11 Best LPN-to-RN Programs in Minnesota – (Online & Campus-Based)


Written By: Darby Faubion, RN, BSN, MBA

What’s an excellent option for LPNs in Minnesota looking for ways to open doors to new professional opportunities? LPN-to-RN programs in Minnesota! Associate degree programs in nursing prepare you for an expanded scope of practice so that you can take on more advanced nursing roles in hospitals, physician’s offices, nursing homes, and outpatient clinics. Expect a jump in salary: Registered nurses in the Land of Lakes make 62 percent more on average than LPNs ($88,860 versus $54,870.) RNs in Minnesota enjoy job security, too; demand for their services is projected to increase by 7 percent in 10 years. Learn more by reading this guide to the 11 best LPN-to-RN programs in Minnesota.



WHAT ARE THE BEST LPN-TO-RN PROGRAMS IN MINNESOTA (ONLINE AND CAMPUS-BASED)?

Based on our Ranking Methodology, the following are the 11 best campus-based and online LPN-to-RN programs in Minnesota.


1. Alexandria Technical & Community College - Alexandria


Program Details: Among the schools offering the best LPN-to-RN programs in Minnesota, you will find Alexandra Technical & Community College. At Alexandria TCC, licensed practical nurses are presented with excellent opportunities to grow and expand their knowledge, preparing to move into more advanced roles as registered nurses.

The LPN-to-RN program is a two-phase program. You may enroll in Phase I of the program and complete general education requirements during any semester. According to Nichole Aber, Director of Communications for the Nursing Department, general education classes are available online or in-person. Ms. Aber states that Phase II of the program, which consists of all nursing courses and clinicals, is available after all general education courses are completed and begins each fall. Once you begin Phase II, classes are held in person. When you enter Phase II, it then takes two semesters to complete the program.

To earn the Associate of Applied Science degree, you must complete 64 credits. The curriculum includes classes such as Nursing Pharmacology, Advanced Nursing Concepts, Ethics, and Professional Nursing Practice. LPNs receive eight advanced standing transfer credits from their practical nursing program. Upon completion of the program, you will have the knowledge and clinical skills to positively impact patient outcomes, work as a strong member of the interdisciplinary team, and demonstrate effective leadership skills within the RN role.


Why Choose This Program

• Alexandria Technical & Community College offers job placement coaching and assistance to interested students. Graduates report excellent employment rates following program completion with most finding full-time employment as registered nurses within three to six months of graduation.
• The Alexandria Technical & Community College Foundation provides scholarship opportunities for students. The foundation awards nearly $500,000 in scholarships annually!


2. Northland Community and Technical College - East Grand Forks & Thief River Falls


Program Details: The AD Mobility Nursing Program at Northland Community and Technical College is another excellent choice for an LPN-to-RN program in Minnesota. New cohorts begin each fall and spring, and part-time and full-time study options are available, giving you options for choosing when to begin earning your degree and how much time you can spend in school. Once you complete all prerequisites, you can complete the LPN-to-RN program in two semesters, if you enroll full-time, or three semesters if you enroll part-time.

At Northland Community and Technical College, dedicated faculty and advisors will assist you from the time you apply until you graduate, promoting your success. All nursing theory courses are presented in the classroom but also require home internet service, as the classes are also internet assisted. Additionally, you will participate in campus-based laboratory simulations and clinical practicums at designated clinical sites.

The program is a 64-credit pathway with classes, including Health Assessment, Psychosocial Integrity, Evidence-Based Practice in Registered Nursing, and Developmental Psychology. To ensure you have adequate clinical experiences, the clinical coordinator identifies and arranges clinical assignments and preceptors. Some of the sites where clinicals take place include Essentia Medical Center, Riverview Health Center, and Altru Medical Center.


Why Choose This Program

• Northland Community and Technical College works to ensure low faculty-student ratios to promote individualized attention, which improves student outcomes.
• Graduates of the LPN-to-RN program in Minnesota at Northland Community and Technical College consistently exceed both state and national averages for NCLEX-RN pass rates.
• NCTC boasts renowned faculty with decades of classroom and clinical experience, like Karen Znajda, who was awarded the Dale P. Parnell Distinguished Faculty Award.


