MSN Programs in Minnesota

By EveryNurse Staff on January 16, 2023

MSN Programs in Minnesota

Nurses who have aspirations to pursue a doctoral degree, assume an administrative role, conduct research, or become a university professor typically obtain a Master of Science in Nursing. One of the ways to train and prepare for advanced responsibilities within the nursing industry is to gain a graduate-level education, such as attending an MSN program in Minnesota. In the state, registered nurses have their choice between an array of on-campus and online learning opportunities.

Schools With MSN Programs in Minnesota

  • The School of Nursing at Metropolitan State University in St. Paul offers both on-campus and online CCNE accredited instruction for nurses looking to earn an MSN degree. Nurses who wish to take on an advanced leadership role may consider the school’s Leadership and Management track, while aspiring educators can also pursue a degree through the University. The curriculum for the Nurse Educator program is based upon the National League for Nursing (NLN) core competencies of Nurse Educators.
  • With headquarters situated in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Capella University allows nurses to earn an online CCNE accredited MSN degree regarding a variety of specialties, including Gerontology Nursing, Nurse Educator, and Nurse Leadership and Administration. The University provides the only diabetes-focused MSN program available online. The school also offers a range of RN-to-MSN programs that delivers concentrated studies for aspiring gerontology nurses, nurse leaders, nurse educators, and general practice nurses.
  • Nurses with an interest in anesthesia may pursue an advanced degree from the Minneapolis School of Anesthesia by entering the school’s 27-month MSN program. The Master of Science Program is a combined effect of the Minneapolis School of Anesthesia and Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. Graduates will have fulfilled a required 48 semester credits during his or her studies, which is accredited by the AANA and CANAEP.
  • Nurses who attend the Mayo School of Health Sciences in Rochester, Minnesota, enter an MSN program belonging to the oldest continuously operating school of nurse anesthesia, which dates back to 1889. Students will learn his or her craft through experiences gained in the outpatient complex, Saint Mary’s Hospital, and Rochester Methodist Hospital, as well as other research and education facilities. The majority of the 30-month program includes some weekend and off-shift calls as a requirement. Most students finish the program by designating 60 hours per week.
  • Upon successfully completing the program’s course work and passing the “In-House” comprehensive examination, nurses are awarded an advanced degree from the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine. The school’s Nurse Anesthesia Program is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Education Program.
  • As one of only a few colleges or universities in the nation that provides a tiered nursing program that includes associate, masters, and doctoral degrees, St. Catherine University(located in St. Paul) offers advanced studies for aspiring nurse educators and nurse practitioners. The MSN program with a specialization in Nurse Practitioner offers two different options – one focused in pediatrics and the other centered on adult-gerontology. The MSN program at the University is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
  • Preparing registered nurses to make a difference in the health care outcomes for a range of systems and populations, Winona State University offers a CCNE accredited MSN program with a variety of specializations, including Nursing and Organizational Leadership, Adult/Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nurse Educator, Adult/Gerontology Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner.
  • Nurses with an interest in earning an MSN through online studies may consider applying to Walden University, which offers BSN-to-MSN and RN-to-MSN programs. Some of the specializations that students may focus on include Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Education, Nursing Informatics, Leadership and Management, and Family Nurse Practitioner.

Minnesota MSN Checklist

  • Become licensed in Minnesota as a Registered Nurse (RN).
  • Earn an MSN degree from an accredited university or college program.
  • Fulfill requirements, such as supervised clinical hours or completing a thesis, when applicable.
  • Apply for licensure with the Minnesota Board of Nursing (~ $115 fee), where all fees paid to the Board are non-refundable.
  • Show proof of certification from a Board-approved certifying body.
  • Register with Pearson Vue to take the NCLEX examination for Minnesota.

Level Up Your Career

Minnesota MSN Salary & Job Outlook

One of the advantages to obtaining a Master of Science in Nursing is the increased opportunities to earn more money on a yearly basis. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)reports the median salaries for the following MSN-degree related careers in Minnesota: medical and health service manager ($97,660), nursing instructor and teacher ($64,170), and nurse practitioner ($94,340).

Nurse midwives in Minnesota are additionally identified by the BLS as being paid one of the top five highest salaries across the nation with a median yearly wage of $116,420.

Additional Minnesota Program Rankings

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