Best Minnesota LPN to RN/BSN Programs 2026
Minnesota’s LPN to RN bridge programs provide structured coursework in advanced nursing care. Students participate in clinical rotations to develop hands-on skills in varied healthcare settings. Programs prepare graduates to sit for the NCLEX-RN and assume registered nursing responsibilities.
2026 Best LPN to RN Programs in Minnesota
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 provides a hybrid, accelerated pathway for licensed practical nurses to advance their careers in as few as 18 months. This program builds on prior nursing experience, offering credit for previous training and focusing on expanding clinical skills and responsibilities in healthcare. Designed for working professionals, it combines online flexibility with rigorous academic standards, requiring an unencumbered LPN license and entrance exam scores for admission. No specific concentration is highlighted, but the program is accredited and military-friendly, enhancing earning potential and role advancement.
- Completion in 18 months
- Hybrid learning format
- Credit for previous nursing training
- Accredited nursing program
- Pathway to expanded nursing roles
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, three-semester pathway for LPNs to earn an Associate of Science degree, requiring 64 credits. It focuses on advancing clinical skills and medical knowledge, preparing graduates for the NCLEX-RN exam. Credits are transferable to Bemidji State University's BSN program, enhancing career progression. No specific concentration is emphasized, and as an associate-level program, it does not require ACT or SAT entrance exams.
- 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
Riverland Community College
Austin, MN - Public 2-Year - riverland.edu
Associate - LPN to ADN Track
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Riverland Community College's LPN to ADN Track is a hybrid program that blends online coursework with on-campus components, ideal for working LPNs seeking to become Registered Nurses. It focuses on core nursing skills, advanced patient care, and clinical experiences to prepare students for the NCLEX-RN exam and Minnesota licensure. Accredited by ACEN, the program offers flexibility, affordability, and transfer pathways to BSN degrees, with financial aid options available. No entrance exams are required for this associate-level program.
- 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.
- High-demand nursing field.
- Affordable tuition rates.
Northland Community and Technical College
Thief River Falls, MN - Public 2-Year - northlandcollege.edu
Associate - AD Mobility Nursing Program
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Northland Community and Technical College's AD Mobility Nursing Program is a 64-credit hybrid pathway for LPNs aiming to become RNs. It features flexible full-time and part-time options with fall and spring cohorts, allowing students to balance education with other commitments. The program emphasizes hands-on skills for diverse healthcare environments and includes dedicated nursing advisors for support. With multiple campus locations and a required laptop, it prepares graduates for various nursing specialties, capitalizing on strong job prospects in Minnesota's healthcare sector.
- 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
Pine Technical & Community College
Pine City, MN - Public 2-Year - pine.edu
Associate - Nursing Mobility
Campus Based - Visit Website
Pine Technical & Community College provides a Nursing Mobility program tailored for LPNs seeking to advance to RN roles through an Associate of Science in Nursing. This campus-based pathway emphasizes practical skill enhancement and theoretical knowledge, preparing graduates for the NCLEX-RN exam. Admission mandates a 3.0 GPA, current LPN licensure, and a TEAS exam score of at least 68, with general education prerequisites. The program boasts a high job placement rate and focuses on developing professional competencies for diverse healthcare settings, ensuring a seamless transition for working nurses.
- 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
Minnesota LPN to RN Program Overview
Eligibility and Admission Requirements
Minnesota LPNs moving into an RN role typically apply to LPN to ADN or LPN to BSN bridge programs. While each college or university sets its own standards, applicants can expect the following common requirements in Minnesota:
- Active, unencumbered Minnesota LPN license at the time of application and prior to program start.
- Completion of prerequisite college courses with minimum grades, often including anatomy and physiology I and II with lab, microbiology with lab, human growth and development, English composition, and college-level math. Recent completion windows may apply for sciences.
- Cumulative GPA meeting program minimums, frequently 2.5 to 3.0 or higher for the nursing sequence.
- Standardized entry assessment such as TEAS or HESI, as required by the program.
- Current American Heart Association Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers certification.
- Background study and clearances as required for clinical placement in Minnesota healthcare facilities, health screenings and immunizations, and proof of liability coverage if required by the school.
