Olivia Chen, NP
June 19, 2025
The RN to BSN degree programs are designed to assist registered nurses who are interested in attaining their Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The State of Minnesota emphasizes the shift to a BSN degree because healthcare facilities increasingly demand BSN-prepared nurses due to their superior competencies and leadership skills. Medical centers in Minneapolis and rural clinics throughout Minnesota view BSN-prepared nurses as essential for delivering better patient results and navigating intricate healthcare systems.
Moorhead, MN - Public 4-Year - mnstate.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Minnesota State University Moorhead's RN to BSN program offers a hybrid format, blending online and on-campus learning for flexibility. It is CCNE-accredited and led by doctorally prepared faculty, focusing on enhancing nursing practice without a specific concentration. The program boasts a 100% employment rate and high career advancement potential, with no mention of ACT or SAT requirements, making it ideal for working registered nurses seeking to upgrade from associate or diploma degrees.
Winona, MN - Public 4-Year - winona.edu
Online Learning - Visit Website
Winona State University's RN-to-BS Completion Program is a fully online, CCNE-accredited pathway for licensed RNs, offering flexible asynchronous coursework to advance careers without requiring entrance exams like ACT or SAT. This 40-credit program emphasizes leadership development, patient care enhancement, and career expansion into healthcare management or public health, with opportunities for experiential learning and credit transfers for efficiency. It is military-friendly and prepares graduates for higher earnings and specialized roles.
Marshall, MN - Public 4-Year - smsu.edu
Online Learning - Visit Website
Southwest Minnesota State University's RN to BSN program is a fully online, flexible option for registered nurses seeking to advance their careers. It allows students to learn at their own pace, with no set credit requirements, and awards credits for prior experience. The program is designed for working professionals, emphasizing leadership, community health, and evidence-based practice. Accredited by CCNE and ACEN, it requires a minimum nursing GPA of 2.30 and no entrance exams like ACT or SAT, making it accessible for public health nursing eligibility.
Saint Paul, MN - Public 4-Year - metrostate.edu
Online Learning - Visit Website
Metropolitan State University's RN to BSN program is an online, part-time option tailored for working registered nurses, focusing on health equity, holistic care, and critical analysis. It does not require an ACT or SAT entrance exam, emphasizing a competency-based curriculum with 31 nursing credits over five semesters. Highlights include anti-racism education, evidence-based practice, and eligibility for public health nursing. Admission requires a 2.5 GPA and an active RN license, preparing graduates for leadership in healthcare advocacy.
Bemidji, MN - Public 4-Year - bemidjistate.edu
Online Learning - Visit Website
Bemidji State University's RN to BSN online program offers a flexible and affordable path for working nurses, with a total cost under $11,000 and completion possible in one year. The 100% online format includes part-time options, 15 free nursing credits, and no statistics requirement. Students can earn certifications in Public Health Nursing and End of Life Nursing, preparing for roles in critical care, community health, and leadership. No entrance exams like ACT or SAT are required, but a 2.5+ GPA and RN license are needed.
The state of Minnesota provides numerous online RN to BSN programs which attract working nurses because of their flexible nature. Students enrolled in these programs access all coursework through online platforms which include assignments, discussions, and lectures. The program structure allows nurses who work full-time or have family obligations to continue their education. Students can choose between two program formats which include online learning and hybrid learning that combines online courses with limited in-person requirements for lab work and group activities. Some educational institutions provide evening and weekend classes for students who need structured schedules instead of traditional daytime attendance. Online programs with accelerated duration have become more prevalent because they offer brief courses to help students finish their degree faster.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Winona State University |
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| St Catherine University |
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| Augsburg University |
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| Certifying Board | Minnesota Board of Nursing |
|---|---|
| Certification | BSN from an approved program, Confirmation of Program Completion, fingerprint clearance, and NCLEX‑RN pass |
| License Renewal Period | Initial period 6–29 months based on birth month, then biennial renewal |
| Continuing Education | 24 contact hours every two years |
| License Application Fee | $105 application + $32 background check + $200 NCLEX registration |
| Clinical Hours | All didactic and clinical practicum hours confirmed by school |
| Application Processing Time | License mailed ~10 business days after NCLEX pass and background clearance |
| License by Endorsement | $105 endorsement application + $32 background check, submit active‑license verification, transcripts, Confirmation of Program Completion, and fingerprints, temporary permit up to 60 days |
The wages for Minnesota nurses are competitive and BSN-educated nurses receive better salaries and improved career possibilities. BSN-prepared nurses receive salaries above the average $94,000 annual wage for registered nurses working in Minnesota. Hospitals alongside healthcare systems typically provide higher pay to BSN nurses who take on more responsible positions. Leadership positions together with educational and specialty roles require higher compensation and BSN is typically needed for these positions. The nursing profession in Minnesota demonstrates a positive employment outlook because it will continue to grow during the next ten years. The annual creation of thousands of new nursing positions stems from both population aging and workforce retirements in the healthcare sector.
| Salary & Career Outlook | Minnesota | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual BSN Salary | $90,898 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $43.70 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$101,610 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | $84,758 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$60,850 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022–2032) | ~12% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~4,120 | ~54,000 |
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Saint Cloud State University |
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| Bemidji State University |
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| Minnesota State University-Mankato |
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Graduating with a BSN in Minnesota provides multiple opportunities for professional growth in the nursing field. Nurses with a BSN qualification can access positions in leadership, educational roles, and specialized care fields which remain inaccessible to associate degree holders. A bachelor’s-level education stands as a requirement to become a nurse manager, clinical educator, or case manager. The BSN degree provides essential preparation for pursuing advanced practice degrees such as the MSN or DNP that lead to nursing specialties including nurse practitioner or nurse anesthetist. The healthcare organizations in Minnesota recognize BSN-prepared nurses because they possess advanced abilities in critical thinking along with communication skills and systems-based practice capabilities. BSN graduates who obtain specialty certifications in pediatrics, critical care, and oncology fields enhance their professional qualifications. The degree qualification enables nurses to become eligible for work in public health and community-based positions. The BSN degree enhances nursing professional qualifications which leads to better career progression opportunities throughout Minnesota’s healthcare system.
Additional Nursing Programs in Minnesota
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