Top ABSN Programs in Minnesota: Find the Right Accelerated BSN for You

Can a career changer with a sociology or business degree earn a BSN in 16 months in Minnesota's concentrated healthcare job market? The state's three major hubs, the Twin Cities, Duluth, and Rochester, house some of the country's largest integrated health systems, and labor projections show a steady gap between RN vacancies and new graduates. Accelerated BSN programs in Minnesota target exactly that gap, compressing nursing education into an intensive 12-to-18-month timeline for students who already hold a non-nursing bachelor's.

Campus-based cohorts and a few hybrid tracks combine online theory with in-person labs and clinical rotations placed across urban and rural Minnesota sites. Wherever the program is located, graduates must sit for the NCLEX under a Board of Nursing that does not participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact, making the school's first-time pass rate and clinical placement quality immediate, practical filters for applicants choosing between options.

ABSN Programs in Minnesota at a Glance

ABSN programs in Minnesota offer an accelerated path to registered nursing for career changers. The table below summarizes key facts about these programs. Minnesota is not part of the Nurse Licensure Compact, so graduates who wish to practice in other states must obtain licensure in each state individually.

Best ABSN Programs in Minnesota

The following ranking highlights six accelerated BSN options available to Minnesota students, considering factors like affordability, graduation rates, and program features. From campus-based cohorts to hybrid and online pathways, each program offers a distinct route to licensure. Use this list as a starting point, then dive into costs, NCLEX outcomes, and clinical details later in this article.

Rank	School	Location	Net price	Best for
#1	Rasmussen University-Minnesota	St. Cloud, MN	$18,000/yr	Affordability-focused career changers
Rasmussen University offers a flexible, CCNE-accredited accelerated BSN for career changers who already hold a non-nursing bachelor's degree. The hybrid learning model combines online coursework with hands-on clinical experiences, and multiple start dates per year help students begin when they are ready. Small class sizes, leadership-focused curriculum, and financial aid options make it a practical choice for working adults. Accelerated BSN — On-Campus Visit Website CCNE-accredited program Hybrid learning with online and hands-on clinicals Multiple start dates each year Small class sizes and dedicated faculty Leadership and critical thinking emphasis Financial aid and transfer credits accepted Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
#2	Bethel University	Saint Paul, MN	$29,000/yr (net price)	Faith-based hybrid learners
Bethel University's post-baccalaureate nursing program blends online coursework with in-person labs and clinicals, grounded in a faith-based approach to holistic care. The hybrid format can be completed in 15 to 20 months, with over 1,100 clinical placements at 230+ healthcare organizations. Small cohorts, dedicated mentors, and scholarship opportunities support adult learners through the rigorous curriculum. Accelerated BSN — Hybrid Visit Website Complete in as few as 15 months full-time Hybrid format blending online and in-person learning 1,100+ clinical placements at 230+ sites Faith-based holistic nursing curriculum $891 per credit with scholarship opportunities 2.9 minimum GPA requirement Prepares for NCLEX-RN licensure Small cohorts with dedicated faculty mentors
#3	University of Northwestern-St Paul	Saint Paul, MN	$28,000/yr	Christ-centered students prioritizing clinical immersion
University of Northwestern's Christ-centered accelerated BSN is a full-time, four-semester campus program that emphasizes servant leadership and clinical depth. The curriculum includes 476.5 clinical hours and concentration options, with placements at major Twin Cities health systems like Mayo Clinic, M Health Fairview, and Children's Minnesota. A 94% first-time NCLEX pass rate and 80% job placement within one year underscore strong outcomes. Accelerated BSN — On-Campus Visit Website Christ-centered program with servant leadership focus 476.5 clinical hours in dual concentration options 94% first-time NCLEX pass rate 80% employment within one year State-of-the-art simulation labs Clinical partnerships with Mayo, M Health Fairview, Children's MN Four-semester, full-time campus program Individual faculty advising and mentoring
#4	Concordia College at Moorhead	Moorhead, MN	$25,000/yr
Concordia College in Moorhead runs an intensive 12-month ABSN for college graduates, delivered through a close-knit cohort of 20 students. The CCNE-accredited program includes 500 hours of faculty-arranged clinicals, a 97% first-time NCLEX pass rate, and a recorded 100% job placement within three months. With 17 years of experience, the program prepares students to meet Minnesota's public health nurse registration requirements. Accelerated BSN — On-Campus Visit Website 12-month accelerated program for college graduates 97% first-time NCLEX pass rate 100% job placement within three months 500 clinical hours scheduled by faculty Small 20-student cohort model CCNE-accredited with 17 years of ABSN experience Meets Minnesota public health nurse registration Full-time, dedicated nursing faculty
#5	Concordia University-Saint Paul	Saint Paul, MN	$18,000/yr
Concordia University, Saint Paul offers a hybrid accelerated BSN through its CSP Global division, but the program's skills labs and clinical rotations are based in Denver, Colorado, not Minnesota. The 16-month curriculum combines online coursework with in-person requirements and three annual start dates. It is CCNE-accredited and designed for students with at least 54 non-nursing college credits. Accelerated BSN — Hybrid Visit Website 16-month hybrid program based in Denver, Colorado Online coursework with on-campus labs and clinicals CCNE-accredited, no waitlist; courses start every 8 weeks Clinical rotations at top Denver-area hospitals Three start dates per year (winter, spring, fall) Small class sizes and dedicated faculty Requires 54 non-nursing college credits for admission Financial aid and scholarships available
#6	Saint Cloud State University	Saint Cloud, MN	$14,000/yr
Saint Cloud State University provides an accelerated online RN to BSN completion program for registered nurses who already hold an associate degree. The program features 7-week courses and can be finished in as few as 10 months, with a generous transfer policy of up to 90 credits. It is CCNE-accredited, offers military-friendly benefits, and carries a low per-credit tuition rate. Accelerated RN to BSN — Online Visit Website Online program for RNs with an associate degree 7-week accelerated courses, complete in 10 months CCNE-accredited, $350 per credit Up to 90 transfer credits accepted Multiple start dates per year 2.5 minimum GPA for admission Military benefits and North Star Promise Scholarship Ranked a Top 10 Military Friendly School

