Best Nursing Schools in Minnesota for 2025

🏆 Top Nursing Schools in Minnesota for 2025

1. University of Minnesota – Twin Cities

• Location: Minneapolis, MN
• Notable Rankings:
  • #4 nationally for Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs by U.S. News & World Report
  • #16 nationally for Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs
• Highlights:
  • Offers a range of programs including BSN, MSN, DNP, and PhD.
  • Strong emphasis on research with over $5 million in NIH funding.
  • Collaborations with premier hospitals and clinics for clinical placements.School of NursingSchool of Nursing

2. Winona State University

• Location: Winona, MN
• Notable Rankings:
  • Ranked #1 Nurse Practitioner program in Minnesota by RegisteredNursing.org
• Highlights:
  • Campuses in both Winona and Rochester offering identical curricula.
  • Simulation centers integrated into the nursing curriculum.
  • High job placement rate with strong community engagement.

3. The College of St. Scholastica

• Location: Duluth, MN
• Highlights:
  • Offers traditional BSN, accelerated BSN, and RN-to-BSN programs.
  • Emphasis on rural healthcare and community-based practice.
  • Affiliated with the Catholic Order of St. Benedict, welcoming students from all backgrounds.Nursing Schools AlmanacNursing Process

4. St. Catherine University

• Location: St. Paul, MN
• Highlights:
  • Provides BSN, MSN, and DNP programs with a focus on leadership and ethics.
  • Known for small class sizes and personalized education.
  • Strong commitment to social justice and community service.

5. Bethel University

• Location: St. Paul, MN
• Highlights:
  • Offers BSN and MSN programs with a Christian worldview.
  • Emphasizes holistic nursing care and leadership development.
  • Provides opportunities for international service learning.

🎓 Choosing the Right Nursing Program

When selecting a nursing program in Minnesota, consider the following factors:

• Program Offerings: Ensure the school offers the degree level you seek (e.g., BSN, MSN, DNP).
• Accreditation: Verify that programs are accredited by recognized bodies such as CCNE or ACEN.
• NCLEX Pass Rates: High pass rates indicate strong preparation for licensure exams.
• Clinical Opportunities: Look for programs with robust clinical placements in diverse settings.
• Financial Aid: Explore scholarships, grants, and loan forgiveness programs.Nursing Careers

💼 Career Outlook for Nurses in Minnesota

Minnesota continues to experience a growing demand for nurses, with projections indicating a need for over 76,000 additional registered nursing positions by 2030. The average annual salary for RNs in the state is approximately $84,030, which is above the national average. RNCareers

🔗 Explore Nursing Opportunities

For those ready to embark on or advance their nursing careers in Minnesota, numerous opportunities await across various healthcare settings. To discover current job openings and further resources, visit GoodWork's Explore Jobs.