Minnesota registered nurse-to-master of science in nursing (RN-to-MSN) programs offer RNs the opportunity to complete two degrees in about 3-4 years. Known as "bridge programs," RN-to-MSN graduates earn both bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) and MSN degrees, often while continuing to work. Obtaining an MSN can significantly advance your nursing career and lead to higher salaries.
This guide explains how RN-to-MSN programs work, how to apply, and lists the top RN-to-MSN programs in Minnesota.
We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best Minnesota RN-to-MSN programs, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.
At a Glance: The Top Minnesota RN-to-MSN Programs
- University of Minnesota-Duluth
- Winona State University
- Metropolitan State University
How Do Minnesota RN-to-MSN Programs Work?
Most of the top Minnesota RN-to-MSN programs offer online or hybrid classes and allow enrollees to complete their required clinical hours at their current workplaces. RNs can usually study part-time while continuing to work. Students initially complete bachelor's-level coursework not covered in their associate degree in nursing (ADN) programs. The remaining time focuses on master's-level nursing courses, which correlate to a specialization area.
Many RN-to-MSN programs train nurse practitioners (NPs) who specialize in areas, such as adult-gerontology, family, neonatal, and psychiatric-mental health. Other focus areas include nurse midwifery, management, and education. The curriculum can be rigorous and emphasizes both theory and practical skills.
Featured Online RN to MSN Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Applying to a Minnesota RN-to-MSN Program
The top Minnesota RN-to-MSN programs can be competitive and admit roughly 50-70% of applicants. Prospective students should start their research well ahead of the application deadlines to find the best program for their needs. An early start also allows time to prepare admission materials like personal essays and to gather references.
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Admission Materials
Transcripts showing completion of an ADN and prerequisite coursework in sciences, human development, pathology, physiology, and statistics; current, unencumbered RN license; 2-3 academic and professional references; personal statement; resume or CV
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GPA Requirement
Most programs require a 3.0 undergraduate GPA
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Other Requirement
Some programs may require one or more of the following: at least one year of RN practice; admissions interview; criminal background check; GRE scores
Why Is Minnesota RN-to-MSN Program Accreditation Important?
The programs listed in our rankings hold accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The accreditation process entails regular independent review of nursing programs' academics and clinical components to ensure adherence to standards and preparation for advanced nursing careers.
Accreditation is important for several reasons, including eligibility for state licensure and national board certification, the ability to transfer credits to other accredited nursing schools, employer preferences or requirements for applicants who graduate from accredited programs, and qualification for federal student loans.
Learn More About the Best Minnesota RN-to-MSN Programs and Schools
See our methodology to learn more about how we create our rankings.
#1 The Best RN-to-MSN Programs in Minnesota
University of Minnesota-Duluth
- Duluth, MN
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
If you hold a non-nursing bachelor's degree, you can enroll in the University of Minnesota's RN-to-MSN program and graduate in 16 months or four semesters.
The program focuses on generalist advanced nursing practice. You take courses in holistic health assessment, nursing interventions, advanced human physiology, pharmacotherapy, nursing research, pathophysiology, and nursing leadership.
UMD's 250 health and community organizations offer opportunities for clinical experience in public health nursing, maternal child nursing, or neurological nursing.
The program offers admission in the fall.
- Program: Master of science in nursing
- Campus: Duluth, Minnesota
- Type: Public
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $539 per credit for Minnesota residents; $1,227 per credit for out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: Non-nursing bachelor's degree; minimum 3.59 GPA; complete nine prerequisites courses; submit application through NursingCAS; official transcripts; two references; resume; personal statement
- Minimum Time Commitment: 16 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2022): 96.97% first-time pass rate
Percent Online Enrollment
92%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#2 The Best RN-to-MSN Programs in Minnesota
Winona State University
- Winona, MN
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
At Winona State University, you can earn a master of science in nursing degree in nursing education or organizational leadership.
Depending on the concentration, you need to complete 43-48 credits and 300-420 clinical hours. You can pick from a two-year or three-year program. To graduate, you must complete a writing research project to create a clinical practice recommendation.
Regardless of your concentration, WSU requires nursing core courses in nursing information management and decision making, clinical pharmacology, advanced health promotion for families, advanced pathophysiology, and advanced health assessments.
Current RNs can enroll in the two-year RN-to-BSN program that prepares you for the MSN or Doctor of Nursing Practice programs.
- Program: Master of science in nursing
- Campus: Winona, Minnesota
- Type: Public
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $1,113 per credit for Minnesota residents and out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree from an accredited nursing school; completed undergraduate courses in nursing research, statistics, and physical assessment; minimum 3.0 GPA; Minnesota RN license; two professional references; personal interview
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2022): 76.77% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $105,678 for masters graduates, according to College Scorecard
Percent Online Enrollment
46%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#3 The Best RN-to-MSN Programs in Minnesota
Metropolitan State University
- Saint Paul, MN
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Founded in 1971, Metropolitan State University's master of nursing program prepares you to become a licensed registered nurse in seven semesters.
This MSN program prepares you to pass the NCLEX-RN exam. You must take 62 credits in professional nursing, health assessments, applied pathophysiology, pharmacology, and informatics. To graduate, you must also complete four practicum experiences of 200 hours each.
Offered through the College of Nursing and Health Sciences, the program admits students who hold non-nursing bachelor's degrees.
- Program: Master of science in nursing
- Campus: Saint Paul, Minnesota
- Type: Public
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $616 per credit for Minnesota residents and out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: Non-nursing bachelor's degree from an accredited school; minimum 3.0 GPA; complete science prerequisites and labs; official transcripts; admission essay
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021/2022): 88.89% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $63,005 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Percent Online Enrollment
93%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
Frequently Asked Questions About Minnesota RN-to-MSN Programs
How long does it take to complete an RN-to-MSN program in Minnesota?
RN-to-MSN programs in Minnesota typically take 3-4 years to complete. The exact timing can vary by program and considerations like full- or-part-time enrollment, self-paced or scheduled coursework, and specialization area. RN-to-MSN programs merge four-year BSNs and two-year MSNs into an accelerated study plan.
Is earning an RN-to-MSN degree worth it in Minnesota?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Minnesota ranks eighth among U.S. states for NP salaries with average annual earnings of $127,010. In addition, NPs in Minnesota can expect a nearly 46% projected growth rate in employment for 2020-2030, as reported by Projections Central.
How much do nurse practitioners earn in Minnesota?
The BLS lists average and median salaries for Minnesota NPs at above $127,000. Salaries exceed the state average in the metropolitan areas of Duluth, where NPs earn $146,740, and Mankato, with salaries of $134,850. NPs in the southeast Minnesota non-metro area also make higher paychecks than the state average, bringing in $129,340.
Is Minnesota a full practice state for nurse practitioners?
The scope of practice for NPs varies by state and can be full practice, which means they can care for patients without a supervising physician, reduced practice, which allows independent performance of some duties, and restricted practice, which requires a supervising physician. Minnesota is a full practice state, allowing NPs to function autonomously.
