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.

2019 - 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 Campus

Tuition & Fees:

• $$$$$

Quick Facts:

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

^#2

Minnesota State University Moorhead

Moorhead, MN

Minnesota State University Moorhead prepares working RNs with valid licenses the contemporary education they need to best serve their patients and move ahead in their jobs. The fast-moving online RN-to-BSN program allows students to pace their own coursework depending on work and family demands. Students receive relevant, in-demand training for today’s nursing roles from performing health assessments to providing evidence-based care. Students benefit from online courses, experiential learning, and on-site clinicals at local facilities.

• RN to BSN Online/Hybrid

Tuition & Fees:

• $$$$$

Quick Facts:

• Public 4-Year
• Established state nursing program
• Some grad programs offered online

^#3

Saint Catherine University

,

Seasoned RNs in Minnesota can become team leaders or healthcare managers by completing the online RN-to-BSN program at St. Kate’s University. With numerous community and corporate partnerships, students gain relevant instruction that is applicable to today’s most sought-after nursing roles. Qualified applicants can transfer in as many as 90 credits and graduate within 12 months. Designed for working adult nurses, the online RN-to-BSN program is flexible and outcomes-focused.

• Campus

Tuition & Fees:

• $$$$$

Quick Facts:

• Private Non-Profit 4-Year
• Accelerated flexible formats
• Corporate partner scholarships available

^#4

Southwest Minnesota State University

Marshall, MN

Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall developed its RN-to-BSN online program for busy working nurses based on the foundation of its long-standing, highly regarded traditional BSN curriculum. As such, students can benefit from the convenience of flexible, online learning and the rigor of an established academic program. Though most courses are online, clinical portions must be completed on-site. Students gain knowledge in health assessment, evidence-based care, and leading healthcare teams in culturally diverse settings.

• RN to BSN Online/Hybrid

Tuition & Fees:

• $$$$$

Quick Facts:

• Public 4-Year
• Individually prepared course schedule
• Statistics course not required

^#5

The College of St. Scholastica

Duluth, MN

Many healthcare employers prefer to hire Registered Nurses with BSNs. That’s why The College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, MN has created an RN-to-BSN online program designed around the schedules of working RNs. These busy RNs can advance their careers on their timelines in a 100 percent online setting. Students only take necessary, value-add coursework to complete their degrees. Those who transfer in the maximum allowed credits can graduate in one year.

• RN to BSN Online/Hybrid

Quick Facts:

• Private Non-Profit 4-Year
• Faith-based educational foundation
• Accommodating scheduling

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.

2020 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.