LPN Programs in Minnesota 2026
Minnesota has dozens of Board of Nursing-approved practical nursing programs, most offered through technical and community colleges. Programs typically run 12 to 18 months and require a mix of classroom instruction and clinical hours. Graduates must pass the NCLEX-PN to earn licensure in the state.
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Choosing an LPN program in Minnesota involves more than picking the school closest to home. Accreditation status, NCLEX-PN pass rates, scheduling format, and articulation agreements all affect what you’ll get out of the program and what doors it opens afterward. Here’s what to look at before you apply.
Use the links below to jump to key program selection criteria, salary data, and frequently asked questions.
- Accreditation and state approval
- NCLEX-PN pass rates
- Program length and scheduling
- Admission requirements
- LPN-to-RN advancement
- Paying for nursing school
- LPN salary in Minnesota
Accreditation and State Approval
All practical nursing programs operating in Minnesota must be approved by the Minnesota Board of Nursing. Board approval is the baseline requirement, and graduates of unapproved programs cannot sit for the NCLEX-PN in the state.
National accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA) is a separate and additional validation of program quality. Accredited programs have undergone independent review of curriculum, faculty qualifications, clinical training, and student outcomes. When comparing programs, check both boxes: state-approved and nationally accredited.
You can verify Board of Nursing approval and view program-level NCLEX-PN pass rates on the Minnesota Board of Nursing approved programs page.
NCLEX-PN Pass Rates
First-time NCLEX-PN pass rates are one of the most useful program comparison points. A program with consistently high first-time pass rates is producing graduates who are ready to test, which usually reflects solid instructional quality and adequate clinical preparation.
Keep one caveat in mind: pass rates also reflect a program’s admission standards. A school that admits only well-prepared candidates may post high pass rates without necessarily offering better instruction than a program with lower selectivity. Look at the rate alongside what you know about admission requirements and the program’s track record.
The Minnesota Board of Nursing publishes pass rate data by program. Review it before committing to any school. For a full overview of what happens after you graduate, see LPN license requirements in Minnesota.
Program Length and Scheduling
Most LPN programs in Minnesota run 12 to 18 months. Some schools offer a two-year associate degree pathway where students can exit after the first year with an LPN diploma, or continue through the second year to earn an associate degree and sit for the NCLEX-RN. That dual-exit structure can be worth considering if you want flexibility.
Distance learning options exist in Minnesota. Several programs allow students to complete theory and general education coursework online, but the clinical and skills lab components must be completed in person. No practical nursing program can be finished entirely online. If you’re planning on a distance or hybrid format, confirm which days and locations are required for on-site sessions before enrolling.
Part-time scheduling is available at some schools. If you’re working while completing your education, confirm the exact weekly time commitment before applying, as part-time clinical schedules can still be intensive.
Admission Requirements
LPN programs are selective. Meeting the general admission requirements of the parent institution doesn’t guarantee admission to the nursing program. Most schools run a separate application process for clinical nursing courses, and many require that applicants pass a preadmission exam, such as the ATI TEAS.
Common admission requirements include a high school diploma or GED, a minimum GPA in prerequisite courses, and a satisfactory score on an entrance exam. Some programs require a current CNA certification before you can apply. Background clearance and health documentation are typically required before the clinical portion begins.
Demand for seats usually exceeds availability at well-regarded programs. Some Minnesota schools maintain waitlists. If you’re having trouble finding an open program, contact individual schools directly regarding current seat availability and application timelines.
LPN-to-RN Advancement
Many LPNs in Minnesota eventually pursue RN licensure. Minnesota State institutions participate in statewide nursing articulation agreements that help facilitate credit transfer from practical nursing programs into RN programs. If you complete both programs at Minnesota State institutions, the articulation framework applies.
LPN-to-RN bridge programs typically take 18 to 24 months to complete. Some programs offer an LPN-to-ADN pathway. Others offer LPN-to-BSN options for those who want to move directly to a bachelor’s degree. If you already know you want to advance to RN, it’s worth asking prospective LPN programs which RN programs they have formal articulation agreements with and what credit transfer looks like in practice. You can also browse RN programs in Minnesota to get a sense of what your next step would look like.
Students who are considering relocating after completing an LPN program should research the articulation options in their destination state before enrolling.
