares nurses to treat patients aged 13 and older with complex acute and chronic conditions. This CCNE-accredited program offers flexible BSN-to-MSN and RN-to-MSN tracks, with tuition starting at $40,650 for the BSN track. Students complete 58-84 quarter credits, including 640 practicum hours, and can finish in as few as 24 months. Admissions require an RN license, with no application fee or essay. The program includes test prep for ANCC and AACN certification exams and provides practicum support through the Practicum Pledge.

• Online program format.
• BSN-to-MSN track: 58 credits.
• RN-to-MSN track: 84 credits.
• 640 practicum hours required.
• Tuition from $40,650.
• CCNE-accredited program.
• No application fee.
• No essay requirement.
• Practicum Pledge support.
• Test prep for certification.

Walden University's online MSN Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Primary Care program prepares nurses to provide comprehensive care to children and adolescents. This CCNE-accredited program offers two tracks: BSN to MSN (63 credits) and RN to MSN (89 credits). The curriculum covers advanced topics like pediatric development, pharmacology, and complex condition management. Tuition starts at $44,705 with financial aid options available. Admission requires an RN license and relevant degree. The program includes supervised clinical experiences and prepares graduates for national certification. Flexible online format allows working professionals to balance studies with career commitments.

• Online program format.
• Two completion tracks available.
• BSN to MSN: 63 credits.
• RN to MSN: 89 credits.
• CCNE accredited program.
• Focus on pediatric primary care.
• Prepares for national certification.
• Includes clinical practicum experiences.
• Doctorally prepared faculty.
• Quarter credit system.

Walden University offers an online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a specialization in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). This program prepares registered nurses to provide holistic mental health care to patients across the lifespan. Students learn to diagnose and treat psychiatric disorders, including substance abuse issues, using psychotherapy and psychopharmacology. The curriculum covers advanced topics like psychopathology, diagnostic reasoning, and therapeutic modalities. The program is fully online with flexible scheduling, making it suitable for working professionals. Admission requires a BSN or RN license, with no application fee or essay needed. Tuition starts at $44,705 for the BSN to MSN track, with scholarships available. Graduates are academically prepared for ANCC PMHNP certification and can pursue roles in various mental health settings.

• Online program format.
• Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specialization.
• 63 quarter credits for BSN to MSN.
• 89 quarter credits for RN to MSN.
• Finish in as few as 24 months.
• Tuition starts at $44,705.
• No application fee required.
• No essay or SAT/ACT needed.
• Requires BSN or RN license.
• Includes 640 practicum hours.

• Online program format.
• 70 total quarter credits.
• MSN Nurse Executive specialization.
• MBA Self-Designed specialization.
• CCNE and ACBSP accreditation.
• Capstone synthesis practicum.
• Field experience preparation course.
• Core business skills included.
• Evidence-based decision making focus.
• Healthcare technology integration.

• Online program format.
• Public Health Nursing concentration.
• CCNE-accredited nursing programs.
• Flexible Tempo Learning option.
• Field experience required.
• Focus on social change.
• Leadership development emphasis.
• Potential tuition savings.
• Designed for working professionals.
• Doctorally prepared faculty.

• Online program format.
• Nursing Informatics concentration.
• 53 quarter credits for BSN-MSN.
• 79 quarter credits for RN-MSN.
• Course-based or self-paced options.
• Finish in as few as 18 months.
• Tuition from $22,580.
• Believe & Achieve Scholarship available.
• No application fee.
• No GRE requirement.

• CCNE, Higher Learning Commission accredited
• 9 concentration options
• No entrance exam required
• Complete in as few as 14 months
• 2.5 GPA minimum
• $0 application fee
• Financial aid available
• Scholarships available
• Available in Tempo Learning®
• Doctorally trained faculty

Rasmussen University's online Master of Science in Nursing Nurse Practitioner program offers a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration. Designed for working RNs, it features flexible online courses, no GRE requirement, and CCNE accreditation. The program includes virtual immersion, in-person practicums, and dedicated support. Full-time students can complete it in about 27 months. Admission requires a BSN, a 3.0 GPA, and an unencumbered RN license. Estimated total tuition and fees are around $51,130, with military and employer benefits available.