3. Northwest Technical College - Bemidji


Program Details: Northwest Technical College is home to another of the best LPN-to-RN programs in Minnesota. The program features a hybrid learning structure of online, asynchronous coursework. You must attend campus to complete lab simulations. Students spend approximately four days per month on campus throughout the program. The program also features on-site clinical experiences.

The LPN-to-RN program is referred to as the LPN Step-In pathway. The pathway features a 64-credit curriculum. After completing 30 prerequisite credits, you can complete the program in just three semesters. The curriculum plan features 34 nursing credits that you will earn in classes such as Leadership and Advanced Skills in Nursing, Psychosocial Nursing and the Registered Nurse, Transition to Professional Practice, and Maternal-Newborn Nursing.

Program faculty arrange a variety of clinical experiences for students in the LPN-to-RN program. The school has clinical partnerships with top medical facilities, including Sanford Bemidji Medical Center, CHI St. Joseph’s Health, and Heritage Living Center. Under the direct supervision of clinical faculty and experienced preceptors, you will complete a minimum of 256 hours of diverse clinical experiences in settings such as hospitals, family health, emergency care, level IV trauma centers, and long-term care.


Why Choose This Program

• Graduates of the LPN-to-RN program in Minnesota at Northwest Technical College have consistently exceeded state and national averages for pass rates on the NCLEX-RN among first-time test-takers for the last five years!
• At NTC, you will work closely with faculty and advisors to develop academic and clinical plans that set you on a path to success. From the time you are admitted to the program, you will be assigned an advisor who mentors you throughout the program.


4. Riverland Community College - Austin


Program Details: Another outstanding option for an LPN-to-RN program in Minnesota can be found at Riverland Community College. Although the program originally offered only one start date each year, according to Marlene Wipplinger, Nursing, Health, & Wellness Administrative Assistant, beginning in January 2025, the school will offer two start dates for the program each year, one in the spring semester, and one in the fall semester. The LPN-to-ADN track is designed to be completed in four semesters. The 64-credit program features nursing classes and lab simulations on campus as well as a wide variety of clinical experiences.

The program awards LPNs 6.5 credits for advanced standing for practical nursing education. You must take General, Organic, & Biochemistry and Anatomy & Physiology I & II before beginning the program. Other general education courses may be taken while enrolled, but you must follow the scheduling of the prescribed program track.

As a student in the LPN-to-RN program in Minnesota at Riverland Community College, you will participate in laboratory learning experiences to develop and hone essential nursing skills relevant to the role of registered nurses. Additionally, you will complete a minimum of 400 off-campus, patient care clinical hours. Clinicals practicums are arranged by the school at affiliated partner sites and completed under the supervision of clinical faculty or approved preceptors.


Why Choose This Program

• At Riverland Community College, you will learn from nursing faculty with firsthand industry experiences. Their knowledge, experience, and expertise will be instrumental in guiding you as you prepare to transition your role from an LPN to an RN.
• Riverland Community College has excellent retention and graduation rates for its LPN-to-RN program. Good retention rates are a strong indication of student satisfaction and success.


5. Minnesota North College - Hibbing


Program Details: If you are looking for an LPN-to-RN program in Minnesota where you have an advanced standing option, Minnesota North College is another great school to consider! MNC is dedicated to helping you prepare for a career in the fast-growing nursing industry and to providing you with the knowledge and clinical skills you need to work and succeed in various healthcare settings.

Classes for the LPN-to-RN program begin in the fall semester of each academic year and feature a blended/hybrid distance learning format. Once you complete the required prerequisites, the remainder of the program takes just three semesters to complete.

At MNC, you will learn to provide holistic, professional nursing care that reflects accountability, integrity, and ethical standards of practice. The program requires you to complete a total of 64-credits, including the general education prerequisites and bridge credits. You must complete 26 general education and nursing bridge credits and will receive 13 credits of advanced standing credit from your practical nursing program. The remaining credits are earned through core nursing classes, including Care of the Client Affected by Complex Stressors, Foundations of Leadership, Sociology of Sexuality and Gender and Intercultural Communication.


Why Choose This Program

• Graduates of the LPN-to-RN program at Minnesota North College have excellent employment rates following completion of the program. Among students who answer post-graduation surveys, most report finding employment as registered nurses within three months of graduating and passing the NCLEX-RN.
• Minnesota North College offers various networking opportunities for students to meet prospective employers while enrolled in the program.