Online and Hybrid ABSN Programs in Minnesota

No accelerated BSN program in Minnesota is fully remote, regardless of how the school labels its delivery method. While some programs describe themselves as hybrid or online, every pathway includes in-person skills labs, simulation intensives, and clinical rotations at approved healthcare sites. Students who need a program that never requires travel to campus will not find that option among Minnesota's ABSN offerings.

What "Hybrid" Actually Entails for Minnesota ABSN Students

A hybrid ABSN program in Minnesota typically delivers most theory courses through an online learning platform, which can be synchronous or asynchronous. The online component reduces the number of days spent in a physical classroom, but it does not eliminate the need for hands-on training. All hybrid programs require periodic on-campus residencies for high-stakes skill practice and simulation assessments, plus a substantial clinical hour requirement. Across Minnesota programs, students should expect to complete 600 to 800 hours of direct patient-care clinicals at regional hospitals and clinics. The online label is accurate only for the didactic portion; the clinical and lab requirements are firmly campus- and site-based.

Hybrid ABSN Programs in Minnesota

Two schools currently offer a hybrid structure that moves most lecture content online while keeping labs and clinicals in-person.

• Concordia University, St. Paul: The 16-month ABSN uses an online didactic format combined with scheduled on-campus lab intensives and skills sessions. Clinical placements are arranged throughout the Twin Cities metro. This program accepts out-of-state applicants.¹
• Herzing University Minneapolis: The ABSN pathway in Minneapolis is delivered in a hybrid model where core nursing coursework is completed online, complemented by in-person simulations and clinical rotations at Minnesota healthcare partners. Out-of-state students are eligible.²

In both programs, students log into a learning management system for readings, lectures, and discussions, then travel to campus or a clinical site for the hands-on elements that cannot be replicated remotely.

Campus-Based Accelerated Options

Two other Minnesota institutions deliver the entire ABSN curriculum through traditional campus attendance, with no fully online didactic component.

• The College of St. Scholastica: This 12-month post-baccalaureate nursing program holds all classes face-to-face on campus, along with in-person labs and clinicals. The accelerated pace demands full-time on-site engagement.³
• Minnesota State University, Mankato: The ABSN is a campus-only format. Students attend lectures, labs, and clinical rotations in person, following a cohort-based schedule. The program accepts applicants from outside Minnesota.

