Best LPN Programs in Minnesota 2026
Explore Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) programs in Minnesota with details on schools, coursework, tuition, and clinical training. Review state licensing requirements and the career outlook for practical nurses across Minnesota.
2027 Best LPN Programs in Minnesota
Northwest Technical College
Bemidji, MN - Public 2-Year - ntcmn.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Northwest Technical College offers a hybrid Practical Nursing diploma program designed to prepare graduates for entry-level LPN practice and NCLEX-PN licensure. The curriculum blends online coursework with hands-on training in state-of-the-art simulation labs, complemented by direct supervised clinical experiences across hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. Students develop proficiencies spanning patient care fundamentals through clinical decision-making under the mentorship of experienced nursing faculty. Notably, an entrance exam is required for admission. NTC also provides a built-in LPN Step-In pathway, giving graduates a structured route to advance their education and transition into a registered nurse role.
- Entrance exam required
- Hands-on nursing education
- Experienced faculty
- State-of-the-art simulation labs
- Direct supervised clinical experiences
- Clear pathways to licensure
- Practical Nursing diploma
Minnesota West Community and Technical College
Granite Falls, MN - Public 2-Year - mnwest.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Minnesota West Community and Technical College offers an ACEN-accredited Practical Nursing Diploma program completed across three semesters and 39 total credit hours. Delivered in a hybrid format, the curriculum blends discussion-based instruction with hands-on clinical experiences at southwest Minnesota healthcare facilities, covering anatomy, pharmacology, and nursing fundamentals. Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-PN exam, with the program boasting above-average state pass rates. Beyond licensure, students have built-in advancement options — laddering into an Associate Nursing degree or pursuing a BSN through a formal partnership with Southwest Minnesota State University. Scholarships are available, and the program accepts both part-time and full-time students.
- ACEN accredited
- 3-Semester program
- 39 total credit hours
- Starts fall
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN
- Scholarships available
- Above state average NCLEX pass rates
- Ladder into RN program
- Pathway to BSN with SMSU
- Clinical experiences in southwest MN
Rasmussen University-Minnesota
St. Cloud, MN - Private 4-year - rasmussen.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing Diploma
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Rasmussen University's Practical Nursing Diploma program delivers a hybrid learning experience that combines online coursework with hands-on clinical training across real healthcare settings, including clinics and long-term care facilities. Completable in as few as 15 months across 56 credit hours and 15 courses, the curriculum spans practical nursing fundamentals, gerontological nursing, mental health nursing, and human anatomy. Eight annual start dates provide scheduling flexibility, and no prerequisite coursework is required for enrollment. Graduates sit for the NCLEX-PN exam, with the St. Cloud campus reporting a 100% pass rate. Financial support options include the LPN Care Grant (up to $2,000), employer reimbursement, scholarships, and military benefits.
- Entrance exam required
- $26,533 total program tuition
- $373 per credit
- 15-Month program
- 56 total credit hours
- 15 total courses
- 8 start dates per year
- 100% licensure pass rate
- 2.3 GPA minimum
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN
Riverland Community College
Austin, MN - Public 2-Year - riverland.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing Program
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Riverland Community College's ACEN-accredited Practical Nursing diploma program equips students with the clinical competencies and theoretical knowledge needed to become a Licensed Practical Nurse. The 39-credit curriculum blends classroom instruction, simulation labs, and hands-on clinical rotations across four Minnesota communities, covering patient care, medical treatments, and critical thinking. Students can choose between a full-time day track completed in two semesters or a part-time evening track spanning three semesters—ideal for working adults. Two start dates per year (fall and spring) add flexibility. Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-PN exam and can pursue transfer pathways into A.S. Nursing programs at partner Minnesota State colleges. Financial aid and scholarships are available.
