Top Nurse Practitioner Programs in Minnesota

The University of Minnesota's Pediatric Nurse Practitioner-Acute Care specialty certificate offers an advanced clinical pathway for experienced nurses targeting acute pediatric healthcare. Specializing in complex medical needs for patients up to 21 years old, this three-semester post-graduate program provides comprehensive training across emergency, inpatient, and subspecialty environments. Students benefit from strategic partnerships with renowned children's hospitals like Children's Minnesota, ensuring robust interprofessional training and culturally competent care delivery. The flexible hybrid format accommodates nurses with or without a doctoral degree, emphasizing advanced practice skills in managing critical pediatric health challenges.

• Three-semester post-graduate certificate
• Care for patients up to 21
• Multiple hospital partnerships
• Advanced practice nurse specialty
• Interprofessional team training
• Emergency and inpatient focus
• Options with/without DNP

Designed for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses, the University of Minnesota's Adult Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner certificate enables professionals to enhance expertise in managing complex health conditions for adults and older populations. Within three semesters, nurses develop advanced clinical competencies for high-demand specialties including cardiovascular and critical care settings. The hybrid program offers 240-600 clinical hours, preparing graduates for national certification through comprehensive learning experiences coordinated across Twin Cities hospitals. Participants can expect a flexible curriculum balancing online modules and hands-on clinical training.

• Post-graduate certificate for DNP nurses
• One-year, three-semester program
• 240-600 clinical hours
• Hybrid learning format
• Prepares for national certification
• Focuses on acute care specialties
• Clinical experiences in Twin Cities hospitals

The University of Minnesota's Post-Graduate Certificate in Adult/Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioner provides licensed advanced practice nurses an opportunity to specialize in comprehensive patient care. This hybrid program targets experienced professionals with existing doctoral or master's degrees, offering specialized training in adult and geriatric primary healthcare. With a rigorous 3.0 GPA requirement, the program emphasizes evidence-based interventions, culturally sensitive approaches, and advanced clinical competencies. Graduates are strategically positioned to pursue specialty certification examinations and expand their professional nursing capabilities.

• Hybrid program delivery
• Specialty certification preparation
• 3.0 GPA minimum requirement
• Advanced practice nursing focus
• Multiple nursing specialty options

University of Minnesota's Doctor of Nursing Practice in Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Primary Care offers a transformative three-year program preparing advanced nursing professionals to deliver comprehensive child healthcare. Students develop expertise spanning infant through young adult patient populations, with approximately 1,000 clinical hours focused on managing diverse health conditions including chronic diseases and disabilities. The curriculum integrates evidence-based practice, health policy development, and leadership training, equipping graduates to provide high-quality primary care while advancing nursing scholarship and healthcare system improvements.

• 3-year full-time program
• Approximately 1,000 clinical hours
• On-campus sessions each semester
• Prepare for pediatric certification exam
• Diverse clinical experience settings
• Leadership and policy development focus
• Care for diverse patient populations
• Expert clinician mentorship
• Multiple practice setting opportunities

The Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Acute Care specialty Certificate at the University of Minnesota provides advanced practice registered nurses a strategic pathway to specialize in complex pediatric healthcare. Designed for experienced professionals, this three-semester program prepares nurses to deliver comprehensive care for patients from infancy to 21 years old across emergency, inpatient, and outpatient settings. Strategic partnerships with major children's hospitals ensure robust training in interprofessional collaboration, cultural competence, and family-centered care approaches. Graduates gain advanced skills in managing acute, critical, and chronic pediatric health challenges.

• Three-semester post-graduate certificate
• Prepares nurses for complex pediatric care
• Covers ages infant to 21
• Multiple healthcare setting training
• Partners with major children's hospitals

University of Minnesota's Doctor of Nursing Practice with Family Nurse Practitioner concentration delivers a comprehensive three-year program preparing advanced healthcare professionals for holistic patient care. Students develop sophisticated clinical skills across patient lifespans, learning to diagnose, treat, and manage complex health conditions through evidence-based practices. The rigorous curriculum emphasizes interprofessional collaboration, technological integration, and comprehensive patient engagement. With 1,000 clinical hours and hybrid learning formats, graduates become eligible for professional certification and equipped to provide critical health services from preventive care to advanced disease management.

• 3-year full-time program
• On-campus hybrid learning
• 1,000 clinical hours
• Comprehensive patient care training
• Evidence-based practice focus
• Lifespan patient management
• Professional certification eligibility
• Advanced diagnostic skills
• Medication management training
• Collaborative healthcare approach

The University of Minnesota's Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner DNP provides an advanced educational pathway for nursing professionals seeking specialized mental health expertise. This comprehensive program prepares students to diagnose complex psychiatric disorders, develop holistic treatment plans, and implement diverse therapeutic interventions. Spanning three to four years, the program includes 1,000 clinical hours and on-campus hybrid sessions. Graduates become eligible for certification and can pursue diverse career opportunities in mental health settings, from private practices to hospital psychiatric units, with a focus on lifelong patient care and advanced clinical competencies.