Neither of these programs markets an online or hybrid pathway, making them a clear choice for students who prefer (or need) a fully structured, in-person learning environment.

Clinicals and Out-of-State Applicants

Every Minnesota ABSN student must complete clinical placements in the state, regardless of whether the didactic coursework is online. The Minnesota Board of Nursing and program accreditation standards mandate that supervised clinical hours occur at approved sites, which are typically hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community clinics in Minnesota. Out-of-state applicants can enroll in the four programs listed here, but they should plan for consistent travel to Minnesota for labs, simulations, and clinical rotations. Some accelerated nursing programs elsewhere may restrict enrollment based on state authorization rules, so prospective students should verify eligibility directly with the school before applying. For those living near the Minnesota border, the hybrid model can make the commute more feasible by limiting on-campus days, but the clinical requirement remains a fixed in-person obligation.

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ABSN Admission Requirements and Prerequisites in Minnesota

Prior Degree Requirement

All ABSN programs in Minnesota are designed for students who already hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. The prior degree can be in any field, but schools will look for a solid academic record and the completion of specific prerequisite courses. This pathway is not intended for first-time college students or those with only an associate degree.

Minimum GPA Standards

Cumulative GPA expectations typically fall between 2.75 and 3.0, though individual programs set their own cutoffs. At the College of St. Scholastica, a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA is required for the Post-Baccalaureate Nursing track.¹ Minnesota State University Moorhead lists a 2.85 cumulative GPA threshold for its 2027 cohort.² In practice, many admitted students present GPAs above these minimums. Moorhead uses a holistic review weighing prerequisite GPA (33%), ATI TEAS exam scores (33%), and a written essay (34%), so strong test performance and personal statements can offset a slightly lower GPA.²

Prerequisite Courses and Lab Requirements

The core science and general education prerequisites across Minnesota ABSN programs include human anatomy and physiology, microbiology, chemistry, and often statistics, nutrition, and human growth and development. Lab components vary; for example, Moorhead explicitly requires a lab with both Human Anatomy I and II and with Microbiology.² St. Scholastica’s program does not require a lab for anatomy and physiology or microbiology, but it does mandate a two-credit nutrition course, a lifespan developmental psychology course, and a CNA (certified nursing assistant) registration.¹ St. Scholastica also requires pathopharmacology (or a combination of pathophysiology and pharmacology) completed with a grade of B or better if taken outside the institution.¹ Most programs require a standardized entrance exam such as the ATI TEAS or HESI; Moorhead requires the TEAS with a composite score of 58.7% and a science subscore of 41.3% or higher.²

Application Timelines and Review Processes

Deadlines vary, but early application is strongly encouraged. St. Scholastica has a priority deadline of March 15, with applications considered on a rolling basis afterwards until seats fill.¹ Moorhead operates a fixed window for its 2026-2027 cycle, accepting applications from December 1, 2026, through February 1, 2027.² Many ABSN programs in Minnesota use an interview or essay component; prospective students should prepare a compelling personal statement and be ready to discuss their motivation for nursing. At St. Scholastica, completion of a CNA course and active registration on the Minnesota Nursing Assistant Registry are non-negotiable prerequisites, so applicants should plan for the time and expense of obtaining that credential.¹

Transfer Credit Policies and Recency Rules

Because ABSN curricula are intensive and tightly sequenced, transfer of previous graduate or undergraduate nursing credits is rarely accepted. Students should instead focus on completing all prerequisite coursework before applying. Most programs expect science prerequisites to be completed within five to seven years of the application date; checking each school’s recency policy is essential. For instance, if your chemistry or microbiology was taken more than seven years ago, you may need to repeat the course. Completing prerequisites early also allows you to submit a stronger, more complete application and avoid the stress of last-minute coursework.

What Is the Typical ABSN Application Timeline in Minnesota?

While individual programs set their own deadlines, most accelerated BSN programs in Minnesota follow a similar sequence from prerequisite completion to the first day of class. Understanding this timeline can help you plan ahead and avoid missing key dates.

