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.
2026 Best Online RN to BSN Programs in Minnesota
Minnesota State University Moorhead
Moorhead, MN - Public 4-Year - mnstate.edu
Bachelor's - Registered Nurse (RN) to BSN
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Minnesota State University Moorhead's online RN to BSN program offers registered nurses a flexible and comprehensive pathway to advance their nursing education. This hybrid program uniquely accommodates working professionals, enabling seamless academic progression from associate or diploma degrees. With 100% employment rates and significant career advancement potential, students benefit from CCNE-accredited curriculum delivered by doctorally prepared faculty. The program emphasizes cutting-edge theoretical knowledge and practical skills across diverse healthcare settings. Students appreciate the program's hybrid format, which allows for both online coursework and limited on-campus interactions, making it an ideal option for busy healthcare professionals seeking career growth.
- Hybrid online/on-campus format
- 100% employment rate
- CCNE accredited program
- Experienced doctorally prepared faculty
- 86% career advancement potential
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 delivers a comprehensive online RN to BSN program tailored for working nurses seeking career advancement. This fully digital curriculum empowers registered nurses to enhance their professional skills without disrupting their current employment. Recognized for its flexibility, the program allows students to earn credits through prior learning experiences while maintaining a nurse-friendly schedule. With CCNE and ACEN accreditation, graduates gain comprehensive knowledge in leadership, community health, and evidence-based practice. No additional entrance exams are required, making the program accessible with a minimum 2.30 nursing GPA. Students complete 120 total credits, including 40 upper-level credits, positioning themselves for expanded public health nursing opportunities.
- 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's online RN-to-BSN Completion Program offers a strategic pathway for licensed registered nurses seeking career advancement. The comprehensive 40-credit program leverages flexible, asynchronous coursework designed specifically for working healthcare professionals. Students benefit from a curriculum emphasizing leadership development, advanced patient care strategies, and expanded professional opportunities. Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), the program facilitates seamless credit transfers and includes 60 hours of experiential learning. Military-friendly and tailored for busy nurses, this online degree enables graduates to pursue elevated roles in healthcare management, public health, and specialized nursing sectors with enhanced earning potential.
- 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's online RN-BS Completion Option delivers a streamlined pathway for registered nurses seeking career advancement. Tailored for working professionals, this 30-credit program enables nurses to complete their bachelor's degree within 12 months. Students benefit from flexible part-time and full-time enrollment options, with courses structured in seven-week formats. The curriculum emphasizes leadership development and prepares nurses for potential public health certification. Accredited by CCNE, the program requires a minimum 2.50 GPA and current RN licensure. With an affordable tuition of approximately $11,000 for Minnesota residents at $377 per credit, the program offers an accessible route to professional growth and enhanced healthcare opportunities.
- 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 delivers a comprehensive online RN to BSN program designed for working nurses seeking career advancement. With 100% online coursework, students can complete the program in just one year for under $11,000. The curriculum uniquely offers 15 free nursing credits and provides specialized certifications in Public Health Nursing and End of Life Nursing. Ideal for nurses wanting to expand their professional opportunities, the program requires a 2.5+ GPA and an active RN license. Flexible part-time options accommodate busy healthcare professionals, enabling seamless educational progression without disrupting current employment.
- 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
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