2024 - Best LPN Programs in Minnesota

Details on Minnesota LPN Schools & Classes

Whether you choose to attend an LPN program at one of Minnesota’s community colleges or vocational schools, there are options available all over the state. LPN programs typically require around 40 credits to complete, and can take 1-2 years from start to finish (total program length depends on part-time or full-time attendance). Prospective students are often curious about what kind of classes they will be taking in an LPN program. The curriculum of most programs consists of core nursing courses, some electives, and labs. Common course titles may include:

• Anatomy & Physiology
• Dosage Calculations for Health Care Professionals
• Foundations of Nursing
• Health Promotion Across the Lifespan
• Psychosocial Nursing
• Maternal-Child Nursing

Accreditation

The key to picking a quality LPN program is to find a school that holds proper accreditation. Schools and programs can only hold accreditation if they meet specific requirements, so you can rest assured that they are academically up to par. The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing is one to look for, though regional accrediting organizations may also be available. You should also ensure that your LPN program is approved by the Minnesota Board of Nursing.

Admission Requirements

It is imperative for all LPN program applicants to make sure that they meet all of their school of choice’s admissions requirements. These requirements will vary, but most include:

• Must be a high school graduate or equivalent
• Must have completed all prerequisite courses
• Nurse Assistant/Medical Assistant certification may be required
• Accuplacer and TEAS test scores
• Must provide proof of up-to-date immunizations
• CPR certification

Tuition and Costs

There are many factors that impact the total cost of an LPN program: where it is located, what type of school it’s offered at, and others. In all cases, students are expected to cover the costs of tuition, mandatory fees, and course materials like books and supplies. The complete cost of the LPN program at Dakota County Technical College, for example, is estimated at $12,306. For those concerned about paying for their LPN program, most schools have financial aid options available and are happy to provide information.

For those interested in advancing their nursing career, see our Minnesota LPN to RN/BSN programs page.

Minnesota LPN Licensing Requirements

Completion of a state-approved nursing program is required in the state of Minnesota as well as a satisfactory score on the NCLEX-PN exam. Minnesota LPN licenses expire every 2 years. An application must be submitted for each license renewal with renewal fee and proof of completed continued education requirements of 12 contact hours during the registration period. If practicing less than the full 2 years, the continued education ratio is 1 contact hour for each 2 months of registration.

NCLEX Exam Information

The NCLEX-PN is the exam that all prospective LPNs must take and pass to officially gain licensure. It is comprised of roughly 100 nursing-based questions from a variety of categories. For detailed information on the exam, check out our comprehensive NCLEX-PN overview here. In addition to this, students can also hone their skills by taking the  NCLEX-PN practice test, designed to help students study and prepare for the real exam.

LPN Reciprocity and NLC

Minnesota is not currently a part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). The NLC allows nurses to practice in other NLC states, without having to obtain additional licenses. Those with out-of-state nursing licenses must apply for a Minnesota license by endorsement. To apply for a Minnesota license via endorsement, a completed application must be submitted with the following:

• Evidence of passing state-approved nursing program and NCLEX.
• Credentials evaluation report.
• Evidence of state licensure (home state).
• Proof of employment as an LPN—if not employed in the last 24 months, proof of continued education must also be submitted.

Foreign educated or licensed individuals looking to receive a license in the state of Minnesota can qualify to take the NCLEX-PN by submitting transcripts and passing an English proficiency exam. The Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) must perform a full course-by-course review and the applicant must pass the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) exam.

2024 MN NCLEX-PN Pass Rates and Statistics

• Total Number of State Approved LPN Schools: 26
• Total Number of Test Takers in 2022: 833
• 2022 Average Statewide Minnesota NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 80.5%

LPN Salary in Minnesota

The table below lists career information organized by the BLS for licensed practical nurses in Minnesota. The table is sorted by total employment, with the largest metropolitan areas listed first.

Table data sourced from 2022 BLS (http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292061.htm)