Cost of ABSN Programs in Minnesota

The cost of an ABSN in Minnesota varies widely based on the school and program format. The table below provides a snapshot of tuition rates, fees, and available financial support for two leading options.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Clinical Placements and Major Healthcare Markets in Minnesota

Which hospitals and clinics do Minnesota ABSN students train at, and who handles the placement logistics?

Major Clinical Markets in Minnesota

Accelerated BSN students in Minnesota complete rotations in varied settings that reflect the state's healthcare geography. The Twin Cities metro is the densest training ground, with students placed at large teaching hospitals, specialty centers, community clinics, and rehabilitation facilities. Duluth provides robust clinical experiences at systems like Essentia Health St. Mary's Medical Center and Aspirus St. Luke's Hospital, serving both urban and North Shore populations. Rochester is anchored by the Mayo Clinic, which partners with multiple undergraduate nursing programs in the state and offers exposure to complex acute care, transplant, and research-driven units.² Rural rotations take students to smaller critical-access hospitals, long-term care homes, and public health departments in communities across central and northern Minnesota, including the Iron Range and the St. Cloud region. Rasmussen University maintains campus nodes in St. Cloud, Mankato, Moorhead, and Rochester, giving students access to clinical sites near those cities.³ Facility types span the full continuum: inpatient hospitals, outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies, and community health centers.

Who Arranges Your Clinical Rotations?

All ABSN programs in Minnesota reviewed here handle clinical placement logistics for students. You will not be expected to cold-call hospitals or secure your own preceptors. Instead, the school's clinical placement coordinators match you to partner sites based on availability, learning objectives, and geography. Some programs offer a dedicated placement team that communicates site assignments well before each rotation starts. While the school arranges the placement, the exact location and shift schedule are typically not something you can choose freely; flexibility is necessary. Geographic limitations exist; a program based in Duluth, like the College of St. Scholastica, primarily places students in the Duluth area, the North Shore, the Iron Range, St. Cloud, and the Twin Cities, but will not guarantee placements in every corner of the state. Confirm with your program that clinical sites align with where you can realistically travel.

How Many Clinical Hours Are Required?

Total clinical hours across Minnesota ABSN programs typically fall in a range of roughly 600 to over 800 hours.¹ Some programs report hour counts closer to 500, while others exceed 800, depending on the curriculum design and credit structure. In an ABSN program, clinical hours are compressed into accelerated terms, meaning you will spend multiple days per week in direct patient care settings alongside rigorous coursework. These hours include rotations in medical-surgical nursing, mental health, obstetrics, pediatrics, community health, and leadership. Simulation lab time often supplements direct clinical hours but is not always counted in the published clinical-hour total, so ask for a breakdown of direct patient contact versus simulation.

Commuting and Travel Expectations

ABSN students in Minnesota should expect to commute to multiple care sites during the program. One rotation might be 20 minutes from home, while another could require a 90-minute drive to a rural hospital or a different metro area. According to College of St. Scholastica’s accelerated BSN program, students are responsible for their own transportation and lodging, so factoring in time and fuel costs is essential. Even programs that prioritize placements close to campus may need to send students to partner sites across a wide radius, especially for specialties with limited capacity. Plan your schedule and budget with the reality that clinical shifts can start early, run long, and sometimes involve back-to-back travel days when multiple rotations overlap.

NCLEX Pass Rates for Minnesota ABSN Programs

When choosing an accelerated BSN program, one of the most immediate concerns is whether graduates are prepared to pass the NCLEX-RN on the first attempt. First-time pass rates help gauge how well a program’s curriculum and support systems prepare students for licensure. Below, we compare available rates for Minnesota’s ABSN programs against the state and national averages.

How Minnesota Schools Compare to State and National Benchmarks

The national first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for U.S.-educated students was 86.7% in 2025³, while the most recent Minnesota statewide average (2022) stood at 75.53%¹. Several Minnesota ABSN programs routinely outperform both. St. Olaf College’s 98.51%¹ and Saint Cloud State University’s 95.7%¹ are notably strong, while Bemidji State’s pass rates have ranged from 91.89% to 100%¹ in recent years. Concordia College (Moorhead) and the College of St. Scholastica hover near the national average at 87%² and 86%², respectively. St. Catherine University’s 2022 rate of 68%⁴ sits below the state and national averages, though a single-year figure may not reflect current outcomes. Prospective students should check the school’s latest NCLEX data directly. For programs with lower pass rates, ask whether additional NCLEX prep resources are available and how they plan to support students who need to retake the exam.

