MN Nursing License Renewal: 3 Steps

The land of 10,000 lakes has a lot to offer nurses. Minnesota is home to cold winters and friendly people, 5.7 million of them in fact. Whether you’re looking to explore the Boundary Waters, the Mall of America, or Scandinavian cuisine, there’s something for everyone in the North Star State.

If you’re a transplant or MN native, you’ll need to maintain your nursing license to keep practicing. CNAs, LPNs, RNs, and APRNs in the state of Minnesota must complete renewal requirements to maintain licensure. Here are some quick facts about nursing in the state, and the complete process for your MN nursing license renewal.

Minnesota Nursing Facts

Is Minnesota part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)?

Yes, nurses with compact licenses can practice in MN.

How much do nurses in Minnesota earn?

• The average CNA salary in Minnesota is $42,960 per year.
• The average LPN salary in Minnesota is $58,870 per year.
• The average RN salary in Minnesota is $94,830 per year.
• The average NP salary in Minnesota is $120,680 per year.

How can I contact the Minnesota Board of Nursing?

Email the board at Nursing.Board@state.mn.us

Minnesota Board of Nursing Phone Number: 612-317-3000

Website:https://mn.gov/boards/nursing/

Minnesota Board of Nursing Address:
1210 Northland Drive Suite 120
Mendota Heights, MN 55120

MN Nursing License Renewal: 3 Steps

If you hold a Minnesota nursing license, follow the steps below to renew. LPNs, RNs, and APRNs will use the Minnesota board of nursing license renewal website, and CNAs will renew their registry status with the Department of Health.

If you have a compact license from another state, you’ll follow that state’s renewal process. If you’re moving to Minnesota and need a license by endorsement, apply using the downloadable forms online.

Step 1: Determine Your Renewal Deadline

CNAs, LPNs, RNs, and APRNs will need to renew their credentials every two years to keep practicing in Minnesota. CNAs will renew on a rolling basis every 24 months. LPNs, RNs, and APRNs will renew by the end of their birth month, in an even or odd year, depending on their birth year. For example, if you were born August 7, 1984, you would need to renew by August 31, 2024.

You should get a letter in the mail when your renewal is due, and the renewal period for LPNs, RNs, and APRNs is three months. If you’re not sure when your deadline is, log in to your MN board of nursing Online Services account. You can also search for your license without logging in on the Credential Search page.

Step 2: Complete Your Renewal Requirements

Complete the following competency requirements to maintain your LPN, RN, or APRN license in Minnesota:

• LPNs: 12 contact hours in the past 2 years of registration. If your last registration period was longer or shorter than 2 years, complete 1 contact hour for every 2 months.
• RNs: 24 contact hours in the past 2 years of registration. If your last registration period was longer or shorter than 2 years, complete 1 contact hour for every month of registration.
• APRNs: Complete the requirements for RN renewal, maintain national certification, and send your certification renewal to the board.

If you need contact hours, IntelyEdu is a great resource for ANCC-certified credits. Our continuing education courses and certifications can help you complete your hours and advance your skills. Plus, IntelyPros get access for free.

While there are no competency requirements for CNAs, you’ll need to complete the requirements to remain on the registry and continue to work:

• Work for at least 8 hours in a paid role every 24 months.
• Send the Department of Health a Registry Update Form showing you worked.
• Provide a copy of a recent pay stub.
• Report any address or name changes to the Department of Health using the update form.

Step 3: File Your MN Nursing License Renewal Online

To file your renewal as an LPN, RN, or APRN, log in to your Minnesota Board of Nursing Online Services account. If you need to renew your CNA registry status, complete your form and email it to the registry at health.FPC-NAR@state.mn.us.

LPNs, RNs, and APRNs will each need to pay a fee of $85 to renew with the Board of Nursing. There is no fee to renew your registry status as a CNA.

Like other states, Minnesota no longer issues license registration cards after renewal. You’ll need to keep checking your online account to make sure your renewal is processed. CNAs should allow at least 30 business days for registry renewal processing.

Great Areas for Nursing Jobs in Minnesota

If you’re looking for jobs for CNAs, LPNs, RNs, or APRNs in Minnesota, check out these areas:

• Minneapolis
• St. Paul
• Duluth
• St. Cloud
• Rochester
• Brainerd

Find Your Next Nursing Opportunity in Minnesota

Now that your MN nursing license renewal is done for now, you might be curious about your job options. Check out our nursing jobs in Minnesota to find your next career step.