• Online program.
• 27-month completion time.
• CCNE accredited.
• No GRE requirement.
• Family Nurse Practitioner concentration.
• Designed for working nurses.
• Virtual immersion experiences.
• In-person practicum experiences.
• Dedicated academic advisors.
• Doctorally-prepared faculty.

The Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP) concentration within the MSN-NP program prepares registered nurses for advanced practice. This online program offers flexibility for working professionals, with an estimated completion time of 27 months for full-time students. The curriculum focuses on health promotion, disease management, and age-appropriate patient assessments for adolescent to elderly populations. Admission requires a BSN with a 3.0 GPA and an unencumbered RN license. The program is CCNE-accredited and includes hands-on practicum experiences in students' local communities. Estimated tuition and fees are approximately $51,130, with military and employer benefits available.

• Online program format.
• 27-month completion time.
• CCNE-accredited program.
• No GRE requirement.
• BSN with 3.0 GPA required.
• Unencumbered RN license needed.
• Two professional references required.
• Practicum experiences included.
• Virtual immersion preparation.
• Doctorally-prepared faculty.

Rasmussen University's online Master of Science in Nursing Nurse Practitioner program offers a Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (PPCNP) concentration for registered nurses with a BSN. This CCNE-accredited program prepares you to treat children from birth to young adult, focusing on health promotion, disease management, and family education. You'll complete online courses with flexible scheduling, including virtual immersion and in-person practicums in your community. The program takes about 27 months full-time, with no GRE required. Admission needs a BSN, a 3.0 GPA, an active RN license, and two professional references. Tuition is estimated at $51,130, including fees, with options for military and employer benefits. Start dates are available in January and July, helping you advance your nursing career with specialized pediatric care skills.

• Online program with flexibility.
• 27 months estimated completion time.
• CCNE accredited by Commission.
• Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner concentration.
• No GRE requirement for admission.
• BSN and 3.0 GPA required.
• Active RN license needed.
• Two professional references required.
• Virtual immersion experiences included.
• In-person practicum in community.

Rasmussen University offers an online Master of Science in Nursing Nurse Practitioner (MSN-NP) program with a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) concentration. This CCNE-accredited program takes about 27 months for full-time study and costs an estimated $50,680 in tuition and fees. It is designed for working nurses with a BSN and current RN license, requiring a 3.0 GPA and two professional references. Courses cover mental health disorders, neurobiology, and treatment planning across the lifespan. The program includes online learning with virtual immersion and in-person practicums in your community, preparing you for national board certification. No GRE is required, and start dates are available in January and July.

• Online program format.
• 27-month completion time.
• CCNE accredited.
• Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration.
• Estimated cost $50,680.
• No GRE requirement.
• Requires BSN and RN license.
• 3.0 GPA minimum.
• Two professional references needed.
• Background check required.

Rasmussen University offers an online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a specialization in Nursing Education. This program prepares nurses to become educators in academic or clinical settings. It features flexible online learning with real-world projects through the Empowered Learning® model. Students complete practicum experiences in their local communities. The curriculum focuses on developing teaching skills, curriculum design, and educational leadership. This program is designed for licensed nurses seeking to advance their careers into nursing education roles.

• Online program delivery.
• Nursing Education concentration.
• Empowered Learning® model.
• Practicum in local community.
• Master's degree level.
• Flexible pace management.
• Real-world project focus.
• Campus support available.
• For licensed nurses.
• Prepares nurse educators.

• Online program format.
• Nursing Leadership and Administration specialization.
• CCNE-accredited program.
• 48 total credits required.
• Can finish in 18 months.
• No GRE requirement.
• Local practicum experiences.
• Multiple start dates yearly.
• Requires BSN and RN license.
• Total cost starts at $17,320.

