Top Nursing Schools in Minnesota: Best Programs for Future Nurses
Why Study Nursing in Minnesota?
Minnesota is home to some of the best nursing schools in the U.S., offering high-quality education, excellent clinical training, and strong job placement rates. With a growing demand for nurses, the state provides diverse opportunities in hospitals, clinics, and community health settings.
Whether you’re looking for a BSN, MSN, DNP, or a specialized nursing program, this guide highlights the best nursing schools in Minnesota to help you find the right fit for your career.
Top Nursing Schools in Minnesota
Best Nursing Schools in Minnesota
University of Minnesota School of Nursing
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Website | Admissions Info
The University of Minnesota School of Nursing is one of the top-ranked nursing schools in the nation, known for its research-driven education, advanced nursing programs, and clinical partnerships.
Key Features:
- Programs: BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD in Nursing
- Specialties: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Nurse Anesthesia, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing
- Clinical Training: Partnerships with top hospitals, including M Health Fairview
- Research Opportunities: Strong NIH-funded nursing research programs
This school is ideal for students looking for a top-tier nursing education with strong research and clinical training.
Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences – Nursing Programs
Location: Rochester, MN
Website | Admissions Info
Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences offers highly respected nursing programs, focusing on clinical excellence, hands-on training, and leadership in patient care.
Key Features:
- Programs: Nurse Residency Program, DNP Nurse Anesthesia Program
- Clinical Training: Hands-on experience at the world-renowned Mayo Clinic
- Tuition Support: Scholarship opportunities for nursing students
This school is ideal for students who want direct access to Mayo Clinic’s cutting-edge healthcare environment.
St. Catherine University – Henrietta Schmoll School of Health
Location: St. Paul, MN
Website | Admissions Info
St. Catherine University offers one of the best nursing programs in Minnesota, with a strong focus on leadership, advocacy, and patient-centered care.
Key Features:
- Programs: BSN, MSN, DNP
- Specialties: Nurse Practitioner, Leadership & Public Health Nursing
- Clinical Rotations: Partnerships with Twin Cities hospitals and clinics
This program is ideal for students looking for a nursing program with strong leadership and advocacy training.
Winona State University – College of Nursing and Health Sciences
Location: Winona, MN
Website | Admissions Info
Winona State University provides affordable, high-quality nursing education, focusing on community healthcare and rural nursing.
Key Features:
- Programs: BSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN, DNP
- Clinical Training: Partnerships with hospitals in Southeast Minnesota
- Affordable Tuition: One of the most cost-effective nursing programs in the state
This program is ideal for students looking for an affordable nursing degree with strong hands-on training.
Minnesota State University, Mankato – School of Nursing
Location: Mankato, MN
Website | Admissions Info
Minnesota State University, Mankato offers a strong nursing program with excellent NCLEX pass rates and job placement.
Key Features:
- Programs: BSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN, DNP
- Clinical Experience: Training in hospitals and healthcare facilities across the region
- High NCLEX Pass Rates: Graduates consistently perform well on licensing exams
This school is perfect for students seeking a high-quality nursing education at a public university.
Metropolitan State University – School of Nursing
Location: St. Paul, MN
Website | Admissions Info
Metropolitan State University offers flexible nursing programs for working professionals, including RN-to-BSN and graduate nursing degrees.
Key Features:
- Programs: BSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN, DNP
- Flexible Scheduling: Evening and online classes available
- Clinical Rotations: Partnerships with Twin Cities healthcare facilities
This school is ideal for students looking for flexible nursing programs that fit their schedule.
Bemidji State University – Department of Nursing
Location: Bemidji, MN
Website | Admissions Info
Bemidji State University offers nursing programs with a focus on rural healthcare and community-based nursing.
Key Features:
- Programs: BSN, RN-to-BSN
- Focus Areas: Rural healthcare, community nursing
- Small Class Sizes: Personalized instruction and mentoring
This program is best for students who want to serve rural communities and need smaller class sizes.
Choosing the Right Nursing School in Minnesota
Minnesota offers a variety of nursing programs, from top-tier research institutions to affordable public universities.
Best Nursing Schools for Different Needs:
- Best Overall Nursing School: University of Minnesota School of Nursing
- Best for Clinical Excellence: Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences
- Best for Nursing Leadership: St. Catherine University
- Best for Affordable Tuition: Winona State University
- Best for Flexible Scheduling: Metropolitan State University
- Best for Rural Healthcare: Bemidji State University
Whether you’re looking for a prestigious BSN program, an accelerated RN-to-BSN pathway, or a doctoral-level DNP program, Minnesota has excellent nursing schools to help you build a successful career in healthcare.
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