What These Numbers Mean for You

A high pass rate often indicates a rigorous curriculum, strong clinical preparation, and dedicated NCLEX support, but it is not a guarantee of individual success. Many factors influence your outcome, including study habits, test-taking skills, and personal circumstances. Passage rates also tend to fluctuate year to year, so look for consistency over multiple exam cycles rather than a single data point. If a program consistently places graduates above 90%, it suggests a reliable path to licensure. Additionally, note that the 2022 state average is several points lower than the national figure, making Minnesota programs that clear the 85% threshold particularly noteworthy.

Frequently Asked Questions About ABSN Programs in Minnesota

Below are answers to common questions about accelerated BSN programs in Minnesota. These cover program availability, format, prerequisites, costs, and licensure details to help you make informed decisions.

Are there ABSN programs in Minnesota?

Yes, several universities in Minnesota offer accelerated BSN programs for individuals who already hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree. Major institutions include the University of Minnesota, Minnesota State University Mankato, Winona State University, and the College of Saint Scholastica, with options in the Twin Cities and other regions.

How long do ABSN programs in Minnesota take?

Most ABSN programs in Minnesota take 12 to 18 months to complete. For example, the University of Minnesota’s post-baccalaureate nursing program spans 15 months, while some private colleges offer slightly longer tracks. The exact duration depends on the school’s structure and whether you’ve completed all prerequisites.

Are there online ABSN programs in Minnesota?

While some Minnesota schools label their programs as hybrid or online, no fully online ABSN option exists in the state. Hybrid programs deliver didactic coursework remotely, but all require in-person skills labs, simulations, and clinical rotations at approved Minnesota healthcare facilities. Out-of-state students should confirm clinical placement availability.

Do Minnesota ABSN programs require a prior bachelor’s degree?

Yes, ABSN programs in Minnesota are designed for students who have already earned a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. Your previous degree can be in any field, though you still need to complete nursing-specific prerequisite courses before or early in the program.

What prerequisites do I need for ABSN programs in Minnesota?

Common prerequisites include anatomy and physiology with lab, microbiology with lab, chemistry, statistics, lifespan development, and psychology. Some schools also require nutrition or sociology. Check each program’s website for exact requirements, as variations exist. Many prerequisites must be completed with a grade of C or better.

What GPA do I need for ABSN programs in Minnesota?

Most Minnesota ABSN programs expect a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on your previous degree and prerequisite coursework. Some competitive programs like the University of Minnesota may look for higher GPAs, while others may consider applicants with a 2.75 or above if prerequisites are strong. Always verify with individual schools.

Are ABSN graduates eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN in Minnesota?

Yes, graduates of Minnesota’s ABSN programs are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam and apply for licensure through the Minnesota Board of Nursing. The board requires completion of an accredited nursing program and a successful background check. Pass rates for Minnesota ABSN graduates are generally competitive with traditional BSN programs.

Is Minnesota part of the Nurse Licensure Compact?

Minnesota is not currently a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), meaning Minnesota RN licenses are valid only within the state. Nurses who wish to practice in other compact states must apply for licensure by endorsement. Legislative efforts to join the NLC are ongoing; check the Minnesota Board of Nursing for updates.

What are the cheapest ABSN programs in Minnesota?

Public universities like Minnesota State University Mankato and Winona State University typically offer lower tuition for in-state students, with total program costs ranging from about $30,000 to $45,000. Private institutions can exceed $70,000. Refer to the cost comparison table earlier in this article for detailed figures and financial aid notes.

Can I work while completing an ABSN program in Minnesota?

Most ABSN programs in Minnesota are intense and full-time, making full-time employment nearly impossible. Some students manage part-time work or flexible jobs, but it is challenging due to rigorous coursework, labs, and clinical hours. Schools generally recommend focusing on the program and using financial aid or savings if possible.