
Minnesota LPN to RN/BSN Programs
For LPNs in Minnesota looking to advance their careers, an LPN to RN program is a popular educational choice. With both ADN and BSN pathways, it’s never been easier for LPNs to progress in the nursing field. RNs enjoy increased autonomy, more room for career advancement, and higher salaries. In Minnesota, RNs earn an average of $30,320 more annually than LPNs do, making the investment in further education a rewarding move.
Here is some more information on the LPN to RN educational track. Learn more about taking and passing the NCLEX-RN exam and check out the Minnesota Board of Nursing for information on licensing, available programs, and organizations for registered nurses in the state.
2025 Best LPN to RN Programs in Minnesota
Looking for the best LPN to RN programs in Minnesota? practicalnursing.org has you covered. We rank programs to help you find the right fit for your nursing career. Our list considers key factors like program quality, cost, and student success. Start your journey to becoming an RN today with our trusted rankings. Learn more about how we rank programs here.
Rasmussen University-Minnesota
St. Cloud, MN - Private 4-year - rasmussen.edu
Associate - LPN to RN Bridge
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Rasmussen University-Minnesota's LPN to RN Bridge program is tailored for licensed practical nurses aiming to advance their careers to registered nursing. This hybrid program combines online coursework with hands-on clinical experiences, designed to be completed in just 18 months. It stands out for recognizing prior nursing education, offering credit that accelerates the path to RN licensure. The curriculum is rigorous, focusing on enhancing clinical skills for broader healthcare responsibilities. Accreditation ensures the program meets high educational standards, preparing graduates for success in diverse nursing roles. Ideal for working professionals, it balances flexibility with comprehensive nursing education.
- Completion in 18 months
- Hybrid learning format
- Credit for previous nursing training
- Accredited nursing program
- Pathway to expanded nursing roles
Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College
Cloquet, MN - Public 4-Year - fdltcc.edu
Associate - Bridge to Professional Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College's Bridge to Professional Nursing program is designed for LPNs aiming to transition into RN roles, with a distinctive emphasis on serving American Indian and rural populations. The curriculum blends rigorous academic coursework with hands-on clinical training, fostering a deep understanding of culturally sensitive care. Students gain expertise in evidence-based practices, critical thinking, and patient-centered approaches, preparing them for the complexities of modern healthcare. This program stands out for its commitment to developing nurses who are not only skilled clinicians but also advocates for their communities, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to meet diverse patient needs.
- LPN to ADN transition program
- Culturally sensitive nursing focus
- Clinical experience integrated
- American Indian healthcare emphasis
- Professional identity development
- Evidence-based practice training
- Patient-centered care approach
- Critical thinking skills development
- Comprehensive nursing skill training
Anoka-Ramsey Community College
Coon Rapids, MN - Public 2-Year - anokaramsey.edu
Associate - LPN to RN Track
Campus Based - Visit Website
Anoka-Ramsey Community College's LPN to RN Track is designed for licensed practical nurses seeking to elevate their careers to registered nursing. This program stands out for its accelerated four-semester completion option, allowing students to earn an Associate of Science degree efficiently. It emphasizes a holistic approach to nursing, integrating evidence-based practices and comprehensive clinical experiences. Graduates are well-equipped to pass the NCLEX-RN and excel in various healthcare environments. The program also offers advanced standing credits for LPNs, making it a cost-effective and time-saving pathway to becoming an RN, with opportunities for further education towards a BSN degree.
- LPN Advanced Standing Credits
- Four-Semester Completion Option
- NCLEX-RN Preparation
- Dual Admission Pathway
- Holistic Nursing Education
- Evidence-Based Curriculum
- Clinical Practice Opportunities
- Pathway to BSN Degree
Pine Technical & Community College
Pine City, MN - Public 2-Year - pine.edu
Associate - Nursing Mobility
Campus Based - Visit Website
Pine Technical & Community College's Nursing Mobility program is tailored for LPNs aiming to transition into RN roles, offering an Associate of Science in Nursing. This campus-based program emphasizes a robust curriculum that prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam, ensuring they meet the healthcare industry's demands. Admission requires a current LPN license, a 3.0 GPA, completion of general education courses, and a TEAS exam score of at least 68. With a focus on professional skill development and a high job placement rate, graduates are well-equipped for diverse healthcare settings.
- LPN to RN pathway
- Associate of Science degree
- 3.0 GPA requirement
- NCLEX-RN exam preparation
- Multiple healthcare career options
- In-person TEAS exam required
- General education prerequisites
- High job placement rate
- Professional nursing skills development
Northwest Technical College
Bemidji, MN - Public 2-Year - ntcmn.edu
Associate - LPN Step-In
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Northwest Technical College's LPN Step-In program offers a hybrid learning model, blending online coursework with hands-on clinical experiences. Designed for LPNs aiming to become RNs, this 64-credit Associate of Science degree can be completed in three semesters. It prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam and provides a solid foundation for further education, with credits transferable to Bemidji State University's BSN program. The curriculum focuses on enhancing clinical skills and medical knowledge, opening doors to diverse healthcare roles.
- 64-credit Associate of Science
- Three-semester nursing progression
- NCLEX-RN examination eligibility
- Transferable credits to BSN
- Multiple healthcare employment opportunities
- Hybrid program format
- Comprehensive clinical training
List of 2025 LPN to RN or LPN to BSN Programs in MN
Below is the 2025 best comprehensive list of LPN to RN programs in Minnesota. Some of these programs may be a ADN or BSN degree, please visit the school's website for program details.