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredited
- 2 concentration options
- 2-Semester program
- 39 total credit hours
- Full-time and part-time options
- 2 start dates per year
- Starts fall/spring
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN
- Financial aid available
- Scholarships available
Northland Community and Technical College
Thief River Falls, MN - Public 2-Year - northlandcollege.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing
Online Learning - Visit Website
Northland Community and Technical College offers a Practical Nursing Diploma approved by the Minnesota Board of Nursing and accredited by NLN CNEA. The hybrid/distance-friendly program integrates nursing theory with clinical rotations across hospitals, long-term care facilities, and clinics, keeping groups small at just 10 students per instructor. Core competencies include medication administration, critical thinking, and patient care using modern medical equipment. Admission requires the ATI TEAS exam, nursing assistant competency, medical terminology, and CPR certification. Graduates sit for the NCLEX-PN licensure exam and enter a strong job market — Minnesota LPNs earn a median wage of approximately $29.15/hour. Financial support is available through the Northland Foundation.
- NLN CNEA accredited
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TEAS
- median pay for LPNs in Minnesota is $29.15/hour and $29.23/hour in the US
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN
- Scholarships available
- Career settings: hospitals, clinics, long-term care
- Program approved by Minnesota Board of Nursing
- Distance/hybrid option available
Minnesota LPN Program Overview
Eligibility and Admission Requirements
To be admitted to a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) program in Minnesota, applicants must typically hold a high school diploma or GED. Most programs also require completion of prerequisite courses such as biology, human anatomy and physiology, and basic math. Some schools may require applicants to pass the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) and undergo a criminal background check. Proof of up-to-date immunizations and CPR certification is often required before starting clinical training. Meeting minimum GPA requirements and submitting official transcripts are also part of the admission process in Minnesota.
Program Curriculum and Accreditation
LPN programs in Minnesota are designed to provide students with foundational knowledge and hands-on clinical experience in practical nursing. Core coursework includes medical-surgical nursing, pharmacology, geriatric care, maternal and child health, and nursing fundamentals. Clinical rotations are conducted in real-world healthcare settings such as nursing homes, clinics, and hospitals.
Accreditation is essential for LPN programs, ensuring the education meets state and national standards. Prospective students should choose programs approved by the Minnesota Board of Nursing and accredited by national agencies like the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Graduating from a program approved by the Minnesota Board of Nursing is a requirement for taking the NCLEX-PN exam, which is mandatory for licensure in Minnesota.
LPN Schools and Classes
LPN programs in Minnesota are available at technical colleges, community colleges, and select universities throughout the state. These educational institutions provide comprehensive training, combining classroom instruction, laboratory skills practice, and clinical experiences. Students can expect to take core courses such as nutrition, pharmacology, human growth and development, and nursing care across the lifespan.
Specialized training also includes practical experience in administering medications, wound care, IV therapy, and handling medical emergencies. Minnesota programs emphasize patient-centered care, critical thinking, and ethical decision-making to prepare students for a variety of healthcare settings.
Career Outlook
Licensed Practical Nurses in Minnesota have a favorable job outlook, with growing demand across rural and urban areas. LPNs typically work in long-term care facilities, clinics, rehabilitation centers, home health settings, and hospitals. The state continues to experience a high demand for LPNs due to an aging population and ongoing healthcare workforce shortages.
Work schedules can include day, evening, night, and weekend shifts, offering flexible options and potential for good work/life balance. LPNs in Minnesota often use the position as a long-term career or as a stepping stone to advanced nursing roles such as Registered Nurse (RN) or Nurse Practitioner (NP).
LPN Program Length
Full-time LPN programs in Minnesota generally take about 12 months to complete, preparing students for licensure in under a year. Part-time and evening/weekend tracks are available at some institutions and can take 18 to 24 months to finish. These flexible options are ideal for students balancing education with work or family responsibilities, although they extend the time required to graduate.
2027 Shortest LPN Programs in Minnesota
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Rasmussen University-Minnesota |
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| Riverland Community College |
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| Minnesota West Community and Technical College |
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Tuition and Costs
Tuition for LPN programs in Minnesota typically ranges from $6,000 to $13,000, depending on the school and length of the program. Community and technical colleges tend to offer more affordable rates for in-state residents. In addition to tuition, students should budget for books, supplies, uniforms, and testing fees, which may add $1,000 to $2,500 to total costs. Housing expenses vary by city, with monthly student housing in urban areas like Minneapolis or St. Paul averaging $850 to $1,500. Financial aid and scholarship options are available to help offset costs.
