Best LPN Programs in Saint Paul 2026

Discover Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) programs in Saint Paul, Minnesota with details on schools, classes, tuition, and clinical training. Review licensing requirements and career opportunities for practical nurses in the Saint Paul area.

Written by Jane Dewy and Edited by The PracticalNursing.org Editorial Team.
Expert Guide Verified updated on May 29th, 2025.
Edit Template
Saint Paul Minnesota LPN programs providing practical nursing education and hands-on clinical experience for entry-level nursing roles

2026 Best LPN Programs in Saint Paul, MN

If you're looking to start a rewarding career as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Saint Paul, MN, finding the right program is your first step. At practicalnursing.org, we've done the research to bring you a list of the best LPN programs in the area. Our rankings help you compare options based on factors like cost, quality of education, and job placement rates. We focus on schools that prepare you well for the NCLEX-PN exam and support your career goals. Choosing a top program can set you up for success in healthcare. Learn more about how we create these rankings at https://www.practicalnursing.org/rankings-methodology/.
#1

Anoka Technical College

Anoka, MN - Public 2-Year - anokatech.edu

Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing Diploma

Campus Based - Visit Website

Anoka Technical College's one-year Practical Nursing diploma prepares students to become LPNs with a strong focus on NCLEX-PN exam readiness. The program boasts a 90% job placement rate and is recognized as a top career choice in Minnesota, with median wages starting at $29.15 per hour. Accredited by ACEN and approved by the Minnesota Board of Nursing, it offers comprehensive healthcare training for a field with significant growth potential.

  • One-year practical nursing diploma
  • 90% job placement rate
  • NCLEX-PN exam preparation
  • Minnesota Board of Nursing approved
  • Median wage $29.15/hour
  • Top 10 in-demand career
  • ACEN accredited program
#2

Dakota County Technical College

Rosemount, MN - Public 2-Year - dctc.edu

Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing Program

Campus Based - Visit Website

Dakota County Technical College's Practical Nursing Diploma program in Rosemount provides comprehensive training for aspiring nurses through immersive campus-based education. Students develop essential skills in patient care across all age groups, emphasizing nursing judgment and collaborative teamwork. The curriculum integrates extensive hands-on clinical experiences, where learners practice safety protocols, effective communication, and customer service in real healthcare environments. A minimum grade of 'C' is mandatory in all courses, following a carefully structured sequence to ensure thorough preparation for entry into the nursing profession. This program is ideal for those seeking a solid foundation in practical nursing with direct clinical application.

  • Campus-based program.
  • Focuses on patient care.
  • Hands-on clinical experience.
  • Requires 'C' or higher.
  • Structured course sequence.
  • Teaches safety and communication.
  • Prepares for nursing career.
  • Includes clinical settings.
  • Develops teamwork skills.
  • Focuses on nursing judgment.
#3

Saint Paul College

Saint Paul, MN - Public 2-Year - saintpaul.edu

Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing Diploma

Campus Based - Visit Website

Saint Paul College's Practical Nursing Diploma program prepares students to become Licensed Practical Nurses in just three semesters through a focused curriculum emphasizing essential patient care. The program features small class sizes for personalized instruction and a state-of-the-art simulation center for hands-on clinical experience. With Minnesota's median LPN hourly wage at $29 and 12,000 new jobs projected annually, graduates are well-positioned for stable healthcare careers. Admissions prioritize applicants with completed prerequisites, offering a clear pathway to entering the nursing field.

  • Three-semester program.
  • State-of-the-art simulation center.
  • Small class sizes.
  • Median hourly wage $29.
  • 12,000 new jobs annually.
  • Hands-on clinical experience.
  • Personalized instruction.
  • Compassionate nursing faculty.
  • Fast track to nursing career.
  • Priority for completed prerequisites.
*Data source: NCES Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System, 2023.

Saint Paul LPN Program Overview

Licensed Practical Nurses play a frontline role in Saint Paul’s care teams, delivering bedside care, administering medications, monitoring chronic conditions, and coordinating with registered nurses and physicians. In the city’s hospitals, clinics, long-term care centers, and home health agencies, LPNs support access to timely, hands-on care for adults, children, and older residents across diverse neighborhoods.

Saint Paul’s healthcare landscape includes major hospitals such as Regions Hospital and Allina Health’s United Hospital, pediatric specialty care at Gillette Children’s, numerous primary and specialty clinics, and a large network of skilled nursing, assisted living, rehabilitation, and home health providers. State labor market and federal workforce data consistently indicate steady demand for LPNs in Minnesota, with strong employment opportunities in the Twin Cities metro, including Ramsey County. Employers commonly recruit LPNs for long-term care, primary care clinics, rehabilitation, behavioral health, and community-based services.

