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-Minnesota's Practical Nursing Diploma is a fast-track hybrid program that can be completed in just 12 months. It requires no prerequisite courses and offers eight annual start dates, combining online learning with essential clinical experiences. The curriculum includes 15 courses and 56 credit hours, preparing students thoroughly for the NCLEX-PN exam. With a cost of around $25,339 and potential savings from the LPN Care Grant, graduates are well-equipped for roles in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities, benefiting from Minnesota's 4% job growth in nursing. No entrance exam is required for this diploma-level program.
Bemidji, MN - Public 2-Year - ntcmn.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Northwest Technical College's Practical Nursing program combines online lectures with in-person labs in a hybrid format, offering flexibility for students. It features advanced clinical simulations and supervised training to develop essential nursing skills. Accredited by ACEN, the program provides multiple entry points and credential stacking, allowing progression toward an Associate of Science degree. Graduates benefit from seamless credit transfer to Bemidji State University for further education. Experienced faculty ensure high-quality preparation for professional roles, with no entrance exam required for this practical nursing level.
Pine City, MN - Public 2-Year - pine.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Pine Technical & Community College's Practical Nursing Diploma is an accelerated campus-based program that prepares students for the NCLEX-PN exam with a 100% pass rate and job placement. It builds on nursing assistant skills, emphasizing critical thinking, ethical practice, and patient-centered care through comprehensive clinical training. Admission requires the TEAS exam and Minnesota Nursing Assistant Registry certification. This program, ranked 4th in Minnesota, offers a pathway to further nursing education and focuses on effective communication, technology use, and interdisciplinary collaboration in healthcare.
Alexandria, MN - Public 2-Year - alextech.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Alexandria Technical & Community College offers a campus-based Practical Nursing diploma program, designed to be completed in 2 or 3 semesters. It prepares students for the NCLEX-PN exam, with high first-time pass rates and strong job placement in Minnesota's growing LPN field, which has a 12.8% growth rate. Admission requires a TEAS exam score of at least 50, CNA certification, CPR and First Aid training, and background clearance. Accredited by NLN CNEA, the program emphasizes hands-on learning and flexible scheduling, leading to average starting wages of $19.81-21.60 per hour. No concentration is specified, and entrance exams like ACT or SAT are not mentioned for this diploma-level program.
Cloquet, MN - Public 4-Year - fdltcc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College in Cloquet, MN, provides a campus-based Practical Nursing diploma program ideal for rapid entry into nursing. Emphasizing hands-on training and foundational skills, it prepares students for licensure exams and meets state requirements. Financial aid is available, enhancing accessibility. With a short completion time, it's tailored for those starting a healthcare career without a specific concentration focus.
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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