How to Become a Registered Nurse in Minnesota

Minnesota map

Nursing in Minnesota is estimated to be one of the most lucrative employment opportunities and careers in the future.

Career growth is expected to grow tremendously by 2029 as the demand for nursing services increases.

However, it starts by first identifying the right nursing program, going through the course, and completing it successfully before one can dream of becoming a nurse.

5 Registered Nurse Schools in Minnesota

The journey to becoming a great nurse in Minnesota starts by first attempting the right college.

This means one must first identify the school that trains them to become excellent nurses.

Fortunately, several renowned institutions are known to train churn wonderful registered nurses after a few months of studying.

1. St Olaf College

St Olaf College Logo

This is one of the best nursing schools in the region, known for its high standards and excellence.

It boasts different options to train nursing students to become experts in health and wellness promotion, health restoration, illness prevention, and caring for the dying.

As a result, aspiring nurses are equipped with the know-how and practical skills to help them develop into competent nurses.

The school focuses on a holistic study approach.

Targeted subjects include health, family health, pharmacology, behavioral health, and gerontological nursing.

Besides the class lessons, students are exposed to clinical trials and studies in local institutions, including the Children’s Hospital of Minnesota, the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and the Mayo Clinic.

By the time students graduate, they understand how to work and can comfortably deliver expected results.

All it takes is $52,670 per year as a tuition fee and studying for 48 months to complete the program successfully.

2. University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Logo

These are prominent and old nursing schools in Minnesota.

The school goes way back to 1909 when it was first established.

Currently, it boasts two clinics and numerous nursing training that are sufficient for churning future nurses.

The facilities at the school support all levels of nursing education from degree to Ph.D. level.

With a 97.5% first-time pass rate for the NCLEX exam, it is easy to see why this should be your go-to choice of nursing school.

The 24-month course requires a tuition fee of $520 per credit for undergraduate students and $1,018 per credit for graduate students.

3. Dakota County Technical College

Dakota County Technical College Logo

The college combines both practical and class-based lessons to train its nursing students.

The idea is to equip learners with relevant hands-on skills and knowledge to help them succeed as nurses.

To graduate with a degree, one needs 43 credits to be covered in 2 years to prepare for the NCLEX exam.

Typical subjects are anatomy & physiology, lifespan development, health career mathematics, and maternal & child health.

These are then crowned by practical training in the form of clinical trials.

4. Alexandria Technical & Community College

Alexandria Technical & Community College Logo

You can train as a qualified RN in two semesters if you attend Alexandria technical and community college.

Nursing students have to complete 64 credits in two phases.

The first phase of the training includes human anatomy and physiology, the principles of nutrition, and lifespan psychology.

Once you have accepted the core nursing program, learners must complete two clinical courses in advanced nursing concepts.

The training takes 24 months with an 88% first-time pass rate.

5. Bethel University

Bethel University Logo

This scores a 94.08 pass rate for NCLEX exam success.

Therefore, you can be sure that you will be well equipped to sit for and excel in the nursing exam that all nurses must pass before obtaining a practicing license.

This means you can increase your chances of thriving as a nurse in Minneapolis if you attend Bethel University.

Registered Nurse Schools in Minnesota – Summary Table

Top 5 Schools in Minnesota

School NameAddress
St Olaf College1520 St Olaf Ave, Northfield, MN 55057
University of Minnesota-Twin CitiesMinneapolis, MN 55455
Dakota County Technical College1300 145th St E, Rosemount, MN 55068
Alexandria Technical & Community College1601 Jefferson St, Alexandria, MN 56308
Bethel University3900 Bethel Dr, St Paul, MN 55112

Salary for Registered Nurses in Minnesota

Recent polls reveal that registered nurses in Minnesota get an average salary of between $63466 and $113817.

This is substantial, considering the level of success for most regional nurses.

The disparity is understood because a nurse’s salary depends on several factors:

  • Their employer’s term.
  • The job description and complexity of the work.
  • The sector in which one is employed.

Either way, the salary range is considerably reasonable regardless of the specific factors affecting the salary.

Most nurses can thus afford to lead decent lifestyles on such wages.

Annual Salary Range:
$60K
$67K
$77K

Average Salary of Registered Nurse (RN)s in Minnesota

City NameSalary
Minneapolis$70,750
St. Paul$70,750
Duluth$62,990
Rochester$64,320
Alberta$62,430
Bemidji$59,450
Chaska$70,390
Elk River$67,020
Donaldson$57,580
Burnsville$70,550
* Salary information last updated 2024

Regional Salary in Minnesota

RegionEmployedAvg. Annual SalaryAvg. Hourly PayTop 10% Annual SalaryBottom 10% Annual Salary
Duluth, MN-WI3,800$79,190$38.07$100,410$65,340
Mankato-North Mankato, MN1,380$93,040$44.73$118,380$75,990
Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI39,370$98,550$47.38$123,850$76,560
Rochester, MN8,990$95,520$45.92$119,290$80,250
St. Cloud, MN2,950$94,320$45.34$107,670$72,180
* Salary information based on the May 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Registered Nurses, OCC Code 29-1141, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it take to become a nurse in Minnesota?

Just like it is in most other parts of the country, nurses in Minnesota first have to go through schooling.

This begins by graduating from high school with relevant qualifications that can get you into a nursing school where you go through the appropriate nursing training and graduate.

You are then expected to take the NCLEX exam before being recognized as a registered nurse and increase your chances of employability.

Is it worth it to be a nurse in Minnesota?

If this is something you are passionate about, then go for it.

Besides the monetary reward, you will be satisfied and fulfilled to serve humanity in this manner.

Are nurses in Minnesota well compensated?

Considering the average annual salary, it is fair to conclude that nurses in this area are well-paid.

The secret lies in getting the relevant training and licenses.

It would be best if you also were keen when applying for jobs to get the best deals.

Is it expensive to train as a nurse?

Considering the nature of the job you will be doing, it is not surprising that the course is a bit on the higher end.

However, the best quality education will cost you something.

However, despite the higher costs, it is worth it in the long run.

How do you identify the best nursing school?

Review reviews and consider their percentage of success in preparing students for the NCLEX exam.

The best schools are known to post more than 80 percent success in these exams.

You will also get the confidence you need knowing that the school has all the facilities to equip you to become the best nurse in the future.

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