Nursing Programs in Minneapolis, MN

2026 Best Nursing Schools in Minneapolis

#1

Augsburg University

Minneapolis, MN - Private 4-year - augsburg.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing Completion Program

Online Learning - Visit Website

Augsburg University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Completion Program is designed for registered nurses seeking to advance their careers. This online program offers flexibility with part-time and full-time options, allowing completion in as little as 12 months. Students can transfer credits to meet the 32-36 credit requirement. The program emphasizes transcultural nursing and includes community immersion experiences. Admission requires an RN license or current pursuit of one. Start times are available in Fall, Spring, and Summer. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, ensuring a high-quality education that prepares nurses for diverse healthcare settings.

• Online asynchronous format
• 12-month completion option
• 32-36 credits required
• RN license required
• Fall, Spring, Summer starts
• Transcultural nursing focus
• Community immersion experiences
• CCNE accredited
• Flexible part-time/full-time
• Credit transfer available

#2

Minneapolis Community and Technical College

Minneapolis, MN - Public 2-Year - minneapolis.edu

Associate - Associate in Science Degree Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Minneapolis Community and Technical College offers an Associate in Science Degree in Nursing, preparing students for a rewarding career as a registered nurse (RN). This program combines rigorous academic coursework with hands-on clinical experience, ensuring graduates are ready to pass the NCLEX-RN exam. With a focus on evidence-based practice and holistic care, students learn from experienced faculty in state-of-the-art facilities. The program boasts a high NCLEX-RN pass rate and seamless transfer options to Augsburg University for a BSN. Admission requires a TEAS exam score of 70% or higher, with deadlines in April and September.

• 64 credits for completion.
• Daytime, weekday classes.
• High NCLEX-RN pass rate.
• Seamless BSN transfer option.
• TEAS exam required for admission.
• LPN advanced standing available.
• Diverse and inclusive community.
• Accredited by ACEN.
• Approved by MN Board of Nursing.
• Concept-based learning approach.

#3

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

Minneapolis, MN - Public 4-Year - twin-cities.umn.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities offers a comprehensive education for aspiring nurses. Located in Minneapolis and Rochester, this program combines the benefits of a small college community with the resources of a Big 10 university. Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, it boasts a 92% graduation rate and an 89% first-time pass rate on licensure exams. The program is designed for both freshmen and transfer students, with prerequisites and admissions tailored to each group. It prepares students for a rewarding career in nursing through rigorous academics and practical experience.

• Accredited by CCNE.
• 92% graduation rate.
• 89% first-time pass rate.
• Located in Twin Cities and Rochester.
• For freshmen and transfer students.
• Combines small college with Big 10 resources.
• Rigorous academics and practical experience.

#4

Walden University

Minneapolis, MN - Private 4-year - waldenu.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Online Learning - Visit Website

Walden University's online Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN) program is designed for registered nurses seeking to advance their careers. This CCNE-accredited program offers flexible learning formats, including course-based and Tempo Learning® options, allowing students to balance education with personal and professional commitments. The curriculum focuses on leadership, community health, and health promotion, preparing graduates for diverse healthcare settings. Admission requires an active RN license and an associate degree or diploma in nursing. The program emphasizes evidence-based practice, patient safety, and quality care, with opportunities to transfer up to 75% of prior credits. Financial aid and scholarships are available to eligible students.

• CCNE-accredited program
• Flexible online learning
• Course-based and Tempo Learning® options
• Transfer up to 75% credits
• Focus on leadership and health promotion
• Active RN license required
• Evidence-based practice curriculum
• Financial aid available
• Scholarships for eligible students
• Prepares for diverse healthcare settings

*Citation: IPEDS 2024, National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. DOE.

Entry Level ADN, BSN, & MSN Programs in Minneapolis, MN

For those who don't hold an RN license, there are numerous entry-level degree pathways in the Minneapolis area. Students can opt for an Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN), a traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), or even a high-level Master's of Science in Nursing (MSN).