6. Minnesota State Community and Technical College - Detroit Lakes


Program Details: Another outstanding option among our featured LPN-to-RN programs in Minnesota is offered at Minnesota State Community and Technical College. Once you complete the required general education prerequisites and are accepted to the program, you will take a two-credit Role Transition course and join students in the traditional Associate Degree Nursing program in the second year of their program.

Upon entry into the second year, the LPN-to-RN program in Minnesota requires you to complete 32 credits over the course of two semesters. You will study in classes such as Restorative Nursing, Reproductive Disorders, Mental Health Nursing, and Nursing Leadership. Additionally, the LPN-to-RN track includes two clinical practicum experiences that include 120 clinical hours each.

According to Nikki Oliver, Associate Degree in Nursing Program Director, the program features small class sizes with campus-based learning, which facilitates personalized attention to promote successful learning. In addition to classes, you will also participate in lab checkoffs, seminars, and advising on campus throughout the program.


Why Choose This Program

• At Minnesota State Community and Technical College, you have the opportunity to join the Minnesota State CTC Nursing Association. The Association provides opportunities for networking and support for students in the LPN-to-RN program.
• MSCTC has a high-fidelity simulation laboratory where you will learn hands-on skills relevant to the role of a registered nurse.
• Minnesota State Community and Technical College reports high retention rates among students in the program. Additionally, graduates have excellent pass rates for first-time NCLEX-RN test takers. Both the retention and NCLEX pass rates indicate students are well-prepared for success!


7. Central Lakes College - Brainerd


Program Details: If you are searching for an LPN-to-RN program in Minnesota, Central Lakes College has a great program to consider! The program, which is held on the Brainerd Campus of West Lakes College, offers two start dates per year, once in the fall, and once in the spring. Jodi Elness, Nursing Academic Advisor, states that, although the program primarily features classroom learning combined with in-person labs and clinicals, some courses, such as Professional Nursing Leadership, may be occasionally available online. The program is designed to be completed in only two semesters once your prerequisites are complete.

At Central Lakes College, you will be immersed in a rich curriculum focused on client-centered, evidence-based practice and the spirit of inquiry. To earn the associate degree in nursing, you must accomplish a total of 64 credits, which include 27 general education, eight prior learning, and 29 nursing course credits. Additionally, you will participate in diverse clinical practicums in healthcare settings such as hospitals, community health facilities, long-term care and residential living centers, outpatient clinics, and rehabilitation centers.

Upon completion of the Central Lakes College LPN-to-RN program, you will be prepared to contribute to professional nursing in a legal and ethical manner by demonstrating teamwork, leadership, collaboration, and a spirit of lifelong learning. The program will equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to advocate for clients and to provide culturally competent, holistic, patient-centered nursing care.


Why Choose This Program

• Graduates of the LPN-to-RN program at Central Lakes College report high satisfaction rates when surveyed about the program. Scores are calculated based on the student’s satisfaction with regard to the curriculum, faculty experience, clinical experiences, and student support.
• At Central Lakes College, you will learn from a team of faculty who have amassed decades of experience in various nursing specialties. Their dedication to nursing education and the students of CLC are what make the program so successful!


8. Normandale Community College - Bloomington


Program Details: Normandale Community College is home to another of our featured best LPN-to-RN programs in Minnesota. According to Program Director, Bob Muster, the program is delivered in a hybrid format with some campus visits required. It is designed for full-time study and can be completed in four semesters once prerequisites are complete.

To earn the associate degree in nursing at Normandale Community College, you must earn 64 credits total. The curriculum consists of 30 general education prerequisite credits and 34 nursing credits. As an LPN, you will receive four credits toward nursing courses and two credits for the Transition to the Role of Professional Nurse course and be admitted to the program with advanced standing.

The LPN-to-RN program in Minnesota at Normandale Community College is led by a team of experienced faculty. Under their guidance and direction, you will learn about acute and complex health issues, chronic and palliative care, and nursing leadership. You will learn to apply evidence-based practices and ethical decision-making in nursing.

Some of the classes you will take include Acute and Complex Care, Pharmacology & the Role of the Professional Nurse, and Health Promotion & Disease Prevention. Additionally, you will complete four clinical practicums and synthesis courses designed to help you prioritize delegation, prioritization, and supervision of nursing care of patients as a registered nurse.