2027 Low-Cost LPN Programs in Minnesota
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Riverland Community College |
|
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| South Central College |
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| Ridgewater College |
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Can I Take LPN Classes Online?
In Minnesota, LPN programs cannot be completed fully online due to the clinical and hands-on nature of practical nursing education. While some theoretical coursework may be offered through online or hybrid formats, students must attend in-person clinical labs and rotations conducted in healthcare facilities. These experiences are vital for meeting licensure requirements and developing patient care skills under the supervision of licensed professionals.
LPN Licensure Requirements in Minnesota
NCLEX-PN Exam Information
To become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Minnesota, candidates must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). Before taking the exam, applicants must complete a Minnesota Board of Nursing-approved practical nursing program and submit an application for licensure along with a criminal background check. The Board must approve the application before a candidate is authorized to test. The NCLEX-PN is a standardized exam used nationwide to assess a candidate’s competency to practice safely and effectively as an entry-level LPN.
LPN Reciprocity and Nurse Licensure Compact
Licensed practical nurses who are licensed in another U.S. state may apply for licensure by endorsement in Minnesota. The Minnesota Board of Nursing requires verification of the out-of-state license, completion of an approved nursing program, and evidence that the applicant has passed the NCLEX-PN or SBTPE. Minnesota does not currently participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which allows nurses to hold one multistate license and practice across compact member states. Therefore, LPNs from compact states must apply separately for Minnesota licensure.
Licensure Requirements
The Minnesota Board of Nursing oversees LPN licensure in the state. Initial licensure requires graduation from a state-approved practical nursing program, submission of an application, passing the NCLEX-PN exam, and completing a fingerprint-based criminal background check. International applicants must also meet educational equivalency standards and demonstrate English language proficiency if required. Applicants can track their license application status through the Minnesota Board of Nursing’s online services.
License Renewal
In Minnesota, LPN licenses are renewed every two years. LPNs must complete the renewal process by the last day of their birth month in the year their license expires. To renew, nurses must attest to having practiced nursing for at least 520 hours in the previous five years or have completed a re-entry or refresher course. Minnesota does not currently require continuing education for LPN license renewal. Renewal applications are submitted online through the Board’s website, and nurses should ensure their employment and contact information is current to avoid missed notifications.
Minnesota LPN Salary Compared to National Average Salary For LPN/LVNs
The average salary for a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Minnesota is $61,270, which is slightly below the national average of $62,340 for LPN/LVNs. This small variance is influenced by several state-specific economic factors, including a cost of living that is close to the national benchmark, which tempers wage escalation compared to higher-cost states. The balance between the supply of LPNs and the demand from Minnesota's healthcare sector, particularly within its robust long-term care industry, also contributes to a salary level that is comparable to, but just under, the nationwide average.
Average LPN National Salary
$62,340 per year
2024 Median Pay reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Minnesota LPN Certificate/Diploma vs. Associate Degree
LPN Diploma/Certificate
Program Length:
Typically 9-12 months of full-time study.
Credential Awarded:
Diploma or Certificate in Practical Nursing.
NCLEX-PN Eligibility:
Yes. Successful completion makes graduates eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses.
Program Focus:
Concentrated curriculum on core nursing theory and essential, hands-on clinical skills required for entry-level LPN practice.
Average In-State Tuition in Minnesota:
Approximately $10,000 - $18,000 for the entire program (tuition and fees).
Best For:
Individuals seeking the fastest and most direct path to enter the nursing workforce as an LPN.
School Types:
Minnesota State community colleges and technical colleges.
LPN Associate Degree
Program Length:
Typically 2 years (around 24 months) of full-time study.
Credential Awarded:
Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Practical Nursing.