• Online program format.
• 18-month completion time.
• Around $17,500 total cost.
• CCNE accreditation.
• No GRE requirement.
• Four start dates yearly.
• BSN and RN license required.
• 3.0 GPA admission threshold.
• Two reference letters needed.
• Local practicum experiences.

Capella University's MSN in Family Nurse Practitioner prepares BSN-prepared nurses for advanced practice roles. This hybrid program combines online coursework with in-person practicum experiences. It requires 68 quarter credits and 750 practicum hours. Tuition is $595 per credit, with an estimated total cost of $40,460. Admission requires a BSN with a 3.0 GPA, an active RN license, and one year of recent RN experience. Graduates are eligible for national certification exams. The program emphasizes ethical clinical judgment and patient-centered care across all age groups.

• 68 total quarter credits.
• 750 minimum practicum hours.
• Hybrid online and in-person format.
• $595 per credit tuition.
• Estimated cost $40,460.
• BSN with 3.0 GPA required.
• Active RN license needed.
• One year RN experience required.
• No application fee.
• Practicum placement support.

Capella University's online MSN in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program empowers BSN-prepared nurses to advance their careers. This program equips you with skills to promote healthy lifestyles, reduce health risks, and manage acute and chronic conditions from adolescence through older adulthood. It prepares you for national certification exams like ANCC or AANP. The curriculum includes 64 quarter credits, 750 practicum hours, and features immersive learning with simulations. Admission requires a BSN with a 3.0 GPA, one year of RN experience, and an unrestricted RN license. Tuition is approximately $595 per credit, with scholarships available, such as a $10,000 Capella-Optum Scholarship. Classes start on January 12, with no application fee.

• Online and in-person format.
• 64 total quarter credits.
• 750 minimum practicum hours.
• $595 per credit tuition.
• No application fee required.
• BSN with 3.0 GPA needed.
• One year RN experience required.
• Unrestricted RN license mandatory.
• Prepares for ANCC/AANP certification.
• GuidedPath learning format.

Capella University's online MSN in Nursing Education prepares BSN nurses for educator roles in academic and healthcare settings. The program aligns with NLN competencies and AACN Essentials, offering two learning formats: FlexPath and GuidedPath. FlexPath allows completion in 14 months for under $15,000, while GuidedPath takes about 30 months. Admission requires a BSN with a 2.8 GPA, an unrestricted RN license, and a background check. The curriculum includes 54 credits with 500 practicum hours, covering teaching strategies, curriculum design, and assessment methods. Graduates gain skills to design nursing education programs and evaluate learners effectively.

• Online program format
• FlexPath learning option
• CCNE accredited
• 54 total quarter credits
• 500 practicum hours required
• 7 core courses
• 4 specialization courses
• 2 practicum courses
• 8 max transfer credits
• BSN admission requirement

Capella University's online MSN with a specialization in Nursing Leadership and Administration prepares registered nurses for leadership roles across healthcare organizations. The curriculum blends advanced nursing practice with management essentials, covering healthcare law and policy, economics and decision making in healthcare, quality improvement of interprofessional care, and evidence-based practice for patient-centered outcomes. Specialization coursework focuses on the knowledge nurse leaders need in technology, informatics, safety and quality management, executive leadership, and operations and finance management, while a 500-hour practicum offers hands-on experience under a preceptor's supervision. Students choose between guided, deadline-driven GuidedPath courses or self-paced FlexPath learning with monthly start dates. Throughout the program, learners build skills in budget management, strategic planning, and interdisciplinary collaboration, positioning graduates for roles as nurse managers, directors, and administrators. Capella's online format provides 24/7 courseroom access and a supportive community of students and coaches.

