Minnesota RN to BSN Bridge Programs
You’ve worked hard to become a registered nurse and provide excellent care to the people of Minnesota. With your current experience, you could be a great fit for an RN to BSN program in this state. Taking this extra step in your education may open you up to opportunities in new settings and medical specialties. Keep reading to discover what it’s like to work as a baccalaureate nurse, how your career may change and what it takes to earn your degree. Reach out to Minnesota RN to BSN bridge programs to get started.
Minnesota has several accredited universities for RNs to earn a baccalaureate nursing degree. They focus on professional development and community involvement. As in most states, campus programs are offered part-time and full-time, and there are also excellent online BSN degrees.
To begin to plan for earning your Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, you will want to start by requesting information from those schools you are interested in. We have taken the time to compile a thorough listing of the RN to BSN programs options available to you in Minnesota, saving you time and energy for more important things.
We believe that an educated nurse is a powerful thing, and we want to help you find that power. Take a moment to review our featured schools below, choosing those that can help you reach your goal of earning your Bachelor’s degree in Nursing.
An RN to BSN program teaches nurses like you, to become leaders in healthcare delivery and to improve the patient’s quality of life. The leadership you can develop while in the program can be beneficial for all aspects of healthcare. After requesting information from schools, you will need to begin preparing for application to the Nursing program. It is important to learn about admissions requirements before you apply.
Admissions into RN to BSN Programs in Minnesota
Eligibility for acceptance into Minnesota RN-BSN programs generally requires:
- A current Minnesota RN license
- An official transcript proving completion of a diploma or associate degree program
- A minimum GPA of 2.5 and a 3.0 in previous nursing courses
- Prerequisite courses must be completed
- Some colleges require two professional reference forms
- An official degree plan with an academic advisor must be complete
Curriculum of RN to BSN Programs in MN
Whether a student is completing their studies online or at a campus the required nursing courses are very similar. Often a transition course must be completed before other nursing courses.
Typical BSN required courses include:
- Theoretical Foundation for Nursing Practice
- Nursing Research
- Care of Diverse Populations
- Public Health Nursing
- Gerontological Nursing to Promote Successful Aging
- Leadership and Professional Development
- Applied Pathophysiology
- Professional Pathways
- Nursing Preceptorship
Online nursing courses typically have some clinical experience required. Some universities have a blended format, which means some classes are offered online and for others they must attend the campus either part-time or full-time. There are many designs of nursing programs to accommodate the working nurse and the nurse who has a family to consider.
Careers for RN to BSN Graduates in Minnesota
Minnesota nurses with a bachelor’s degree have many opportunities in hospitals, long-term care facilities, hospice, occupational, public health departments, clinics, schools and home health. Obtaining a BSN is well worthwhile to meet long-term goals, which might include moving up in management or specializing in various areas of healthcare.
Currently there were more than 57,000 RNs working in Minnesota in 2010. In 2012 their mean average income was $67,930 annually. Annual wages for nurses range from $45,040-$94,720. Annual salaries depend on years of experience, education and areas of specialization, such as a clinical nurse specialist. Management positions tend to range in the higher pay scales.
Certainly you can have a rewarding career with an associate degree as a nurse; however, if you want to specialize in a particular area, move into management and improve your income it is worthwhile to return to school for that baccalaureate degree. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing have stated that nurses with their BSN provide better patient care. Studies have shown lower mortality rates, fewer medication errors and more positive outcomes for BSN nurses.
Minnesota has many available jobs for BSN nurses and in other healthcare settings. Some other types of positions may include working with Workmen’s Compensation, being a case manager at a home health agency or Hospice. Insurance companies also provide jobs for nurses with their bachelor’s degree. Meet your career goals with a BSN in Minnesota.
According the the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2012), Minnesota ranks 8th in the nation in the number of RNs per capita. Even so, the demand for RNs will continue to grow in the future due to an aging population, the retirement of older nurses, and mandated changes in health care. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Minnesota’s 56,010 RNs are paid well above the national average, earning an average annual salary of over $70,000.
Nursing Programs to Consider in Minnesota
- Minnesota State University (Moorhead): This online program is typically completed in six to eight semesters according to student schedules. Students attend a one-day campus orientation to prepare them for online learning. Two of the nursing classes (public health and nursing preceptorship) require clinical experience that can be taken at the student’s home location.
- St. Catherine University (St. Paul): Many classes are offered at the campus on Saturdays. Other classes are held on weekday evenings at several locations. Clinical practicum courses require weekday attendance. Typically, students complete the program in two to three years. Informational sessions are periodically offered to familiarize applicants with the program.
- Augsburg College (Minneapolis): Courses in the nursing major are offered on weekday evenings, and can be completed in 15 months of full time study (two courses per term). Students may elect a slower pace to meet their needs. The course in community health II requires additional weekday time to fulfill the clinical practicum.
