How to Become a Registered Nurse in Minnesota
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nursing is among the top occupations in job growth through 2029. The American Nurses Association states that by 2022, there will be far more registered nurse jobs available than any other profession, at more than 100,000 per year.
It's a Great Time to Become a Nurse in Minnesota
The time is right to become a nurse in Minnesota. According to Wallethub, Minnesota is among the top 15 states to work as a nurse. Minnesota also is ranked in the top five states with the most health care facilities per capita, including the top-ranked hospital, Mayo Clinic. The job market is booming, leading to opportunities across the specialty. The vast number of job opportunities better allows the nurse to find a job they are passionate about, leading to greater job satisfaction.
According to U.S. News and World Report, Minnesota is ranked #2 as the Best State in the United States when taking into account its health care, education, economy, infrastructure, public safety and the opportunity it affords its residents. This balance of citizen outcomes means you can enjoy a better work-life balance as a nurse, leading to greater job satisfaction and success in your career.
Learn More About Elmhurst's Online Accelerated Nursing Programs
Obtaining a nursing license in Minnesota
Are you now wondering how to become a registered nurse in Minnesota? In the state of Minnesota, there are two ways to apply for nursing licensure that are discussed below. For additional or more specific information or if you have further questions, visit the Minnesota State Board of Nursing.
- RN Licensure By Exam
- Submit an application for licensure by examination, including any fees that may be due.
- If you answer yes to any of the questions in the Grounds for Denial section of the application, you must provide evidence you have not engaged in conduct warranting disciplinary action.
- Complete criminal background check.
- Request your School of Nursing submits a completed Confirmation of Program Completion form.
- Register to take NCLEX® (National Council Licensure Examination).
- Notify the state board of nursing as soon as possible if any change occurs in your name, address, or any other application information after you submit the application.
- Wait to receive your authorization to test (ATT) by email.
- Schedule to take the NCLEX® after you receive your ATT from the test service.
- Pass the NCLEX®.
- After you pass the NCLEX®, watch for your nursing license.
- RN Licensure By Endorsement—this is required for nurses who have been licensed in another state and desire licensure in Minnesota.
- Complete and submit a Licensure by Endorsement Application form, including the required fees due.
- Submit at least one Verification of Licensure form.
- Complete and submit a Confirmation of Nursing Employment for Licensure by Endorsement form.
- Complete criminal background check.
- Watch for a letter from the Minnesota State Board of Nursing informing you if you need to report continuing education hours or take a refresher course.
Benefits of Online Nursing Education
Online nursing programs, including accelerated nursing programs, are gaining significant popularity. The curriculum of online nursing programs is rigorous, and the student will complete clinical experiences near their home. Online nursing programs also offer:
- Flexibility: Online nursing programs offer flexibility to the student. While many courses have weekly synchronous sessions on Zoom, these sessions are typically only one to two hours. While students in accelerated nursing programs are generally not able to work while enrolled due to the rigor of the program, many students appreciate having day-to-day flexibility over their schedules.
- Accessibility: The accessibility of an online nursing program is a significant advantage for many nursing students. This allows for the student to attend excellent nursing programs even when they do not live close enough to regularly visit campus.
- Online support: It is often thought that attending a school online is isolating with few resources. This cannot be farther from the truth. Most online programs offer a variety of opportunities to interact with classmates, including discussions, synchronous sessions (i.e., Zoom meetings) and small group projects. The instructors are very accessible through email and/or the educational platform and often the students are paired with a student success advisor.
Why students in Minnesota are choosing Elmhurst
The high-quality education a student receives is just one of the many reasons aspiring nurses from Minnesota choose to complete their CCNE-accredited nursing degree at Elmhurst. The Accelerated BSN program and Master’s Entry in Nursing Practice (MENP) program provide rigorous professional preparation accompanied by clinical skills development to ensure the student is prepared after graduation.
For more information and the ability to connect with an admissions counselor, please visit Elmhurst University.
Learn more to see if this program is right for you.
Read other blogs in our nursing series:
