Nursing Schools in Minnesota

HM2VikingRN, RN · Jan 11, 2010

I think that none of them are easy to get into.....Apply to multiple schools and emphasize your willingness to start on short notice.... Always be willing to accept a waiting list spot....

Normandale has numerous training seats

Consider the 2 phase LPN RN programs....(SCC in MKTO and Ridgewater Willmar/Hutch come to mind)

Ella26, BSN, RN · Jan 11, 2010

Im a LPN in the cities, graduated in May 09, I do have a job but im trying to get into LPN-RN program. I am finding it very diffucult to get in. I do agree all the schools around here have long waiting lists and they are definitely trying to make it hard to get in. I did my LPN first because I spent 2 yrs waiting to get into an RN program and it never happened so I did my LPN first in hopes I could get into an RN pogram sooner. I truley beleive 4 yrs later I would still be trying to get into an RN program. At least I have my LPN now. So I will be applying to multiple schools also. Good luck.

slacktime · Jan 12, 2010

Getting into nursing school is competitive (hard). Sorry. Different schools have different methods of accepting students. Look at all your optioins, I think there are some online RN programs, they may be less competitive? I just finished at RCTC, they accept students by points, top point earners get accepted. You get points for taking classes that are part of the program ie micro, anatomy, chem. etc., and you get points for getting good grades in those classes. Take only classes that earn points and get good grades in them. In my class more than 80% of us already had a bachelors degree before we started! There were about 400 applicants for 62 slots.

PeepnBiscuitsRN · Jan 13, 2010

I don't mean to sound like a downer either, but it's REALLY hard to get into nursing schools nowdays. Nursing's become a hot major I guess. I did my LPN first, graduated in 06- then applied to the LPN-RN program at Century, and got in. Started in summer of '09- starting my 4th and last semester this week.

I'd go the route of getting your LPN first- I have a feeling it might get you your RN faster, maybe? Because you can go for the LPN-RN programs. I know that many are thinking that way, ergo, those programs are getting waiting lists now too. I guess the only thing I can say is be patient. Take the time to do REALLY good on your pre-reqs- do all your generals, and find ways to earn "points". Volunteer, be a preceptor at work, etc. Consider how long you've worked too, because I know Century they look at that too as a factor- your expereince. Good luck!

Daisy117 · Jan 17, 2010

I believe most nursing schools waiting lists are at least a year long. I completed my RN in May at LSC in Duluth. I was on the waiting list for a year before being admitted. The one thing that you need to also make sure that you consider when looking into nursing school is that it is an accredited school of nursing. I personally have found out the hard way what happens when the school you attended was not an accredited school of nursing and it stinks.

One other thing to consider is that while you are on the waiting list to get into the nursing program finish your AA degree if you are looking at a community college. This will allow you to continue your education if you choose to after you have completed your RN degree. Good luck finding a school.

wahwahgerman · Feb 20, 2010

Many students who applied to the Century College Nursing Program got in the first year if their classes, grades, CNA certification, and direct patient care experience was up to snuff. Of course, there are some students that did not get accepted the first year they applied but there are a variety of factors that came into play. There is no real "wait list," so basicaly you have to apply each year and wait for your acceptance letter for the Fall semester or your number for the Spring semester (it's a bit confusing, but if you are under 60 you will most likely begin in the Spring). Inver Hills and Century have also expanded their programs and it sounds like each campus will be taking 140 students for the upcoming year. Plus, after you have obtained your RN, it's an easy transition to a BSN through Metro State if you want to begin working and attend classes one day a week for the following 2 years.

MauriceRC · Feb 20, 2010

Yeah, most nursing schools are hard to get into but if you're willing to go to a for-profit school you'll increase your chances. Globe University/Minnesota School of Business has a nursing program and (I think) the only pre-reqs they have are intro to bio and intro to chem. I applied there on a whim, got accepted with no problems, but turned them down because I couldn't fathom spending about $30,000/year for school. If you've got the money or aren't scared of massive debt, that's an option.

Busia · Apr 2, 2010

MN State College Southeast Technical has no wait list. Once you finish all or most of your pre-reqs, you take the TEAS, and depending on what the cutoff score is (it changes a little every year) you're either in or not for the following semester.