- Demonstration of prior learning as an LPN through licensure, advanced standing exams, or standardized mobility assessments. Many Minnesota programs award advanced standing credits to working LPNs.
- Some programs prefer or require recent LPN work experience. Employed LPNs may benefit from flexible schedules or part-time options.
Graduation from a Minnesota Board of Nursing approved professional nursing program and successful completion of the NCLEX-RN are required for RN licensure. See the Minnesota Board of Nursing for approval and licensure details.
Program Curriculum and Accreditation
LPN to RN curricula in Minnesota build on practical nursing knowledge to develop the RN scope of practice. Students advance in clinical judgment, leadership, and interprofessional communication while deepening pathophysiology and pharmacology. Typical learning outcomes include safe, patient-centered care, evidence-based practice, teamwork, quality improvement, and informatics.
- Core nursing: adult and geriatric medical-surgical nursing across acute and community settings, family and maternal-newborn care, pediatric nursing, and mental health nursing.
- Advanced concepts: complex care, population health, care coordination, leadership and management, and preparation for transition to RN practice.
- Clinical learning: supervised direct patient care in Minnesota hospitals and community sites, simulation, and skills labs aligned with state-approved program standards.
Accreditation and approval are distinct and both matter in Minnesota. State approval by the Board of Nursing is necessary for NCLEX-RN eligibility. In addition, many Minnesota schools seek programmatic accreditation from nationally recognized nursing accreditors for quality assurance, employer recognition, and smoother transfer to graduate programs. Institutional accreditation by a regional accreditor also supports credit transfer and financial aid eligibility.
LPN to RN Schools and Classes
Across Michigan, public community colleges, state universities, and private universities offer LPN to ADN and LPN to BSN bridge pathways. Most provide advanced standing for your LPN license and previous coursework, a dedicated transition course, and structured clinical placements with local health systems. Delivery formats vary by school and region, with options in both urban and rural areas.
Common coursework includes:
- LPN-to-RN transition and professional role
- Health assessment and clinical decision-making
- Adult medical-surgical nursing across the lifespan and complex conditions
- Maternal-newborn, pediatrics, and psychiatric-mental health nursing
- Community/public health and population-focused care
- Leadership, delegation, and management of care
- Pharmacology, pathophysiology, and evidence-based practice
Expect extensive hands-on learning in skills and simulation labs, plus progressive clinical hours that meet Michigan’s prelicensure standards.
Career Outlook
Michigan RNs work in hospitals, clinics and physician offices, long-term care and rehabilitation, home health and hospice, public health departments, schools, behavioral health, and outpatient surgical and specialty centers. Scheduling varies by setting: hospitals often use 12-hour shifts with nights, weekends, and holidays; ambulatory care settings more commonly offer weekday schedules.
Demand for RNs in Michigan continues to be supported by population aging, chronic disease prevalence, care transitions to outpatient settings, and retirements in the nursing workforce. Compared with LPN practice, RN licensure provides a broader scope and autonomy in assessment, care planning, IV therapy, and patient education, along with access to specialty roles, leadership positions, and advanced education pathways. These differences often translate to expanded job options and higher earning potential relative to LPN roles.
LPN to RN Program Length
- Full-time LPN to ADN: commonly about 12 to 18 months of nursing coursework after prerequisites are completed
- Part-time LPN to ADN: often 18 to 30 months of nursing coursework, depending on credit load and clinical availability
- Evening/weekend bridges: designed for working LPNs, typically 2 years or more, with labs and clinicals scheduled outside traditional weekday hours
- LPN to BSN: generally 2.5 to 3 years full time after prerequisites, longer if part time
Actual timelines vary by school, transfer credit, whether science prerequisites require retakes, and clinical slot availability.
2026 Fastest LPN to RN Programs in Minnesota
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Rasmussen University-Minnesota |
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| St Cloud Technical and Community College |
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| Anoka-Ramsey Community College |
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Tuition and Costs
Tuition in Michigan varies by institution type and residency status:
- Public community college LPN to ADN bridges commonly total in the low five figures for in-district students, higher for out-of-district or out-of-state students
- Public university LPN to BSN tuition is typically in the mid-to-high five figures over the program, depending on how many credits you need after transfer
Budget for additional costs such as application and placement tests, background check and drug screen, immunizations, BLS certification, uniforms and clinical supplies, textbooks and electronic resources, skills and lab fees, transportation to clinical sites, and NCLEX and state licensure fees.