LPN to RN Programs

Many licensed practical nurses want to build on their existing licensure and experience working with patients to move into a career as an RN. These LPNs may be interested in LPN to RN bridge programs, which shorten the amount of time it takes to earn an associate’s degree in nursing. The program at Minneapolis Community & Technical College, for example, awards LPNs with unencumbered licenses five credits toward their ADN degree.

ADN Programs

The ADN degree is the shortest way to earn a basic RN education. These 2-year programs are often available at community and state colleges and are quite common. The Minnesota Alliance for Nursing Education (MANE) unites many community colleges in the Minneapolis area to promote baccalaureate nursing education. As part of this initiative, schools such as Anoka-Ramsey Community College offer an ADN degree with the option to continue on to earn a BSN.

Direct-Entry BSN Programs

Direct-entry BSN programs are designed for students who have not previously earned an ADN or nursing diploma. These classic 4-year degrees are starting to become more commonplace for healthcare employers, who often prefer them over lesser degree types. St. Catherine University in Minneapolis offers a traditional BSN pathway in which students take courses like Holistic Care of Adults, Nutrition Foundations, and more.

Find out more about Minnesota Accelerated BSN Programs.

Direct-Entry MSN Programs

This is a less common nursing program that allows a student to earn a master's degree in nursing in an accelerated format. Typically, these programs require that the applicant already holds a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field. St. Catherine University in St. Paul offers an entry-level MSN program that can be completed in just 26 months.

Find out more about Minnesota Accelerated MSN Programs.

RN to BSN/MSN Programs in Minneapolis, MN

RN to BSN and RN to MSN programs are often referred to as "bridge" programs because they allow ADN-educated RNs the chance to advance their education in a shorter amount of time by bridging the gap in knowledge. These programs are often available in online formats.

RN to BSN Programs

The RN to BSN program is a popular way for RNs with an ADN or diploma to earn a baccalaureate degree. Once prerequisite courses are completed, students move on to the bachelor's degree portion of the program. Metropolitan State University, for example, offers an RN to BSN program that requires just 32 total credits taken in 5 consecutive semesters to complete.

Learn more about Minnesota RN to BSN Programs.

RN to MSN Programs

For those who wish to specialize in an advanced practice area, the RN to MSN pathway is ideal. Capella University, for example, offers an online RN to MSN program in a variety of concentrations, including Care Coordination, Nursing Education, Nursing Informatics, and Nursing Leadership & Administration. These tracks require roughly 66 total credits to complete.

Learn more about Minnesota RN to MSN Programs.

APRN & Nurse Practitioner Programs in Minneapolis, MN

Advanced nursing program options are available for those who want to access the highest positions as nurse practitioners. Pathways include the traditional MSN degree, the post-master's certificate, and even doctoral programs such as the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or the Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (Ph.D.).

MSN Programs

The MSN degree is a common post-graduate nursing degree. Typically requiring around 2 years beyond a BSN degree, the MSN degree allows students to specialize in a number of concentrations.

Learn more about Minnesota Nurse Practitioner Programs.

Post-Master's Certificate Programs

Post-graduate programs are designed for nurses who have already earned an MSN degree, but who wish to change specializations. This allows them to do so without having to obtain another lengthy degree. The University of Minnesota offers many post-master's certificates in specialties such as Women's Health Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Midwifery, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and more.

Learn more about Minnesota Post-Master's Certificate Programs.

DNP and Ph.D. Programs

Doctoral programs are considered terminal degree types in nursing. Students can choose between earning a DNP, which focuses on clinical practice, or a Ph.D., which focuses on education and research. Metropolitan State University offers both a BSN to DNP and an MSN to DNP. The University of Minnesota offers a Ph.D. in nursing program that takes 4-5 years to complete, on average.

Learn more about Minnesota DNP Programs.