ACNP Programs in Minnesota (Online & Campus) – 2025
Written By: Darby Faubion BSN, RN
With its thriving healthcare sector and its high compensation packages, Minnesota is a great place to be an acute care nurse practitioner. Graduates of ACNP programs in Minnesota bring in yearly earnings of $138,300, and their employment prospects are anticipated to rise by 44 percent over the next 10 years. Acute care nurse practice is an excellent choice for any RN who is technologically oriented and stays cool and collected even in the most hectic practice situations. This could be your ideal career path! Learn more by reading this guide to the best ACNP programs in Minnesota.
FOLLOWING ARE THE ACNP PROGRAMS IN MINNESOTA (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2025
(Based on our Ranking Methodology, we have ranked the campus-based and online ACNP programs in Minnesota.)
1. Walden University - Minneapolis
Programs Offered: MSN, DNP (BSN-to-DNP & MSN-to-DNP), and Post-Master’s Certificate
MSN Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
BSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
MSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Post-Master's Certificate Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Students entering the MSN program with a bachelor's degree in nursing follow a 58-credit study plan and typically complete the program in 24 months. The curriculum includes 640 clinical hours. While you are encouraged to identify clinical sites and preceptors, the School of Nursing offers assistance when needed. The Program Director must approve all clinical sites and preceptors to ensure appropriate contracts are in place before you begin your clinical rotations.
RN to MSN students complete 26 quarter credits of undergraduate foundational courses before transitioning to the MSN core courses. A total of 84 credits and 640 practicum hours are included in this path. The time it takes for the RN to MSN option varies based on the classes taken in your previous degree program(s).
MSN Admission Requirements: To be eligible for admission to the MSN program, candidates must hold a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN to MSN option), an associate degree in nursing, or a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field (RN to MSN). Applicants are required to complete an online application and submit a Technical Standards Policy Form, a current resume, a Personal Statement, letters of recommendation, and official transcripts from previous colleges and universities. A cumulative college GPA of at least 2.5 in bachelor’s degree coursework is required.
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: If you have earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, another option offered by Walden University is the BSN-to-DNP program. Through this program, you can earn the highest clinical nursing degree, a Doctor of Nursing Practice, and specialize in acute adult and gerontology care.
The BSN-to-DNP program features a 90-credit curriculum. Your study plan consists of foundation, core, and specialization courses, as well as field experience preparation courses, DNP Project, and Practicum courses. Some of the classes you will take include Epidemiology & Population Health, Data Collection & Analysis for Evidence-Based Practice, and Advanced Practice Care of Adults in Acute Care Settings. All DNP students must accomplish a minimum of 1,000 post-baccalaureate clinical hours.
BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: Candidates for the BSN-to-DNP must have a baccalaureate degree in nursing and a current, unrestricted license to practice as a registered nurse. Three years of professional or academic experience related to the program is preferred. Candidates must provide three letters of recommendation, a current resume or CV, and official transcripts for the highest degree or coursework completed. Transcripts should reflect a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
MSN-to-DNP Program Details: The post-master's DNP program at Walden University offers a pathway for nurses who already hold a graduate degree to pursue a clinical doctorate and specialize as an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. The program offers several start dates throughout the year, allowing you to choose a time that is most convenient for you to begin your studies.
The MSN-to-DNP program is an 80-credit pathway. 1,000 post-baccalaureate clinical hours are required, including 400 hours at the DNP level. Program faculty collaborate with you to help you find suitable practicum sites and experienced preceptors.
MSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: Prospective students seeking admission to the MSN-to-DNP program need a master’s degree in nursing from an accredited nursing program, a current RN license, and three years of academic or professional experience related to the AGACNP program (preferred). Candidates are asked to submit a curriculum vitae or resume, three letters of recommendation, a Personal Statement, and official transcripts from the most recent coursework/degree. A cumulative college GPA of 3.0 or better is required.
Post-Master’s Certificate Program Details: Walden University also offers a Post-Master’s Certificate program for nurses with a previous master’s degree who wish to pursue training and certification as an AGACNP. The program has two tracks, the Traditional AGACNP and the Fast-Track AGACNP.
The traditional pathway is designed for registered nurses with a master’s degree. The program requires completion of 38 credits and 640 hours of practicum experience. The fast-track option is available to currently licensed and certified Family Nurse Practitioners and Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioners. Students in this program may transfer up to 20 credits from their previous FNP or AGPCNP program into the PMC program. A minimum of 500 clinical hours is required of students in the fast-track program.