NCLEX-PN Eligibility:
Yes. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN exam for licensure.
Program Focus:
Combines the core practical nursing curriculum with required general education courses like English, psychology, and humanities for a broader academic foundation.
Average In-State Tuition in Minnesota:
Approximately $20,000 - $30,000 for the entire program (tuition and fees).
Best For:
Students who desire a formal college degree and a stronger academic base, which can facilitate a smoother transition into an LPN-to-RN bridge program later.
School Types:
Primarily offered at Minnesota State community colleges.
Choose Diploma/Certificate If:
- Speed to Employment: It is the fastest educational path to becoming a licensed LPN, allowing you to enter the workforce and start earning in about one year.
- Lower Overall Cost: With a shorter program length and fewer required credits, the total tuition and associated costs are significantly lower.
- Focused Curriculum: The program is intensely focused on the specific skills and knowledge needed for the LPN role, which is ideal for students who want to concentrate solely on nursing.
Choose Associate Degree If:
- Stronger Academic Foundation: Earning a college degree provides a broader education, enhancing critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Easier Pathway to an RN: The general education credits earned are highly transferable and often satisfy the prerequisite requirements for LPN-to-RN bridge programs, making future career advancement simpler.
- Greater Credential Recognition: An associate degree is a more widely recognized academic credential than a diploma, which may be valued by some employers or for future educational pursuits.
- Eligibility for Broader Financial Aid: As a full degree program, it may open up eligibility for a wider range of scholarships and financial aid options compared to some certificate programs.
📚 LPN vs Other Entry Level Healthcare Careers in Minnesota
| Career | Salary | Program Length | Exam | Clinical Hours | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LPN | $56,000 - $68,000 | 9-12 months | NCLEX-PN | 400-500 hours | $11,000 - $13,000 |
| MA | $45,000 - $58,500 | 9-12 months | CMA (AAMA) or RMA (AMT) | 160-240 hours | $7,500 - $10,000 |
| CNA | $38,000 - $48,000 | 3-6 weeks | Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation | 16+ hours | $800 - $1,500 |
| DA | $53,500 - $67,500 | 9-12 months | DANB RHS, ICE, and MN Jurisprudence exams for licensure | 300+ hours | $8,000 - $10,000 |
| Pharm Tech | $41,000 - $51,000 | 9-12 months | PTCE or ExCPT | 240-320 hours | $6,000 - $8,000 |
| Phlebotomist | $42,000 - $51,000 | 1-4 months | PBT (ASCP) or CPT (NHA) | 100+ hours | $1,500 - $2,500 |
| OTA | $62,500 - $79,000 | 18-24 months (Associate Degree) | NBCOT COTA Exam | 640+ hours | $20,000 - $60,000 |
List of LPN Programs in Minnesota
Alexandria, MN
Alexandria Technical & Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- NLN CNEA accredited
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TEAS
- 2 start dates per year
- Starts fall/spring
- 100% job placement rate
- Average starting wage $19.81-21.60/hour
- Prerequisite courses required
Anoka, MN
Anoka Technical College
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing Diploma
Campus Based - Website
- ACEN accredited
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TEAS
- Rolling admissions
- 2 start dates per year
- Starts fall/spring
- 90% job placement rate
- Prerequisite courses required
Austin, MN
Riverland Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing Program
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredited
- 2 concentration options
- 2-Semester program
- 39 total credit hours
- Full-time and part-time options
- 2 start dates per year
- Starts fall/spring
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN
Bemidji, MN
Northwest Technical College
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Entrance exam required
- Hands-on nursing education
- Experienced faculty
- State-of-the-art simulation labs
- Direct supervised clinical experiences
- Clear pathways to licensure
- Practical Nursing diploma
Brainerd, MN
Central Lakes College-Brainerd
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing Diploma
Campus Based - Website
- Entrance exam required
- 1-Year program
- 37 total credit hours
- 1 start dates per year
- Starts fall
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN
- Clinical placements halfway through first semester
Brooklyn Park, MN
Hennepin Technical College
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- ACEN accredited
- 2-Semester program
- 2 start dates per year
- Starts fall/spring
- Cohort-based structure
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN
