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Accredited LPN Programs & Colleges in Minnesota
Minnesota State colleges and universities run LPN programs statewide — Rochester Community and Technical College sits closest to Mayo Clinic for clinical opportunities. Twin Cities-area programs feed into Allina Health, HealthPartners, and Fairview/M Health systems. Rural programs serve communities where nursing shortages are most acute.
| School | City | Type | Program Length | Approx. Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hennepin Technical College | Brooklyn Park | Technical College | 12 months | $6,800 |
| St. Cloud Technical and Community College | St. Cloud | Technical College | 12 months | $6,400 |
| South Central College | North Mankato | Community College | 12 months | $6,200 |
| Northland Community and Technical College | East Grand Forks | Community College | 12 months | $5,800 |
Tuition figures are approximate and reflect in-state rates. Contact each school for current pricing, financial aid, and enrollment deadlines. Always confirm the program is approved by the Minnesota Board of Nursing.
Online & Hybrid LPN Programs in Minnesota
No Minnesota LPN program is fully online — clinical training is required at approved facilities. Some Minnesota State campuses offer hybrid coursework formats. The state's geographic spread makes online lecture components valuable for students in western and northern Minnesota.
Hybrid programs are ideal for working adults, parents, or anyone who needs scheduling flexibility. Typical hybrid programs cover 40–60% of coursework online, with the remainder as on-site clinical hours at approved partner hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and clinics.
For a complete list of online-friendly LPN programs available to Minnesota residents, visit our dedicated guide:
Requirements to Enroll in a Minnesota LPN Program
Minnesota programs require standard prerequisites including entrance exam scores, background check, and health screening. Programs near Rochester (Mayo Clinic territory) tend to have more competitive admissions than rural campuses. Minnesota is NOT an NLC compact state.
- High school diploma or GED equivalent
- Minimum age of 18 (some programs accept students at 17 with parental consent)
- Completed prerequisite courses — typically includes basic math, English, and introductory biology or anatomy & physiology
- Passing score on an entrance exam (TEAS or HESI A2 are most common)
- Criminal background check and drug screening
- Current CPR/BLS certification (American Heart Association)
- Up-to-date immunization records including TB test, Hepatitis B, and flu vaccine
Quick Facts: LPN Licensing in Minnesota
After completing an approved program, graduates must pass the NCLEX-PN examination and apply for licensure through the Minnesota Board of Nursing. Most candidates receive their results within 48 hours of testing.
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LPN Salary & Job Outlook in Minnesota
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, May 2024 OEWS data), LPNs in Minnesota earn an average of $61,270 per year ($29.46/hour). This places Minnesota near the national average the national LPN average of $62,340.
Salaries in Minnesota typically range from $45,400 for entry-level positions to $76,200 for experienced nurses in high-demand specialties or metro areas.
LPN Salary by City in Minnesota
| City / Metro Area | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Minneapolis | $64,200 |
| St. Paul | $63,800 |
| Rochester | $62,400 |
| Duluth | $59,800 |
Job Outlook
Employment of LPNs in Minnesota is projected to grow 3% over the next decade — about as fast as average for all occupations. The state sees approximately 1,200 annual job openings for LPNs, driven by retirements, career transitions, and growing demand in skilled nursing facilities and home health.
Where LPNs Work in Minnesota
The majority of LPNs in Minnesota work in skilled nursing facilities and long-term care, which together employ roughly 35% of the state's practical nurses. Other common employers include hospitals, physician offices, home health agencies, and outpatient care centers. Shift differentials for evenings, nights, and weekends can add $2–$5/hour on top of base pay.
First Job Tips for New LPN Graduates
Landing your first LPN position in Minnesota is usually straightforward given current demand. Skilled nursing facilities and long-term care centers actively recruit new graduates and often offer sign-on bonuses. Staffing agencies are another option — they can place you quickly and often pay above-average hourly rates. Once you have 6–12 months of experience, you'll qualify for positions in hospitals, clinics, and specialty practices.
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Explore More Nursing & Healthcare Careers in Minnesota
Whether you're starting out or planning your next credential, these guides can help:
Minnesota
Minnesota LPN Scope of Practice — What You Can and Can't Do
Minnesota LPNs are regulated by the Minnesota Board of Nursing under MN Statutes Chapter 148. Minnesota has enacted NLC legislation but has NOT yet fully implemented it — you need a Minnesota-specific license as of 2026.
You Can Direct Patient Care
- Medication administration (oral, IM, SubQ, topical, rectal, inhaled)
- Focused assessments and ongoing monitoring
- Wound care and dressing changes
- Vital signs and point-of-care testing
- Foley catheter insertion and management
- Tracheostomy care and suctioning
- Contributing to care plans
- Supervising CNAs/UAPs
Conditional IV Therapy
- LPNs may perform IV therapy after completing a Board-approved IV therapy course
- Must work under direction of an RN or physician
- Peripheral IV starts and IV fluid/medication administration permitted after training
- LPNs CANNOT administer blood products, chemotherapy, or manage central lines
You Cannot RN-Only Functions
- Comprehensive assessments
- Creating or modifying care plans
- Blood product or chemotherapy administration
- Central line management
- Triage
- Independent practice
Minnesota LPN-to-RN Bridge Programs
| School | Format | Timeline | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minneapolis Community & Technical College | On-campus + clinical | 12–18 months | ADN bridge in downtown Minneapolis |
| Rochester Community & Technical College | On-campus + clinical | 12–16 months | ADN bridge near Mayo Clinic |
| Excelsior University | 100% Online | Self-paced | Online + local clinicals, no waitlist |
Minnesota Board of Nursing Contact
- Website: mn.gov/boards/nursing
- Phone: (612) 317-3000
- Address: 1210 Northland Dr, Suite 120, Mendota Heights, MN 55120
Ready for the Next Step?
Bridge from LPN to RN — Expand Your Scope and Your Paycheck
Tired of scope limitations? RNs earn 35–50% more, perform initial assessments, create care plans, start IVs without extra certification, and run triage. Bridge programs let you earn your RN while you keep working.
Explore LPN-to-RN Bridge Programs →