Paying for Nursing School
Filing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the starting point for most students. Depending on financial circumstances, it can unlock need-based federal grants that don’t require repayment. Federal student loans are also available to eligible students enrolled in accredited programs.
Minnesota has additional funding sources worth researching. The state periodically offers nursing-specific scholarship and workforce grant opportunities through state agencies and partner organizations. Check with the Minnesota Department of Health for current programs. AmeriCorps service is another option that can provide an education award. Some employers in healthcare offer tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing nursing credentials.
Tax credits can help offset out-of-pocket costs. Schools are required to publish gainful employment data, including average debt load and placement rates, which can help you evaluate whether a program is a financially sound choice before you enroll.
LPN Salary in Minnesota
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, LPNs in Minnesota earned a median annual wage of $63,750 as of May 2025. The national median for LPNs for the same period was $64,400, putting Minnesota slightly below the national figure.
Wages vary by metro area. LPNs in the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington metro earned a median of $65,660, while those in Duluth and St. Cloud earned closer to $60,000 to $62,000. Starting wages for new graduates are typically lower than the median.
| Area | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Minnesota (statewide) | $63,750 |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington | $65,660 |
| Rochester | $63,750 |
| Mankato | $64,400 |
| St. Cloud | $61,900 |
| Duluth | $60,930 |
Projections Central data show that Minnesota LPN employment is projected to grow 3.6% between 2022 and 2032, with an average of approximately 1,150 annual job openings. Long-term care and outpatient clinic settings employ the largest share of LPNs in the state.
Find nursing licensure requirements by state for RNs, LPNs, LVNs, and advanced practice nurses. For more on the LPN role in Minnesota, see becoming an LPN in Minnesota.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do LPN programs in Minnesota take?
Most practical nursing programs in Minnesota run 12 to 18 months. Some schools offer a two-year associate degree pathway with an LPN exit point at the end of year one. Part-time options exist but extend the timeline. Distance learning programs require in-person attendance for clinical rotations and skills labs regardless of format.
Do I need a TEAS score to apply to an LPN program in Minnesota?
Many LPN programs in Minnesota require an entrance exam, with the ATI TEAS being the most commonly used. Minimum required scores vary by school. Some programs also require current CNA certification before admission to the clinical nursing portion. Check each program’s admissions page for its specific requirements.
What is the NCLEX-PN pass rate for Minnesota LPN programs?
Pass rates vary by program. The Minnesota Board of Nursing publishes first-time NCLEX-PN pass rate data for each approved practical nursing program. You can review this data on the Board’s website to compare programs before applying. National first-time pass rates typically run above 80%, and many Minnesota programs exceed that benchmark.
Can I transfer LPN credits to an RN program in Minnesota?
Yes, within the Minnesota State system. Minnesota State institutions participate in statewide nursing articulation agreements that help facilitate credit transfer from practical nursing programs into RN programs. If you plan to pursue your RN outside of Minnesota or at a private institution, research articulation options at your target school before enrolling in an LPN program.
What do LPNs earn in Minnesota?
The median annual wage for LPNs in Minnesota was $63,750 as of May 2025, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Wages are higher in the Twin Cities metro, where the median runs closer to $65,660. Starting wages for new graduates are typically lower than the statewide median.
Key Takeaways
- State approval is required — all LPN programs must be approved by the Minnesota Board of Nursing, which is a prerequisite for sitting the NCLEX-PN.
- Accreditation adds a layer of quality assurance — ACEN or NLN CNEA accreditation is separate from Board approval and worth verifying independently.
- Programs run 12 to 18 months — some schools offer a two-year associate degree pathway with an LPN exit option at year one.
- Admission is competitive — most programs require a preadmission exam, prerequisite coursework, and sometimes CNA certification before clinical placement.
- LPN-to-RN pathways are available in Minnesota — Minnesota State institutions participate in statewide nursing articulation agreements that help facilitate credit transfer from LPN to RN programs.
Select your state below to find approved LPN programs, application information, and licensing requirements for your area.
2025 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary data and Projections Central 2022-2032 job growth forecasts for Licensed Practical & Vocational Nurses, Registered Nurses, and Advanced Practice Nurses across roles, reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed June 2026.