• 54 total credit hours
• 12 start dates per year
• Starts rolling
• 500 clinical hours
• Capstone required
• GuidedPath and FlexPath options
• 10-week quarter length
• 24/7 courseroom access
• Preceptor-supervised practicum
• Current RN license required

Capella University's online MSN in Care Coordination helps BSN-prepared nurses advance their careers. This CCNE-accredited program focuses on person-centered care, teaching skills to coordinate medical teams and resources. Students gain expertise in legal and ethical standards, interprofessional collaboration, and data-driven decision-making. The program includes a practicum with real-world experience. Choose between FlexPath and GuidedPath learning formats. Admissions require a BSN with a 2.8 GPA, an unrestricted RN license, and a background check. Costs vary by format, with FlexPath offering accelerated options under $15,000. Scholarships and employer discounts may be available.

• Online learning format.
• CCNE accredited program.
• FlexPath and GuidedPath options.
• 54 total quarter credits.
• 500 minimum practicum hours.
• BSN admission required.
• 2.8 minimum GPA.
• Unrestricted RN license needed.
• Background check required.
• No application fee.

Minnesota State University Moorhead offers an online Master of Science in Nursing with a Nursing Administration and Organization Systems Leadership concentration. This program prepares registered nurses for advanced healthcare leadership roles. It provides flexible online and hybrid delivery options. The curriculum focuses on organizational systems leadership skills. The program holds CCNE accreditation. It features experienced doctorally-prepared faculty. Students can customize their learning path with stackable certificates. The program emphasizes practical experiential learning in local settings. It offers individualized progression plans to accommodate diverse student needs.

• Online and hybrid delivery options
• Nursing Administration concentration available
• CCNE accredited program
• Doctorally-prepared faculty
• Flexible stackable certificate options
• Individualized progression plans
• Practical experiential learning
• Prepares for leadership roles
• 100% placement rate
• Competitively priced tuition

Minnesota State University Moorhead's RN to MSN Bridge Program offers a streamlined path for associate degree nurses with a non-nursing bachelor's to earn a Master of Science in Nursing. The fully online curriculum begins with 12 bridge credits covering professional transitions, public health, and holistic family nursing, then moves into 31 MSN core credits on evidence-based practice, healthcare quality, health informatics, and organizational leadership. Students complete a capstone practicum and professional portfolio, preparing for leadership roles in healthcare. The program also provides eligibility for Minnesota's Public Health Nurse registration certificate and lets students customize their learning with stackable certificates. With a faculty advisor guiding each individual plan and flexible pacing for working nurses, this 43-credit program equips graduates for advanced practice, nursing education, and administrative careers.

• 43 total credit hours
• Capstone required
• Financial aid available
• Scholarships available
• 100% online coursework
• Designed for ADN-prepared RNs
• Eligible for Minnesota PHN certificate
• Stackable certificates personalize the degree
• Faculty advisor supports individual plan
• Complete coursework from anywhere

St. Catherine University offers an online Master of Science in Nursing with a Nurse Educator concentration. This 32-credit program takes two years to complete and starts in fall or summer. Tuition is $760 per credit, totaling $25,080. The curriculum prepares graduates for NLN certification exams and emphasizes social justice, community engagement, and innovative learning technologies. It includes a capstone project and practicum, with no clinical hours required. Financial aid is available. The program builds on over 120 years of nursing legacy and prepares nurses for leadership roles in diverse settings beyond traditional academia.

• $25,080 total program tuition
• $760 per credit
• 2-Year program
• Complete in Two years
• 32 total credit hours
• Full-time and part-time options
• Starts fall/summer
• Asynchronous online classes
• 0 clinical hours
• Capstone required

The Master of Science in Nursing: Nurse Educator at St. Catherine University prepares registered nurses to become leaders in nursing education. The curriculum covers adult learning theories, instructional design, curriculum development, and innovative teaching technologies. Students also gain skills in leadership, program management, and data-driven decision making. Graduates are prepared for roles in academic settings, clinical education, corporate learning, and government. Unique features include a strong emphasis on social justice and community engagement, and the opportunity to pursue the NLN CNE certification. The program is offered fully online with fall and summer starts, and can be completed in two years. A capstone project and practicum provide hands-on experience.