• 80 total credit doctoral program
• 3-4 year completion options
• $1,100 per credit cost
• 3.0 minimum admission GPA
• On-campus hybrid format
• 1,000 clinical hours required
• CCNE accredited program
• Certification exam preparation

University of Minnesota's Women's Health/Gender-Related Nurse Practitioner program empowers advanced nursing professionals to deliver comprehensive, patient-centered care across women's lifespans. This three-year doctoral program provides approximately 1,000 clinical hours of intensive training, preparing graduates to serve as primary care providers with expertise in women's health. The curriculum emphasizes holistic, interprofessional approaches, evidence-based practice, and compassionate care. Students develop advanced skills in diagnosing, managing, and treating complex women's health conditions, positioning themselves as specialized healthcare providers ready for national certification.

• 3-year full-time doctoral program
• Approximately 1,000 clinical hours
• On-campus sessions each semester
• Holistic, interprofessional approach
• Primary care preparation for women
• National certification eligible
• Diverse clinical placement opportunities

The University of Minnesota's Adult Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioner DNP offers a comprehensive three-year program preparing advanced nursing professionals for geriatric and adult primary care. With 82 total credits and 1,000 clinical hours, students develop sophisticated leadership skills in healthcare systems, emphasizing evidence-based practice and systemic change. The competitive program requires a 3.0 GPA and provides hybrid learning formats, enabling graduates to independently manage primary care needs and pursue national certification. Participants gain advanced competencies in holistic patient care and healthcare leadership.

• Three-year full-time DNP program
• 82 total program credits
• 1,000 clinical hours required
• $1,100 per credit cost
• 3.0 minimum admission GPA
• Hybrid program format
• CCNE accredited program
• National certification preparation
• Leadership in healthcare focus
• Campus sessions each semester

University of Minnesota's Adult Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioner DNP prepares registered nurses for advanced practice in adult and gerontology care. This targeted hybrid program combines online coursework with mandatory on-campus sessions, requiring four campus days each semester. Designed for US citizens and permanent residents, the three-year program emphasizes team-based, holistic care approaches. With 1,000 clinical hours, 82 total credits, and a focus on evidence-based practice, graduates are strategically positioned to lead healthcare systems and pursue national certification in adult and geriatric primary care.

• Hybrid program format
• $1,100 per credit
• 82 total credits
• 3.0 admission GPA
• Three-year full-time
• 1,000 clinical hours
• On-campus sessions required
• Prepares for national exam
• Leadership in health systems
• Accredited by CCNE

Winona State University's Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Graduate Certificate is a 24-credit campus-based program for graduate-prepared nurses, focusing on advanced psychiatric care across diverse populations. It requires a 3.0 GPA, includes 600 clinical hours, and emphasizes rural healthcare and medication prescribing. This program prepares students for the American Nurses Credentialing Center certification exam, with no entrance exam required as it is a graduate-level certificate building on prior graduate education.

• 24 total credit hours
• 3.0 GPA required
• 600 clinical practice hours
• Certification exam preparation
• Rural healthcare emphasis
• Lifespan psychiatric care focus
• Advanced practice nursing credential
• Medication prescribing eligibility

The Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner post-graduate certificate at Winona State University offers 21 credits of advanced training in acute care for complex adult patients, delivered on campus. It includes 600 clinical hours, can be completed in two semesters and a summer session, and costs approximately $24,000. This program requires a prior graduate nursing degree and does not mandate an entrance exam, focusing on differential diagnosis and therapeutic interventions for career advancement.

• 21 credits total program
• 600 clinical hours
• Completion in 2 semesters + summer
• Approximately $24,000 cost
• Advanced acute care training

Winona State University's Family Nurse Practitioner DNP program is a 74-credit campus-based option preparing nurses for primary care roles across all age groups. It requires a 3.0 GPA, offers 840-1080 clinical hours, and has multiple entry tracks for bachelor's or master's holders. As a doctoral program, it does not require an entrance exam and prepares graduates for national certification, emphasizing comprehensive healthcare and compassionate practice.

• 74 total credit program
• 3.0 GPA required
• 1000 total clinical hours
• Multiple entry tracks available
• Prepares for national certification
• Three program progression options
• Advanced clinical practice focus
• Comprehensive healthcare preparation
• 840-1080 clinical practicum hours

The Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner DNP at Winona State University is a hybrid program with 74 credits, focusing on behavioral and mental health care across the lifespan. It includes 1,260 clinical hours, takes six semesters and three summer sessions to complete, and costs about $84,000. This doctoral program does not require an entrance exam and equips students with advanced clinical skills and leadership in mental health.

• 74-credit comprehensive program
• 1,260 total clinical hours
• Six semesters, three summer sessions
• Approximately $84,000 total cost
• Mental health care across lifespan

Winona State University's Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner DNP is a hybrid program with 74 credits, designed for advanced practice in acute care settings. It requires a 3.0 GPA, includes 1,000 clinical hours, and prepares students for national certification without an entrance exam. The program emphasizes evidence-based practice, leadership, and interdisciplinary approaches to manage critically ill adult patients.

