Best Nursing Schools in Minnesota

Saint Cloud State University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program excels with an impressive three-year NCLEX pass rate averaging around 95.7%, reflecting its robust educational approach. The comprehensive nursing curriculum prepares students through rigorous academic training and extensive clinical experiences. Prospective students must complete prerequisite courses and pass the TEAS entrance exam with a minimum score of 58.7%. The program offers multiple entry pathways, including a Traditional Track and RN-BS Completion Option, accommodating diverse student backgrounds. Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, the program emphasizes holistic care, critical thinking, and culturally sensitive nursing practices. Students benefit from state-of-the-art simulation labs and potential global study opportunities, ensuring graduates are well-equipped for dynamic healthcare environments.

• Accredited by CCNE.
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
• Offers diverse clinical experiences.
• Includes capstone experience.
• Options for high school students.
• RN-BS completion available.
• Emphasizes holistic nursing.
• Requires TEAS exam.
• Minimum GPA required.
• State-of-the-art simulation lab.

St. Cloud Technical and Community College's Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program provides comprehensive training for aspiring registered nurses. With an impressive three-year NCLEX pass rate averaging 95.29%, students benefit from a meticulously designed 64-credit curriculum that integrates academic lectures, advanced simulation labs, and extensive clinical experiences. The program emphasizes client-centered care, cultural competency, and ethical nursing practices. Students can anticipate a rigorous educational journey that prepares them for diverse healthcare environments. Notably, the program offers seamless transfer pathways to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs and maintains affordable tuition with accessible financial aid options. Accredited by the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA), graduates are well-positioned for successful nursing careers.

• 64 Credits
• Campus program
• High NCLEX pass rate
• Seamless BSN transfer options
• Affordable tuition
• Financial aid available
• Client-centered care focus
• Cultural sensitivity training
• Ethical practice emphasis
• State-of-the-art labs

The LPN to ADN Mobility Associate of Science program at St. Cloud Technical and Community College offers licensed practical nurses a strategic pathway to becoming registered nurses. Designed for working professionals, this 64-credit program provides a comprehensive educational experience combining theoretical knowledge with practical clinical training. Graduates can expect thorough preparation for the NCLEX-RN examination, with a curriculum focused on evidence-based practice, advanced patient care techniques, and professional nursing competencies. The program's strength lies in its ability to build upon existing nursing knowledge, offering state-of-the-art simulation laboratories and opportunities for professional advancement. Approved by the Minnesota Board of Nursing and accredited by the National League for Nursing, students receive high-quality education that bridges practical nursing experience with advanced registered nursing skills.

• 64 credits for completion.
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
• Combines lectures, labs, clinicals.
• Accredited by NLN CNEA.
• Approved by Minnesota Board.
• High graduate placement rate.
• Opportunities for BSN advancement.
• Focus on evidence-based practice.
• Client-centered care emphasis.
• Cultural sensitivity training.

Bemidji State University's pre-licensure BSN program offers a comprehensive five-semester pathway for aspiring nurses, with an impressive NCLEX pass rate ranging from 91.89% to 100% in recent years. Students must complete 30 college credits, specific science prerequisites, and a CNA course, maintaining a minimum 2.80 GPA. The campus-based program features a state-of-the-art nursing lab and CCNE accreditation, providing students with robust theoretical and practical training. Rolling admissions allow flexible entry, with cohorts starting each January. The program includes a Community Health course and potential Public Health Nurse certification, preparing students for diverse nursing roles. SAT or ACT entrance exams are typically required for admission.

• Accredited by CCNE.
• Five semesters to complete.
• High NCLEX pass rates.
• State-of-the-art nursing lab.
• Rolling admissions.
• 30 college credits required.
• Specific science prerequisites.
• CNA course completion needed.
• Minimum 2.80 GPA.
• Additional costs apply.

Bemidji State University's online RN to BSN program caters to working registered nurses seeking career advancement, with a curriculum emphasizing nursing theory, research, and leadership. The fully online program offers flexible part-time or full-time options, enabling completion in as little as one year. Admission requires an unencumbered RN license, 2.5 GPA from an ADN or Diploma program, and residence in Minnesota, North Dakota, or Wisconsin. With affordable banded tuition under $11,000 and no campus visits required, the program provides accessible higher education. Students benefit from personalized mentorship, small class sizes, and opportunities for scholarship support, positioning graduates for diverse healthcare career opportunities.

• 100% online coursework
• Flexible part-time or full-time options
• Completion in as little as one year
• Affordable banded tuition
• No campus visits required
• Accredited nursing program
• Small class sizes
• Personalized mentorship
• Focus on rural health
• Hands-on community practicums

Alexandria Technical & Community College offers a robust Associate Degree in Nursing program with exceptional NCLEX-RN pass rates consistently ranging from 91.67% to 96.30% between 2022-2024. The campus-based ADN curriculum uniquely requires candidates to hold an LPN license, maintain a 2.75 GPA, possess current CPR certification, and pass a comprehensive background check. Students benefit from hands-on learning experiences designed to prepare them for diverse healthcare environments. The program emphasizes practical skills development and provides strong job placement support. With a military-friendly designation and flexibility in career pathways, this two-semester nursing track offers an accelerated route to becoming a registered nurse. Prospective students should expect rigorous academic preparation and comprehensive clinical training.

• 2 semesters after prerequisites
• High NCLEX-RN pass rates
• LPN license required
• 2.75 GPA minimum
• CPR certification needed
• Background check required
• Campus-based program
• Strong job placement
• Flexible career paths
• Hands-on learning

Bethel University's BSN program offers a comprehensive nursing education that uniquely integrates Christian principles with professional healthcare training. With an impressive NCLEX pass rate ranging from 86.25% to 100% between 2022-2024, students receive robust preparation for nursing careers. The program requires standard entrance exams and features state-of-the-art simulation labs, providing hands-on clinical experiences across Twin Cities healthcare settings. Students benefit from a supportive learning environment emphasizing evidence-based practice, critical thinking, and compassionate care. The curriculum prepares graduates for diverse nursing roles, with strong employment prospects and competitive salaries. Faith-based mentorship and rigorous academic training distinguish this program from traditional nursing education approaches.

• Christ-centered nursing education.
• State-of-the-art simulation labs.
• Strong Twin Cities clinical connections.
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN licensure.
• Evidence-based practice focus.
• Faith integration in curriculum.
• Supportive faculty mentorship.
• Diverse clinical opportunities.
• High alumni employment rates.
• Competitive graduate salaries.

Bethel University's Post-Baccalaureate Nursing program provides an accelerated pathway for career changers, enabling non-nursing bachelor's degree holders to complete their BSN in just 15-20 months. This hybrid program blends online and in-person learning, maintaining the institution's faith-based educational philosophy. With a 2.85 GPA admission requirement and prerequisite course expectations, students receive comprehensive nursing preparation. The program costs $857 per credit and focuses on developing critical thinking, leadership skills, and compassionate healthcare approaches. Graduates are well-positioned to take the NCLEX-RN licensure exam and pursue diverse healthcare career opportunities in various clinical settings.

• Accelerated 15-20 month program.
• Hybrid online and in-person learning.
• $857 per credit cost.
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN licensure.
• Faith-based nursing education.
• Requires 2.85 GPA for admission.
• Prerequisite courses needed.
• Compassionate faculty support.
• Blended learning format.
• Focus on whole-person care.