Why Choose This Program

• At Normandale Community College, you will work with an academic advisor who is assigned to you at the time you apply. Your advisor will guide you throughout your time in the program until you graduate.
• Normandale Community College has clinical partnerships with several local healthcare facilities, providing students with excellent clinical practicum experiences to prepare for practice and transition to registered nursing.
• NCC is part of the Minnesota State Articulation Agreement which allows you to articulate to any participating Minnesota State baccalaureate program if you choose to earn your BSN after completing the LPN-to-RN program at NCC. While enrolled in the program at Normandale Community College, you may complete the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum which allows you to transfer seamlessly to a BSN program after graduation, at which time you will need only upper-division nursing courses to earn your BSN!


9. Fond du Lac Tribal & Community College - Cloquet


Program Details: The LPN-to-RN program in Minnesota at Fond du Lac Tribal & Community College is an outstanding program. The school offers a multicultural environment where you will learn everything you
need to prepare for the new trajectory of your career from being an LPN to becoming a registered nurse. The LPN-to-RN program is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to demonstrate culturally sensitive, patient-centered care, and contribute to positive patient outcomes.

In just three semesters, you will complete 32 credits and learn about advanced nursing pharmacologic concepts, holistic nursing approaches, community health nursing, and nursing leadership. A mixture of campus-based theory and clinical courses is complemented by in-person clinical practicums each semester. You will have opportunities to provide care to patients in various settings, including maternity and pediatric wards, mental health facilities, community health facilities, hospitals, and other clinical partner sites. All clinicals are supervised by program faculty or approved preceptors at clinical sites.


Why Choose This Program

• Students in the LPN-to-RN program at Fond du Lac Tribal & Community College are offered opportunities for engagement in several student organizations.
• If you have children, you can take advantage of the on-campus childcare center which makes services available to students. You can learn with peace of mind knowing your children are in a safe, nurturing environment.
• Fond du Lac Tribal & Community College prides itself on offering small class sizes to promote individualized attention.
• Program faculty and a student support services team dedicated to your success in the program will work with you through every step of the program to ensure you make it!


10. South Central College - North Mankato & Faribault


Program Details: The LPN to RN Transition program at South Central College is one of the top LPN-to-RN programs in Minnesota. The program is based on guidelines for associate degree in nursing education outlined by the National League for Nursing, which means you can feel confident that you will be well-prepared for your new role as a registered nurse!

The college admits students for pre-nursing courses in the fall, spring, and summer terms, which means if you need to complete any prerequisite, you can choose a time best suited for you. Once prerequisites are complete, you may apply for admission to the nursing program for the spring or fall semester.

The LPN-to-RN program is a four-semester pathway that features a 64-credit curriculum. The first semester of the program requires only one course, LPN to RN Role Transition, which includes lectures, labs, and clinical hours. After completing the Transition course, you will matriculate into the second semester of the traditional associate degree nursing program. You will learn theory on campus in classes such as Intercultural Communication, Medical Ethics, Pathophysiology, and Medical-Surgical Advanced Nursing. You will also complete a minimum of 352 clinical hours through diverse clinical practicums in each semester.


Why Choose This Program

• South Central College has a history of educating nurses for more than 50 years. This long history is proof of the school’s commitment to students and the profession.
• With high completion rates and high NCLEX pass rates, it is safe to say the education you will receive in the LPN-to-RN program in Minnesota at South Central College will be what you need to help prepare you for success!


11. Anoka-Ramsey Community College - Cambridge & Coon Rapids


Program Details: The LPN-to-RN program in Minnesota offered at Anoka-Ramsey Community College is an excellent choice if you are a licensed practical nurse desiring to become a registered nurse! Anoka-Ramsey CC is dedicated to helping students develop as professional nurses capable of providing quality, evidence-based nursing care, acting as responsible members of the interdisciplinary team, and becoming strong advocates for patients, their teams, and the nursing profession. Nursing courses are only available during the day during the spring and fall semesters. You will also participate in campus-based labs and in-person clinicals.

The associate degree in nursing is a 64-credit pathway. After completing the 30 required general education credits, you must complete 34 nursing course credits to earn the associate degree in nursing through the LPN-to-RN program. You will receive four of the 34 required credits as LPN Advanced Standing credits once your LPN license is verified. In addition to classes like Acute and Complex Nursing Care, Applied Pathophysiology, and Chronic & Palliative Care, you will complete clinical practicums in various healthcare settings designed to prepare you as you transition to your new role as a registered nurse.