Post-Master’s Certificate Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the Post-Master’s Certificate program, prospective students must have a master’s degree or higher from a school accredited by a regional, national, or professional/specialized accredited organization. Candidates are required to provide official transcripts showing a minimum 3.0 grade point average in post-bachelor’s coursework, a completed application form, and proof of a current, unrestricted RN license.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• At Walden University, you will work one-on-one with a dedicated Enrollment Specialist who will guide you as you apply for admission, enroll in classes, and search for financial aid opportunities.• Walden University utilizes distance learning through its Virtual Skills Lab. The lab offers training, videos, and faculty guidance to support your preparation for the required practicum experiences.
• Faculty for the Adult Gerontology ACNP program at Walden University are practicing AGACNPs. Each faculty member brings unique insight and experience to the program, collaborating to design a curriculum that equips you with the advanced knowledge and skills necessary to succeed academically and professionally.
• Graduates of the ACNP program at Walden University have excellent job placement ratings. Many students receive employment offers while still enrolled in the program. Others report being employed in an ACNP role within three to six months after graduating and passing national certification examinations.
• Walden University offers enhanced practicum support. By promoting the Practicum Pledge, you will benefit from having dedicated program faculty and clinical coordinators who work with you to ensure your clinical experiences are suitable for enhanced learning that promotes your success.
2. Winona State University - Winona
Programs Offered: DNP (BSN-to-DNP & MSN-to-DNP) and Post-Graduate Certificate
BSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
MSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Post-Graduate Certificate Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
The BSN-to-DNP program is offered in a hybrid format, combining online coursework with simulated experiences on campus and clinical practicums in various healthcare facilities. The program’s curriculum comprises 72 credits. In this program, you will take classes, including Advanced Diagnostics & Therapeutics for Adult Gerontology Acute Care NPs, Advanced Clinical Pharmacology, Epidemiological Approaches to Population Health, and Advanced Pathophysiology. Students in this pathway complete a total of 1,260 clinical hours, which are earned through direct patient care (840 hours) and the DNP Scholarly Project (420 hours).
BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the BSN-to-DNP program, candidates need a bachelor’s degree in nursing from a nationally-accredited nursing program and an unrestricted license to practice as a registered nurse. Applicants must submit a NursingCAS application form, two professional references, a professional resume, a Personal Statement, and transcripts from all post-secondary schools. A cumulative college GPA of 3.0 or greater is required.
Additionally, candidates must be certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support through the American Heart Association and have at least one year of clinical experience in high-acuity care settings. Before beginning clinicals, students must take an electrocardiogram interpretation course at their hospital workplace.
MSN-to-DNP Program Details: Students with a master’s degree in nursing can opt to earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice through the MSN-to-DNP program. The program requires 61 credits. A minimum of 1,000 post-baccalaureate clinical hours is required to earn the DNP. A review of your master’s degree transcripts will determine the number of clinical hours you may apply toward the DNP at Winona State University, with a minimum of 500 hours required.
MSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: Prospective students for the MSN-to-DNP program must have a master’s degree in nursing from an accredited nursing program and a current, unencumbered license as a registered nurse. Candidates must hold current ACLS certification through the American Heart Association and have at least one year of clinical experience as an RN in units that provide high-acuity patient care, including the ICU, CCU, and ER. In addition to completing an application via NursingCAS, applicants must provide a professional resume, a Personal Statement, two letters of recommendation, and official transcripts from each college or university previously attended with evidence of a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Post-Graduate Certificate Program Details: The Post-Graduate Certificate program is designed to provide registered nurses who already hold a master’s or doctoral degree in nursing with the didactic and clinical instruction necessary to lead to certification as an Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. The program admits new students in the summer and can be completed in just one year.
This Post-Graduate Certificate ACNP program in Minnesota requires the completion of at least 21 credits and 780 direct patient care clinical hours. An official plan of study will be designed by your advisor upon admittance to the program, after a review of your graduate nursing transcripts. If you have not completed Pathophysiology, Health Assessment (with lab), Health Promotion, and Pharmacology (within the last three years), these courses will be added to your plan of study.
Post-Graduate Certificate Admission Requirements: To be eligible for admission to the Post-Graduate Certificate program, candidates must have a graduate degree in nursing from a nationally accredited program, a current, unencumbered license to practice as a registered nurse, and one year of clinical nursing experience working with high acuity patients. Applicants must have ACLS certification through the American Heart Association.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• Nursing truly is a work of the heart, and Winona University’s School of Nursing demonstrates that by providing free healthcare services to community members. As a student in the ACNP program, you will gain first-hand experience through Bridges Health, the clinic that the school utilizes to provide healthcare services.• If you are interested in learning about and providing healthcare services in various regions, Winona University’s ACNP program can make that possible. The school offers travel opportunities designed to complement classroom and clinical learning. For example, you may participate in the Semester Abroad program, the Exchange Program, which is a 4-week exchange program to Sweden, or in Faculty-Led study abroad opportunities.