Local LPN programs offered by public community and technical colleges in and around Saint Paul are designed to prepare graduates for entry into practice. Typical timelines include:

  • Full-time tracks that can be completed in about 12 months after prerequisite coursework.

Curricula blend classroom instruction in practical nursing fundamentals, pharmacology, medical-surgical and geriatric nursing, and mental health with skills lab practice and supervised clinical rotations at area healthcare facilities. Programs emphasize NCLEX-PN preparation through integrated course objectives, competency-based skills assessments, and exam-readiness resources.

To practice as an LPN in Minnesota, graduates must complete a board-approved practical nursing program, pass the NCLEX-PN, and meet licensure requirements administered by the Minnesota Board of Nursing, which oversees program approval, licensure, and professional regulation statewide.

Employment Opportunities for LPNs in Saint Paul

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) in Saint Paul, Minnesota, find themselves in a robust job market, particularly within the dynamic healthcare and social assistance sector. The Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area reported a significant demand for healthcare professionals in 2023, with approximately 20,500 job vacancies in Health Care & Social Assistance, representing the largest share of job openings in the region. Over half of these positions required some form of postsecondary education, underscoring the value of specialized training for roles like LPNs. The demand for qualified healthcare personnel is a consistent trend, as indicated by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.

As of Fiscal Year 2023, Minnesota had 18,568 actively licensed LPNs, contributing to the state’s vital healthcare workforce. LPNs in Minnesota earn a median hourly wage of $29.68 as of Fiscal Year 2023. Most LPNs work full-time, with 70% reporting between 31 and 40 hours per week, and a median of 36 hours. The primary specialties for LPNs in the state are geriatric/gerontology and adult/family health, together accounting for 58% of practitioners, as documented by the Minnesota Board of Nursing.

LPNs in Saint Paul are sought after by a diverse array of healthcare facilities, providing numerous avenues for employment:

  • Hospitals:Major hospital systems such as Fairview Health Services and Allina Health frequently hire LPNs to perform delegated nursing and medical functions under the supervision of a Registered Nurse. Regions Hospital, part of the HealthPartners network, also offers diverse nursing career opportunities.
  • Nursing Homes and Long-Term Care Facilities:LPNs are crucial in providing care in long-term and skilled nursing environments. Notable employers include Episcopal Homes, The Phoenix Residence, Good Samaritan Society – Maplewood, and Ebenezer Senior Living’s skilled nursing communities.
  • Rehabilitation Centers:Facilities focusing on patient recovery from illness, injury, or surgery, such as Good Samaritan Society – Maplewood, Highland Chateau Health + Rehabilitation Center, and Summit Hill Senior Living and Rehabilitation, employ LPNs for rehabilitative care.
  • Home Health Agencies:These agencies frequently hire LPNs for patient care in home settings. Key employers include AccentCare, Inc., Home Health Care, Inc., Vivie, and Care Plus HHA.
  • Private Practices and Clinics:LPNs are essential in various clinic settings. HealthPartners, Planned Parenthood, Whole Woman’s Health, and Milan Laser Hair Removal are among the employers seeking LPNs for roles in primary care, wound care, and other specialty clinics.
  • Senior Living Facilities:Beyond traditional nursing homes, assisted living facilities also rely on LPNs for patient care. All Cares Incorporated serves as a staffing agency for such facilities in Saint Paul. Presbyterian Homes & Services also hires LPNs for its senior living communities.
  • Specialized and Community Settings:LPNs also find opportunities in specialized areas. BioLife Plasma Services employs LPNs for donor eligibility and medical event management. Contract positions in schools, offered by agencies like Sunbelt Staffing, and roles as nurse consultants in group homes with organizations like The Phoenix Residence, Community Medical Services, and Pediatric Home Service, further broaden the employment landscape.

The extensive network of healthcare providers, from large hospital systems to specialized clinics and community-based services, ensures a wide range of employment opportunities for LPNs seeking to contribute to patient care in Saint Paul.

List of LPN Programs in Saint Paul, MN

If you're looking for LPN programs in Saint Paul, MN, you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a table with details on various schools offering these programs. It includes the city and state, highlights of each program, and links to learn more. This information helps you compare options and find the best fit for your nursing career goals.
Jump to City:

Saint Paul, MN

Saint Paul College

  • Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing Diploma

    Campus Based - Website

    • Three-semester program.
    • State-of-the-art simulation center.
    • Small class sizes.
    • Median hourly wage $29.
    • 12,000 new jobs annually.
    • Hands-on clinical experience.
    • Personalized instruction.
    • Compassionate nursing faculty.
*Postsecondary data from: IPEDS 2023, NCES. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/