Upon completion of the program, you will be prepared to apply leadership skills to enhance nursing care and improve patient and organizational outcomes, utilize informatics and available evidence to guide critical thinking and decision making, and demonstrate self-care, self-analysis, and lifelong learning as a professional nurse.


Why Choose This Program

• Anoka-Ramsey Community College boasts renowned faculty with a broad range of expertise and decades of experience dedicated to your success as a student and as a professional nurse.
• Anoka-Ramsey Community College utilizes a holistic approach to reviewing program applicants in an effort to give prospective students who may otherwise not have the opportunity to attend a program, the chance to pursue their degrees.


VIEW OUR RANKING METHODOLOGY



Navigating LPN-To-RN Choices In The State Of Minnesota? Darby Faubion Offers Advice For Students


As a nurse and healthcare educator, one of the most important things I recommend when trying to choose the right LPN-to-RN program in Minnesota is to find a program that is accredited, like the ones featured in this article. Also, check out school websites for graduation and NCLEX pass rates, as these are good indicators of a strong program. If possible, consider visiting the school to meet with program faculty, tour the nursing department, and get your questions answered. The most important thing to remember is, if you succeeded in LPN school, you have what it takes to succeed in RN school. You can make your dream of becoming a registered nurse a reality!



FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED


1. Starting LPN VS. RN Salary In Minnesota: How Much More Can You Earn As An RN?


RN Average
Starting Annual Salary
LPN Average
Starting Annual Salary
Difference
Number%
$73,050$48,820+$24,230+49.63%
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)


2. Experience-Wise LPN VS. RN Salary In Minnesota: How Much More Can You Earn As An RN?


Level of ExperienceRNLPNDifference
Number%
Entry-Level$73,050$48,820+$24,230+49.63%
1-4 Years of Experience$81,040$52,050+$28,990+55.70%
5-9 Years of Experience$97,300$58,870+$38,430+65.28%
10-19 Years of Experience$104,450$61,400+$43,050+70.11%
20 Years or More Experience$120,420$69,090+$51,330+74.29%
Average Salary$94,830$58,870+$35,960+61.08%
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)


3. Metro Wise LPN VS. RN Salary In Minnesota: How Much More Can You Earn As An RN?


MetroRN Average
Annual Salary
LPN Average
Annual Salary
Difference
Number%
Duluth$79,190$53,770+$25,420+47.28%
Mankato-North Mankato$93,040$57,390+$35,650+62.12%
Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington$98,550$61,700+$36,850+59.72%
Rochester$95,520$59,130+$36,390+61.54%
St. Cloud$94,320$55,200+$39,120+70.87%
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)


4. LPN VS. RN Job Outlook In Minnesota: Is The Job Outlook For RN Better Than LPN?


OccupationEmploymentNew Employment
Growth (2020-2030)
20202030Number%
RN71,78076,540+4,760+6.63%
LPN14,41015,360+950+6.59%
Difference+57,370+61,180+3,810+0.04%
(Source: Careeronestop.org)


5. LPN VS. RN Job Openings In Minnesota: Are There More Job Openings For RN Compared To LPN?


OccupationNewReplacementAnnual Job Openings
(New + Replacement)
RN4763,8444,320
LPN951,1251,220
Difference+381+2,719+3,100
(Source: Careeronestop.org)


6. Average LPN-to-RN Salary In Minnesota VS. Average LPN-to-RN Salary In The Nation: Who Earns More?


Average Minnesota
LPN-to-RN Annual Salary
Average National
LPN-to-RN Annual Salary
Difference
Number%
$94,830$94,480+$350+0.37%
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)


Darby Faubion, RN, BSN, MBA
Darby Faubion is a nurse and allied health instructor with over 20 years of clinical experience. Her work history includes clinical experience in pediatrics, mental health, addiction and behavioral disorders, geriatrics, wound management, and communicable disease. Darby has worked in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home health and hospice agencies. Darby also has experience as a nursing and allied health educator at both community college and university levels. Her love for nursing and nursing education led to her becoming a test-taking strategist and NCLEX prep coach.



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