• At Winona State University, you will learn from renowned faculty who are expert nursing clinicians and educators. Their contributions have a profound impact on nursing on a broad scale. For example, faculty member Dr. Teresa Lee was elected one of only six nursing faculty members nationwide to serve on the American Association of Cardiovascular & Pulmonary Rehabilitation.
• Winona State University offers a wide range of options to help pay for your degree. 81% of Winona State students receive at least one form of financial aid. Advisors are available to help you identify available resources and complete appropriate applications or forms.
HOW MUCH DO ACNP GRADUATES MAKE IN MINNESOTA?
WHAT STARTING SALARY CAN NEW GRADUATES OF ACNP PROGRAMS IN MINNESOTA EXPECT?
| Hourly | $48.92 |
| Weekly | $1,957 |
| Monthly | $8,480 |
| Annual | $101,750 |
HOW MUCH CAN GRADUATES OF ACNP PROGRAMS IN MINNESOTA EARN WITH EXPERIENCE?
| Level of Experience | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Entry-Level | $48.92 | $1,957 | $8,480 | $101,750 |
| 1-4 Years of Experience | $55.35 | $2,214 | $9,590 | $115,130 |
| 5-9 Years of Experience | $65.34 | $2,613 | $11,330 | $135,900 |
| 10-19 Years of Experience | $72.76 | $2,911 | $12,610 | $151,350 |
| 20 Years or More Experience | $86.95 | $3,478 | $15,070 | $180,860 |
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE ACNP SALARY IN MINNESOTA?
| Hourly | $66.49 |
| Weekly | $2,660 |
| Monthly | $11,530 |
| Annual | $138,300 |
HOW MUCH DO ACNPS EARN IN THE VARIOUS METROS OF MINNESOTA?
| Metro | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Duluth | $73.85 | $2,954 | $12,800 | $153,600 |
| Mankato-North Mankato | $67.90 | $2,716 | $11,770 | $141,240 |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington | $65.52 | $2,621 | $11,360 | $136,290 |
| Rochester | $64.38 | $2,575 | $11,160 | $133,920 |
| St. Cloud | $61.35 | $2,454 | $10,630 | $127,610 |
ACNP SALARY IN MINNESOTA VS. OTHER SALARIES
ACNP SALARY IN MINNESOTA VS. ACNP SALARY IN THE NATION
| Average Minnesota ACNP Annual Salary | Average National ACNP Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| $138,300 | $131,620 | +$6,680 | +5.08% |
ACNP SALARY IN MINNESOTA VS. ACNP SALARIES IN OTHER STATES
| State | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| California | $165,480 | -$27,180 | -16.42% |
| Nevada | $152,290 | -$13,990 | -9.19% |
| Washington | $148,940 | -$10,640 | -7.14% |
| New Jersey | $148,560 | -$10,260 | -6.91% |
| Oregon | $148,480 | -$10,180 | -6.86% |
| Massachusetts | $147,520 | -$9,220 | -6.25% |
| New York | $146,310 | -$8,010 | -5.47% |
| Connecticut | $140,320 | -$2,020 | -1.44% |
| New Mexico | $140,100 | -$1,800 | -1.28% |
| Minnesota | $138,300 | $0 | 0.00% |
| District of Columbia | $138,130 | +$170 | +0.12% |
| Rhode Island | $136,710 | +$1,590 | +1.16% |
| Hawaii | $135,840 | +$2,460 | +1.81% |
| Arizona | $135,790 | +$2,510 | +1.85% |
| Delaware | $134,300 | +$4,000 | +2.98% |
| Iowa | $134,010 | +$4,290 | +3.20% |
| New Hampshire | $133,920 | +$4,380 | +3.27% |
| Texas | $133,180 | +$5,120 | +3.84% |
| Wisconsin | $131,460 | +$6,840 | +5.20% |
| Maryland | $131,110 | +$7,190 | +5.48% |
| Utah | $130,930 | +$7,370 | +5.63% |
| North Dakota | $130,870 | +$7,430 | +5.68% |
| Pennsylvania | $130,550 | +$7,750 | +5.94% |
| Illinois | $129,990 | +$8,310 | +6.39% |
| Alaska | $129,240 | +$9,060 | +7.01% |
| Vermont | $129,170 | +$9,130 | +7.07% |
| Montana | $127,680 | +$10,620 | +8.32% |
| Idaho | $127,580 | +$10,720 | +8.40% |
| Oklahoma | $127,360 | +$10,940 | +8.59% |
| Wyoming | $126,570 | +$11,730 | +9.27% |
| Indiana | $126,320 | +$11,980 | +9.48% |
| Maine | $125,930 | +$12,370 | +9.82% |
