Minnesota RN to BSN Programs

Registered nurses (RNs) looking to becoming 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.

Admissions Requirements for Minnesota 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 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

RN to BSN Classes & Courses

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

Online RN to BSN Programs in Minnesota

Working RNs with families have often had a hard time justifying going back to school to complete their baccalaureate degree. However, the rise of online RN to BSN programs is making this a thing of the past. These programs offer flexibility by allowing students to take courses from home on their own time schedule. Students can typically complete these courses in around one year of full-time study, or longer if they opt for part-time.

Featured Online School

Saint Mary's University of Minnesota offers a fully online RN to BSN program accredited by the Commission for Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). This program gives students the skills to prepare them for future leadership roles in nursing, and it teaches a complete-care approach which includes studies in progressive care. By offering an accelerated one year program, Saint Mary's aims to help students achieve their nursing goals faster.

Admissions and Program Length

Those enrolled in online RN to BSN programs can typically complete them in as little as a year with full-time study. Classroom-based programs and those who choose part-time study can complete the program in closer to 2-3 years. The flexibility of this degree leaves the length up to the student. Start times are usually in the Fall and Spring semesters, although some schools offer up to 6 start times in a year.

Tuition and Cost of Attendance

It's always advised to compare program costs before settling on the right one for you, as tuition and fees can vary. For example, the tuition costs for the online RN to BSN program at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota are estimated at $465 per credit. This does not include the expense of mandatory fees or textbooks.

Does an RN to BSN Increase My Salary?

A BSN can open the door to many positive opportunities, higher salary included. Beyond this, it affords the bearer a wider variety of nursing specialties, and can lead to promotions and management experiences. Many RN to BSN graduates feel that the increased earning potential quickly makes up for the program expense.

RN to BSN Salary Comparison in Minnesota

While registered nurse salaries can vary, Payscale reports that RNs in St. Paul, Minnesota typically earn between $48,880 and $78,900 annually. With such a wide range in salaries, nurses who want to earn toward the higher end of the scale will undoubtedly want to hold a BSN or higher, making the RN to BSN program incredibly valuable.

RN to BSN Programs

BSN nurses is Minnesota have found that having their degree has put them at an advantage for career opportunities, as well as salaries that are substantially higher. Salaries can look to be around $26,000 more yearly if you have a BSN degree, rather than an ADN diploma only. Career placements in public health, specialized units, and management roles are all part of the options opened to individuals with a BSN degree. The state of Minnesota has 15 colleges that offer RN to BSN degree programs, the state has options for financial help to offset the cost of moving forward in your nursing career.