• $25,080 total program tuition
• $760 per credit
• 2-Year program
• Complete in Two years
• 32 total credit hours
• Starts fall/summer
• Capstone required
• Financial aid available
• Social justice and community engagement focus
• NLN CNE certification preparation

St. Catherine University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner concentration prepares advanced practice nurses to deliver specialized care for newborns and infants. This comprehensive hybrid program transforms experienced nurses into expert neonatal care providers through rigorous academic training and clinical immersion. Students develop advanced competencies in complex healthcare environments, emphasizing evidence-based practice, patient advocacy, and leadership skills. The program enables nurses to address critical health challenges, improve individual and population health outcomes, and potentially enhance neonatal care systems nationwide.

• Hybrid program format
• Advanced nursing practice focus
• Specialized neonatal concentration
• DNP project completion
• Certification exam eligibility
• Complex healthcare problem solving
• Population health emphasis

Southwest Minnesota State University's online MSN Nurse Educator program prepares registered nurses to become skilled educators in academic and healthcare settings. The curriculum combines advanced nursing core courses with specialized education training, covering topics like education theory, instructional technologies, culturally responsive teaching, and curriculum development. Students learn to design effective nursing education programs, assess learning outcomes, and implement quality improvement strategies. The program includes a capstone project where students apply their knowledge to real-world educational challenges. Graduates are prepared for roles as nursing faculty, clinical educators, staff development specialists, and healthcare education coordinators. The online format offers flexibility for working professionals while maintaining rigorous academic standards through interactive coursework and faculty mentorship.

• 39 total credit hours
• Capstone required
• Curriculum covers education theory and practice
• Focus on culturally responsive teaching
• Instructional technologies for nurse educators
• Curriculum development and assessment focus
• Advanced health assessment and pharmacology
• Evidence-based practice and applied analysis
• Global and societal health nursing
• Leadership and quality improvement focus

The Master of Science in Nursing – Leadership and Education for Practice at the College of Saint Benedict is a 39-credit hybrid program designed for working registered nurses. It prepares graduates for roles like Nurse Educator through a curriculum that includes 520 clinical practice hours and a capstone project. The program offers both synchronous and asynchronous online components, with start terms in fall and spring, and rolling admissions. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required, and it supports work-life balance while networking with nursing leaders in Minnesota. This MSN program focuses on evidence-based practice, healthcare innovation, and leadership skills, opening doors to career advancement in education, administration, and clinical settings.

• 39 total credit hours
• Rolling admissions
• Full-time and part-time options
• Starts fall/spring
• Synchronous and asynchronous options
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• 520 clinical hours
• Capstone required
• Prepares for nurse educator certification
• Network with nursing leaders in Minnesota

Metropolitan State University offers an Entry Level MSN program for non-nursing bachelor's degree holders. This seven-semester hybrid program prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam and Minnesota licensure. It includes 62 credits of nursing coursework with a focus on holistic care and evidence-based practice. Admission requires a 3.0 GPA, specific science prerequisites, and a completed degree. The application fee is $80, with waivers for eligible students. Accredited by CCNE, it provides pathways to public health nursing and scholarships. Cost details are available through the financial aid office.

• Seven-semester program length.
• Hybrid online and campus format.
• 62 total credits required.
• NCLEX-RN exam eligibility.
• Minnesota RN licensure preparation.
• 3.0 minimum GPA required.
• Non-nursing bachelor's degree needed.
• Science prerequisites with labs.
• CCNE accredited program.
• Public health nurse registration.

Saint John's University offers a Master of Science in Nursing with a Leadership and Education for Practice focus. This hybrid program requires 39 credits and includes 520 clinical practice hours. It prepares nurses for roles like Nurse Educator through coursework that leads to certification. The program has rolling admissions for fall and spring semesters. It is designed for working nurses with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Students network with Minnesota nursing leaders and complete a capstone project. The curriculum blends synchronous and asynchronous online learning.

• 39 total credit hours
• Rolling admissions
• Full-time and part-time options
• Starts fall/spring
• Synchronous and asynchronous options
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• 520 clinical hours
• Capstone required
• Prepares for nurse educator certifications
• Hybrid program for working nurses