| Ohio | $125,860 | +$12,440 | +9.88% |
| Colorado | $124,960 | +$13,340 | +10.68% |
| Nebraska | $124,640 | +$13,660 | +10.96% |
| North Carolina | $124,550 | +$13,750 | +11.04% |
| Georgia | $124,100 | +$14,200 | +11.44% |
| South Dakota | $123,930 | +$14,370 | +11.60% |
| Virginia | $123,810 | +$14,490 | +11.70% |
| Michigan | $123,620 | +$14,680 | +11.88% |
| Florida | $122,630 | +$15,670 | +12.78% |
| Kansas | $122,180 | +$16,120 | +13.19% |
| Louisiana | $121,560 | +$16,740 | +13.77% |
| Mississippi | $120,350 | +$17,950 | +14.91% |
| South Carolina | $119,790 | +$18,510 | +15.45% |
| Missouri | $119,520 | +$18,780 | +15.71% |
| West Virginia | $116,210 | +$22,090 | +19.01% |
| Arkansas | $116,170 | +$22,130 | +19.05% |
| Kentucky | $113,060 | +$25,240 | +22.32% |
| Alabama | $112,700 | +$25,600 | +22.72% |
| Tennessee | $106,250 | +$32,050 | +30.16% |
ACNP SALARY IN MINNESOTA VS. OTHER NURSE SALARIES IN MINNESOTA
| Type of Nurse | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Nurse Anesthetist | $221,650 | -$83,350 | -37.60% |
| Acute Care Nurse Practitioner | $138,300 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Nurse Midwife | $121,860 | +$16,440 | +13.49% |
| Registered Nurse | $94,830 | +$43,470 | +45.84% |
| Nursing Instructor and Teacher, Post-secondary | $84,730 | +$53,570 | +63.22% |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse | $58,870 | +$79,430 | +134.92% |
| Nursing Assistant | $42,960 | +$95,340 | +221.93% |
ACNP SALARY IN MINNESOTA VS. SALARIES OF OTHER CLOSELY RELATED OCCUPATIONS IN MINNESOTA
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Podiatrist | $229,120 | -$90,820 | -39.64% |
| Dentist | $211,100 | -$72,800 | -34.49% |
| Pharmacist | $143,210 | -$4,910 | -3.43% |
| Acute Care Nurse Practitioner | $138,300 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Optometrist | $138,010 | +$290 | +0.21% |
| Physician Assistant | $134,870 | +$3,430 | +2.54% |
| Veterinarian | $110,120 | +$28,180 | +25.59% |
| Audiologist | $97,950 | +$40,350 | +41.19% |
| Physical Therapist | $97,860 | +$40,440 | +41.32% |
| Dental Hygienist | $90,140 | +$48,160 | +53.43% |
| Radiation Therapist | $89,820 | +$48,480 | +53.97% |
| Occupational Therapist | $85,840 | +$52,460 | +61.11% |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $83,990 | +$54,310 | +64.66% |
| Chiropractor | $82,840 | +$55,460 | +66.95% |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED
1. Who Accredits ACNP Programs In Minnesota?
| S.No. | Accrediting Agency |
| 1 | Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) |
| 2 | Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) |
2. How Many Accredited ACNP Schools Are There In Minnesota?
| 2 |
3. On Average, How Much Does An Acute Care NP Make Per Hour In Minnesota?
| $66.49 |
4. On Average, How Much Does An Acute Care NP Make Per Week In Minnesota?
| $2,660 |
5. On Average, How Much Does An Acute Care NP Make Per Month In Minnesota?
| $11,530 |
6. On Average, How Much Does An Acute Care NP Make Per Year In Minnesota?
| $138,300 |
7. What Is The Job Outlook For ACNPs In Minnesota?
| 10-Year Job Outlook (2020-2030) |
| +43.81% |
Darby Faubion BSN, RN
Darby Faubion is a nurse and Allied Health educator with over twenty years of experience. She has assisted in developing curriculum for nursing programs and has instructed students at both community college and university levels. Because of her love of nursing education, Darby became a test-taking strategist and NCLEX prep coach and assists nursing graduates across the United States who are preparing to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
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