Housing costs in Michigan depend on location and school type. Community colleges often do not offer on-campus housing, while universities may provide residence halls and apartments at varying price points. Off-campus rents and utilities are generally higher in large metro areas and lower in smaller cities and rural communities; factor in parking and commuting expenses for clinicals.
2026 Affordable LPN to RN Programs in Minnesota
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Riverland Community College |
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| St Cloud Technical and Community College |
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| Minnesota State Community and Technical College |
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Can I Take LPN to RN Classes Online?
Michigan LPN to RN bridges are offered in several formats:
- In-person: traditional classroom, on-campus labs, and in-person clinical rotations at Michigan healthcare facilities
- Hybrid: some didactic courses delivered online, with required on-campus skills/simulation labs and in-person clinicals
- Online-enhanced: expanded use of online lectures and assignments; clinical learning remains face to face
Prelicensure RN programs in Michigan include supervised, direct patient-care clinical hours that must be completed in person. If considering an out-of-state online program with Michigan clinical placements, confirm it is authorized for clinical practice in Michigan and recognized by the Michigan Board of Nursing so you remain eligible for RN licensure in the state.
LPN to RN Licensure Requirements in Michigan
LPNs who complete an LPN to ADN or LPN to BSN bridge program and wish to practice as Registered Nurses in Michigan must meet the requirements set by the Michigan Board of Nursing. Below is what to expect for the NCLEX-RN, licensure by endorsement, the Nurse Licensure Compact, initial licensure, and renewal.
NCLEX-RN Exam Information
- Graduates of approved ADN or BSN programs apply for RN licensure by examination through Michigan’s MiPLUS online system and complete a fingerprint-based criminal background check.
- After the Board confirms eligibility, you must register for the NCLEX-RNand obtain an Authorization to Test. Testing is administered by Pearson VUE.
- Michigan receives your official results directly from the testing program. If unsuccessful, you may retest in accordance with NCLEX retake policies and Michigan’s rules after you reapply and receive a new Authorization to Test.
- State-specific training requirements that affect initial licensure include completion of Human Trafficking Training and Implicit Bias Training as described below.
RN Reciprocity and Nurse Licensure Compact
- Michigan does not have reciprocity agreements with other states. If you hold an active RN license in another U.S. jurisdiction, you may become licensed in Michigan by endorsement. This requires application through MiPLUS, license verification from the original state of licensure, a fingerprint-based background check, and meeting Michigan’s training requirements.
- Michigan is not a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact. RNs must hold a Michigan RN license to practice in Michigan, and Michigan licensees do not receive multistate privileges.
- A temporary license may be available for endorsement applicants while the full review is completed, subject to Board rules and timelines.
Licensure Requirements
- Education: Graduation from an approved RN program such as an ADN or BSN, including LPN to RN bridge tracks. Official transcripts must be sent directly to the Board.
- Examination: Pass the NCLEX-RN after the Board determines eligibility.
- Application and Fees: Submit an RN by Exam or RN by Endorsement application through MiPLUS and pay required fees.
- Background Check: Complete a fingerprint-based criminal background check using an approved vendor.
- Training Requirements:
- Human Trafficking Training: One-time training required for initial licensure or before the first renewal, consistent with Michigan’s administrative rules.
- Implicit Bias Training: Training is required for initial licensure and for each renewal cycle. The amount must total at least one hour for each year of the license cycle.
- Out-of-State or International Graduates: Verification of original license is required for endorsement applicants. Internationally educated applicants may need credential evaluation and English language proficiency in accordance with Board rules.
License Renewal
- Renewal Cycle: Michigan RN licenses are issued for two years. Renew online through MiPLUS before your expiration date. Do not practice on an expired license.
