Why Choose LPN Programs in MN?
Licensed practical nurses are an important part of health care teams. They can work in clinics, primary care offices, long-term care facilities, hospitals and other facilities. They help balance out the health care system on the administrative end, spending additional time with patients beyond what the registered nurse or physician can.
Students who choose to go into being an LPN have the option of pursuing other degrees and education at a later date, such as working as an RN or getting certifications in radiology or other areas.
Top 5 LPN Programs in Minnesota
| Rank | School | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Itasca Community College | Grand Rapids, Minnesota |
| 2 | Pine Technical & Community College | Pine City, Minnesota |
| 3 | Northwest Technical College-Bemidji | Bemidji, Minnesota |
| 4 | South Central College | Mankato, Minnesota |
| 5 | Anoka Technical College | Anoka, Minnesota |
Choosing LPN Programs in MN
The median wage for a licensed practical nurse is $22.83 per hour, which is approximately $47,480 per year. To work as an LPN, the minimum education required is a postsecondary nondegree award. LPNs with more schooling and training may earn more than those with base awards.
The good news about becoming an LPN is that the field is growing. As of 2019, there were 721,700 jobs. The total number of jobs is expected to grow by another 65,700 between 2019 and 2029, a growth rate of 9%.
This list includes our top 15 choices for colleges that offer LPN programs in MN. Don’t see what you like here? Let us know. We can help you find your next program of choice by looking at your search requirements.
The Best 15 Schools with LPN Programs in MN
Itasca Community College
Itasca Community College prepares students to work in the field of nursing through its practical nursing program. Students can complete all pre-program requirements at Itasca and have the option of three clinical cohorts with flexible course delivery options, including a remote Zoom option for working parents or students from outside the area. An impressive 100% of our graduates the past 3 years have passed the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), demonstrating that our program nurtures each student to be successful in their pursuit of a rewarding career in nursing.
School Overview
Pine Technical & Community College
Pine Technical & Community College offers a practical nursing diploma to its students. The program prepares students to take the NCLEX-PN examination, and it is a prerequisite to go on to the associate of science in a nursing degree program.
School Overview
Northwest Technical College-Bemidji
Northwest Technical College in Bemidji offers a practical nursing diploma and associate degree nursing program. They are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, or ACEN. The school offers state-of-the-art simulated clinical settings and supervised clinical rotations.
School Overview
South Central College
South Central College offers a practical nursing program that prepares students for the NCLEX-PN examination. The program can be completed in just two semesters, and students may move on to an AS or BS degree following this prerequisite program’s completion.
School Overview
Anoka Technical College
Anoka Technical College offers a practical nursing program that consists of 38 total credit hours. The program is a one-year program with only two semesters.
School Overview
Northland Community and Technical College
Northland Community and Technical College offer a 44-credit-hour diploma in practical nursing. This program trains students to work in hospitals, nursing homes, hospice, camp nursing, and more. Students are edible to take the NCLEX following graduation.
School Overview
St. Cloud Technical and Community College
St. Cloud Technical and Community College offer a practical nursing degree that is approved by the Minnesota Board of Nursing. The program has full- and part-time options for students, so there is flexibility for those who need it.
School Overview
Dakota County Technical College
Dakota County Technical College offers a program in practical nursing that consists of 42 credit hours. The school boasts a 94.55% pass rate on the NCLEX for 2020 and offers start times in the summer, fall, or spring semesters.
School Overview
Riverland Community College
Riverland Community College offers an LPN track in nursing. This program is approved by the Minnesota Board of Nursing and the Accreditation Commission of Education in Nursing ACEN. The program is offered as a full-time day program or part-time evening program.
School Overview
Central Lakes College
Central Lakes College offers a practical nursing diploma program that prepares students for the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nursing. The program consists of 36 credit hours including clinical labs, gerontological nursing, and surgical nursing.
School Overview
Minneapolis Community and Technical College
Minneapolis Community and Technical College offer an Associate in Science degree that can be taken to move on to a BSN. Students can also opt to take the nursing assistant program, which is approved by the Minnesota Department of Health.
School Overview
Ridgewater College
The nursing program at Ridgewater College is offered at the Hutchinson and Willmar campuses. The program has a 100% job placement rate, and between 90 and 100% of students pass their licensure board exams on the first attempt.
School Overview
Rasmussen University
Rasmussen University offers a 12-month, 15-course practical nursing program. The school offers a hybrid program of online and on-campus courses, and it prepares students to take the NCLEX-PN.
School Overview
Saint Paul College
Saint Paul College offers a practical nursing diploma that meets the requirements to become a practical nurse and work in clinics, nursing homes, hospitals, and more. The program is available on-site, off-site, and with a clinical training program.
School Overview
Rochester Community & Technical College
Rochester Community & Technical College offers a practical nursing program that consists of 39 credit hours. The program takes 2.5 semesters to complete, which is longer than some programs but more thorough.
School Overview
Ranking Methodology
The programs here are ranked from our top choices to our last. These are scored based on overall tuition and enrollment rates. Higher tuition and enrollment rates were ranked lower, because students would be paying more for larger class sizes and less individualized attention.
Every effort has been made to provide an accurate listing here. However, this list is not guaranteed and is subject to change at any time.
Do You Want to Know More About Your Rankings?
Would you like to know more about your school’s ranking? Would you like us to adjust our tuition or enrollment information? Let us know, and we’d be happy to do so.
If your school is not on this list and should be, contact us. We’d be happy to give you more information on getting on our list.