Austin, MN
Riverland Community College
- Associate - LPN to ADN Track
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid learning format.
- Accredited by ACEN.
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN® exam.
- Flexible for working adults.
- Clinical experience included.
- Scholarships available.
- Meets Minnesota licensure requirements.
- Transfer pathways to BSN.
Bemidji, MN
Northwest Technical College
- Associate - LPN Step-In
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 64-credit Associate of Science
- Three-semester nursing progression
- NCLEX-RN examination eligibility
- Transferable credits to BSN
- Multiple healthcare employment opportunities
- Hybrid program format
- Comprehensive clinical training
Cloquet, MN
Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College
- Associate - Bridge to Professional Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- LPN to ADN transition program
- Culturally sensitive nursing focus
- Clinical experience integrated
- American Indian healthcare emphasis
- Professional identity development
- Evidence-based practice training
- Patient-centered care approach
- Critical thinking skills development
Coon Rapids, MN
Anoka-Ramsey Community College
- Associate - LPN to RN Track
Campus Based - Website
- LPN Advanced Standing Credits
- Four-Semester Completion Option
- NCLEX-RN Preparation
- Dual Admission Pathway
- Holistic Nursing Education
- Evidence-Based Curriculum
- Clinical Practice Opportunities
- Pathway to BSN Degree
Duluth, MN
Lake Superior College
- Associate - Professional Nursing Advanced Standing LPN Track
Campus Based - Website
- 64-credit Associate of Science degree
- On-campus delivery method
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
- Clinical experiences in healthcare settings
- Accredited by ACEN
- Focus on critical thinking and evidence-based practice
- Opportunities for RN to BSN advancement
- Competitive admission process
Fergus Falls, MN
Minnesota State Community and Technical College
- Associate - LPN to Associate Degree Nursing Bridge
Campus Based - Website
- Associate of Science degree.
- 32 credits required.
- Available at multiple campuses.
- Prepares for NCLEX exam.
- Focus on evidence-based research.
- Patient-centered care emphasis.
- Integration of technology in nursing.
- Low tuition rates.
Minneapolis, MN
Minneapolis Community and Technical College
- Associate - Advanced Standing LPN to RN Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Externally accredited 40+ years
- 96.43% NCLEX-RN pass rate
- Diverse clinical partner networks
- State-of-art nursing simulation lab
- Concept-based nursing education
- Partnership with Augsburg University
- 60+ beds in nursing lab
- Inclusive nursing faculty team
North Mankato, MN
South Central College
- Associate - LPN to RN Transition Plan
Campus Based - Website
- 64-credit Associate of Science Degree
- Advanced standing for LPNs
- NCLEX-RN exam preparation
- Two campus locations
- Transfer agreements available
Pine City, MN
Pine Technical & Community College
- Associate - Nursing Mobility
Campus Based - Website
- LPN to RN pathway
- Associate of Science degree
- 3.0 GPA requirement
- NCLEX-RN exam preparation
- Multiple healthcare career options
- In-person TEAS exam required
- General education prerequisites
- High job placement rate
Saint Cloud, MN
St Cloud Technical and Community College
- Associate - LPN to ADN Mobility Associate of Science
Campus Based - Website
- 64 credits for completion.
- Combines classroom, labs, clinicals.
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN licensure.
- 100% program placement rate.
- Seamless transfer to BSN programs.
- Focus on client-centered care.
- Cultural sensitivity training.
- Holistic needs approach.
St. Cloud, MN
Rasmussen University-Minnesota
- Associate - LPN to RN Bridge
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Completion in 18 months
- Hybrid learning format
- Credit for previous nursing training
- Accredited nursing program
- Pathway to expanded nursing roles
Thief River Falls, MN
Northland Community and Technical College
- Associate - AD Mobility Nursing Program
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 64 total credit program
- Hybrid learning format
- LPN to RN mobility track
- Multiple campus locations
- Fall and spring cohorts
- Dedicated nursing advisors
- Laptop required for program
Willmar, MN
Ridgewater College
- Associate - Nursing - LPN to Associate Degree (RN)
Campus Based - Website
- Two-semester RN program.
- Advanced standing credit available.
- Competitive admission process.
- Minimum 2.5 GPA required.
- Specific prerequisite courses needed.
- Part-time and full-time options.
- In-person classes and clinicals.
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
Winona, MN
Minnesota State College Southeast
- Associate - Associate of Science in Nursing
Concentration: Mobility Track - Campus Based - Website
- NCLEX-RN first-time success rate: 92%
- Two program tracks available
- Small class sizes
- Accredited by ACEN
- Campus locations: Winona/Red Wing
- Clinical rotations within 100 miles
- Pathway to BSN degree
- Comprehensive health assessment training
Minnesota LPN vs RN Salary Comparison By Area
The table below compares the annual salary of a licensed practical nurse (LPN) to a registered nurse (RN), along with the percent increase that can be expected. The data was obtained from the BLS for LPNs and RNs in Minnesota.
On average an RN in Minnesota earns $48,370, which is 1% more than the national average for registered nurses ($48,109).
City/Area | Avg LPN Salary | Avg RN Salary | % Diff |
---|---|---|---|
Minneapolis, St. Paul, Bloomington - MN | $48,960 | $83,520 | 70.6% |
Duluth - MN | $45,380 | $66,700 | 47.0% |
St. Cloud - MN | $45,780 | $79,660 | 74.0% |
Mankato, North Mankato - MN | $47,280 | $69,210 | 46.4% |
Rochester - MN | $47,380 | $75,760 | 59.9% |
Table data taken from 2018 BLS https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes291141.htm & https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292061.htm