Thomas Reed, RN
June 4, 2025
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) serve as essential members of Minnesota’s healthcare system through their bedside patient care duties and their support for clinical operations in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. LPNs fill essential care gaps throughout Minnesota because of the increasing older population combined with ongoing healthcare accessibility problems in rural areas. The system provides more efficiency and compassion in care because LPNs monitor patients and administer medications while supporting physicians and registered nurses.
St. Cloud, MN - Private 4-year - rasmussen.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Rasmussen University's Practical Nursing Diploma program offers an accelerated pathway to becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in just 12 months. Designed for aspiring healthcare professionals, this hybrid program combines online coursework and hands-on clinical experiences to prepare students for the NCLEX-PN licensing exam. With no prerequisite courses required and eight annual start dates, students can quickly enter the nursing field. The program costs approximately $25,339, with potential savings of up to $2,000 through the LPN Care Grant. Graduates are prepared to work in diverse healthcare settings like hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and rehabilitation centers, with a projected job growth of 4% in Minnesota.
Bemidji, MN - Public 2-Year - ntcmn.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Northwest Technical College's Practical Nursing program offers a comprehensive hybrid pathway to launch a dynamic healthcare career. Students gain advanced clinical skills through state-of-the-art simulated environments and direct supervised training. The flexible program provides multiple entry points and credential stacking opportunities, allowing learners to progress toward an Associate of Science degree. Graduates can seamlessly transfer credits to Bemidji State University for further nursing education. With experienced faculty and accredited curriculum, students receive high-quality preparation for professional nursing roles.
Pine City, MN - Public 2-Year - pine.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Pine Technical & Community College's Practical Nursing Diploma offers an accelerated pathway into healthcare, preparing students to become licensed practical nurses. The comprehensive program builds on nursing assistant skills, equipping students with critical thinking abilities and ethical practice standards. Designed for aspiring healthcare professionals, this diploma provides comprehensive clinical training and prepares students to take the NCLEX-PN licensing exam. With a strong focus on patient-centered care, students learn to communicate effectively, utilize technology, and collaborate within interdisciplinary healthcare teams. The program boasts impressive outcomes, including a 100% NCLEX pass rate and 100% job placement, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a rewarding nursing career.
Alexandria, MN - Public 2-Year - alextech.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Embark on a fulfilling career in Practical Nursing at Alexandria Technical & Community College, MN. This program prepares you for a dynamic role in healthcare, offering a blend of compassion, skill, and adaptability. With a curriculum spanning 2 or 3 semesters, students gain the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to excel. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN licensure exam, stepping into a field with a promising growth rate of 12.8% in Minnesota. Admission requires meeting test scores, CNA certification, TEAS exam, CPR and First Aid certification, and passing a background study. Start your journey towards making a difference in healthcare today.
Cloquet, MN - Public 4-Year - fdltcc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College in Cloquet, MN, offers a Practical Nursing diploma program, designed for students seeking a quick entry into the nursing field. This program provides hands-on training and foundational knowledge necessary for practical nursing roles. It's an excellent choice for those aiming to start their healthcare career swiftly. The curriculum is tailored to meet state requirements, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for licensure exams. Financial aid options are available to eligible students, making this program accessible to a wide range of applicants.
The majority of practical nursing programs in Minnesota continue to deliver education through traditional classroom settings yet flexible learning choices have started to emerge. The academic programs at certain institutions provide students with the ability to learn theory courses and general education classes through online platforms before participating in clinical labs and hands-on training on campus. Program delivery systems now frequently include online learning tools alongside simulation technology. Some educational institutions offer accelerated LPN programs that provide students with a condensed curriculum for completing their studies within less than 12 months through intense course schedules.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Rasmussen University-Minnesota |
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| Alexandria Technical & Community College |
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| Central Lakes College-Brainerd |
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| Certifying Board | Minnesota Board of Nursing |
|---|---|
| Certification | NCLEX-PN via Pearson VUE |
| Educational Prerequisite | Graduation from a board-approved practical nursing program with official transcript and program verification |
| Application & Fees | $105 licensure-by-exam application fee, $200 NCLEX-PN exam fee, $32 criminal background check fee |
| Processing Time | Authorization to Test in about 2 weeks, license typically issued within 6–8 weeks after passing NCLEX |
| License Renewal | Biennial renewal by end of your birth month, $85 renewal fee, renewal notices sent ~3 months before expiration |
| Continuing Competency | 12 contact hours of continuing education required each 24-month renewal cycle |
| Licensure by Endorsement | $105 endorsement application fee, $32 background check fee, verification of current unrestricted LPN license. |
The job market in Minnesota offers LPNs attractive wages coupled with promising employment opportunities which are particularly strong in rural and underserved areas. LPNs working in Minnesota receive salaries which exceed the national average and metropolitan areas like Minneapolis-St. Paul provide higher compensation. Healthcare facilities located in rural areas provide additional financial benefits to recruit LPNs. The demand for practical nurses keeps increasing because Minnesota faces an aging population, expanded outpatient care services, and rising focus on preventive care. The nursing profession maintains consistent employment prospects throughout nursing homes, hospitals, home healthcare settings, and clinics.
| Salary & Career Outlook | Minnesota | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual LVN Salary | $58,773 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $28.30 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$65,684 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | $58,773 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$52,981 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022–2032) | ~5.7% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~5,950 | ~54,000 |
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College |
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| South Central College |
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| Minnesota West Community and Technical College |
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The LPN career path enables professionals to provide patient care for extended periods yet many nurses decide to enhance their skills through advancement programs. Minnesota provides numerous LPN-to-RN bridge pathways which enable nurses to become Registered Nurses after completing their practical nursing education. Through these programs licensed practical nurses can obtain an associate or bachelor’s degree while their existing nursing experience counts as academic credit. LPNs who wish to move into leadership positions or specialized fields can obtain new opportunities through certifications such as gerontology and hospice care and pediatric nursing. Minnesota institutions offer their students continuing education opportunities through online learning platforms and part-time degree programs as well as programs supported by employers. LPNs can move into supervisory positions and also take on roles in case management and quality assurance and health education. The healthcare system of Minnesota offers flexible professional growth opportunities to LPNs who wish to advance their careers within nursing through multiple supportive programs.
Additional Nursing Programs in Minnesota
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