Best 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.

2021 - Best Online RN to BSN Programs in Minnesota

Many ADN and diploma-holding RNs eventually wish to expand their careers, and earning a bachelor's degree is a great way to do so. RN to BSN programs in Minnesota are convenient, flexible, and affordable. Online options make it easy for busy working nurses to fit their studies in. Choosing the right program is an important task; that's why we have ranked the top online RN to BSN programs in Minnesota. Browse our rankings below to find the perfect pathway for your future.

For more information on our top nursing school rankings, visit our Methodology Page (https://www.registerednursing.org/rankings-methodology/).

^#1

Winona State University

Winona, MN

The RN to BSN online program at Winona State University in Minnesota offers RNs with a current license the opportunity to obtain their degrees in two years with full-time study. Dedicated students may opt to complete two courses at once to expedite their degree completion timeline. With flexible online and hybrid courses, the state school requires that practicums be completed onsite via local community partnerships. Applicants can transfer as many as 80 education credits to reduce their tuition costs.

• RN to BSN Online/Hybrid

Tuition & Fees:

• $$$$$

Quick Facts:

• Public 4-Year
• Full or part-time 0ptions
• Some grad programs offered online

^#2

Bemidji State University

Bemidji, MN

Bemidji State University's RN to BSN program gives working nurses the opportunity to join a learning community that fits their schedule and learning style. The curriculum is delivered through blended and mostly online learning communities that start every fall semester. Students can choose to take a full-time or part-time course load. As part of the blended format, students meet on campus three times over the course of a semester. Meanwhile, almost half of the remaining courses are entirely online. This is a viable choice for students who prefer more face-to-face interaction with faculty and peers.

• RN to BSN Online/Hybrid

Tuition & Fees:

• $$$$$

Quick Facts:

• Public 4-Year
• Program has been around for over 30 years
• Full-time program tuition is less than $13,000

^#3

Minnesota State University Mankato

Mankato, MN

The RN to BSN program at Minnesota State University Mankato is delivered in a flexible 100% online format. Graduates can take advantage of a whole new set of nursing opportunities in a variety of settings such as hospitals, clinics, and trauma centers. Throughout the program, students develop individualized plans of study to meet their unique needs. Students have the option to take as many courses as they want as this is not a cohort model. Those who choose to enroll in the program full-time (three courses per term) can expect to complete the degree in as little as one year. Part-time students tend to complete the program in four to five semesters, depending on the course load taken.

• RN to BSN Online/Hybrid

Tuition & Fees:

• $$$$$

Quick Facts:

• Public 4-Year
• Program requires 30 credits
• Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8

^#4

Metropolitan State University

Saint Paul, MN

The RN to BSN program at Metropolitan State University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. With online and hybrid options, courses are sequenced in a part-time model taking five semesters (including summers) to complete. Nursing courses are 100% online through the online cohort option with the exception of a practicum course which includes some clinical experiences in the community. In hybrid cohorts, classes combine online learning with face-to-face delivery. In-person classes typically meet twice a month.

• RN to BSN Online/Hybrid

Tuition & Fees:

• $$$$$

Quick Facts:

• Public 4-Year
• Online cohorts begin in the Fall and Spring semesters
• Hybrid cohorts begin once per year in the Fall semester

^#5

Southwest Minnesota State University

Marshall, MN

Southwest Minnesota State University aims to advance the education of RNs through its online RN to BSN program. Designed with flexibility in mind, the program's curriculum has roots in science and liberal arts in addition to its leadership-based nursing courses. In around one year, students can graduate from the program with skills in informatics, public health nursing, research, and evidence-based practice. SMSU nursing graduates are known for their excellence in clinical practice and collaborative leadership.

• RN to BSN Online/Hybrid

Tuition & Fees:

• $$$$$

Quick Facts:

• Public 4-Year
• Start dates in both Fall and Spring semesters
• Enrollment is on a first-come, first-served basis

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 around $495 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 $53,000 and $73,000 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.

2021 List of RN to BSN Programs in Minnesota

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.

Find RN to BSN Programs By City:

• Minneapolis RN to BSN Programs
• Saint Paul RN to BSN Programs
• Rochester RN to BSN Programs

Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.