Top Nursing Schools & Programs in Minnesota

Minnesota State University Moorhead offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing through a hybrid program that spans eight semesters. The curriculum focuses on holistic nursing, evidence-based practices, and leadership development, supported by clinical experiences in the Fargo-Moorhead area. With doctorally-prepared faculty and opportunities for international study, graduates achieve a 100% employment rate and can earn competitive salaries from $49,000 to $101,000. This program does not require an ACT or SAT entrance exam, making it accessible for aspiring nurses.

• 8-semester nursing program
• Holistic nursing curriculum
• Multiple clinical opportunities
• Doctorally prepared faculty
• Study abroad experiences
• Military-friendly program
• 100% employment rate

Rasmussen University-Minnesota offers a CCNE-accredited Bachelor of Science in Nursing program with a hybrid format, combining online coursework with in-person classes. It prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam through hands-on clinical experiences and small class sizes of around 23 students. The program includes Standard (33 months) and Accelerated (18 months) options, with no prerequisite courses required for admission. Financial aid and military benefits are available, and it does not require an ACT or SAT entrance exam. Multiple start dates per year and a laptop program for qualified students enhance accessibility.

• CCNE-accredited program
• Hybrid online and in-person learning
• No prerequisite courses required
• Small class sizes around 23 students
• Options for Standard and Accelerated BSN
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
• Financial aid and military benefits available
• Hands-on clinical experience
• Multiple start dates per year
• Laptop program for qualified students

Bethel University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) program offers a Christ-centered education, preparing students for the NCLEX-RN exam with state-of-the-art simulation labs and diverse clinical experiences in the Twin Cities. Emphasizing evidence-based practice and faith integration, the program requires an ACT or SAT entrance exam for admission. Graduates benefit from high employment rates and competitive salaries, supported by mentorship from experienced faculty.

• Christ-centered nursing education.
• State-of-the-art simulation labs.
• Strong Twin Cities clinical connections.
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN licensure.
• Evidence-based practice focus.
• Faith integration in curriculum.
• Supportive faculty mentorship.
• Diverse clinical opportunities.
• High alumni employment rates.
• Competitive graduate salaries.

Bethel University's Post-Baccalaureate Nursing program is an accelerated hybrid pathway for non-nursing bachelor's degree holders, completed in 15-20 months at $857 per credit. It prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam with a focus on faith-based compassionate care and does not require an entrance exam. Admission requires a 2.85 GPA and prerequisite courses, offering clinical and simulation experiences for diverse healthcare careers.

• Accelerated 15-20 month program.
• Hybrid online and in-person learning.
• $857 per credit cost.
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN licensure.
• Faith-based nursing education.
• Requires 2.85 GPA for admission.
• Prerequisite courses needed.
• Compassionate faculty support.
• Blended learning format.
• Focus on whole-person care.

Concordia College at Moorhead's Traditional BSN Program is a four-year, campus-based degree designed for students starting their nursing careers. It offers a balanced curriculum integrating theory and practical skills, preparing graduates for diverse nursing roles. The program fosters an engaging student life with various campus activities. As a bachelor's-level program, it may require ACT or SAT entrance exams; prospective students should verify current requirements on the college's website. Affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church and military-friendly, it provides a solid foundation in nursing education.

• Four-year BSN degree
• Campus-based program
• Engaging student life
• Diverse career paths
• Balanced curriculum

Concordia College at Moorhead's Accelerated BSN Program is a 12-month, intensive option for college graduates with non-nursing degrees. It includes 54 credit hours and 500 clinical experience hours, leading to NCLEX-RN eligibility with a 100% pass rate in recent cohorts. The cohort-based model ensures personalized support from full-time faculty, emphasizing critical thinking, communication, and compassionate care. As a bachelor's-level program, it may require ACT or SAT entrance exams; check the college's website for details. It meets Minnesota's public health nurse registration requirements and is military-friendly.

• 12-month program duration
• 54 credit hours
• 500 clinical experience hours
• Cohort-based model
• Full-time faculty support
• NCLEX-RN exam eligibility
• Minnesota public health nurse registration
• 100% NCLEX-RN pass rate
• Personal advising and mentoring
• Community healthcare partnerships

Bemidji State University's Nursing B.S. (Pre-Licensure) program prepares students for the NCLEX exam through a five-semester campus-based curriculum. Accredited by CCNE, it features high pass rates, a state-of-the-art lab, and requires 30 college credits, specific science courses, CNA completion, and a 2.80 GPA. Rolling admissions start each January, with no entrance exam required for this bachelor's program.

• Accredited by CCNE.
• Five semesters to complete.
• High NCLEX pass rates.
• State-of-the-art nursing lab.
• Rolling admissions.
• 30 college credits required.
• Specific science prerequisites.
• CNA course completion needed.
• Minimum 2.80 GPA.
• Additional costs apply.

Bemidji State University's online Nursing B.S. (RN to B.S.) program offers flexible, 100% coursework for RNs, with completion in as little as one year. It focuses on nursing theory, leadership, and rural health, requiring a 2.5 GPA, unencumbered RN license, and residence in MN, ND, or WI. No entrance exam is needed for this bachelor's-level program, and it includes affordable tuition and scholarships.

• 100% online coursework
• Flexible part-time or full-time options
• Completion in as little as one year
• Affordable banded tuition
• No campus visits required
• Accredited nursing program
• Small class sizes
• Personalized mentorship
• Focus on rural health
• Hands-on community practicums