How to Become an RN in Minnesota: 5 Steps

Want to know how to become an RN in Minnesota? Ranked among the top five states in the nation, Minnesota is known for its strong economy and business climate. Nurses here enjoy competitive salaries, an affordable cost of living, access to world-class healthcare institutions, and loan forgiveness programs created to help healthcare professionals thrive. And with over 10,000 lakes, endless hiking trails, and quaint small towns, there’s no shortage of beauty or balance.

Ready to get started? Our guide walks you through every step of how to become a registered nurse in Minnesota — from choosing the right education program to landing your first job.

How to Become an RN in Minnesota: Interesting Facts

• High demand for RNs: Minnesota’s growing aging population has driven an 11.8% increase in demand for RNs — surpassing the national average.
• Top hospitals: The state is home to top-rated hospitals like Mayo Clinic and Allina Health, both nationally recognized for delivering advanced care across a range of medical specialties.
• Strong job market: Minnesota’s thriving economy and low unemployment rate create job stability across industries, including healthcare.
• State incentives: The state offers loan forgiveness programs for healthcare professionals, including RNs.
• Outdoor escapes: Minnesota is a dream for outdoor enthusiasts, with activities ranging from summer kayaking and fishing to winter snowshoeing and ice skating, plus endless trails and charming towns to explore year-round.

What Does an RN in Minnesota Do?

When exploring how to become an registered nurse in Minnesota, you’ll find a variety of nursing specialties to choose from. Whether you’re drawn to supporting cancer patients throughout their treatment journeys or helping individuals cope with mental health challenges, the state’s diverse healthcare landscape has a wealth of opportunities. Here are some career paths to consider:

• Neonatal RN: Provide specialized care to newborns, particularly premature or critically ill infants, in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).
• Cardiac RN: Manage patients with heart conditions such as heart failure, arrhythmias, and coronary artery disease.
• Orthopedic RN: Care for patients with musculoskeletal issues, such as fractures, arthritis, and joint replacements, assisting with rehabilitation, pain management, and mobility.
• Oncology RN: Support cancer patients through treatments like chemotherapy and radiation, managing side effects and offering emotional support.
• Geriatric RN: Assist elderly patients with age-related health issues, commonly working in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, or hospices.
• Neurology RN: Care for patients with neurological disorders like epilepsy and Parkinson’s disease, providing both acute and long-term management.

While nursing workplaces might differ, many foundational tasks stay the same. Here are some essential duties every RN should be ready for:

• Performing patient assessments, such as head-to-toe evaluations, focused exams, and ongoing monitoring to detect changes in condition
• Administering medications safely by following dosage guidelines, checking for allergies, and monitoring for side effects or adverse reactions
• Coordinating patient care by collaborating with physicians, nurse practitioners (NPs), and other healthcare professionals
• Providing patient education by explaining treatment plans, medication management, and lifestyle modifications for better health outcomes
• Ensuring infection control by following proper hand hygiene, sterilization protocols, and isolation procedures to prevent the spread of infections
• Documenting patient information accurately, including assessments, treatments, and changes in condition, to ensure continuity of care and legal compliance

How Long Does It Take to Get a Minnesota Nursing License?

The journey of how to become an RN in MN involves several key steps, including completing an accredited nursing program and taking a licensure exam. The timeline can vary based on the educational path you choose. Here’s a breakdown of the options:

Do you already have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree or medical training in another field? If so, accelerated and bridge programs offer fast-tracked pathways to becoming an RN, typically ranging from 12 to 24 months.

Once you’ve completed your nursing program, the licensure process generally takes a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on your preparation level and the application processing time.

Tip: Online programs can make it easier than ever to start your journey into nursing. But keep in mind that most online RN programs in MN still require you to complete clinical hours on-site.

How to Become a Registered Nurse in Minnesota

Ready to make nursing your career in Minnesota? From picking the right program to passing your licensure exam, we’ve outlined the five essential steps to help you reach your goal.

Step 1: Complete an Accredited Nursing Program

Your first step is enrolling in an accredited ADN or a BSN nursing program. Before you begin, you’ll typically need to complete prerequisite courses. Once admitted, your education will include core nursing classes — such as pharmacology, pediatrics, and health assessment — along with clinical rotations at healthcare facilities.

Want to pursue an ADN or BSN degree? Here are some of the top-rated RN programs in MN:

• St. Cloud State University
• St. Cloud Technical and Community College
• Bemidji State University
• Alexandria Technical and Community College
• Bethel University

Before enrolling, verify that your school is on the list of accredited nursing programs MN provides — only board-recognized programs will make you eligible for licensure.