- Cohort model with 48 students
Cloquet, MN
Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Only diploma program offered
Duluth, MN
Lake Superior College
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- ACEN accredited
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TEAS
- 1-Year program
- 40 total credit hours
- 2.4 GPA minimum
- Prerequisite courses required
- Financial aid available
Fergus Falls, MN
Minnesota State Community and Technical College
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- NLN CNEA accredited
- 40 total credit hours
- 2 start dates per year
- Starts fall/spring
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN
- Supervised clinical experiences in healthcare settings
- Background check required for entry
- Approved by Minnesota Board of Nursing
Granite Falls, MN
Minnesota West Community and Technical College
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing
Online & Campus Based - Website
- ACEN accredited
- 3-Semester program
- 39 total credit hours
- Starts fall
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN
- Scholarships available
- Above state average NCLEX pass rates
- Ladder into RN program
North Mankato, MN
South Central College
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing Program
Campus Based - Website
- ACEN accredited
- 2-Semester program
- 2 start dates per year
- Starts fall/spring
- 100% licensure pass rate
- 82% job placement rate
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN
- Financial aid available
Pine City, MN
Pine Technical & Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Ranked 4th in Minnesota by practicalnursing.org
- Credit for prior learning accepted
- Pathway to AD-Mobility RN program
- 30 full-time and 10 part-time seats per semester
- ATI TEAS or NLN NEX entrance exam
- In-person proctored TEAS required
Rochester, MN
Rochester Community and Technical College
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Complete in 2.5 semesters
- 39 total credit hours
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN
- Ranked #2 in Minnesota
Rosemount, MN
Dakota County Technical College
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing Program
Campus Based - Website
- 43 total credit hours
- Capstone required
- Financial aid available
- Clinical I and II provide hands-on experience
- Capstone course eases LPN transition
- Covers adult health nursing across lifespan
- Includes pharmacology and maternal-child health
- Behavioral health nursing concepts included
Saint Cloud, MN
St Cloud Technical and Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing Diploma
Campus Based - Website
- Entrance exam required
- 2.5 GPA minimum
- Prerequisite courses required
- Career mobility to RN programs
- Graduates work in hospitals, clinics, home health
- Prerequisite: 75-hour NA course
- Prerequisite courses include Medical Terminology and Human Biology
- Clinical experiences in Semesters I and II
Saint Paul, MN
Saint Paul College
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing Diploma
Campus Based - Website
- 3-Semester program
- Complete in just three semesters
- Apply by 2026-10-30
- 75% job placement rate
- $29 Median hourly wage in Minnesota
- Prerequisite courses required
- Multi-million dollar simulation center
- Fastest route into nursing
St. Cloud, MN
Rasmussen University-Minnesota
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing Diploma
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Entrance exam required
- $26,533 total program tuition
- $373 per credit
- 15-Month program
- 56 total credit hours
- 15 total courses
- 8 start dates per year
- 100% licensure pass rate
Thief River Falls, MN
Northland Community and Technical College
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing
Online Learning - Website
- NLN CNEA accredited
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TEAS
- median pay for LPNs in Minnesota is $29.15/hour and $29.23/hour in the US
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN
- Scholarships available
- Career settings: hospitals, clinics, long-term care
Willmar, MN
Ridgewater College
- Certificate/Diploma - Nursing - Practical Program (LPN)
Campus Based - Website
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredited
- $9,509 total program tuition
- 1-Year program
- 41 total credit hours
- Apply by 2026-06-01
- Full-time enrollment
- Starts fall
- 2.0 GPA minimum
Winona, MN
Minnesota State College Southeast
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- ACEN, Minnesota Board of Nursing accredited
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TEAS
- $8,338 total program tuition
- 2-Semester program
- 34 total credit hours
- 2 start dates per year
- Starts fall/spring
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