- Continuing Education: Complete 25 hours of Board-acceptable continuing education during each two-year cycle. This must include at least one hour in pain and symptom management. Keep CE records for audit.
- Implicit Bias Training: Complete at least one hour of implicit bias training for each year of the license cycle. This training may be integrated into CE if it meets the Board’s content and provider standards.
- Human Trafficking Training: One-time training must be completed for initial licensure or prior to the first renewal if not previously satisfied.
- Timing: Plan CE and required trainings throughout the two-year cycle so everything is completed before you submit renewal. The Board provides renewal reminders, but timely completion is the licensee’s responsibility.
Average LPN State Salary in Michigan
$65,430
2024 LPN Pay reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
LPN to ADN Bridge Program
Program Length:
Typically 1 to 2 years (12-24 months).
Credential Awarded:
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AASN).
NCLEX-RN Eligibility:
Yes. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).
Program Focus:
This pathway builds upon the existing knowledge and skills of an LPN, focusing on core nursing concepts, patient care across the lifespan, and the transition to the RN role. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for entry-level RN positions in various healthcare settings.
Average In-State Tuition in Michigan:
Tuition for LPN to ADN programs at Michigan community colleges generally ranges from approximately $8,000 to $15,000 for the entire program, though this can vary by institution and does not always include additional fees for books, uniforms, and other supplies. For example, Oakland Community College's in-district nursing program tuition is estimated at around $8,100, while out-of-district tuition is significantly higher.
Best For:
LPNs who wish to become RNs as quickly as possible and at a lower initial cost. It is also a good option for those who plan to enter the RN workforce sooner and potentially pursue a BSN degree later through an RN to BSN bridge program.
School Types:
Community colleges are the primary providers of LPN to ADN bridge programs in Michigan.
LPN to BSN Bridge Program
Program Length:
Generally 2 to 3 years. The exact duration can depend on the number of transferable credits from the LPN program and previous college coursework.
Credential Awarded:
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
NCLEX-RN Eligibility:
Yes. Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam.
Program Focus:
This comprehensive pathway provides a deeper theoretical foundation in nursing, including topics such as nursing research, leadership, community and public health, and evidence-based practice. The curriculum is designed to prepare graduates for a broader range of nursing roles and leadership positions.
Average In-State Tuition in Michigan:
The cost of LPN to BSN programs in Michigan is higher than ADN programs, with a general range from under $10,000 to over $30,000, depending on the university. For example, Michigan State University's RN to BSN program has a credit hour cost of $707.25, with a total of 30 credits required. The University of Michigan-Flint offers an RN to BSN program that can be completed for less than $11,000.
Best For:
LPNs who are focused on long-term career advancement, including opportunities in leadership, management, research, and specialized areas of nursing. A BSN is also the necessary foundation for pursuing graduate-level nursing education (Master's or Doctorate).
School Types:
Universities and four-year colleges, with some programs offered in flexible online or hybrid formats to accommodate working LPNs.
Choose LPN→ADN If:
- Faster Entry into the RN Role: These programs offer a quicker route to becoming a registered nurse, allowing for a faster transition to a higher level of practice and increased earning potential.
- Lower Initial Cost: The overall tuition and fees for an ADN program are typically more affordable than for a BSN program, making it a more financially accessible option for many.
- Strong Foundation for Bedside Nursing: The curriculum is intensely focused on the clinical skills and knowledge necessary for direct patient care in a variety of settings.
- Option for Future Advancement: Graduates can begin working as RNs and then choose to enroll in an RN to BSN bridge program at a later time, often with the benefit of employer tuition assistance.
Choose LPN→BSN If:
- Broader Career Opportunities: A BSN is often a minimum requirement for leadership and management positions, as well as roles in specialized fields such as public health, nursing education, and informatics.
- Higher Earning Potential: On average, RNs with a BSN tend to have a higher long-term earning potential compared to those with an ADN.
- Foundation for Advanced Education: A BSN is the necessary stepping stone for pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) to become an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), such as a nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist.
- Increasingly Preferred by Employers: Many healthcare organizations, particularly hospitals seeking Magnet status, now prefer or require a BSN for their registered nurses.
List of LPN to RN Programs in Minnesota
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