• 74 total credit program
• 3.0 GPA requirement
• 1,000 clinical hours total
• 840 program clinical hours
• Multiple DNP entry tracks
• Nationally recognized certification preparation
• Advanced healthcare leadership focus
• Comprehensive clinical practicum
• Evidence-based practice emphasis

The College of Saint Scholastica's Post-Graduate APRN Certificate in Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) offers a hybrid format with online coursework and clinical training, requiring 40-43 credits and 900-1080 supervised hours. Accredited by CCNE and approved by the Minnesota Board of Nursing, it focuses on advanced practice nursing with a concentration in family care. Entrance exams are not required for this post-graduate program.

• Three APRN specialization options
• Hybrid online/clinical format
• 40-43 total credits
• 900-1080 supervised hours
• CCNE accredited program
• $925 per credit tuition
• 3-4 semester completion
• Minnesota Board approved
• Minimal on-campus meetings

The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate at The College of Saint Scholastica is a hybrid program requiring 40 credits and 960 clinical hours. It prepares nurses for specialized mental health care across diverse populations, with a minimum 3.0 GPA. No entrance exam is needed for this advanced practice certificate.

• 40 total program credits
• 960 clinical practice hours
• Online theory with on-campus labs
• Advanced practice nurse focus
• Comprehensive psychiatric care training
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required
• Covers adult and child psychiatry
• Theoretical and practical coursework
• Multiple clinical practicums
• Advanced pharmacology included

The Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate at The College of Saint Scholastica is a hybrid post-graduate program with 42 credits and 840 clinical hours, focusing on acute care for adult and geriatric patients. It includes online theory and on-campus training, with no entrance exam required.

• Post-graduate APRN certificate
• 42 total program credits
• 840 clinical hours
• Hybrid learning format
• Online theory courses
• On-campus skills training
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required
• Precepted clinical experiences
• Advanced nursing specialization

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) concentration at The College of Saint Scholastica is a hybrid program blending online and clinical work, totaling 1,020 clinical hours and 500 DNP hours. It emphasizes leadership and evidence-based practice in family care, with no entrance exam required.

• Hybrid program format
• 1,020 clinical hours
• Online and on-campus sessions
• Comprehensive clinical training
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required
• Multiple patient population focus
• Advanced pharmacology courses
• Interdisciplinary healthcare approach
• 500 DNP practice hours
• Leadership-oriented curriculum

The DNP with a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner concentration at St. Catherine University is a hybrid program specializing in care for newborns and infants, developing advanced competencies through clinical immersion and evidence-based practice. It prepares nurses for certification and leadership in neonatal care, with no entrance exam specified in the provided information.

• Hybrid program format
• Advanced nursing practice focus
• Specialized neonatal concentration
• DNP project completion
• Certification exam eligibility
• Complex healthcare problem solving
• Population health emphasis

St. Catherine University's Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Post-Master's Certificate is a 21-credit campus-based program for nurse practitioners with a graduate degree, focusing on expanding skills in adult and geriatric primary care. It includes clinical and theoretical coursework for holistic healthcare, enhancing expertise in diverse settings without requiring an entrance exam as it's a post-master's certificate.

• 21-credit graduate certificate program
• For existing nurse practitioners
• Focus on adult/geriatric primary care
• Clinical and theoretical coursework
• Advanced practice nursing specialization
• Holistic healthcare approach
• Multiple clinical practice courses
• Builds on existing nursing knowledge

The DNP Family Nurse Practitioner program at St. Catherine University is a hybrid 3-4 year doctoral degree with 69 credits, preparing nurses for advanced leadership and clinical roles across patient lifespans. It emphasizes ethical leadership, social justice, and care for vulnerable populations, and does not specify an entrance exam requirement in the provided data.

• Doctoral nursing program
• 3-4 year hybrid format
• 69 total program credits
• Advanced clinical training
• Focuses on vulnerable populations
• Leadership and ethics emphasis
• Comprehensive patient care approach
• Advanced clinical reasoning skills
• Interprofessional perspectives
• Evidence-based practice integration

St. Catherine University's DNP Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program is a hybrid format focusing on ethical leadership and interprofessional collaboration to improve population health. It requires a master's degree, 3.0 GPA, two years of nursing experience, and an active RN license, with no mention of an entrance exam in the description.

• Practice-focused doctoral degree
• Hybrid online/classroom format
• Advanced nursing leadership
• 3.0 GPA requirement
• Two years nursing experience
• Accredited nursing program
• Specialization options available
• Interprofessional collaboration focus
• Evidence-based practice emphasis
• Healthcare policy preparation

The Doctor of Nursing Practice - Family Nurse Practitioner program at College of Saint Benedict is a hybrid online offering designed for practicing RNs, blending Benedictine values with advanced clinical training. It emphasizes ethical leadership, advocacy, and innovation in healthcare, providing guaranteed clinical placements and specialized electives. With a curriculum covering advanced practice nursing, research, and global health, it prepares graduates for transformative roles. As a doctorate-level program, it may require an entrance exam such as the GRE, though specifics should be verified with the school.

• Hybrid online program format
• 70 total credit hours
• Guaranteed clinical placements
• Benedictine values integration
• Specialty care clinical elective
• Advanced practice nursing focus
• Ethics and leadership emphasis
• Research methods included