Step 2: Take the NCLEX-RN Exam

So, you’ve graduated from your nursing program that taught you the basics of how to become an RN in Minnesota. The next step is to pass the NCLEX-RN — the standardized exam all aspiring RNs must pass to prove their clinical readiness for entry-level nursing roles.

To apply for licensure by the examination in Minnesota, you’ll need to go through the following process:

• Create an account on the Minnesota Board of Nursing (MBN) website and submit the application for the initial RN license. You’ll be required to pay a $105 application fee.
• Complete a criminal background check by submitting your fingerprints. Be prepared to pay a $33.25 fee.
• Submit proof of completing your nursing program. If you attended a program in Minnesota, a school official can confirm your completion online.
• Register for the NCLEX-RN with Pearson VUE. Once your application is approved, you’ll receive your authorization to test (ATT) with scheduling instructions. The registration fee is $200.
• Take your exam within a 90-day window, as outlined in your ATT.

Wondering what the exam is like? The NCLEX can last up to five hours, depending on the number of questions you receive (between 85 and 150). It uses a computer-adaptive format, meaning the difficulty of the questions adjusts based on your responses — if you answer correctly, the questions become more challenging; if you answer incorrectly, the questions become easier.

Step 3: Wait for Your Minnesota RN License

After passing the NCLEX-RN exam, the MBN will review your application. If everything is in order, you’ll receive your official RN license in approximately 10 business days. If you don’t pass, don’t worry — you’ll receive instructions on how to retake the NCLEX.

Minnesota is not a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which means you’ll need to obtain a separate RN license to practice in another state. This process, called endorsement, will differ depending on the specific state in which you plan to work.

Step 4: Start Your Job Hunt

You’ve learned how to become an RN in Minnesota. Now it’s time to explore career opportunities. Whether you’re interested in working in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, or home health agencies, there are plenty of RN jobs in Minnesota to explore.

Wondering which RN jobs are best for new grads? Some nurses choose to start their careers in acute care hospitals, which may offer nurse residency programs that provide comprehensive orientation and extended preceptorship with an experienced RN to help you build confidence and competence in the hospital setting. Other new nurses choose to start their careers in outpatient clinics and long-term care facilities, which provide a slower-paced learning environment.

Interested in inpatient care opportunities? Check out the job opportunities at Minnesota’s hospitals and medical centers, such as the following:

• AHS Allina Health System
• CentraCare
• Children’s Minnesota
• Fairview Health Services
• Gillette Children’s Hospital and Clinics
• Mayo Clinic
• Mille Lacs Health System
• North Memorial Health
• Olmstead Medical Center
• University of Minnesota Physicians

If hospital settings aren’t your preference, don’t worry — Minnesota offers other career paths. You could explore roles at research organizations such as the Hennepin Healthcare Research Institute and government agencies such as the Minnesota Department of Health, or even explore teaching roles in the state’s numerous nursing schools.

Once you land an interview, refer to the interview tips in our video below:

Step 5: Keep Your License Up to Date

Earning your RN license is only the first step. To keep practicing in Minnesota, you’ll need to renew it every two years — that means completing continuing competency requirements, submitting your renewal application, and paying the $85 fee. For all the details, read our MN nursing license renewal guide.

How Much Do RNs Earn in Minnesota?

Now that you’ve learned how to become an RN in Minnesota, you’re probably wondering what kind of pay to expect. The average registered nurse salary in MN is $99,460 per year, or $47.82 per hour. However, your actual salary will depend on factors like your experience, education, and where you work.

Want to boost your paycheck? Try looking for RN jobs in Minnesota’s most populous cities — where the demand (and pay) tends to be higher:

• Minneapolis
• St. Paul
• Rochester
• Duluth
• Bloomington

Helpful Resources for Minnesota Nurses

Wondering how to become an RN in Minnesota and set yourself up for success afterward? Explore these resources for a deeper dive into nursing career paths:

• Minnesota Nurse Practice Act
• Minnesota Nurses Association
• Minnesota Organization of Leaders in Nursing
• Minnesota Organization of Registered Nurses
• Nurses Peer Support Network of Minnesota

Looking for an RN Job That Works for You?

You’ve mastered how to become an RN in Minnesota — now, let’s get you working. With IntelyCare’s smart job-matching platform, you’ll find RN positions that fit your needs and ambitions. Start exploring today.